INFLATION will likely fall below 2 to 4 percent in the first quarter of 2024, well beneath the government’s “target band,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.
“In the first quarter of next year, I
think inflation will be below 2%,” Diokno said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. The rate of increase in the prices of goods and services “will be within the
SECRETARY LARRY.
Newly appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Secretary Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon holds an press conference on his disbarment case at the Oriental Place in Quezon City on Wednesday.
Joey O. Razon
THE Supreme Court has ordered lawyer Lorenzo Gadon disbarred for “misogynistic, sexist, abusive and repeated intemperate language” but the Palace said this would not affect his appointment as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation.
By Rey E. Requejo, Vito Barcelo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz
WINNERS of the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will only get a twoyear term instead of the previous three years after the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the law that postponed
the village polls from its original Dec. 5, 2022 date.
Republic Act 11935, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in October last year, moved the schedule of the polls from December 5, 2022 to the last Monday of October 2023, supposedly to create savings amounting to billions of pesos.
circulated a copy of the decision nor has the resolution been uploaded to the Court’s website.
In a statement Monday night in anticipation of the High Court’s decision, Gadon said: “I will treat this matter as a personal concern as it will not also affect my commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help his administration achieve its goals and implement its programs to serve the public, particularly on the aspect of poverty alleviation.”
Then in a press conference on Wednesday, Gadon said he has “no regrets” verbally assaulting a journalist that eventually led to his disbarment, even claiming that the outburst may have contributed to electing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
EID PRAYER. Muslims take part in a morning prayer celebrating Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday. AFP
By Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the public to show “solidarity” with Muslims as the nation observed the celebration of Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice on Wednesday.
In a message, Marcos reminded
By Macon Ramos-Araneta Rey RequejoSENATOR Imee Marcos has filed a resolution to investigate the unadvised landing of a United States Air Force aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the presence of the US military aircraft but denied it had anything to do with America’s request for temporary housing for Afghan refugees.
“[A] diplomatic clearance was issued to an aircraft of this type in
Filipinos of the importance of “sacrifice and selflessness” that reflects the occasion.
“Let us all be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that mirror the essence of this occasion so that we can join hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world in the spirit of peace, unity, and mutual respect,” said Marcos.
Marcos lauded Muslim Filipinos for their contribution to “weaving the country’s rich tapestry of diversity”.
“Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities,” he added.
Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice
reaching 4.8 million tourist arrivals. President Marcos’
PRIVATE hospitals have been hiring nursing graduates who are yet to pass the licensure examination as nursing assistants for years, the Philippine
Federation of Professionals Association (PFPA) said.
PFPA Vice President Dr. Benito Atienza made the clarification after Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
DRIVEN by a “flourishing reputation” among international employers and its “highly employable graduates,” four Philippine universities that previously
made the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings have gone up the list.
Imee wants probe of ‘unadvised’ landing of US C-17 plane at NAIA
village polls will only serve 2 years until December 2025
On Eid’l Adha, PBBM asks Pinoys to show solidarity with Muslims
INTERNATIONAL Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General
Gilbert Houngbo on Wednesday encouraged the Philippine labor sector to conduct more dialogues on outstanding issues between stakeholders, as he emphasized the need to strengthen social dialogue among the government, employers, and workers.
Houngbo has just concluded his first official visit to the Philippines, from June 25-28, and met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as well as senior officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“This visit has provided an excellent opportunity to discuss a wide range of work issues faced by the Philippines.
The open and productive talks we have held leave me confident that the Philippines is on track towards a bright future,” he said in a statement.
“However, I encourage greater social dialogue between representatives of government, employers, and workers in order to make progress on outstanding issues as well as to make decent work and social justice a reality
for all,” he said.
During his visit, Houngbo also held a dialogue with representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations and spoke at the National Conference of Employers of Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).
Likewise, the ILO head took part in celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Philippines joining the ILO, and delivered the keynote address at global seafarers’ summit Seafarer 2050 – Shaping the Future of Shipping.
While in Metro Manila, Houngbo also visited the Migrant Resource Centre in Quezon City where he had the chance to interact with migrant work-
ers as well as see firsthand the support services offered.
“What I have seen and heard during this visit and from my discussions at the Department of Migrant Workers confirms the excellent work being carried out to support Filipino migrant workers and their families. I sincerely hope that these best practices from the Philippines can be shared with other countries in this region and beyond,” he said.
Houngbo also met the president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), heads of agencies and members of the United Nations Country Team, and the UN Resident Coordinator.
But the Supreme Court said it recognized the legal practicality and necessity of proceeding with the conduct of the BSKE on the last Monday of October 2023, pursuant to the operative fact doctrine.
Because RA 11935 was declared unconstitutional, the Court said its predecessor, RA 11462, is revived, which limits the term to Dec. 31, 2022.
All existing barangay and SK officers are deemed to be in a “holdover” capacity.
To avoid confusion, the high court made clear that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.
In finding the law unconstitutional, the Supreme Court granted the petitions filed by lawyers
Romulo B. Macalintal, A. Alberto
N. Hidalgo, Aluino O. Ala, Agerico
A. Avila, Ted Cassey B. Castello, Joyce Ivy C. Macasa, and Frances May C. Realino.
“In granting the petitions, the Supreme Court made the following salient points: First, the Court declared that the free and meaningful exercise of the right to vote, as protected and guaranteed by the Constitution, requires the holding of genuine periodic elections which must be held at intervals which are not unduly long, and which ensure that the authority of government continues to be based on the free expression of the will of electors,” the Court said.
FRANCE has expressed willingness to work with the Philippines on maritime security as its admiral for Asia-Pacific cited the importance of facing its related challenges.
Speaking aboard French destroyer Lorraine on a port call in Manila on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Geoffroy D’Andigné proposed that troops of both countries should train together to address not only maritime security but also humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response.
Lorraine’s port call and D’Andigné visit in Manila is to “level up our cooperation on interoperability with the Navy.”
Currently, France and the Philippines have achieved a lot of exchanges between their experts on anti-submarine warfare and defense tactics and technologies.
“And tomorrow, when we will go at sea we will have the opportunity to train together at sea with Philippine Navy,” he disclosed in a press conference. France is willing to work with its partners in the region, including the Philippines, as it wants to “promote the values of free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded a total of 372 rockfall events in Mayon Volcano, Albay in the past 24 hours.
Based on its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Phivolcs said the sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano increased to 964 tons on Tuesday from 753 tons on Monday.
The lava flow from the crater along Mi-isi gully also grew to 1.6 kilometers on Wednesday from 1.3 kilometers on Tuesday.
The number of rockfall events was higher compared to the 241 rockfall events reported on Tuesday, Philvolcs said.
“Alert Level 3 is maintained over Mayon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible,” Phivolcs maintained.
“It is therefore recommended that the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone be evacuated due to the danger of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards,” it cited.
Only one volcanic earthquake was detected over the volcano, while seven dome-collapse PDC events were also observed.
A very slow effusion of lava flow from the crater was seen along Bonga gully extending up to 1.2 kilometers.
Lava collapse was also observed on Mi-is and Bonga gullies within 3.3 kilometers from the crater.
A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 800 meters was observed from the volcano, drifting to the west-northwest.
said the Department of Health is planning to hire nursing assistants for state-owned hospitals.
“Actually, they [private hospitals] help them pass the exam and they provide support so they can have the board exam,” Atienza said.
Nursing assistants will receive a salary Grade 9 pay or about P20,000 per month if the DoH proposal gets the thumbs up of lawmakers.
The position will be open to graduates of a four-year nursing course who have yet to pass the licensure exam.
Herbosa has been pushing for the issuance of temporary licenses for nursing graduates who failed the board exam but with an average of 70 to 74 percent.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), however, said there is no provision in the Philippine Nursing Act that allows any government agency to issue such temporary licenses. About 4,500 nurses are needed in 70 public hospitals nationwide according to the DOH.
Gadon stood by his action, saying he felt the need to “silence” journalist Raissa Robles, who was allegedly spreading “lies” against Mr. Marcos during the 2022 campaign period.
“The word secretary is sweeter than attorney,” he added, referring to his new role as Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation.
In its ruling, the Court found the video clip “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession.”
The Court cited Gadon “for violating Canon II on Propriety, of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which imposes the standard that ‘[a] lawyer shall, at all times, act with propriety and maintain the appearance of propriety in personal and professional dealings, observe honesty, respect, and courtesy, and uphold the dignity of the legal profession consistent with the highest standards of ethical behavior.’”
One of the challenges the Philippines is facing is Chinese aggression over the South China Sea and its incursion into the Philippine waters.
While French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz repeatedly
“Gadon, unfortunately, failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life,” the PIO said apparently quoting from the ruling.
It said that “Gadon has been previously convicted by the Court and suspended from the practice of law for three months for similarly using offensive and intemperate language, and was warned that a repetition of the same offense will merit a more severe sanction.”
It also said, “there are six other administrative cases pending before the Office of the Bar Confidant against Gadon, and four before the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.”
“Although these cases have yet to be decided, the volume of administrative complaints filed against attorney Gadon indubitably speaks of his character,” the Court said in its decision.
The PIO said the SC “cited Gadon in direct contempt of court for his baseless allegations of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF
Santo Tomas (801-850 from 801-1,000).
supported Manila’s stance over the West Philippine Sea based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, D’Andigné distanced France from the dispute on the other hand.
Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.”
Gadon sought to inhibit the two justices from acting on the case “on grounds which the SC found to be purely conjecture,” it said.
The Court reminded lawyers: “The privilege to practice law is bestowed only upon individuals who are competent intellectually, academically and, equally important, morally.
There is no room in this noble profession for misogyny and sexism. The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Wednesday that Gadon will remain in his post despite his disbarment from the high court.
In a statement, Bersamin said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr still expressed his confidence in Gadon and believe that he will do a “good job.”
Bersamin added that Gadon’s disbarment is a personal matter and will not affect his work as an anti-poverty czar.
From A1
commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed solidarity with Muslims in the country and around the world on the occasion of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.
“Today we join our Muslim brethren in marking Eid’l Adha. Through this feast, our Muslim friends remember and honor the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice one of his sons as an act of obedience to God’s command. God would later provide a lamb for sacrifice, saving Ibrahim’s son,” Romualdez said.
“For me, this occasion reflects Filipino Muslims’ quiet and enduring sacrifice toward a peaceful and prosperous life in our home country. I assure you that these efforts aren’t lost on us public servants in government and that the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. continues to pursue genuine inclusive progress that would uplift everybody’s lives,” the House leader said.
Romualdez said the occasion of Eid’l Adha is also about sharing—a “core trait of Filipinos”.
term ends in 2028.
Frasco said the decision to change the tourism slogan aimed to show the world that the Philippines is “more than just a fun destination.”
“Love the Philippines” replaced the decade-old “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”
“It is a recognition of how blessed we are with our natural assets, our beautiful tourist spots, our beaches, our naturebased destinations, our culture, history and heritage, and most importantly the warmth, love, and hospitality of our kababayans,” Frasco said of the new slogan.
Frasco claimed “love” is a word that tourists commonly associate with the Philippines.
“Of all the countries where people mention love, it’s the Philippines that
The University of the Philippines remained the best PH school on the QS list at No. 404 from last year’s 412. Ateneo de Manila University rose to 563 from the 651-700 range in 2022, followed by De La Salle University (681-690 from 801-1,000) and the University of
ranks number one,” she said without citing the study or research where she based her statement.
“‘Love the Philippines’ gives the opportunity for our fellow Filipinos to present their best to the world because of our inherent capacity to be hospitable, our being gracious. It is really part of our social fabric as Filipinos to love and welcome everyone with the type of love and warmth that only Filipinos can offer,” she said.
The Tourism chief also underscored the importance of improving the country’s airports to match the “love” with better travel experiences for tourists.
She said the DoT is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to give recommendations on how to improve the airports’ operations.
“Our gateways are important to really provide a positive tourist and traveler experience overall,” she said.
The University of San Carlos, located in Cebu City, entered the rankings for the first time, placing between 1,201 and 1,400.
QS saw an overall improvement among the PH institutions in the rankings.
In its executive summary on the Philippines, QS cited a flourishing reputation among international employers, the production of skilled and employable
graduates, small class sizes, and a high volume of teaching resources.
“At the indicator level, Philippine institutions perform exceptionally in QS’ indicators related to employment, specifically, employer reputation, which is based on the expert opinion of 98,000 employers worldwide, and employment outcomes, which assesses graduate employment rate and career prospects,” QS senior vice president Ben Sowter said.
This was owing to the continued drop in inflation, which was at 6.1% in May from 6.6% in April, bringing the yearto-date rate to 7.5%.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has received reports that Filipino pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia are currently stranded in Muzdalifah, an open area associated with Hajj.
The DFA through the Philippine Embassy in Saudi on Wednesday said it is already acting on the situation and has also called on Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and local ambulance services to respond to the incident.
on Inflation and Market Outlook (IACIMO), set proactive measures to address the rising commodity prices.
band of 2% to 4% by the fourth quarter of this year,” he added.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) previously lowered its inflation assumption for 2023 to 5% to 6% from its previous outlook of 5% to 7% announced in April.
It was the fourth time inflation dipped from a high of 8.7% in January and the lowest since 6.4% in July 2022.
The DBCC said earlier that inflation would return to the target range of 2% to 4% by 2024 as the administration, through the Inter-Agency Committee
still under discussion,” she added.
“When inflation goes down, it does not mean that prices are no longer going up. It only means that the rate of increase in prices is not as high as before,” Diokno said.
He said that petroleum prices are already going down after skyrocketing due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
relation to a bilateral defense cooperation activity,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.
“It is not related to the request for temporary housing of Afghan SIV [Special Immigrant Visas] applicants, which is
Marcos, for her part, said the Manila International Airport Integrated Command and Control Center was not given any advisory on the arrival of the said aircraft.
She filed Senate Resolution 667, which questioned the purpose of the arrival of the Boeing C-17 strategic transport aircraft operated by the US
military in Manila when its main destination was Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Upon verification with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), it was revealed that the US Embassy issued an advisory to the DFA that an aircraft registered to the United States military will enter and exit the territorial airspace of the Philippines.
THE Sandiganbayan’s Second Division has dismissed another suit, Civil Case 0014 by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) against former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his wife Imelda, as well as their alleged cronies who were included in the complaint.
In a decision promulgated on Tuesday, June 27, the antigraft court junked the complaint for failure of the PCGG to prove its allegations.
The court noted that the writs of sequestration issued by complainant PCGG against the properties cited in the case “do not, by themselves, prove that the properties are ill-gotten.”
“Nothing on the face of these documents shows that defendants Ferdinand E. Marcos and Imelda R. Marcos had any interest or control over the subject corporations,” the court said in the decision written by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio.
Division chairman Associate Justice Oscar Herrera and Associate Justice Edgardo Caldona agreed with Malabaguio’s findings.
Civil Case 0014, which was filed on July 22, 1987, by the Cory Aquino-era PCGG sought the forfeiture and reconveyance of assets and properties owned by alleged dummies of the former President and first lady, including Philippine Village Hotel, Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club, Ternate Development Cor-
poration, Fantasia Filipina Resorts, Inc. Ocean Villas Condominium Corporation, and Silahis International Hotel.
Since the main defendants—Ferdinand Marcos Sr.; Modesto and Trinidad Enriquez; and Rebecco Panlilio—died during the pendency of the case, they were substituted by their heirs in the case, including President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Maria Imelda Marcos-Manotoc and Irene Marcos-Araneta.
In 2009, the PCGG estimated that the properties included in Civil Case 0014 amount to P581 million.
The court noted in its decision that to prove the illegal acquisition of the defendants of the properties, the PCGG relied on the affidavit of a single witness, its own records custodian, Maria Lourdes Magno.
The court also noted that Magno had no participation in the preparation of the exhibits, was not a signatory to the documents and had no personal knowledge of the veracity of the contents of the documents.
REP. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro has appealed to his fellow legislators to support a measure establishing a fund that would provide lifetime pensions for the country’s 9.7 million small farmers and fisherfolk, most of whom live in poverty.
Yamsuan was referring to his House Bill (HB) 7963 which aims to establish the Agricultural Pension Fund (AFP) to be managed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
Once enacted, Yamsuan said the measure stands to benefit at least 708,000 workers in the Bicol Region who are
CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund
Villafuerte has cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his “above-par” performance in his first year in office.
By Rey E. Requejo
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said no Filipino in Russia has sought repatriation following the short-lived mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group.
“So far, no Filipino in Russia has sought for repatriation, unlike last month in Sudan, almost all our countrymen there sought immediate repatriation,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raymund Cortes said, in a televised media briefing.
employed in the agriculture sector, said Yamsuan, citing the latest available data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“Our farmers and fisherfolk are among the poorest of the poor in our society. Despite their hard work and sacrifices to ensure that we have food on our tables, they retire without expecting any lifeline aid from the government. Providing them with pension benefits when they reach old age is a long-overdue measure that Congressman LRay and I hope will be approved in this Congress,” Yamsuan said. Maricel V. Cruz
Villafuerte commended the Marcos administration for having made “notable breakthroughs” in his goal to deliver jobs and better lives to Filipinos as well as attract more investments and put the economy back on its pre-pandemic path of high and inclusive growth.
“President Marcos has performed above par as Chief Executive, with his first year in office distinguished by notable breakthroughs in his overriding promise of more jobs and better lives for our people via an economy that is not only strong and resilient but also inclusive and sustainable,” Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), said.
“It has been a short learning curve for Mr. Marcos,” said Villafuerte, “as his Administration has managed to accomplish better-than-expected initial
results in the President’s 2022 “Bangon Bayan Muli” campaign pledge to uplift the lives of all Filipinos. The rosy indicators this early on the watch of Mr. Marcos underscores that while his government needs to do a lot more over the next five years to fully realize its social and economic transformation agenda, it is, for sure, on track toward achieving the President’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Philippines.”
As the President marks this week his first 12 months at Malacañan Palace, his administration has “reported a higher employment rate; generated local and foreign direct investments (FDIs) and pushed business-friendlier reforms that create even more jobs and restored the economy to its pre-pandemic high-and-inclusive-growth trajectory; accelerated programs to attack poverty and provide economic relief to disadvantaged sectors such as the jobless, lowincome families, farmers and the homeless; and shepherded our people to the digital world and the post-pandemic ‘new normal,’” said Villafuerte.
The DFA official, however, assured that the Philippine Embassy in Russia is always ready for any repatriation through its contingency plans just to make sure the repatriation of Filipinos there since we are prepared “both financially, logistically and of course, mentally.”
Currently, Cortes said there are around 11 Filipinos who were stationed in Rostov-on-Don located close to the Ukraine-Russia border while another 10,000 are in different parts of Russia.
The embassy over the weekend asked Filipinos in Russia to remain vigilant and take precautions and warned them against putting out political opinions on social media.
The head of the Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin went into exile in Belarus on Tuesday following the aborted rebellion, as NATO warned it was ready to defend against “Moscow or Minsk.” Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked his regular troops for averting a civil war, as Moscow announced preparations to disarm Wagner fighters.
The DFA further said the Philippine government is continuously coordinating with the Filipino communities in Russia.
THE Senate hearings on the habitual inefficiency bordering on consumer abuse of our big air transport carriers, varying only in degrees but with all three vexing and stressing the public, brings to focus the many woes that afflict Philippine tourism, whether foreign inbound or our own domestic travelers.
So many times have I and my family been stressed out in airports due to interminable delays and flight cancellations, going to and from Mindanao or the Visayas, and end up just bearing it with nary a grin, simply because we have no choice.
The highest visitor arrivals we had was prepandemic 2019, when we were still quite friendly with China.
Along with South Koreans who have made our country an escape from their dreadfully cold winters, the two countries accounted for a full third of our visitors.
When the DOT or Bureau of Immigration count the North American market as comprising 15 percent of our visitors, don’t think the “whites” flock to our shores in increased numbers.
Fil-Ams or Can-Ams who have changed citizenship and “green card” holders comprise the bulk, almost 85 percent of those visitors.
Let’s look at the real challenges the country faces as an air travel destination, the most difficult of which is that we are a multitude of islands floating in the Pacific, unlike our tourist-drenched Asean neighbors in IndoChina, which share land borders, making a visitor to say, Singapore or Thailand, accessible affordably to Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Laos.
All other things being equal, we are closer by air to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and of course, China.
That also explains why Filipinos are one of their biggest markets for inbound visitors, because it only takes us four hours at most to visit these countries where the climate is cooler and the shopping is “glorious.”
Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan have become weekend destinations, while Japan and South Korea a bit longer, from five days to a week for Filipinos who have been bitten by the travel bug. Which is why promoting our country beyond Manila, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan should be more important to us than marketing the country in say London or Paris. No matter how we try, we will not be as successful as Thailand or the rest of the IndoChinese peninsula in attracting Europeans. Also, but for their ultra-rich, European tourists spend much less than Asian travelers.
Our old churches and Intramuros may be quaint enough to Japanese or Chinese tourists, enough for a brief look-see, but they cannot possibly compare to what Europe has by way of cultural and religious relics.
So, let’s be practical. Spend our marketing dollars in low-hanging fruits. The least marginal utility with nary a marginal return, for instance, can be found in a recent country-branding misadventure, such as draping London buses with “We give the world our best” featuring our nurses toiling in foreign lands.
While yes, that was not supposed to be a tourist promotional tactic, but neither does it give our country brand a plus, because our nurses, our engineers, our skilled manpower are needed by demographically-challenged countries, and we need not advertise to send more of our OFWs.
Add to our promotional confusion is the penchant of changing our marketing slogans or taglines whenever there is a change in administration.
From Joe Aspiras’ highly successful “Where Asia wears a smile” to the sun and sea focused approaches, to Gemma Cruz-Araneta’s “Rediscover Philippines” to Dick Gordon’s “Wow Philippines!” to Mon Jimenez’ “It’s more fun…”, now DOT is reportedly coming out with a “new, improved” tagline (recall how Procter and Gamble sold and re-sold the same Tide laundry powder?).
Yet through all those 50 years or more, “Amazing Thailand” and “Malaysia, Truly Asia” have wowed 40 or more million visitors each year compared to our 1.2, then 1.8, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 8.2 millions achieved from Aspiras to Puyat, the 8.2 largely due to the “friendly” mainland Chinese now not as friendly.
To put it simply, it is a supply and demand situation, where demand far outstrips supply, and
MAEBASHI, Japan—Yuya Motomura, a mahjong parlor manager in Japan, had always wanted a way to prove himself to a society he felt looked down on him. Then Russia invaded Ukraine.
The 45-year-old is one of a handful of Japanese men who have joined Ukrainians battling the Russian invasion, defying their government’s warnings and bucking a decades-long national principle of pacifism.
Japan’s military is constitutionally limited to defense and has not fought since World War II.
Still, Motomura said he was immediately captivated by the idea of fighting in Ukraine when he saw President Volodymyr Zelensky talking about “defending our independence, our country.”
“I’ve always felt that I’m someone who is more socially conscious than other people realize,” he told AFP as he prepared to leave Japan for the conflict.
“By fighting for Ukraine, I could prove it with more than just words.”
Motomura took a first trip to Ukraine just two months after Russia’s invasion, initially carrying supplies for refugees and
the region after decades of armed conflict.
the cascading effect on us who live in the benighted homeland is that our workers desert us because we cannot give them just desserts for their toil.
I also question the wisdom of appointing tourism attaches complete with offices in foreign lands. Some of them were appointed, as usual, because of “connect,” not marketing skills.
Think out-of-the-box.
Why not just hire Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese, even Australian travel agencies, and compensate them through commissions for the tourists they bring here?
Support them with properly designed advertising and collaterals for their particular target markets. That would be more cost-effective.
One example is calculating the number of Catholics in these countries. They may be a minority in their countries, but they are more fervent in the practice of their faith than many of our ritual-focused Catolicos.
Give them a travel package that brings them, not necessarily to Intramuros, but to Ilocandia or Central and Western Visayas, bypassing chaotic NCR, where visiting churches as some sort of pilgrimage can be combined with the natural beauty of these destinations.
That is just one example.
There should be many more, if only the locally desk-bound, and foreign travel-hungry tourism bureaucrats can flex their creative energies properly, and stop buying at Selfridges or Fortnum and Mason for pasalubongs.
Then there is the woeful infrastructure, beginning with our NAIA complex of four decrepit terminals, and one main runway with a hardly useful extra runway perpendicular to the main.
Don’t even think of spending billions of pesos more trying to make the NAIA complex infrastructure better.
It will only be a matter of years before the SMC Bulacan airport with four parallel runways, two of which Ramon Ang promises to be usable within the term of the current administration.
Spend a billion or two and hire or appoint some traffic systems experts and efficient airport management personnel to focus on the problems that make arriving and departing through the air terminals a living hell.
Why can’t we give more space to immigration personnel, and sacrifice those of our useless Duty Free counters in Terminal 1 and 2 for instance?
Hire a space-management interior design expert, for chrissakes.
And similarly, if we can double the salaries of policemen, why are we niggardly when it comes to overtime pay for our immigration agents manning the air terminals? Or our traffic controllers?
How do we try our best to give seamless connectivity for passengers who have to interconnect using those four terminals?
The original NAIA 3 design called for an underground subway train in the bidding terms of reference but was corruption the cause of canceling that, leaving the passengers scrounging for their own modes of transfer transport?
Why must we continue to allow general aviation hangars in the complex, when these are patronized by the uber-wealthy and the politicians who use private planes? Transfer these to Sangley, or wherever else, and use the added space for transfer transport and additional terminal space.
DoTr Sec. Bautista hired Glenn Chiong to run the NAIA complex and he was doing well, starting with common sense doables like abolishing the pre-check-in X-ray “security” contraptions, and other small but sensible steps.
What happened next? The Ombudsman suspended him without hearing because of management-crimping practices of hiring, firing and re-assignment protected by our antediluvian civil service rules.
Meanwhile, coordinated scheduling of airlines can optimize the use of our brand-new Clark International Airport just as Mactan is 20 times more visitor-friendly than NAIA.
And both are privately-run.
Let us be realistic. Pouring billions, even private money, into the NAIA complex makes little sense when we know that there are the Clark, Cebu, Panglao, Palawan and others where direct flights from foreign capitals can be maximized, and likewise relieve domestic travelers from bearing with Metro-Manila’s crazy traffic only to be punished by three long hours of lining up at the NAIA.
And Bulacan is coming up, probably Sangley later. But our tourism woes do not end with our NAIA terminal problems, nor our promotional gimmicks without focused market strategies.
So writing this article, I have to come up with a second part next week.
the displaced. He was determined to find a place among the country’s fighters, and after several trips was accepted into the Georgian Legion, which includes many foreign members.
He is not the legion’s first recruit from Japan, and his acceptance was eased by a compatriot, who goes by Haru-san and has acknowledged previously belonging to the yakuza—the Japanese mafia.
Georgian Legion commander Mamuka Mamulashvili told AFP the unit currently counts eight Japanese among troops from 33 nationalities in its ranks.
“They are very motivated, very disciplined and easily master the training they are undergoing now,” he said.
Against government advice
While many of the foreign fighters who have flocked to Ukraine from other countries come with military and combat experience, Japan’s unique constitutional constraints mean its volunteers start as absolute novices.
And when Ukraine’s embassy in Tokyo initially called for volunteers to join the fight—echoing an invitation by Zelensky
With the comprehensive peace agreement between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front having led to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the task now is to find ways to ensure lasting peace and promote sustainable development. Restoring peace and order in Muslim Mindanao is a priority of the Philippine National Police.
This was underscored by PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. recently when he gave assurances in a recent gathering of BARMM leaders called the LGU Fellowship Program on Social Cohesion and Resilience that the institution will “continue to work hand-inhand with LGUs, civil society organizations, and communities to break down barriers, build bridges of understanding and pave the way for peace and progress.”
The meeting, organized by Project CIRCLE (Communities of Inclusion and Resilience through Collaborative Local
Engagements) brought together a pioneering batch of leaders from different towns in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Sur to discuss innovative polices, programs and plans to counter violent extremism and consolidate gains already achieved in promoting social harmony, sustainability and resilience in BARMM.
The integration of former Muslim rebels into the PNP is part and parcel of the peace agreements between the government and the MNLF/MILF
The message delivered by the country’s top cop before the gathering of BARMM leaders is timely and appropriate as the PNP will be taking a lead role along with the military in maintaining peace and order in
LAST week, we learned that four of our institutions of higher learning were listed in the first 1,000 Universities in Asia with Ateneo de Manila being the highest at number 84.
The other three are the University of the Philippines, La Salle and Mapua Institute of Technology.
UP which has been our top university for a long time has been sliding in the ranking for the last three consecutive years and is now somewhere between 500 and 600.
The University of Santo Tomas, the oldest university in Asia, is nowhere in the list.
I do not know what to make of this report whether to be proud or feel embarrassed that only four of our so many universities can manage to get into the first 1,000. One thing is for sure, it is not something that we can crow or boast about. If at all, it shows how far the quality of our educational system has gone down.
It does beg the question whether this is the best thing that we Filipinos can do and why we have sunk so low considering how much we value education. Our attempts in recent years to improve elementary, high school and college education never succeeded, resulting in the continued deterioration of our quality of education on all levels.
To add to the problem, the Department of Education is now apparently investigating a report that teachers are promoting students en masse including the undeserving so they can earn points to qualify for some kind of incentives or bonuses.
This of course, does not fully explain why Filipino students participating in international tests are almost always ending up second to the last or dead last in reading, math and science but it does provide a glimpse about the state of affairs in our public school system. Why it became like this and when the deterioration started should be looked into by our own and outside experts so that a solution can be implemented in order that further deterioration of standards is stopped. If we have to pick a time when all these started, it was when the DepEd came up with the bright idea of tinkering with a system that was already working well. Maybe those bright people in the DepEd have not heard of the saying that “one does not fix something that isn’t broke.”
Instead of keeping English as the medium of instruction, there was a shift to multilingual teaching by using Pilipino as the medium of instructions in our schools.
This was in the late 1980s when there was a new wave of nationalism engulfing the nation. The intention was good but the long term effect to the quality of our education was not.
The Department of Education is now apparently investigating a report that teachers are promoting students en masse including the undeserving so they can earn points to qualify for some kind of incentives or bonuses
More so when the DepEd went a step further and introduced a series of orders culminating in the program called Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education. For instance, those in the Ilocos Region will use Ilocano in their first few years of education because of the belief by the advocates of this program that students learn better with their mother tongue.
But every time our students participate in international tests and studies, they are always ending up at the bottom.
So, there must be something terribly wrong with this program that needs immediate changing.
After all, the fruit of the pudding should be in the test results.
Yet, our so-called education experts continue to insist on the multilingual approach.
So, what should be done and whose decision should be followed?
Some of our Senators like Pia Cayetano have recommended studying English, Mandarin and Spanish with preference
“I think many people in this country feel frustrated about being bound under the Constitution,” he said.
Motomura has helped recruit others to the cause, with Kenjiro Miyamori, a former cook, telling AFP he was inspired by him to join the legion.
“I am sure there are many men in Ukraine who don’t want to go to the war front but have to for the loved ones,” the 44-year-old said, speaking by video from Ukraine.
“I want to replace one of them and fight for their country.”
‘Worthless in Japan’
for foreign support—it quickly retracted it. Japan’s government, like those elsewhere, has warned its citizens against travel to Ukraine.
A small determined group has ignored that advice.
Last year, Japan confirmed a citizen who was reportedly a former member of the country’s military had been killed in combat in Ukraine. And Motomura said he had been contacted by members of Japan’s SelfDefense Forces who were supportive of his plans.
In fact, the PNP has already started the screening of applicants consisting of former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front who want to join the police force.
Some 700 applicants from the MILF and 300 from the MNLF will soon undergo a battery of tests to determine if they are physically and mentally fit to become police officers.
At least 7,145 MILF and MNLF members passed the qualifying examination to enter the police force last year.
The BARMM leadership has endorsed 1,000 since the quota of the PNP for this year’s recruitment is only 400.
Once hired by the PNP, the former rebels have to obtain a bachelor’s degree within 15 years for their appointment status in the PNP to become permanent. Successful applicants will be assigned in the BARMM. The integration of former Muslim rebels into the PNP is part and parcel of the peace agreements between the government and the MNLF/MILF.
The former rebels-turned peacekeepers can help facilitate dialogue between the regional government and the communities they serve, and thus help maintain law and order in Mindanao which has been a hotbed of armed rebellion since the 1970s.
of English for obvious reasons so that we Filipinos will have a leg up.
Senator Gatchalian, on the other hand, wants the suspension or revision of the MTBME for being ineffective.
If it is a question of what language to use as a medium of instruction at all levels, we should just revert to the old practice of using English the moment a child gets to school instead of waiting a few years before using English.
This is what some countries in the region are doing as well as many of our private schools.
Not using English as the medium of instruction as soon as children get to school is not of course the only reason why the quality of our education has deteriorated dismally.
It has also something to do with the education budget, quality of classrooms as well as our teachers.
We have to accept the quality of our teachers has been deteriorating over the years because lack of teacher enhancement training programs.
For example, the Teachers Camp in Baguio where teachers use to go up every summer to train to improve their skills has been converted into a bed and breakfast facility.
Why the DepEd decided to try its hand in the tourism business, I do not know but the closing of Teachers Camp was a great loss to many teachers in terms of an affordable training facility.
We are also losing many of our good teachers who are being pirated by other countries because of low salaries. It could also be because our DepEd cannot seem to hit it right when it comes to the right solutions.
This is maybe because it is trying too hard to self-diagnose itself instead of hiring outside education specialists to do the study and make realistic and implementable recommendations.
The solution to the problem might be pretty simple and straightforward and does not require complicated solutions.
The trick is to be able to get the solution right and have the political will to implement it.
children and their mother.
“If I had money and this shop was going well, I wouldn’t go,” he said as he packed items including camouflage jackets and khaki vests.
“I am a worthless person in Japan, but I am hoping to bring back something from Ukraine.”
Miyamori too cites his divorce and the separation from his three-year-old son as part of his motivation to fight.
“I think there are many people like me,” he said.
Motomura admits his motivations are tied up in his personal circumstances, including a difficult childhood.
“I stopped going to school in fourth grade (age 10),” he said, recounting his earliest memory—sitting backstage at an evening cabaret where his mother performed.
She developed a mental illness after escaping his abusive father, and he left school to take care of her, he said.
He now runs a shop where customers play the Chinese tile game mahjong, sleeping during the day and living apart from his two
The two men arrived in Ukraine in April, but are circumspect about the exact nature of their training, saying only it includes plenty of running and exercises.
Motomura said he did not yet know when, or even if, he would be deployed, but he had no regrets about his decision.
“People in Ukraine may feel encouraged just by the fact that we came here all the way from Japan,” he said from Kyiv.
“I am here in this country, hoping to make use of myself. In that sense, I already feel fulfilled.” AFP
‘More than words’: The Japanese men joining Ukraine’s fight
GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have seized a shipment of 1,400 grams of raw ecstasy worth more than P4.94 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
The operation conducted by the composite team from the Port of NAIA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group on Tuesday also resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s claimant, an unidentified resident of Las Pinas City.
NAIA acting district collector Yasmin Mapa said the parcel which came from Berchem, Belgium was claimed by a resident from Las Pinas city, but his identity was temporarily withheld pending further investigation.
“The claimant’s parcel underwent rigorous screening, including x-ray scanning, K9 inspection, and a thorough physical examination, which led to the discovery of the raw ecstasy concealed inside a chopping board,” port officials said.
The authorities found 1,460 grams of the raw ecstasy in the package.
The claimant and the seized drugs were turned over the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Drug Act), and Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of jail director Ruel Rivera as chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Rivera as the 10th BJMP chief last Monday.
In a statement, Abalos said the DILG was ready to renderthe necessary guidance and support to Rivera as he takes on the job of BJMP chief, saying “we are with him every step of the way.”
“Now that he is the full-fledged BJMP chief, and with his experience as a career jail officer, we are confident that he will be able to fully exercise his authority in propelling the jail bureau to becoming a world-class agency and a premiere safekeeping institution for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs),” Abalos said.
In his new role as BJMP chief, Rivera was expected to continue working on the BJMP’s J.A.I.L. 2040 (Journey for Advancement, Innovation, and Long-term Development Plan 2040) that is committed to the BJMP’s mandate of providing secure, reformation-oriented, and well-managed jail facilities across the country; the DILG’s “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” (BIDA) Program; and the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
He will work closely with BJMP personnel, stakeholders, and partners to uphold the BJMP’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service excellence.
He will be leading also the 20,813 personnel of BJMP in taking care of 126,606 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) confined in 479 jails.
Throughout his career, the new BJMP chief has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by the Jail Bureau.
INCIDENTS of theft continue to plague the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as another personnel was arrested for allegedly pilfering a cellular phone owned by a wheelchair attendant working at the airport.
This developed notwithstanding strong admonition by OTS administrator Ma. O Aplasca that he would not tolerate scalawags or abusive deeds by employees and staff of the agency.
The suspect, identified as Rudolf Aquinde, was a screening officer of the OTS.
Irked by the unabated thievery, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez had asked Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to replace all OTS personnel
DRUG SMUGGLING. Customs and drug enforcement agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport foil an attempt to smuggle P4.9 million worth of ecstasy drugs from Belgium, and take into custody the consignee who is not identified pending filing of formal drug charges.
Tulfo eyes bigger food subsidy for AFP, PNP
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo wants to increase the subsistence allowance of police and soldiers and their personnel.
assigned at the Manila airport following the incidents of theft, calling it a “national embarrassment.”
“The wheelchair attendant reported to the airport police department that his mobile phone that was at the charging station was missing. So this is prompted for the CCTV viewing,” said OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez.
Aplasca, who castigated Aquinde for the wrongdoing, said he was displeased with another blow that undermined the
management’s effort to cleanse its rank.
He said Aquinde was placed under the custody of the airport police for further investigation and filing of appropriate complaint at the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.
Aplasca said the filing of criminal and administrative charges against OTS personnel found committing a crime was in line with the continuing thrust of the Department and the OTS to cleanse its rank of scalawags.”
In March, the OTS was overhauled following incidents of stealing involving screening officers at the airport.
Among the cases involved screening officers Irene Medalla and Babeth Tagapan who were caught on video taking money from a Thai national last Feb. 22, 2023 at the NAIA Terminal 2.
FEEDING PROGRAM ON WHEELS.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora personally hands out free meals to his indigent constituents through the local government’s Mobile Kitchen project.
In partnership with the Marcos administration, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Reps.
Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre have facilitated the release of P10 million in financial assistance to 2,000 youth beneficiaries in Tacloban City.
The distribution of P5,000 financial aid to each beneficiary was held as
SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has strongly denied a viral video purportedly showing he was buying guns, and insisted that he merely brought his collection of guns for cleaning purposes.
Padilla, who was imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) for three years for illegal possession of firearms, admitted that he owned the guns shown on the video.
Padilla said he posted the video on Facebook Live to remind everyone to be a responsible gun owner. He also said anybody wanting to own a gun should buy it from
a gun store or shop authorized to sell guns. He said the firearms should also be registered and the holder should secure a permit to carry.
Moreover, while the mandatory ROTC bill is yet to become a law, he noted that one should have a knowledge on guns and combat. The senator said he believes it is better to have a gun rather than have none when one needs it.
According to Padilla, he owns more than 10 high-powered rifles.
According to the senator, he is an authorized gun collector who underwent trainings in using firearms.
Tacloban celebrates its fiesta on Friday. In a statement, the Office of the Speaker and Tingog expressed hopes that the financial assistance will benefit the students when the new school year opens. Rep. Yedda Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on Accounts, said Tingog would continue to deliver directly, or indirectly through government agencies such as the Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), services to the people of Eastern Visayas, along with the Leyteños and Samareños in other parts of the country. “That is our commitment and we will remain true to it,” she said.
The aid was sourced from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program of the DSWD under Sec. Rex Gatchalian.
Tulfo filed Joint Resolution No. 2 raising the subsistence allowance of all officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and all commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from P150 to P250 a day.
During the Senate budget hearing for the Department of National Defense (DND) in September 2022, Tulfo noted that the soldiers’ meager subsistence allowance of P150 per day, which they had to stretch to buy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He said such amount is not even enough to buy a decent hamburger. According to him, the P150 daily allowance could hardly support the subsistence of the family of soldiers and police personnel.
He cited the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data stating that the monthly cost of living should be at Php44,000 per month to recoup a decent living. Macon Ramos-Araneta
Solon: Gov’t earmarks
P53b for tuition in ‘23
THE national government spends P53 billion this year for the tuition of underprivileged students “placed” in private high schools either because of the lack of public schools in their communities, or because existing public schools are already overcrowded.
Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, a member of the House appropriations committee, said the P53 billion is broken down into: P39.3 billion for the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHSVP); P12.5 billion for the Junior High School Educational Service Contracting Program (JHSESC); and P1.4 billion for the Joint Delivery Voucher Program (JDVP). The tuition subsidy programs all form part of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), according to Rillo.
“The P53 billion is nearly double the P28 billion budget for GASTPE in 2022,” Rillo said. Maricel Cruz
THE Bataan provincial government has extended financial assistance to nearly 600 board reviewers covered by its scholarship program.
Vice Governor Cris Garcia led the distribution of financial aid to 590 board reviewers under the Iskolar ng Bataan program of the provincial government at the capitol on Thursday.
Each beneficiary received P5,000 cash.
“Hindi dapat matapos sa makapasa lamang kayo sa board o bar, maging layunin nyo rin kung paano kayo makakapagcontribute sa pagbuti ng ating lipunan”, Garcia told the beneficiaries.
The vice governor has expressed hopes that the program of the provincial government will inspire board reviewers to work harder and achieve more.
Board Member Jomar Gaza, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, joined the vice governor in the distrubution of allowance. Butch Gunio
BELARUS welcomed the head of the Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin into exile on Tuesday following an aborted rebellion, as NATO warned it was ready to defend against “Moscow or Minsk.”
As the fallout unfolded from Prigozhin’s brief mutiny – widely seen as the biggest threat to Kremlin authority in decades – Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to shore up his authority by thanking regular troops for averting a civil war.
But as Moscow announced
preparations to disarm Wagner fighters, Putin’s arch foe, jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, launched a stinging attack on the president in his first comments since the aborted mutiny by the paramilitaries.
“There is no bigger threat to Russia than Putin’s regime,” Navalny said on
before the Branch Clerk of Court to whom the reception of ex- parte evidence was delegated.
On May 3. 2023, the court admitted Exhibits “A” to “J” inclusive of sub-markings as evidence of the plaintiff. THE COURT’S RULING
A promissory note is a solemn acknowledgement of a debt and formal commitment to repay it on the date and under the conditions agreed upon by the borrower and the lender. A person who signs such an instrument is bound to honor it as a legitimate obligation duly assumed by him through the signature he affixes thereto as a token of his good faith. If he reneges on his promise without a cause, he forfeits the sympathy and assistance of this Court and deserves instead its sharp repudiation. The promissory note is the best evidence to prove the existence of the loan8
A careful review of the testimony and documentary evidence presented by the plaintiff would show that defendant Marc C. Balute undertook a loan and is bound to comply with the stipulations of the promissory note. Witness De Rojas positively identified the promissory note and signature of the defendant Balute affixed thereon9, the collateral description of the subject vehicle10, acceleration clause11, Certificate of Registration with encumbrance , and other documentary evidence which clearly established Balute’s obligation to PS Bank.
If the terms of a contract are clear and leave no doubt upon the intention of the contracting parties, the literal meaning of its stipulation shall control.13 As stipulated on the promissory note, defendant Balute contracted a loan from plaintiff PS Bank and the subject vehicle was mortgaged as collateral in favor of the latter in case the former defaults in her monthly payment.
social media.
“Putin’s regime is so dangerous to the country that even its inevitable demise will create the threat of civil war,” he wrote.
In the Hague, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said it was still too early to draw conclusions from the move to Belarus of Prigozhin and, likely, some of his forces, but he vowed that the alliance was ready to defend its members.
“What is absolutely clear is that we have sent a clear message to Moscow and to Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally and every inch of
NATO territory,” Stoltenberg said.
Putin’s supporters, however, insisted that his rule was not weakened by the revolt.
Asked whether Putin’s power was diminished by the sight of Wagner’s rebel mercenaries seizing a military HQ, advancing on Moscow and shooting down military aircraft along the way, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused political commentators of exaggerating, adding that: “We don’t agree.”
Putin himself attempted to portray the dramatic events at the weekend as a victory for the Russian army. AFP
THE United States lost more than $200 billion to fraud from two schemes designed to help small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a US government watchdog report.
“We identified multiple schemes used by fraudsters to steal from the American taxpayer and exploit programs meant to help those in need,” the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) said in a new report.
The potentially fraudulent loans were dis-
On July 12, 2018, the court issued a Writ of Replevin after the plaintiff filed a bond in the amount of P1,288,000.00.
On December 21, 2018, the Summons issued was returned unserved, and the writ was unimplemented due to the lack of coordination of the plaintiff with the court sheriff
On February 15, 2019, the plaintiff filed an Ex-parte Motion for Issuance of Alias Summons. In the Order dated February 18, 2019, the court granted the issuance of an Alias Summons and further directed that the alias summons be served on the defendant at his primary and secondary addresses.
On August 7, 2020, the court sheriff, together with the plaintiff’s external law office, GTJ, represented by Ronald Etik, tried to serve the Alias Summons on the defendant but failed since the defendant is no longer connected with Pascual Laboratories, Inc. in Balagtas, Bulacan
The subject vehicle was traced in possession of a certain Mark Serdoncillo. By virtue of the Writ of Replevin dated July 12, 2018, the court sheriff, in coordination with the La Residencia Homeowners Association, corresponding barangay,
Defendant Balute failed to comply with his monthly obligation and continued to do so despite demand. Under the terms and conditions of the promissory note, PSBank is entitled to the foreclosure of the subject vehicle. Moreover, where the mortgage authorizes the mortgagee to take possession of the property on default, he may maintain an action to recover possession of the mortgaged chattels from the mortgagor or from any person in whose hands he may find them.15
A writ of replevin was issued on July 12, 2018 and was duly implemented by the Sheriff of this Court on August 14, 2020. By virtue of the writ of replevin issued , the sheriff was able to take into custody the subject vehicle seized from Mark Serdoncillo and transfer the same to the satisfaction of plaintiff. This court acknowledges the seizure of the subject vehicle and confirms entitlement by the plaintiff to its control and custody.
WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of the plaintiff Philippine Savings Bank declaring, confirming, and ratifying its entitlement to the possession of the subject vehicle, a 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE with Motor No. 3A92UDY4622 and Serial No. PAEA13TXHHA000584. The replevin bond posted by plaintiff Philippine Savings Bank is hereby cancelled and released.
The Clerk of Court,
bursed through two COVID-19 programs, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to the report published on Tuesday.
“Over $200 billion in potentially fraudulent COVID-19 EIDLs, EIDL Targeted Advances, Supplemental Targeted Advances, and PPP loans,” the SBA report said.
“This means at least 17 percent of all COVID-19 EIDL and PPP funds were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors,” according to the SBA. AFP
LEE Jung-hee was set to turn 60 next year but South Korea dropped its traditional age counting system Wednesday, so the Seoul-based housewife just got a year younger – and she’s thrilled.
South Korea is the last East Asian country to officially still use a method of calculating age that determines babies are aged one at birth, counting their months in the womb as their first year of life.
Under that system everyone gets a year older with the turn of the year rather than on their actual birthday, meaning a baby born on December 31 would be considered two years old on January 1 in Korean age.
From Wednesday South Korea will use the international system that calculates age according to a person’s actual date of birth, meaning everyone will officially become a year or two younger.
“It feels good,” Lee, a Seoul-based housewife, told AFP.
“For people like me, who are China, Japan, and even North Korea dropped the system decades ago but it has endured in the South, even as the land that gave the world K-pop and kimchi played a larger role on the international stage.
“It’s confusing when a foreigner asks me how old I am as I know they mean international age, so I have to do some calculations,” office worker Hong Suk-min told AFP.
Hong added, after a thoughtful pause, that he was 45 in international age and 47 under the Korean system.
The official change will have limited practical impact: many legal and administrative functions, including the age listed on a passport, the age at which one can be prosecuted as a juvenile, retirement benefits, or healthcare services, already uses date-of-birth rather than Korean age. AFP
VIOLENT protests shook Paris suburbs overnight and celebrities expressed outrage Wednesday after police shot dead a teenager during a traffic stop and appeared to have lied about the circumstances of the killing.
The 17-year-old man, named only as Nael M., was pulled over by two policemen on Tuesday for breaking traffic rules, prosecutors said.
Police initially reported that one officer shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him, but this version of events was contradicted by a video circulating on social media and authenticated by AFP.
The footage shows the two policemen standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver. A voice is heard saying “You are going to get a bullet in the head.”
The police officer appears to fire point blank as the car abruptly drives off.
The car moved a few dozen metres before crashing. The driver died shortly after.
His death sparked immediate protests in Nanterre, a western Paris suburb.
Bins were also set alight and a fire broke out at a music school, while police tried to disperse the protesters with teargas. Protests then broke out in some neighbouring suburbs.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Wednesday that 31 people had been arrested overnight, 24 police slightly injured and around 40 cars torched.
The 38-year old policeman seen firing the lethal shot was taken into custody and is under investigation for voluntary manslaughter.
Nael M’s lawyer, Yassine Bouzrou, said he would file a legal complaint against the policeman for voluntary manslaughter, and against his colleague for complicity in the shooting.
The lawyer also said that he would file a further complaint for false testimony against the policemen for claiming that Nael M. had tried to run them over.
There were two passengers in the car. One ran off and the other, also a teenager, was briefly detained. AFP
BOLIVIAN prosecutors are investigating 35 members of the Catholic Church after more than a dozen victims accused them of sexual abuse, authorities said Tuesday.
The statement comes as the country is reeling from confessions of abuse that were found in the personal diary of a Spanish priest who died in Bolivia in 2009 after decades of service there.
“At present, 35 people are accused and under investigation,” Daniela Caceres, a department head at the Bolivian attorney general’s office, told a press conference.
“We have 17 people, identified victims, but out of respect and as a precau-
tion for the protection of the victims, we are not going to give specific details,” she added.
Prosecutors opened an investigation following a report by the Spanish daily El Pais in April about the late Spanish priest Alfonso Pedrajas, whose diary indicated that he had abused more than 80 minors in Bolivia, where he had lived since the early 1970s.
Pedrajas also noted in his journal that senior clergy had known about his crimes and kept quiet.
Prosecutors on Tuesday confirmed that a copy of Pedrajas’ diary had been delivered to them by the Society of Jesus in Bolivia. AFP
FLORIAN Busmann used to enjoy sausages and steak on the barbecue in summer, but these days he prefers meat substitutes and grilled vegetables like aubergines and peppers.
“Eating less meat is definitely a contribution to both the environment and animals. And it is also healthy,” the 28-year-old local government worker told AFP at the Vegan Summer Festival in Berlin.
Despite being known for their love of sausages and schnitzel, Germans have been steadi-
ly eating less meat over the past few years.
Figures from the German Agriculture Ministry show that meat consumption dropped to 52 kilograms (115 pounds) per person in 2022, the lowest since the calculations began in 1989.
In comparison, the figure stood at around 61 kilograms per person just five years ago.
Worries over animal welfare, climate change and higher prices appear to have driven consumers to look for alternatives to meat to fill their plates.
Around 10 percent of Germans are vegetarian, according to the Agriculture Ministry, compared with six percent in 2018.
Since 2021, Germany has even had a vegetarian agriculture minister, the Green party’s Cem Ozdemir – much to the dismay of many in the meat industry.
Despite having made the choice to go veggie as a teenager due to concerns over animal welfare, Ozdemir still sees a role for the meat industry. AFP
South
get younger as traditional age system droppedFEAST OF EID’L ADHA. This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency SPA on June 28, 2023 shows Muslim pilgrims performing Eid Al-Adha prayers at the grand mosque in the holy city of Mecca. AFP CANDLE VIGIL. A path of candles is seen outside the Legislative Palace during a vigil in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Uruguayan dictatorship (1973-1985) in Montevideo. AFP
WASHINGTON—The United States lost more than $200 billion to fraud from two schemes designed to help small businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a US government watchdog report.
“We identified multiple schemes used by fraudsters to steal from the American taxpayer and exploit programs meant to help those in need,” the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Ofice of Inspector General (OIG) said in a new report.
The potentially fraudulent loans were disbursed through two Covid-19 programs, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to the report published on Tuesday.
“Over $200 billion in potentially fraudulent Covid-19 EIDLs, EIDL Targeted Advances, Supplemental Targeted Advances, and PPP loans,” the
GENEVA, Switzerland—Swiss banking group UBS plans to cut 35,000 jobs at Credit Suisse—more than half its workforce—as part of the emergency rescue takeover of its rival in March, according to a report by Bloomberg News on Tuesday.
Credit Suisse had a staff of around 45,000 before it nearly collapsed on investor fears about its solvency, which prompted a massive bailout orchestrated by the Swiss government.
Analysts had warned that huge job losses were likely because of the overlapping activities at two of the world’s most important banks.
UBS declined to comment on the reported job cuts when contacted by AFP.
Combined, the two groups had around 120,000 employees at the end of last year, with 37,000 of them in Switzerland.
The Bloomberg report, citing sources close to the companies, said employees had been told of three coming waves of jobs cuts this year —the first at end-July, the others in September and October.
UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti had warned earlier this month that the coming months were likely to be “bumpy”, saying the merger would require “waves” of difficult decisions, particularly regarding employment. AFP
SBA report said.
“This means at least 17 percent of all COVID-19 EIDL and PPP funds were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors,” according to the SBA.
The US government provided around $4.6 trillion of funding for pandemic response and recovery, according to a recent estimate by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Ofice (GAO).
Of this, around $90.5 billion in funding remained unspent as of January 2023, according to the GAO.
The OIG’s oversight and investigative work resulted in more than 1,000 indictments, and 529 convictions related to Covid fraud, according to the SBA.
These investigations have resulted in “nearly $30 billion in Covid-19 EIDL and PPP funds being seized or returned to SBA,” the report found. AFP
HONG KONG, China - Asian markets were mixed Wednesday as investors weighed data showing the US economy remained resilient in the face of rising interest rates against the prospect of more tightening to bring inflation under control.
Wall Street popped higher Tuesday after a string of readings soothed concerns about a possible recession, while traders were also cheered by Chinese growth pledges.
However, reports that Washington could block the export of artificial intelligence chips to China weighed on sentiment.
US investors cheered news that a closely watched gauge of consumer confidence last month hit its highest level since January last year, while new home sales surged in May and orders for big-ticket manufactured items rose again.
The figures tempered fears that the world’s top economy could tip into recession because of more than a year of rate hikes, and lifted hopes the US Federal Reserve could still guide it to a so-called soft landing by also bringing inflation down to its two percent target.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that while economists had predicted a contraction was on the way, it still had not materialized.
“It’s been coming for 11 months, well guess what? I don’t think it is going to come,” he told a fundraiser, flagging healthy jobs growth and anti-inflation measures.
But National Australia Bank’s Rodrigo Catril pointed to “the theme of ‘sectoral recessions’ playing with different lags, making the Fed job to tame inflation harder”.
He pointed to the property sector now performing well after being the first to be hit by rate hikes, while
manufacturing is in recession at the same time the services sector is growing.
“Meanwhile the resilience of the labour market and consumer are feeding, not detracting from, inflationary pressures,” he added. “Overall, the data is telling us the Fed needs to keep its foot on the tightening pedal.”
In early Asian trade, investors struggled to maintain Tuesday’s momentum.
Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington and Taipei all rose but Hong Kong, Shanghai, Wellington and Taipei dropped.
Investors are now looking forward to a meeting later Wednesday in Portugal of top central bankers including Fed boss Jerome Powell as well as the heads of the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England.
The BoJ is in focus as it stands by its ultra-loose monetary policy, even with the yen weakening on the back of expected Fed rate hikes.
The yen, which has lost almost 10 percent against the dollar this year, picked up slightly afer Japan’s top currency official Masato Kanda said authorities will respond should there be excessive foreign exchange moves.
Oil prices ticked slightly higher but made little impact on the more than two percent losses suffered Tuesday on long-running worries about demand caused by ever-rising interest rates, and as concerns ease over Russian supplies afer the weekend’s aborted
uprising.
“With no visible interruption to Russian oil flows from the weekend political upheaval, prices are falling as oil markets return to focus on spot fundamentals, which have not changed,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. AFP
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
CIRCULAR NO. 1175
Series of 2023
Subject: Reduction in Reserve Requirements
The Monetary Board, in its Resolution No. 727 dated 08 June 2023, approved the reduction in the reserve requirement (RR) ratios of deposit and deposit substitute liabilities of banks and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs).
Section 1. Section 251 of the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB) on Requiredreservesagainstdepositanddepositsubstituteliabilities , as amended by Circular No. 1154 dated 14 September 2022, is hereby further amended to read, as follows:
251 ACCOUNTS SUBJECT TO RESERVES; AMOUNTS REQUIRED
The following rules and regulations shall govern the reserves against deposit and deposit substitute liabilities.
Required reserves against deposit and deposit substitute liabilities. The rates of required reserves against deposit and deposit substitute liabilities in local currency of banks effective reserve week 30 June 2023 shall be, as follows: Reservable Liabilities UBs/KBs Digital TBs RBs/Coop Banks Banks a.
Section 2. Section 211-Q of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (MORNBFI) on Reserves against deposit substitutes is hereby amended to read, as follows:
211-Q RESERVES AGAINST DEPOSIT SUBSTITUTES
NBQBS shall maintain required reserves equivalent to nine and a half percent (9.5%) of peso-denominated deposit substitute liabilities as defined in Section 95 of R.A. No. 7653, as amended by R.A. No. 11211, regardless of maturities except:
a. xxx;
b. xxx; and c. xxx
effective reserve week starting 30 June 2023.
Section 3. This Circular shall take effect on 30 June 2023 after its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
FOR THE
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday it will begin to unwind the temporary regulatory relief measure allowing banks to utilize peso-denominated loans to micro-, small- and medium- enterprises and large enterprises impacted by the pandemic. The measure served as alternative compliance with the reserve requirements. It said in a statement the unwinding of the relief measure would coincide with the reduction in the reserve requirement ratios by June 30, 2023 to facilitate the transition, supporting the banks’ continued compliance with the RR and managing friction costs related to the policy adjustment.
“Starting 01 July 2023, universal and commercial banks shall no longer be allowed to use MSME and LE loans as alternative compliance with the RR,” it said.
Meanwhile, thrift, rural and cooperative banks will be allowed to utilize their outstanding MSME and large enterprises’ loans as of June 30, 2023 as alternative mode of compliance with the RR until such loans are fully paid, but not later than Dec.31, 2025.
“The outstanding MSME and LE loans of thrift, rural and cooperative banks that subsequently become past due or non-performing, or are extended, renewed, or restructured, shall no longer be eligible as alternative compliance with the RR,” it said.
Likewise, new MSME and large enterprises loans that are granted by banks after the expiry of the relief measure shall not be eligible as alternative compliance with the RR,” it said.
“The unwinding of the temporary relief measure will restore the use of the RR as an instrument for managing liquidity in the financial system in line with the BSP’s broader agenda of enhancing its liquidity management capabilities,” it said.
METRO Pacific Tollways Corp.
offered to buy the stake of the government in the North Luzon Expressway.
“We made an offer to acquire the stake of TRB [Toll Regulatory Board], BCDA [Bases Conversion and Development Authority] and national government in NLEX. It’s being evaluated now by government,” MPTC president and
KIA Philippines Motor Corp. expects sales to hit 7,000 units in 2023, about 12 to 13 percent higher than its 2022 sales with the entry of its fully electrified vehicle into the Philippine market.
Kia Philippines newly-appointed chief operations officer Brian Buendia said the Korean car brand aims to increase its market share to 1.6 percent from 1.4 percent last year.
“We expect this much if the third and fourth quarter supply will be coming in as planned. We hope to grow faster than the industry and with 9 percent growth in May we are trying to catch up with industry growth of 13 percent. That is good enough for us because we experienced some hiccups in supply,” he said.
He said orders for the EV6, its first fully electric vehicle offering in the Philippines, launched in March 2023, has been delayed due to supply concerns. The first batch of orders placed in the second quarter is due to arrive by next week.
Buendia said competition for the unit is rising in the region and the increasing demand from the mother country is also putting pressure on supply.
Kia Philippines expects to sell about 100 units of the EV6 in 2023.
Kia Philippines’ best selling unit, the Stonic, will continue to drive sales in 2023 and the introduction of a new SUV by September is also expected to help buff up sales.
Kia Stonic make up almost half of Kia Philippines’ sales at 49 percent. It is followed by the Soluto and K2500.Othel V. Campos
DITO Telecommunity Corp. has rolled out its mobile postpaid plans in a bid to further expand its subscriber base.
“As we launch our mobile postpaid plans, we want to challenge the mindset that postpaid is only for the few. With DITO, Filipinos can now aspire for a digital upgrade they long for,” said DITO chief commercial officer Evelyn Jimenez.
DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans is the postpaid product of DITO Telecommunity designed to deliver unparalleled services to all Filipinos. Powered by its next-generation technology, DITO’s new mobile postpaid plans feature generous data allocation versus other competitors, UNLI all-net calls & texts, Advance Pay, Video Over LTE, premium and affordable handset offerings, data rollover, fast & easy application process- all these will surely give Filipinos a well-deserved upgrade.
“Apart from acquiring a premium handset, our postpaid plans also encompass all the benefits consumers can enjoy and experience with DITO. So, whether you’re a prepaid user switching to postpaid or an existing postpaid user wishing to change provider, our mobile postpaid plans will give you an upgrade and elevate your digital lifestyles at an affordable cost,” Jimenez said.
DITO started its commercial operations in 2021 with 14.96 million subscribers as of December last year. Darwin G. Amojelar
STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. has moved the planned privatization of the 797.92 megawatts Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydropower plants to 2024.
“PSALM finalizing our plans for CBK in coordination with our consultant ADB. Various challenges on security asset, long term viable ASPA (asset sale and purchase agreement0, transmission and power charges,” PSALM president Dennis de la Serna said.
“It’s going to be hard. We are hopeful for 2024,” he said.
PSALM initially set the CBK HEPP’s privatization this year after the successful sale of the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to Fresh River Lakes Corp., a subsidiary of the Lopez Group’s First Gen Corp. last month. The CBK hydro facility consists of 22.6-megawatt Caliraya in Lumban, 20.8-MW Botocan in Majayjay, and 684.6-MW Kalayaan I and II in Kalayaan, Laguna. J-Power and Sumitomo Corp. of Japan operate the CBK power plants. PSALM is the agency tasked under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act
chief executive Rogelio Singson said.
“I understand before I came in there we’re already in discussion [to acquire the government’s stake in NLEX]. We are just awaiting the valuation,” Singson, who was appointed as the new president of MPTC earlier this month, said.
The government in February announced the plan to sell its 3.46-percent stake in NLEX to bankroll funds for the Maharlika Investment Fund.
MPTC is the tollways infrastructure unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
MPIC is one of three key Philippines units of Hong Kong--based First Pacific
Co. Ltd.
It owns 70.78 percent of NLEX, while BDO Unibank holds 11.7 percent; EGIS Investment Partners Philippines Inc., 10.16 percent; and Global Fund Holdings, 3.9 percent. NLEX earlier booked a net income of P2.1 billion in the first quarter of the year, up 38 percent from P1.5 billion in the same period last year.
The company recorded revenues amounting to P5.1 billion, up 31 percent from the first quarter of 2022 figures due to stronger travel demand and higher toll rates implemented in May and June 2022.
Average daily traffic along NLEX reached 320,863 vehicle entries as of March, higher than thr 2022 figures by 20 percent, while average daily traffic along SCTEX reached 80,261 entries or 23 percent above last year’s figures covering the same three-month period.
NLEX spans about 105 kilometers or 598 lane-kms. and is the main infrastructure backbone that connects Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon, while SCTEX is a 93.77-km four-lane divided highway, traversing the provinces of Bataan, Zambales Pampanga and Tarlac.
By Jenniffer B. AustriaTHE Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against six lending firms for employing abusive debt collection practices and failure to disclose their online lending platforms.
SEC, in a statement, said its Enforcement and Investor Protection Department filed criminal charges against FESL Lending Investor Corp., FESL Business Process Outsourcing Services, Realm Shifters Business Process Outsourcing Services, U-Peso.ph Lending Corp., Philippine Microdot Financing Corp. and Armorak Lending Inc. SEC alleged the companies violated of Republic Act No. 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act, Republic Act No. 11765 or the Finan -
cial Products and Services Consumers Protection Act and the SEC FCPA Implementing Rules and Regulations, according to SEC.
The agency also implicated Gwen Lemuel Zamora, incorporator, director and corporate secretary of FESL Lesing as well as the registered owner of FESL BPO, and Jennifer Mangubat Salvador, the registered owner of Realm Shifters.
The regulator also charged the beneficial owners, incorporators, and officials of the six lending firms.
The cases stemmed from the joint operation between SEC Task Force on Online Lending Application and Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group following several complaints against these companies.
The FCPA prohibits the use of unfair
Development Project.
and abusive debt collection practices by lending corporations against borrowers.
LCRA also provides that no corporation can act as lending company without authority to operate from the SEC.
“A plain-view inspection of the desktop monitors confirmed both organizations’ suspicions that the respondent managerial employees were sending threatening messages to the OLP’s borrowers and borrowers’ contacts which is a clear violation of the FCPA,” SEC said.
“As attested by the Digital Forensic Examiners and arresting officers from PNP-ACG and personally witnessed by members of SEC-EIPD team, the collecting specialists of respondents employees threats, harassment and intimidation in collecting the debts from delinquent borrowers,” it said.
THE Department of Finance will oppose proposals that will result in lower revenues from value-added tax, Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Wednesday.
Under the existing policy structure for VAT or taking into account the existing VAT exemptions and zero rating, Diokno said the administrative gap computed for 2018 is P546 billion, or equivalent to 3 percent of GDP.
“This is 41.6 percent of potential revenue under the existing policy structure. This revenue loss would be higher if we introduce more exemptions to the VAT system. The government cannot afford to lose additional revenues on VAT,” Diokno said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“It is also for this reason that the DOF does not support any legislative or non-legislative proposals that would further erode the VAT revenue base. Even after TRAIN [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion] and CREATE [Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises] laws, the DOF continues to push and implement tax policy and administration reforms on VAT,” Diokno said. Diokno also said DoF would review the VAT exemptions, although he said those that pertains to education and health might possibly stay.
Diokno said without exemptions, zero rating and at 100-percent efficiency, it is estimated that the government has to be collecting VAT equivalent to approximately 10.7 percent of GDP.
“GDP is the peso value of all the goods and services that we produce in a given period [VAT inclusive]. At present, we are only collecting around 4.7 percent of GDP which makes the combined tax policy and administrative gap to around 6.0 percent of GDP,” he said. Julito G. Rada
By Othel V. Campos TRADE SecretaryAlfredo
Pascualasked for increased support from the European Investments Bank on funding environmental and sustainable projects in the Philippines.
Pascual, who led Philippine trade delegation to Europe, said EIB is interested to finance a number of the government’s flagship and key projects such as the Mindanao Agro Enterprise
“The Philippines offers vast opportunities in sustainable manufacturing, services, and connectivity. Key sectors such as electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, mineral processing, electronics, and semiconductors align with new industrial technologies and renewable energy,” Pascual said.
“With a strong presence in the IT-BPM space, the Philippines serves global markets with vertical-focused solutions. The
country’s supportive environment enables multinational companies from Europe and elsewhere in the world to operate effectively and efficiently,” he said.
Other areas of interest for the EIB include digital connectivity, public transport, green economy, renewable energy, agriculture, and health sectors.
As the largest multilateral financial institution in the EU, the EIB aims to promote job creation, economic growth, and development in Europe.
It prioritizes projects related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, social and economic infrastructure development, and support for small and medium enterprises at the local level.
Pascual said that green and sustainable economy would be of interest to the EIB.
He said the Department of Trade and Industry is committed to achieving a green transition and digitalization of industries, particularly for the micro, small, and medium enterprises.
VANESSA de Jesus struck with 25 points, while Jack Animam posted a doubledouble for the Gilas Pilipinas National Women’s team as they put away Chinese Taipei, 92-81, on Wednesday to stay on track for a semifinal berth in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center.
With Afril Bernardino drilling in 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, and Animam banging in 16 points and 15 boards, the Filipinas went on to post their only win in three matches in Group B.
The win was, however, enough for the Filipinas,
who will Timely assists, steals and baskets from De Jesus and Animam in the last five minutes allowed the Philippines to move away after the Taiwanese side threatened, 74-78.
Camille Clarins’ triple and layup off a rebound and steal from Animam and De Jesus allowed the Filipinas to pull away on an 8-0 blast to gain the upperhand at 84-74 in the final 2:33.
“It’s our first win in the pool. We’re happy to know that we belong to the FIBA Asia Cup. Hopefully, this is not the last time. We hope to continue winning,” said coach Patrick Aquino.
China, which is unbeaten in Group A after two games, is fighting the top slot with New Zealand, which has a 2-1 slate.
Chinese Taipei drew strength from star player, YuTing Lin who showed the way with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
The New Zealand Ferns bounced back from their Day 2, 46-80 mauling at the hands of China with a 76-45 triumph over Lebanon.
Tahlia Tupea led the Tall Ferns with 20 points, while Penina Davidson did the business in the paint with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
GENERAL Santos leaned on seasoned John Wilson to foil Paranaque, 89-83, on Tuesday and rev up its drive in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (Fifth Season) at the Ynares Sports Arena. Pasig City followed suit by repulsing Marikina’s final assault and prevailing, 71-66, in the nightcap of another triple bill in the single round-robin eliminatio n phase of the 29team tournament.
Flashing the form that made him the MPBL Lakan Cup MVP, Wilson fired 33 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter that enabled the GenSan Warriors to regain control after the Paranaque Warriors clawed back 10 points down 56-66) and moved ahead, 82-81, following a triple by Joshua Gallano with 1 minute and 15 seconds to go.
Paranaque couldn’t score after that, however, while Wilson drove in twice, Nico Elorde added two charities and Felix Apreku the final basket to push the Warriors to their 11th win against four losses while pulling
LOS ANGELES—US veteran Megan Rapinoe said the upcoming Women’s World Cup feels like a “paradigm shift” in the global business of women’s sports even as inequities persist.
The fight for equal pay by Rapinoe and her US teammates was a backdrop to their 2019 World Cup triumph in France, eventually resulting in a collective bargaining agreement with US Soccer that included equal prize money between the men’s and women’s national teams and more equal benefits in areas including accommodation and travel.
FIFA has guaranteed that ever player at next month’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will earn at least $30,000, with the winners taking home $270,000.
At a US media day on Tuesday, Rapinoe said there was still work to be done to ensure the world’s best women footballers are properly compensated, but there’s no doubt that the Women’s World Cup has arrived as one of the top sporting events in the world.
“I think, just in general, women’s sports right now feels like we’re sort of out of just the dogged fight phase,” Rapinoe, who played on World Cupwinning teams in 2015 and 2019, said as the team gathered in California to begin final preparations for the tournament.
“It feels like a real opportunity to blow the lid off just in terms of fanfare and media and sponsorships and the sort of larger business around this sport.
“I think everyone is sort of hip to the game now and understands that this is not somewhere that’s just like, ‘Oh, we should cheer for the Women’s World Cup because that’s the right thing to do.’
“It is actually terrible business if you are not tuning in—you are missing out on a large cultural moment ... this is the premier women’s sporting event in the world bar none and this is a paradigm shift globally, not just in the US.”
- It’s infuriatingRapinoe acknowledged that progress didn’t mean there wasn’t “still work to be done.”
Canada’s women remain locked in a labor dispute with their federation, with captain Christine Sinclair saying last week she expected at least a temporary solution to be reached before the World Cup squad departed.
down the Patriots to 7-10.
Wilson also posted 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists to emerge the game’s best player. He was supported by Larry Rodriguez with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, plus 2 steals, and Jervy Cruz with 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Gallano ended up with 15 points and 5 rebounds for Paranaque, which also got 14 points from Keith Pido and 13 from Pari Llagas.
Like GenSan, Pasig City MCW Sports appeared headed for a cruise, 66-53, midway through the fourth quarter. The Marikina Shoemasters refused to give up, however, and threatened at 66-68 following a short jumper by Felipe Chavez with still 1 minute and 25 seconds left.
Pasig silenced Marikina the rest of the way and secured its 11th win against 6 losses with a basket from Robbie Manalang and a free throw from Michael Maestre.
Kenny Roger Rocacurva led Pasig with 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks, followed by Maestre with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Manalang with
and New Zealand.
By Randy CaluagFILIPINO soccer fans made sure the Philippines is well represented in a grand parade highlighting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration in Sydney on Wednesday.
The event marked the 25-day countdown to the world’s biggest women’s football competition set to kick off on July 20 in Australia
Australian Filipinos, some clad in traditional Filipino dress and others wearing Philippine flag-inspired attire, showed up during the parade of teams.
The Filipinas are now in Sydney, preparing for their historic appearance in the World Cup.
The Filipinas will have their first game against the New Zealand Football Ferns in New Zealand on July 25 in Dunedin.
The Philippines, with Australian coach Alen Stajcic, made a historic first appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup via their 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinal finish.
The Filipinas took the most-sought slot after beating Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals on penalties following a 1–1 draw even as they bowed to South Korea in the semifinal.
12 points plus 4 assists, and Jason Ballesteros with 9 points plus 16 rebounds.
Marikina, which fell to 7-10, got 16 points, 7 assists and 3 blocks from Chavez and 10 points from Marwin Dionisio.
Bicol finally ended its long futility record with a 96-93 victory over Oriental Mindoro in the opener.
With James Martinez posting a triple-double of 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds and Wowie Escosio carding 24 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, the Bicol Volcanoes surged ahead, 84-66, to secure their first win after 16 losses.
Mindoro dropped to 3-14 despite the 17-point, 13-assist, 8-rebound, 5-steal effort of Paolo Hubalde, the 21 points of Agem Miranda, the 18 points of Rodel Vaygan and the 17 points plus 9 rebounds of Kristan Hernandez.
The MPBL goes to the Bacoor Strike Gym on Thursday with Caloocan battling Laguna at 4 p.m., Sarangani tangling with Muntinlupa at 6 p.m., and Makati testing Bacoor at 8 p.m.
LOS ANGELES—Katie Ledecky opened USA Swimming’s world championships trials with a blistering 800m freestyle triumph, clocking 8min 07.07sec on Tuesday in her fastest performance since setting the world record in 2016.
Ledecky, who won at the Rio Games in a world record 8:04.79, posted the third-fastest time ever in an event she has dominated since winning it on her Olympic debut in 2012.
Ledecky became the sixth American swimmer to qualify for a sixth long course world championships team, joining an elite group that includes Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Ryan Lochte, Elizabeth Beisel and Nathan Adrian.
“It felt great,” said Ledecky, who has won the 800m free at three straight Olympics and five straight world championships.
“I’ve been so eager just to get the meet started, just watching all the fast swimming today,” added Ledecky, whose performance highlighted the opening day of the US trials in Indianapolis, Indiana. “I was happy with that time.”
Jillian Cox cut 10 seconds off her personal best to finish second in 8:20.28 and punch her ticket to the world championships next month in Fukuoka, Japan.
Jack Alexy won the men’s 100m freestyle, leading from start to finish to edge a tightly bunched field in 47.93sec. AFP
AT 16, Shira Tweg is already making waves as a multi-talented artist. With a deep-rooted love for music, Shira’s passion has been fostered through enchanting performances at countless family gatherings. Beyond her musical prowess, Shira’s artistic fl air extends to dancing and acting, making her a true triple threat.
Hailing from a diverse heritage, Shira is a rising star with a captivating blend of Filipino and Israeli roots. Her introduction to the spotlight came in the form of a memorable portrayal of a young Sharon Cuneta, serenading audiences with her rendition of “Mr. DJ” in the acclaimed fi lm Kahit Maputi Na
Ang Buhok Ko
Thus, the anticipation surrounding her debut single, “Pag-ibig,” was palpable as fans eagerly awaited its release. The launch took place on June 11 at Music Box in Quezon City, setting the stage for Shira to shine. With her heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals, “Pag-ibig” is a testament to Shira’s talent and her ability to evoke the deepest emotions. The song serves as a beautiful expression of the complexities and frustrations that arise when one’s feelings for someone cannot be suppressed.
“Actually, love isn’t solely about romantic relationships. It encompasses family, friends, beloved pets, and
anything you hold dear. Love can be directed towards anything, not just boyfriends or girlfriends. It’s more expansive,” says Shira.
Shira Tweg’s journey as an artist has only just begun, and her debut single is a promising glimpse into her boundless potential.
“I’m truly grateful that as a new artist, I’ve already received numerous new projects. I’m thankful to have landed significant roles right away. Many new artists today struggle to secure opportunities, so I feel incredibly fortunate to have already received major opportunities at the start of my career,” she ends with gratitude.
In March 2023, Karylle was given the chance to star in Broadway Asia’s ‘Sound of Music’ as Baroness Elsa Von Schraeder
By Sophia Eugenio Images by Kiko Cabuena
SHE may be one of the most visible and popular actress-singers of her generation, but Karylle Tatlonghari is not someone who rests on her laurels. Through her many years working in the entertainment industry, she always challenges herself to do more, to be better, and to engage in new endeavors along the way.
This year, Karylle returns to her old passion, her first love—which is doing theater and musicals. Like other artists, the pandemic also hit her hard.
“I found myself several times on the
floor, na nagda-drama. I guess I found that the floor was my comfort place, which was not a good thing. So, how do you make that into something positive?
You know, kung mahilig ka naman mag-
drama, do it on the theater floor, the theater stage,” Karylle stated.
“Perform as if it were your last, or sing your song as if no one’s watching, kind of all of those things combined. I guess go back to the theater as if it’s your last day to perform. Because we definitely did feel that it could have been our last days on Earth, although there was too much food delivery. But I guess being on that edge, like the ‘what ifs’ became a little too real,” she continued.
Not knowing if she would have another day to live was a big shift for Karylle. Since the pandemic eased up, she has been onstage non-stop, starting with Repertory Philippines’ Carousel in December 2022, which was shown as part of the inaugural season of the CCP’s Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez.
Karylle is back on the theater stage for ‘CCP Out-of-the-Box Series: Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela’
& Roll Hall of Famer or joking about the black eye he suffered from an accidental Paul McCartney punch, must have resonated with the graduating students.
“I’m an Oscar winner and no one is more surprised than me. I will be for the rest of my life,” Bladh humbly said, informing film students that they should expect to spend 12 hours daily on a set.
(2015).” In both movies, I have seen and I say the sound is a critical component in pushing the unsettling vibe that made such thrillers effective.
She went on an audition streak thereafter, before landing the role of Baroness Elsa Von Schraeder in Broadway Asia’s Sound of Music in March 2023. She even went on to do a Broadway-watching marathon, watching eight plays during her trip to New York.
“Being a part of Sound of Music was a big deal as well. While we were in the dressing room, the Broadway actors were constantly talking about their difficulties because New York was really badly hit as well by the pandemic,” shared Karylle. “They were talking constantly about plays and I would hear them but I had no idea what they were talking about. Being around these actors made me realize that I have never seen a show on Broadway. Yael, being the ever-so-supportive husband, said ‘I’m gonna book you a flight to New York.’” she added.
Shortly after, she played Paula Marasigan in Contra Mundum: Ang All-Star Concert ng Ang Larawan at the Metropolitan Theater. She will also be reprising the role of Sita in Alice Reyes Dance Philippines’ Rama Hari this September.
And yet, Karylle still has time for another project, the CCP Out-of-theBox Series: Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela slated on June 30, 7:30 p.m. and July 1, 3:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). The CCP’s Out-of-the-Box Series highlights the projects, performances, and exhibits to different venues while the CCP Main Building undergoes renovation. Read full story on manilastandard.net
IT’S the awards season for students who reached the finish line of their courses or the school year, in particular for those who managed to graduate with honors.
Last week my nephew Angelo Deita graduated summa cum laude at The Los Angeles Film School where he completed a bachelor of science degree in film production. Angelo is the son of my sister Amelia and brother-inlaw Stephen who are both Filipinoborn Americans.
The occasion was relatively short and sweet, punctuated by delighted family members cheering for their kids once their names were called. The ceremony’s keynote speaker Phillip Bladh is an alumnus who won an Academy Award for Best Sound for his work on the movie “Sound of Metal,” which tells the gripping tale of a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing.
As if receiving the trophy wasn’t special enough for a dude who plays in a band and used to make recordings in his home closet, the Oscars on the day he won was unlike no other, held under new normal circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bladh’s speech, which he delivered in a kind of tone rock vocalist Eddie Vedder does when presenting a Rock
He noted, “Hopefully you work on a movie that is part of who you are. A movie about a deaf drummer really spoke to me.”
The production sound engineer who also has a BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) worked on a number of interesting films, including Charlie Says (2018), and The Invitation
The Whittier, California native pointed out the importance of being there where the action is because of the break which he somehow promises will happen sooner or later. When Sound of Metal came he was fresh from working on a TV show that dealt with deafness.
He shared, “If you’re really trying to climb that ladder, don’t be afraid to read a script and say ‘Yes I want to be a part of this and I don’t care how much I get paid.’”
Located along the iconic Sunset Boulevard, The Los Angeles Film School is a haven where filmmakers’ dreams are cultivated. Its president Tammy Elliott was likewise expected to throw in inspiring thoughts and she did just that with warmth, having said, “The decisions you made on a day-to-day basis led you to come here.
So when you think about your next set of goals, personally and professionally, and in life itself, or when you hit that moment of doubt, please remember this day because you’ve already proven it. You’ve already done it. You have managed all those decisions and you’re going to be just fine.”
Promising Angelo intends to focus on his work as a storyboard artist. I saw his competent sample sketches before his graduation day and I wasn’t surprised he finished on top.
As for Bladh, it is my understanding that he can also provide the sound of other rock subgenres which may lead to another Oscar in the future.
ABS-CBN Corporation renewed its partnership with TV Network Inc. on Wednesday as it officially inked another five-year content agreement to deliver top-rated programs to its viewers.
“We are committed to deliver content that the Filipino viewers enjoy. ABSCBN is a valuable partner that will enable TV5 to bring compelling content and innovative shows that Filipinos will love,” stated TV5 President and CEO Guido R. Zaballero
“We’re very happy to sign this new agreement for the next five years. I think it’s a partnership that we’ve been very happy with. I think there are a lot of opportunities we can do together,”
ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez said in turn. The partnership also signifies the
event
start of the collaboration between the networks in co-producing the two highly-anticipated afternoon series Pira Pirasong Paraiso and Nagbabagang Damdamin
Both series are set to hit national television in July as part of TV5’s “Hapon Champion” block. This is the first of many projects as part of their commitment to creative collaboration. Kapamilya programs FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, The Iron Heart, Dirty Linen, and The Tale of Nokdu will keep delighting weekday audiences while weekend and Sunday slots are set to be filled with Everybody Sing and ASAP Natin ‘To, respectively.
This continued partnership between TV5 and ABS-CBN underscores TV5’s commitment to delivering diverse, captivating content and upholds its pledge to quality programming for Filipino audiences nationwide.
LEARN the Chinese martial art Tai Chi at Sunshine Place.
Tai Chi is widely practiced globally because of its benefits in defense training and meditation. This mind-body practice is considered a graceful exercise that mostly appeals to the elderly by helping their overall physical and mental health.
Because it is a low-impact exercise, it puts minimal stress on the muscles and joints. Lessons primarily consist of a continuous flow of slow movements or postures coordinated with breathing techniques.
The Tai Chi class will be conducted face-to-face beginning July 15. It is an eight-session course and will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. every Saturday by Irene Chia.
Sunshine Place member
to free three sessions while nonmembers will have two sessions.
Enrollees in the class will be taught skills of proper breathing and the art of relaxation. The students will learn how to do the Tai Chi 18 Movement Qigong, Tai Chi for Arthritis (Sun style), Tai Chi for Diabetes (combined Sun and Yang style), Yang 10, Yang 16, and Yang 24 style. Throughout the course, they will discover how to concentrate and visualize as instructed, while improving their balance, strength, and flexibility. More than that, through proper breathing techniques and continuous practice, Tai Chi can help develop their Chi—the energy that flows through them.
Irene Chia has been teaching Tai Chi and Qigong since 2008 and is also a resource person for Tai
Chi seminars or workshops. She has trained with Dr. Paul Lam the Tai Chi Health Institute based in Australia, Rudolph Petalver and Antonio Delgado of Peace Blossoms Internal Arts Society. Her professional background includes research, project coordination, publications coordination, layout, and design, and documentation. She graduated from De La Salle University in Manila with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology, and Bachelor in Science, Major in Marketing Management.
To enroll and for more information, contact 0917 8016440 or email hello@sunshineplaceph.com.
Chinese martial art Tai Chi helps the elderly to exercise their physical and mental health
SKINSTATION recently celebrated the opening of its 100th branch aptly called SkinSta tion Elite, a luxe state-of-theart clinic located in BGC, High Street South.
HAVE you ever experienced a strange symptom, searched it online, and ended up convinced you have a rare terminal disease?
With the digital world within reach, it’s all too easy to get lost in the sea of unvetted online health articles and scare stories. These often leave people more confused than ever, and most of the time unnecessarily worried.
What if there’s a safer, smarter way to manage your health worries? Now, a real doctor is just a tap away.
Thanks to the internet, professional medical help is now accessible without leaving your home or even your bed.
KonsultaMD, the country’s leading health tech platform, offers a solution for your medical inquiries, big and small. With its newest service, Konsulta Plus, you can now chat with a real-life doctor any time of day, any day of the week.
This isn’t just a robot sending automated responses—it’s actual advice from certified medical professionals. And what’s more, it’s budget-friendly. With just P150 per month, you can get unlimited access to quality medical
consultations whenever you need them. With KonsultaMD’s new offering, you can also skip the queue and get your prescription online.
Instead of hoping the internet leads you to the right over-the-counter medicine, let a licensed professional prescribe exactly what you need. With Konsulta Plus, you won’t have to wonder if you’re taking the right meds. Its licensed doctors will ensure you get the correct treatment when you need it. Plus, you can even buy your prescribed medicine through the KonsultaMD SuperApp and have it delivered to your doorstep anytime 24/7.
Talk about convenience!
“For the price of a cup or two of your favorite coffee, you can have a doctor on call 24/7. We believe that good health shouldn’t be a privilege for a few, but a right for all. And with Konsulta Plus, we’re making that more attainable than ever,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD.
Konsulta Plus makes managing your health as easy as checking your phone. For more information about KonsultaMD, visit https:// konsulta.md or download the app on the App Store or Google Play.
Offering the brand’s signature skin care, body whitening, and anti-aging procedures, the new outlet is exclusive to its Elite members.
Now in its 19th year, SkinStation was born out of a similar business venture. Founder Fred Reyes, a noted chemist in the country was running a growing enterprise as a distributor of specialty ingredients for per sonal products. The encouraging response, inspired him to open another business, a skincare center with its own line of clinical-grade skin and whitening products.
The very first SkinStation opened in 2004 in SM Fairview offering skin treatments and whitening procedures. The services were priced reasonably compared to other clinics owned by dermatologists. The brand naturally grew, with outlets opening in various malls around the country.
“We were one of the first to of fer premium whitening treatments, advanced products, and services at an
affordable price, compared to other centers,” Reyes shared during the media conference.
DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE
of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) has opened its two newest programs, Bachelor of Science in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Bachelor in Holistic Disciplines, for the Academic Year 2023 to 2024. The Bachelor of Science in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (BS-SIE), under the School of Management and Information and Technology (SMIT), cultivates future agents of change, who create solutions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a response to the needs of the people, community and the environment.
Motivated with a vision to develop and apply sustainable ideas in the corporate and community enterprise, graduates may pursue a career as a research and development specialist, organization and workforce… analyst, data delivery and inno-
vation lead, entrepreneurship and change management consultant, and transformation management expert.
It will run for 10 trimesters.
The Bachelor in Holistic Disciplines (BHOLD), under the School—Multidisciplinary Studies (SMS), equips next generation of indus-
try leaders with professional and glob Well to learning, students with diverse in public marketing copy ana of
try leaders with professional and global competencies in Contemporary Communication, Health and Wellness, Inclusion and Leadership and Youth Development Studies. Through a hybrid, integrative, and transformative approach to learning, students with diverse interests and abilities are prepared to succeed in the field of human services. They are trained to become human resource practitioners, public relations officers, brand marketing agents, creative writers and copywriters, researchers, data analysts, events planners and project coordinators, development officers, sales representatives, and business service officers.
It will run for nine trimesters.
Both programs will be meticulously conducted and facilitated under the guidance of the college’s roster of expert faculty members and industry leaders. For more information, visit http://www. benilde.edu.ph. To apply, email admissions@benilde.edu.ph.
The launch of their 100th outlet was marked by a gala celebration with special friends along with training seminars conducted by top global doctors. During the event, Reyes happily shared the company’s passion for innovation as an effective strategy for growth. “We embraced innovation and new technology, we also advocated fairness in compensation.”
The entire business is a family affair with each member of the family playing a special role in its growth. Reyes is the founder and Chairman of the Board, his wife Carleen is the president and his son Gerard Cedric is the Chief Executive Officer.
Early this year, SkinStation formally sealed its partnership with the Zishel Group of South Korea, a global distributor of novel medical technology and therapeutics for various applications.
Zishel’s global practitioners headed by UK Based doctor Dr. Vincent Wong were in Manila to train the Skinstation staff on the latest developments in beauty and anti-aging.
The partnership with Zichel will
bring in products like derma fillers, fat-dissolving injections, skinboosting treatments, and Tesslift, Zishel’s most advanced thread lift procedure.
Known for “lifting” sagging skin thread lift also stimulates collagen production for a more youthful appearance. The conventional procedure uses monofilament with results lasting for less than a year.
Tesslift was developed in Korea and uses a patented thread design that combines “cogs” with 3D mesh scaffold. This innovative thread structure induces collagen tissue to grow and adhere to the thread. The mesh scaffold reinforces the new tissue for better adherence. The youthful result can last for as long as three years. Within one year, the thread will be absorbed, leaving only the new tissue. This ensures safety and long-lasting results.
The global ambassador of Tesslift is Marco Seung Hwan Lee, Mister International Korea (2017) and Mister International World Competition Winner (2018). Lee was in Manila for the launch and was amazed at the local K-pop fever “A lot of Korean things here,” he said.
