Manila Standard - 2023 July 4 - Tuesday

OBIENA PUNCHES TICKET TO 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

CHUA, ARANAS LIFT POOL WORLD CUP

DOT sacks ad agency

Cancels DDB contract for slogan video after fiasco

By Othel V. Campos, Maricel V. Cruz

and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is terminating its contract with the ad company DDB Philippines after a promotional video it circulated online was exposed to have stock footage of other countries.

Although DDB owned up to the error, the DOT decided to cancel the contract for its new slogan campaign as the fiasco embarrassed the department and compro-

mised the sincerity of the campaign. International news services such as the BBC and CNN have carried stories about the tourism fiasco.

“The DOT is in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in expressing our outrage and extreme disappointment at the use of non-original/stock footage purporting to be scenes from the Philippines in the audiovisual presentation

(AVP) prepared, produced, and published by DDB Philippines as a component of the launch of the enhanced tourism branding campaign for the country,” the DOT said in a statement. Under the terms governing the DOT’s tourism branding campaign contract with DDB Philippines, “material/s produced by the winning bidder should be original

MRT

firm files petition for P2 fare increase

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday said the management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has re-filed a petition for a fare increase before the agency’s Rail Regulatory Unit.

Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said no fare adjustment was approved for the MRT-3 for the last eight years.

Earlier, MRT-3’s fare hike petition was deferred due to “infirmities in complying with the requirements and procedure.”

MRT 3 filed for an additional P2.29 boarding fare and P0.21 distance fare per kilometer to finance its operating expenses.

Senate to push for P100 wage hike thru law

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday said they will lower the P150 legislated wage hike earlier approved at the Senate committee level and instead push for a P100 across-theboard increase.

“We already approved the P150 wage hike increase on the committee level under Senator Jinggoy Estrada, being the chairperson of the Committee on Labor,” said Zubiri in a television interview.

The proposed P100 legislated wage increase, Zubiri said, would be on top of the P40 wage hike in the National Capital Region approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

“So what we could do is we could amend it

Marcos lauds Air Force’s ‘essential’ maritime patrols to secure PH

By Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

rallied members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to brace themselves for “geopolitical changes” as he under-

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the death of a 21-year-old female architecture student in Occidental Mindoro who was found

scored the importance of maritime air patrol missions in upholding territorial integrity.

“The days ahead will not be easy and will demand every ounce of your strength and resilience. The winds of

change signal geopolitical changes around

naked and lifeless in her rented room in San Jose town on June 30.

Police said Eden Joy Villacete, an incoming fifth-year student of

CHED wants UP to review security after sex assault

THE Commission on Education called for a review of the security policies of the University of the Philippines after a female student was sexually assaulted within the Diliman campus late Saturday evening.

“This despicable criminal act is a wakeup call for the University of the Philippines to review and rationalize its security and safety policies, including its operational engagement with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies in order to make the UP Community safe

Zubiri mulls retiring after

Senate

term in 2028; ‘Not aiming higher’

replaced as Senate President.

Pag-IBIG gets COA top audit rating

PAG -IBIG Fund has earned the Commission on Audit’s highest audit rating on the presentation of its financial statements for the 11th consecutive year, top officials announced on Monday.

State auditors, in a letter dated June 22, informed Pag-IBIG Fund that it has rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of its financial statements for the years 2021 and 2022. In the same letter, COA upgraded its prior issued modified opinion on the agency’s books for the year 2021, after Pag-IBIG Fund enhanced its data migration system following the state auditors’ recommendations.

These developments have enabled the

Marcos repeats vow to build 1m houses by 2028

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to build one million houses yearly during a visit to a housing project in Pampanga on Monday.

The government will deliver around 100,000 housing units by next year, Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar said, accompanying the President on the Pampanga trip.

The President said under his flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, Filipino families in the provinces will have easier access to decent shelters.

The goal is to build one million houses each year until the end of his tenure as President, Mr. Marcos said as he inspected the progress of the Crystal Peak Estates, a 9.8-hectare housing development site being built in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Crystal Peak Estates was designed to house 8,300 families in the public and private sectors, including overseas Filipino workers and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Education.

The President added that his administration was planning to build other buildings such as hospitals, schools, markets, and other recreational facilities around the housing projects to help establish communities.

The Chief Executive also cited that the private sector is coordinating with the national government to achieve its goal to build houses before his term ends in 2028.

Charles Dantes

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in Pampanga on Monday.

“The Philippine Air Force’s maritime air patrol missions are thus essential in upholding our territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine maritime zones,” added the commander-in-chief.

Mr. Marcos expressed his administration’s strong commitment to support the Air Force as part of the Armed Forces modernization program.

Mr. Marcos, who led the awarding of outstanding PAF officers, also attended a PAF capability demonstration at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac.

Earlier, Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro said the Philippines is not a pawn in the geopolitical maneuvering in the South China Sea.

Teodoro said the Philippines’ partnerships with other nations should not be linked to the territorial dispute in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Philippines is for the Philippines and we leverage that. And I think other countries want to help us because they view it as... standing strong with democratic values,” he said.

“The Philippines is a value proposition by its own self, and is not a pawn of anybody else in the geopolitical battle that’s raging within our area now,” Teodoro added.

In April, China condemned the Philippines for expanding the number of military bases in the country that US troops can use under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

The Philippines and the US added four new military sites, with two of them near Taiwan.

agency to maintain its streak of garnering COA’s highest audit rating for the 11th straight year.

“This is truly a significant milestone in Pag-IBIG Fund’s history.

Earning the highest opinion from COA for the 11th consecutive year is yet another proof that Pag-IBIG Fund has been, and continues to be, managed properly,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG

DOT...

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and aligned with the DOT’s advocacies.”

“The DOT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DOT deem the agency incapable of the project,” the contract reads.

DDB Philippines has publicly apologized, taken full responsibility, and admitted that non-original materials were used in their AVP, reflecting a failure to comply with their obligations under the contract and a direct contravention of the DOT’s objectives for the enhanced tourism branding.

No payments have been made to DDB under the tourism branding campaign contract, the DOT said.

Legislators expressed dismay over the tourism mess.

“The whole mess with the contractor using stock footage in the promotional video proves my earliest point about the DOT either apologizing to Albay or firing the consultant,” Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said.

Clearly, the exclusion of Mayon and other tourist attractions intrinsic to the

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As of November 2022, the MRT3 system’s total expenses amounted to P8.96 billion, while the total revenue amounted only to P1.1 billion, resulting in a deficit of P7.8 billion or a government subsidy of P88.34 for every passenger.

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista earlier approved the fare increase for the LRT (Light Rail Transit) line, adding P2.29 to the P11 boarding fare, and P0.21 to the P1 distance fare.

Chavez said the approval “is not only necessary, beneficial and practical for both the LRT operators and commuters,

Senate...

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and come up with the committee report proposing a P100 additional minimum wage increase for our workers,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri said is optimistic that the P100 legislated wage increase would pass into law since all his fellow senators

Probe...

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she was killed. A P459,000 reward has been raised for any information that would lead to the arrest of her killer or killers.

The reward was raised by CareFM

Zubiri...

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“I really can’t run anymore because I’m on my second consecutive term.

I’m not looking for a higher office,” he said in a television interview.

“We have yet to elect a president or vice president that is mestizo like me. At this point in time, I have no political ambitions. I’m looking forward to my retirement in 2028,” Zubiri said.

By 2028, Zubiri said he would have already served 25 years in public office.

“Having run in so many elections, I am also tired,” Zubiri said.

“It’s now time to look back and take care of my children who are going to be

Fund Board of Trustees.

“This is a testament to how Pag-IBIG Fund upholds excellence and integrity in managing their funds, in the fulfillment of our mandates and in line with the directive of President Marcos of providing Filipinos with more stable and more prosperous lives,” he added.

COA rendered unqualified opinions on Pag-IBIG Fund’s financial statements from 2012 to 2017 and unmodified opinions for the years 2018 to 2022.

Auditors use both unqualified and unmodified opinions, which are the highest opinions that COA can give to a government agency or corporation, to mean that the financial statements of a company or agency are presented, in all material

Philippine brand was just a symptom of “trabahong tamad” (lazy work) that is now evident to everyone, Salceda said.

“Since the DOT will not be apologizing (because the video, supposedly, is just a first installment), the way forward seems clear,” Salceda said.

“The first video was supposedly a ‘mood video,’ according to the contractor. For something as critical as an entire country’s image, you don’t set the mood with plagiarism,” Salceda said.

Second, “as for the branding itself, the slogan is a creative decision best left to experts and its usefulness will be proven ultimately in tourist numbers. We will know soon enough if it works,” Salceda said.

“One lesson here is not to dismiss legitimate concerns as ‘political soundbites’ but to listen, consult, and discuss. The country’s branding is reflective of our identity and aspirations as a people: what’s wrong with wanting to be represented well in that?”

Salceda, who chairs the House Ways and Means committee, suggested nationwide consultations with tourism stakeholders on how to really rebrand and restart the country’s tourism sector.

“The back-and-forth of statements was good for revealing what needs

but also for the country as well.”

“Let’s make the rail system sustainable to build more and to serve more,” he added.

Chavez said the LRT-1 and LRT-2 deserve a modest fare increase after petitions were denied for the past eight years. He said that the actual rates for endto-end travel at the LRT-2 from Antipolo to Recto costs P178 per passenger, but only P30 is being charged.

“Therefore, P148 is the indicative subsidy by the government for every passenger for every end-to-end trip,” Chavez said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Chavez said the LRT-1 operators had also asked for a fare increase since 2016.

The LRT-1 runs from Baclaran in

support the measure.

“You know their claim is always that we have the second highest minimum wage in Southeast Asia. That’s no longer true. Indonesia has already gone over P800. I think they’re about P830 per day. Malaysia is already I think P890, close to P900 per day. Of course, Singapore has a minimum monthly income, which is tens of thousands of Singapore dollars. So we’re no longer second high-

broadcaster Mariboy Ysibido on his program “Pag-Usapan Natin.”

Contributing to the fund were Rep. Odie Tarriela, who committed P100,000; Gov. Eduardo Gadiano, P100,000; Vice Gov. Diana Tayag, P100,000; the municipality of San Jose, P100,000; Care FM, P25,000; Board Member Alex Robles del Valle, P25,000; and Barangay Bagong

teenagers at that time. And [so I will] do my best in these next five years for our people. I think that is what is important because I tell my colleagues, I don’t have political ambitions,” he added.

Zubiri said in an earlier interview that has no illusions of being irreplaceable even as he rejected the idea of conducting a loyalty check among his colleagues amid rumors of a leadership coup in the Upper Chamber.

On Monday, he said that preserving the independence of the Senate would be his legacy.

“I’m here only to protect the institution because I believe in the Senate. I truly believe in the Senate as the last bastion of democracy in our country. We need the Senate, and we need a

respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting frameworks.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, emphasized the value of the state auditor’s findings citing that these fittingly complete the agency’s bestperforming year of 2022.

“The year 2022 stands out as our best performing year yet, as we posted our highest ever annual net income of P44.50 billion. We also posted record-highs in home loan takeout worth P117.85 billion, which benefitted 105,212 members who now have new or better homes, membership savings collections amounting to P79.90 billion, and loan payment collections worth P127.42 billion.”

to be improved. But we have to move forward. Let’s genuinely sit down and talk,” Salceda said.

Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers raised concerns over the apparent similarity of the campaign slogan used in the DOT’s recent promotional materials to one previously used in Cyprus.

“The use of deceptive stock footage by the DOT is not only a disservice to Filipinos but also to foreigners who may be misled into believing that these images represent the beauty and attractions of our country,” Castro said. “This type of shoddy work undermines the credibility and integrity of our tourism industry.

She also highlighted the significant amount of public funds allocated for these promotional materials.

“The DOT allocated almost P50 million for this type of work. Taxpayers’ money should be used judiciously and with utmost transparency, especially when it comes to promoting our country,” she said.

Castro called on the DOT to rectify this issue promptly and ensure that future promotional campaigns are genuine representations of the beauty and diversity of the Philippines. She also urged concerned government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and file appropriate charges.

Parañaque City to Bago Bantay, Quezon City (Roosevelt); LRT-2 from Recto in Manila to Antipolo City in Rizal; and MRT-3 along EDSA from Taft Avenue to North Avenue in Quezon City.

But Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte appealed to transport officials to rethink their plan to hike LRT fares.

At the same time, Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, appealed to President Marcos to suspend this fare-hike plan by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), respectively, for LRT Lines 1 and 2 (LRT-1 and LRT-2) and for MRT Line 3 (MRT-3), as he did in April.

est,” he said.

“Vietnam is about P510 pesos per day, we are at P580 but remember that Vietnam has no deductions. They are a communist country. They don’t need to contribute to Pag-Ibig. They don’t need to contribute to Philhealth because their housing is free. The hospitals are free,” he added.

In the Philippines, Zubiri said deductions from the wage of workers range

Sikat Captain Ismael Cacayurin, P5,000; and anonymous sources, P4,000.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo quoted Occidental Mindoro Police chief Col. Jun Dexter Danao as saying they obtained CCTV footage captured at around 3 a.m. showing a man walking near the area where Villacete’s body was found.

strong Senate,” Zubiri said.

Last week, at least six senators denied rumors of a leadership change in their chamber during the opening of the 2nd Regular Session of the 19th Congress on July 24.

Rumors said Zubiri will be replaced by Senator Jinggoy Estrada or Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

But both Legarda and Estrada denied the rumors, calling them mere gossip.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito also denied the rumor, saying the senators are very satisfied with Zubiri’s leadership.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the finance committee, also denied any move to oust Zubiri, who he said was “well-liked.”

IN BRIEF

PBBM, Sara retain high trust ratings

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara-Duterte maintained high approval and trust ratings on the latest survey on public acceptance of their leadership.

Results of the PAHAYAG 2023 second quarter survey released on Monday showed that the approval and trust ratings of the country’s top two officials “remained stable”.

The President’s approval rating even went up slightly to 62 percent from 60 percent last quarter poll attributed to a significant increase from the Visayas, Catholic, and government workers sectors.

The Vice President maintained her approval rating at 67 percent as she received overwhelming support in Mindanao at 79 percent.

Charles Dantes

MTRCB to review ‘Barbie’ after ban

THE movie “Barbie” will be reviewed for rating and classification on Tuesday, Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson Lala Sotto said Monday. Sotto was asked if the Philippines will also ban the movie starring Margot Robbie for showing a map that featured China’s nine-dash-line in the South China Sea.

“In connection thereto, the MTRCB assures the public that as with any material rated by the Board, the film shall undergo a fair and thorough review in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1986,” Sotto added. Asked if the MTRCB review was related to the ban by Vietnam, Sotto said the local distributor applied before the MTRCB its request for rating and classification.

from P45 to P50 a day.

For its part, the research group IBON said the P40 wage hike approved for the NCR remains a far cry from what labor groups demand and “certainly much less than what Filipino workers need and deserve.”

“The real value of the NCR minimum wage or adjusting for inflation is still lower than the highest it reached fourand-a-half years ago.

CHED...

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and secure,” CHED chairman Prospero de Vera III said.

In a statement, the UPD administration said it was working with the police to arrest the suspect and provide assistance to the victim.

It said more roving security personnel and university police officers will be deployed in different areas of the campus, especially after office hours.

De Vera said higher education institutions must remain safe spaces for students.

“I encourage anyone and everyone who has any information regarding the incident to report to the authorities to aid in the investigation. The University must spare nothing to ensure that justice is obtained for the victim and her family,” the CHED chairman said.

“I have asked the University Administration to extend all possible assistance to the student and her family at this time of great challenge. I share with the entire UP Community our full support for her and her family in overcoming this difficult traumatic hurdle in their lives,” added De Vera, who is also the chairperson of the UP Board of Regents.

‘Mayon not improving, but not worsening’

By Rio N. Araja and Vince Lopez

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) keeps a close watch of MAYON Volcano amid observations that “it is not improving but not deteriorating.”

Meanwhile, government assistance to the villagers affected by Mayon’s restiveness has reached P131.2 million, up from P108 million as of last June 8, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed. Phivolcs resident volcanologist Dr. Paul Karson Alanis compared the Volcano to being at the inten-

sive care unit of a hospital which needed a sustained vigil.

Over the past 24 hours, Phivolcs recorded 295 rockfall events, three volcanic earthquakes, two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC) that lasted two minutes, and two “light brown” lava emissions reaching 200 meters above the cater.

The volcano also unleashed 962 tons of

sulfur dioxide during the past 24 hours, the Philvolcs said. Alanis still warned residents inside the volcano’s seven- to eight-kilometer extended danger zone to prepare for possible evacuation after pyroclastic materials were monitored at the Basud Gully facing the south and south east quadrants of the volcano.

The quadrants covered Legazpi City, Daraga, and Santo Domingo towns in Albay province.

The NDRRMC said the relief goods dispatched by the government consisted of distilled water drums, family food packs, health kits, tents, financial and fuel aid, hog grower feeds, hygiene kits,

laminated sacks, mosquito nets, nylon ropes, rice, and tarpaulins.

Presently, the number of affected families was placed at 11,045 equivalent to 42,815 persons residing in 26 barangays.

A total of 5,775 families were staying in 28 evacuation centers.

“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,” the Philvocs said.

“It is therefore recommended that the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) be evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and

other volcanic hazards,” the agency said.

A very slow effusion of lava flows from the crater were observed along Mi-isi gully extending up to 2.7 kilometers and along Bonga gully extending up to 1.3 meters, the Phivolcs said.

Lava collapse was also seen on both gullies within 3.3 kilometers, it added.

Over the weekend, a new lava collapse was observed along Basud gully, extending up to four kilometers as Phivolcs noted an increased activity in the volcano.

A moderate emission of plumes reaching up to 500 meters was seen from the volcano, drifting in the west and westnorthwest directions.

Rollout of NSCR ushers in new era in railway industry—DOTr

By Maricel V. Cruz

ROLLOUT of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system will signal the revival of the country’s rail sector, Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Monday.

Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep.

Bernadette Herrera has filed a bill creating a single and unified regulatory body or the railway industry “to promote the efficient and effective management of the national railway system.”

The NSCR, a 147-kilometer railway project, broke ground on Monday for the P73.25 billion South Commuter Railway project or the Alabang-Calamba segment.

“We are forging ahead, overcoming every challenge, because we know meeting the project’s deadlines will lead to a game-changing rail system that will transform lives,” Bautista said during the

Comelec purges voters’ list ahead of October village polls

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has deleted a total of 257,805 voter registrations out of the more than 400,000 who have double or multiple registrations.

A Church-based poll watchdog was also preparing for the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the purge of the voters’ registration list came ahead of the BSKE. The Comelec said there were more than 400,000 voters found to have double or multiple registrations nationwide.

“This is a result of the June 19 Special Election Registration Board hearing,” Laudiangco said, adding that “the number includes 167,223 identities of two or more voters’ fingerprints based on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

He said the list also covered 84,335 voters who transferred residence to another city or municipality, 83 voters who failed to vote twice in two succeeding regular elections, 2,620 voters who were reported or confirmed deceased by the local civil registrars, and 3,544 voters who were found to have

DOH eyes shorter treatment period of 4 months for TB per WHO idea

THE Department of Health (DOH) mulls the implementation of a shorter treatment scheme for tuberculosis (TB) by the third quarter of this year.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they were looking at a four-month therapy for individuals suffering regular drugsusceptible TB, in contrast to the previous 12-month treatment period.

“The WHO [World Health Organization] has recommended us to adopt the four months treatment for regimen, which is two months for a certain list of drugs and another two months for a different set of drugs. This is for the regular drug-susceptible tuberculosis,” Herbosa said.

However, individuals with drugresistant tuberculosis would have to undergo six months of treatment, he added.

Dr. Kezia Lorraine Rosario who was designated as action officer for TB and HIV, said the new guidelines ensure that patients undergoing the treatment course would

have a shorter span of intake “therefore falling out of the treatment will be lessened”.

“The one that is suitable for the adults, that’s two months each, these are the isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol,” she said.

“Children until 12 years old that would be a combination of two sets of drugs which is the isoniazid, rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and pyrazinamide,” she added.

Apart from a new set of drugs for treatment, the DOH would be incorporating new technologies for case buildup.

“’Yung GeneXpert ginamit din natin ito (The GeneXpert which we used) during COVID. In fact, we used a different cartridge to detect COVID quickly but when it was brought to the Philippines, it is for the Global Fund to detect TB, so it has a cartridge where sputum can be put and then we identify the multiple drug-resistant TB because it is genetic,” Herbosa said.

double and multiple records in the city or municipal level. Another round of voter’s list cleansing will be conducted this coming July 27 preparatory to the BSKE, the poll body said. Meanwhile, Comelec mulls the automation of succeeding BSKEs.

“We will proceed with the automation. We can no longer proceed using the manual elections after the Oct 2023 BSKE elections,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said. The Comelec said the envisioned automation was meant to reduce electionrelated violence.

“In manual elections, we need early voting hours for senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant women, indigenous people, it would mean that teachers will need to be in their assigned precincts as early as 4 a.m. They will then need to manually count the votes until early morning the next day. That will be a pitiful situation for them,” Garcia said.

“In the BSKE, the longer vote counting goes, the more it becomes vulnerable to violence. Once there is a trend on who is winning, the emergence of violence becomes more probable.” he added.

Revolutionize waste management through circular economy—Villar

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia Villar has urged the public to grab the opportunity to revolutionize waste management through the circular economy approach.

Speaking at the Coffee Club Forum sponsored by Business Mirror at the Bellevue Manila, Villar said one of these initiatives was called the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Villar authored RA No. 11898 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.

“The EPR Act mandates large enterprises to take responsibility for the proper and effective recovery, recycling, or

disposal of the plastic packaging used on their products after they have been sold and used by consumers,” Villar said.

“The goal is to cut down non-environmentally friendly packaging, boost recycling, and promote effective waste recovery to mitigate environmental pollution,” she added.

According to the senator, the EPR law presents an opportunity to “dramatically reduce plastic waste and facilitate our transition toward a circular economy.”

She said implementation of the EPR Act “is a step in the right direction.”

The senator noted that long before the concept of ‘circular economy’ became popular, “its principles were already at the heart of their waste management practices.

groundbreaking rite for three contract packages of the South Commuter Railway.

He said the rail infrastructure would “open the gates for the renaissance of the railway industry in the Philippines.”

The project, co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank, aims to connect Clark, Pampanga in the north and Calamba, Laguna in the south by linking Metro Manila to its neighboring provinces, reducing travel time from four to fourand a half hours to less than two hours, with an estimated commuter volume of 600,000 daily.

“Residents and communities who have noticed the railway’s massive construction have pinned their hopes on a comfortable, affordable, safe and efficient commute—a striking contrast to the deteriorating road traffic that has spilled over to north and south of Metro Manila,” Bautista said.

MILF, gov’t renew Bangsamoro pact

THE peace implementing panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have renewed their commitment to the implementation of the nine-year-old Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Their meeting on July 1 was the first between the two panels during the Marcos administration, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said in a statement over the weekend.

The parties, in a joint statement, signed by GPH Peace Implementing Panel chair, Undersecretary Cesar Yano and MILF Peace Implementing Panel Minister Mohagher Iqbal announced the discussions of at least four key areas.

“First, the Implementing Panels expressed their sympathies to the bereaved families of seven MILF members who were killed during a law enforcement operation in Brgy. Damawato, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur on 18 June 2023. “ the statement said. Vince Lopez

Cavite lawmaker extols

Mr. Marcos

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has done an “impressive job in his first year in office, providing the country with a steady and reliable leadership in the face of difficult challenges,” said Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr.

“The President buckled down to work and took the bull by the horns, so to speak,” said Barzaga, a stalwart of the National Unity Party (NUP).

Barzaga said the Chief Executive was also able to restore decency in publicoffice,pointingoutthatMarcos“hasalways comported himself with dignity, exuding confidence.”

The senior lawmaker, chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said Marcos has been a “consummate professional who has never let emotions get the better of him.” Maricel Cruz

WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY. Representatives from the local government of Manila and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as well as members of the Gran Logia Soberana Del Archipelago Filipino under the guidance of the Supremo Consejo del Gradi 33 del Gran Oreinte de Filipinas mark the 131st anniversary of the founding of La Liga Filipina in Tondo, Manila. Norman Cruz

BEST SNIFFERS. K9 handlers and their dogs receive recognition during the 21st founding anniversary of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on July 3, 2023. Manny Palmero

FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. Morris Tidball-Binz, UN Special Rapporteur, stresses a point to delegates from various government law enforcement agency during the four-day United Nations Joint Program technical training on the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potential Unlawful Deaths on Monday, July 3, 2023 in Manila. Danny Pata

COA flags VP’s office, MMDA on procurement

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has called the attention of the Office of the Vice President for the acquisition of equipment for its satellite offices which violated Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The COA also flagged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for failure to fully implement 33 out of its 47 projects and programs amounting to P825.318 million as of Dec. 31, 2022.

In its 2022 report, the COA said the OVP procured equipment worth P668,197 and acquired it without procedures mandated by the law. The OVP cited the purchase had the lowest price and was used for the establishment of its satellite offices (SOs) outside Metro Manila.

“As per inquiry, the immediate establishment of SOs was made due to Management’s intention to immediately expand services offered by OVP to various provinces. However, controls to ensure that government resources were utilized as intended and prevented from loss should also be considered,” the report read.

COA issued recommendations to the OVP that procurement transactions resorting to reimbursement must be stopped for defeating the purpose of the procurement law.

For the MMDA, state auditors cited delays in documentary requirements

IN BRIEF

PNP: Manhunt for Bantag will continue

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will continue the manhunt to capture former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and his former deputy Ricardo Zulueta.

“This is our assurance that even though one of his cases was archived, it would not be a reason for us to stop the manhunt operation.” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters in an interview.

The PNP spokesperson also said that the authorities have been receiving reliable and credible information regarding the possible whereabouts of Bantag.

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 archived the case against the two in connection with the killing of New Bilibid Prison inmate Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in broadcaster Percy Lapid’s slay noted also that the archived case is subject to revival. Vince Lopez

Cops tracking down suspects in journo’s shooting

AUTHORITIES are tracking down five “persons of interest” behind the shooting incident that wounded photojournalist Joshua Abiad, six of his relatives, and a bystander in Quezon City last week.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel. Jean Fajardo said this is based on the investigation of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). She declined to give more details while follow-up operations are ongoing.

The PNP official also said that the suspects are members of a professional gun-for-hire group. Fajardo said the license plate used by the suspects for their getaway vehicle in the crime belongs to another vehicle, noting that they have traced the true owner of the plate used.

Vince Lopez

PDEA hauls P21.72b in illegal drugs

WORKING with other agencies, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that it was able to seize P21.72 billion worth of illegal drugs since the start of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

During the agency’s 21st anniversary celebration at the PDEA headquarters in Quezon City, director general Moro Virgilio Lazo announced their accomplishments from July 1, 2022, until April 30, 2023

The latest PDEA data showed 44,866 drug personalities, including 3,169 hightarget values, were arrested during the same period.

There were at least 32,225 antiillegal drugs operations, while authorities had dismantled 527 drug dens and a clandestine shabu laboratory.

Some 27,206 villages out of 42,045 barangays were declared drug-cleared as of April 30, and that 8,332 villages are still drug-affected. Rio N. Araja

and procurement activities and poor strategies in the monitoring and implementation of the projects and programs.

Only 5 out of the 33 MMDA programs were infrastructure projects, and 28 involved consultancy services and procurement of goods and other services, the COA reported.

The COA said 14 other projects and programs under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1 (MMFMP Phase 1) were already completed as of the end of 2022.

“The agency must expedite the implementation of programs and projects as this will also improve the quality of services rendered to the public,” it noted.

According to the MMDA reasoned out, its Project Management Office prioritized remaining procurement items and utilized continuing funds from previous years before their expiration.

The report cited that the MMDA incurred P27.426 million commitment fees due to unwithdrawn balance of loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

No abuse, maltreatment in POGO raid, PNP insists

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) does not tolerate abuse or maltreatment of persons in its custody.

This was emphasized by PNP public information office chief Brigadier General. Redrico Maranan when asked to comment on allegations that 13 foreigners sustained injuries when they attempted to escape police custody after a raid on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) establishments inside a compound in Las Piñas City last week.

“The PNP does not tolerate such abuse. All possible efforts are done to

ensure that persons under police custody are safe from harm or abuse,” he said in a statement over the weekend.

Maranan also said all the needs of the persons under their care are provided, even access to their respective embassies.

On June 27, police conducted a raid on the compound of Xinchuang Network Technologies, a POGO techno-hub in Barangay Almanza Uno, where more than 2,700 alleged trafficking victims were rescued. The company denied the trafficking reports.

Two days later, it was reported that 13 foreigners among the rescued workers were injured after an alleged attempt to

escape police custody. Eight reportedly needed immediate medical attention.

Maranan’s statement was in reaction to the demand of the legal representatives of Xinchuang for the PNP to allow medical treatment for the injured foreigners.

The PNP meanwhile reported that four Chinese fugitives were among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City.

Police spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said operatives “discovered four Chinese nationals who are wanted in China.”

Based on the record from our Chinese counterpart, the four were involved in fraud and drug trafficking,” Fajardo, quoted by a GMA News report, said.

Estrada files Senate bill to probe use of fake online celebrity endorsements

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada said the Senate should investigate reports of scammers using fake endorsements of celebrities, citing the risks to unsuspecting consumers.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 666, Estrada underscored the need for a Senate inquiry into the proliferation of fake online celebrity endorsements and deceptive social media postings of various unregistered food and drug products.

Estrada also warned against the spread of online marketing materials and fake pages or accountspromoting unregistered products that promise treatment for various ailments or wellness benefits.

He noted that scammers are using the names and pictures of local personalities and celebrities.

“These advertisements mislead consumers into believing that these celebrities are using and endorsing food and medicinal products that are actually unregistered before the proper health authorities and not yet approved for mass distribution and public consumption,” Estrada said.

He cited reports on the alleged product endorsements of cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon, who is a former medical consultant on the government’s National Task Force against COVID-19 and former President of the Philippine College of Physicians; and Dr. Willie Ong, who ran for vice president in the 2022 national elections.

Leachon’s name and picture were used to make it appear that he is personally endorsing a product as a cure for diabetes, Estrada said. Ong purportedly endorsed a “miracle food” in the form of mixed nuts.

Gomez urges DENR to act on massive pollution in Ormoc Bay

LEYTE Rep. Richard I. Gomez wants an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) o address the massive pollution of water, soil, and air resources in Palompon, Leyte caused by the discharge of chicken solid wastes into the waters of the AlbueraTinag-an stream system that drains into Ormoc Bay.

Gomez has earlier urged the House Committee on Environment and

Natural Resources to recommend the filing of criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate and his wife Lourdes for gross violation of the country’s land and environmental laws.

He has likewise recommended that the House committee “come up with a report and a conclusion” that the Oñate couple, along with complicit employees

Five more accused in Degamo killing recant

By Rey E. Requejo

FIVE more accused in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have affirmed the recantation of their testimonies pinning down suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the killing.

Atty. Andres Manuel, Teves’ legal counsel, stressed Winrich Isturis, Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez, and Eulogio and John Louie Gonyon sustained their recantations virtually on Monday.

“The five respondents submitted their sworn statements and affirmed these statements before the panel through Zoom,” Manuel said.

Last week, accused Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora, Osmundo Rivero, Joven Javier, and Rogelio Antipolo affirmed their recantations.

According to Andres, the recanta-

tions will give them the basis to question the multiple murder complaints filed against Teves.

“As we said before, we believe that our case is anchored on these recantations,” the lawyer said.

“Without the recantations, we believe that this is enough to question if it is still suitable to file a case against Congressman Teves,” the counsel of the respondents said.

Officials of the Department of Justice previously expressed confidence that the case remains solid despite the recantations of the suspects, stressing that they have evidence against Teves.

Meanwhile, Manuel said the National Bureau of Investigation has given them the documents that they requested.

The lawyer said they would look into whether they will file a counter-affidavit on the next hearing on July 17 or another pleading.

of the DENR regional office, “be charged” for violation of the Forestry Act and environmental management laws for pollution.

“What immediate actions has the DENR taken to prevent further destruction of the environment in Palompom? I have called its attention to the offenses of the Oñate couple and the DBSN Farms Agriventures Corporation. The House Committee on

Environment and Natural Resources has started an inquiry into the firm’s illegal activities. I hope the DENR has done something to address the issues I have raised,” Gomez said. Gomez said “the DENR leadership should not keep a deaf ear and a blind eye to the environmental crimes happening in Palompon and Albuera. It should act fast to stop the destruction of the municipalities’ water, soil and air resources.”

STATE OF THE CITY. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval delivers her State of the City Address of Malabon held at the Malabon Sports Complex. The event was followed by the blessing of newly purchased vehicles and a ribbon-cutting of a photo exhibit at the Malabon City Hall lobby on Monday. Andrew Rabulan

STONE TOOLS FROM TABON CAVE. Archeologists from the University of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines namely Timothy Vitales, Dr. Hermine Xhau air, and Dante Manipon show stone tools recovered from the Tabon Cave in Palawan dating to 33,000 to 39,000 years ago. The stones were evidence of basket and rope making in prehistoric Southeast Asia, researchers said. Danny Pata

PBBM IN PAMPANGA. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe (left) share a light moment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga where the rites for the 76th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force was held Monday morning. (Inset) The President and the Speaker have an animated chat banter with San Fernando City Mayor Vilma Caluag during the  inspection of the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project at Barangay del Carmen, San Fernando,  Pampanga Monday morning. Roy Pelovello/ Ver Noveno

‘Love the Philippines’ slogan: Will it work?

THE Department of Tourism launched last week its slogan “Love the Philippines” in time for its 50th anniversary.

The DOT called it rebranding the Philippines with special emphasis on the issue of “love.”

This brought me to ask the question, who or what is the target of the DOT in launching its slogan of “Love the Philippines”?

Santa Banana, it would seem the DOT would like Filipinos to “love” the Philippines more than to make foreign tourists love the Philippines!

This is rather confusing.

Yes, we Filipinos should love our country.

But at the same time, how can foreign tourists love the Philippines without telling them what they should love about the Philippines?

I can admire Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco for giving emphasis on “love,” but what would foreign tourists love about the Philippines that they should come here?

To me, this question of the word “love” misses the whole point in rewriting a new slogan to rebrand the country.

There have been some slogans done to rebrand the country, but for me, there’s no substitute to what the world knows what the Philippines is known for -- its famous beaches like Boracay, island resorts like El Nido and Panglao in Bohol.

I’m not saying here that “Love the Philippines” won’t work, with the special emphasis on “love,” which is a universal feeling.

But then, as I stated earlier, it would be more emphatic if DOT Secretary Frasco gave particular emphasis on what tourists would love to see in the country that they could not see elsewhere.

It is for this reason the DOT should be specific on what tourists would love about the Philippines, like India’s slogan “Incredible India” which gives emphasis on the many “incredible” experiences that India would give foreign tourists, the main target of rebranding the country as a tourist attraction.

It would be more emphatic if DOT Secretary Frasco gave particular emphasis on what tourists would love to see in the country that they could not see elsewhere

I’m not an expert in rebranding anything.

But, my gulay, being a DOT secretary, one must be like an excellent salesman who can even sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo.

Yes, there’s a need to rebrand the country, like selling something to the world which would entice foreigners to come to the Philippines.

And I still believe that more than anything the DOT must use all means of propaganda in selling the country to the world, like buying spots at CNN to attract foreign tourists.

In other words, a DOT secretary must realize that he or she must utilize all means to sell the country to the world.

It is for these reasons why the DOT must send, really send posters, selling devices, brochures worldwide to “sell” the country, and one of the means is to flood all Philippine consulates and embassies with propaganda materials.

Whenever I go abroad and visit Philippine consulates and embassies, more often than not, one of their main complaints is the lack of materials.

They are often asked by people getting visas to the country why the utter lack of brochures where tourists can go once they enter the Philippines, when there are so many things to see in the Philippines, the cultural wonders, the heritage sites, the wondrous island tours, resort beaches, diving spots and so many interesting places. Santa Banana, come to think of it tourism should be about selling the Philippines as a place of wonder.

The problem of PH

Yes, there are many things to love in the Philippines. The problem, however, is that while there are many things that tourists can love about the

By MaryKay Carlson

TODAY, July 4, Americans all over the world are celebrating the 247th anniversary of US independence. Here in the Philippines, we are also commemorating the 69th Philippine-American Friendship Day, making July 4 doubly special —a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.

Since I arrived in July last year, I’ve had the opportunity to see the deep, multifaceted USPhilippine relationship at work.

During a recent trip to Cebu, I met talented new friends from the vibrant network of US exchange alumni in the Visayas.

In Ilocos Norte, I learned how our development efforts are improving energy efficiency standards, a key part of the Philippines’ clean energy transition.

Last October, I had the honor to share the stage with President Marcos in Tacloban to commemorate the Leyte Gulf landing, honoring our shared history; while during a

allies’

Philippines, Santa Banana, how can a tourist love a country when tourists upon arrival at NAIA airport see our airport as a far cry from other international airports in Southeast Asia?

We have an international airport chronically called the “worst” airport in the world and, sadly enough, all main international gateways in Southeast Asia are referred to as the best.

I used to travel a lot in my younger days as a journalist and when I pass through the main gateways to countries around us, my heart truly breaks when I compare NAIA with airports like Hong Kong, Narita in Japan , and Seoul, Korea.

The international airports of Jakarta far excel NAIA.

There’s also the problem of infrastructure.

Yes, there are many things to love in the Philippines but can tourists just go there safely and easily?

And yes, Filipinos are known for their hospitality, but if tourist flights are delayed and canceled, my gulay, the stories that they would tell people when they go back home are about all the delays and inconveniences.

These would definitely erase whatever they love about the Philippines when they get back home to their country. Yes, Santa Banana, there are many things a tourist can love about the Philippines.

But what first impression will a tourist have about our country when they go through NAIA and flights are delayed or canceled or they have a difficult time going to the places they want to go to?

First year of BBM

When a President like Marcos Jr. ends his first year, he is usually rated as a success or a failure.

In fairness to BBM, while others may claim he did not do well during his first year, I will not rate him since he assumed office after the May 2022 elections at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was still ongoing and when oil prices soared due to multiple reasons like the RussiaUkraine war that had a domino effect on prices of almost everything in the country, especially on consumer goods and transport fares without any fault to BBM.

Moreover, what BBM wants to do for the country and its people is rather incomplete.

There is also the problem when productivity and services were diminished because of the pandemic, causing the surge of inflation sky high that reached as high as 8.1 percent, like many countries, and inflation causing prices of consumer goods to rise which necessitates Bangko Sentral to raise interest to tighten borrowings, due mostly to excess of money supply more than productivity and services, as economists would say.

All this necessitates President Marcos Jr. to assume the secretaryship of the agriculture department to ensure food security and affordability, knowing full well that food security is basic and essential to the people.

It was indeed necessary and essential for the President to assume the position as Secretary of Agriculture because of the need to control smuggling of food, like sugar , rice and other vital consumer goods in the wake of hoarding and manipulation of prices, like what I said of vital food.

There are many other things that President Marcos Jr. had to do during his first year in office.

Santa Banana, there was the need to import sugar and other consumer goods that only a President was in a position to do.

It is for these reasons it would be unfair to rate the President whether or not he did good or bad.

But, to be honest I would say that as President he did well. He knew what was vital and essential for the common good.

Thus, I would say for those who rated him bad for the first year in office, they fail to realize we cannot rate a President during his first year knowing full well what he must and had to do for the common good. As I said, BBM still has five years to go to get any rating. But,as far as I am concerned, he did pretty well.

The most essential and important thing is that BBM knows what he must do.

THE Philippines and the United States celebrate today their Friendship Day, an erstwhile official holiday titled Independence Day.

It commemorates the Treaty of Manila, signed in 1946 liberating the Philippines from American rule—that time the Philippine tricolors was pulled up as the Stars and Stripes was lowered at the bayside Quirino Grandstand.

It marked the end of more than 48 years of American rule lasting from 1898 to 1946.

In 1955, then President Ramon Magsaysay established the observance of Philippine American Day.

In 1984, under President Ferdinand Marcos, July 4 was designated as a non-working holiday to celebrate Filipino-American Friendship Day – which shows the first official celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day under the name it is known began that year.

The celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day follows more than 100 years of shared history between the two nations, which fought alongside each other during the second world war in the 1940s.

Many say the beginning of a good relationship between the two countries could be said to have started in 1946 when the Philippines regained complete independence from the United States.

To show appreciation for the assistance offered to them when Japan attacked, the Philippine government designated July 4 as Independence Day and also Filipino-American Friendship Day.

It was also on July 4, 1946, following Japan’s defeat in World War ll, that the United States restored independence to the Philippines, a US possession since 1898.

Today, the 4th of July is observed in the Philippines as a day that pays tribute to the long partnership between the two countries, and particularly at a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea, home to hundreds of islands, atolls and coral reefs, plus abundant reserves of oil and natural gas, fisheries and some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

For decades, neighboring countries have had

Disbarment and public office

15-0. THIS is the unanimous vote by the Supreme Court in its decision to revoke the license of newly appointed Adviser Larry Gadon to practice his legal profession. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had tapped the longtime Marcos loyalist to play a “pivotal role” in advising the chief executive “on strategies and policies aimed at combating poverty.”

The SC decision stemmed from a viral video footage in which he continuously curses and shouts obscenity towards journalist Raissa Robles, based on the article of CNN Ph.

The high court said the video showed Gadon’s “misogynistic, sexist, abusive, and repetitive intemperate language” against the journalist.

The Supreme Court initially placed Gadon on preventative suspension after acting “motu proprio” or automatically on the video clip that was disseminated. Gadon’s activities, according to the Supreme Court, were too scandalous to harm the legal profession.

In deciding as it did, the SC reasoned that Gadon “breached Canon II of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which states that a lawyer must demonstrate proper conduct, respect, and honesty.”

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” and added that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life.

The Supreme Court recalled that Gadon had previously been barred from practicing law for using “offensive and intemperate language.”

Gadon has been previously convicted 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. 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.

The SC thus concluded “Although these cases have yet to be decided, the volume of administrative complaints filed against Atty. Gadon indubitably speaks of his character.”

The high court also cited Gadon in direct contempt of court for his “baseless” allegations

of partiality and bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Recall that previously various personalities and groups had been the subject of Gadon’s vitriol and shocking display of brashness and uncouth behavior, indiscriminately hurling expletives and profanities at whosoever he directs his ire.

In one radio interview, he falsely accused then president Noynoy Aquino to have died of the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. This was later belied by the Aquino family who said that Noynoy died from renal failure.

In 2016, Gadon, who was running for

Can a disbarred person be appointed to a high public office?

Theoretically and legally yes but in this context of Gadon’s disbarment, President Marcos might want to reconsider

senator at the time under the Ferdinand E. Marcos-founded Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party, said he would bring the Philippine Army to eradicate the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to the chagrin of Muslims.

In 2018, Gadon appeared in a protest in Baguio City against then Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s quo warranto petition, where he shouted expletives and flashed his middle finger. What Sereno’s quo warranto ouster means for President, VP The President and the Vice President have very minimal requirements for eligibility. As such, there are very lim...

“Etong mga nag-ra-rally na ito, mga bobo at mga tanga ito!”

There are other instances when Gadon displayed boorish and churlish behavior, resulting in the filing of administrative and disbarment complaints against the controversial figure.

struggles over territory in the area, but recently tensions have been bubbling over as China has been accused of interfering in the rights of coastal states’ Exclusive Economic Zones, and claiming land through dredging and building up atolls and islands from where, according to analysts, it can launch military exercises.

The United States immediately reassured its allies it has been stepping up military maneuvers in the South China Sea, generating concerns the area is becoming a geopolitical flash point.

US Ambassasdor to the Philippines

MaryKay Carlson herself said Washington is marking Philippine-American Friendship Day “doubly special – a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.”

This year’s highlight in the bilateral ties was the successful visit to Washington, D.C. by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last May.

During President Marcos’s Oval Office meeting with President Biden, the two discussed the full spectrum of ManilaWashington ties as friends, partners, and allies. Carlson said President Biden reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad commitment to the Alliance and announced a first-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines.”

DFA Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga earlier on described Philippine-US ties as in a very good place as the US Embassy in Manila marked the 247th US Independence Day a few days ahead of the Fourth of July celebration. And the two countries celebrate.

Yet sadly, Gadon remains unapologetic, not seeing that his boorish behavior goes way beyond the bounds of common decency and has no place in a civilized society.

In a message to a media group chat, Gadon said his disbarment will not affect his new mandate as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation.

“I am here to serve as a secretary, not as a lawyer. I will just continue to serve the Filipino people,” he said.

He said he has not paid any attention to his law career ever since his involvement in politics in 2015, saying he has retired from practice.

While the president has the power to appoint whoever he wishes in the exercise of his presidential prerogative, including a disbarred lawyer, where the post does not require a license in the law profession, it speaks volumes on the president’s commitment to uphold professionalism and decency in public service to engender public trust in the bureaucracy.

Republic Act 6713 establishes a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

Hence, to appoint an individual with a penchant to transgress all norms of public decency and ethical norms is off track.

True, the position for which Gadon is being appointed may not require a law license, yet Gadon’s appointment does not inspire faith and sincerity of the president to abide by the mandate of the law to establish a professional public service that, in the words of RA 6713, “discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.”

More importantly, how can we expect an individual who perennially violates even the most basic rule on good manners and right conduct and remains unapologetic and unremorseful despite sanction by the highest court, and a deluge of complaints and condemnation by many quarters, to act responsibly and respectfully in discharging his official duties?

Can a disbarred person be appointed to a high public office?

Theoretically and legally yes but in this context of Gadon’s disbarment, President Marcos might want to reconsider.

Celebrating milestones as friends, partners, allies

recent visit to Isabela province, I witnessed how US and Philippine troops are working together today to modernize our alliance –training at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz. These trips and the many other milestones mark strong momentum in US-Philippine relations.

This year’s highlight in our bilateral ties was the resoundingly successful visit to Washington, D.C. by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

During President Marcos’s Oval Office meeting with President Biden, our leaders discussed the full spectrum of our relationship as friends, partners, and allies. President Biden reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Alliance and announced a first-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines. Our leaders also discussed new efforts to promote clean energy, expand science and technology cooperation, and protect the environment.

President Marcos also met with multiple US Cabinet members. I was particularly struck by the lively,

The United States is committed to

substantive discussion President Marcos had with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, resulting in innovative programs to tackle food and nutrition insecurity.

This year, we also saw the successful conclusion of the largest, most complex iteration of Exercise Balikatan.

Over 17,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, as well as a contingent from Australia, trained shoulder-to-shoulder on land, at sea, in the air, and – for the first time—in cyberspace.

Together, we announced four new locations where our countries will make investments to improve Philippine military infrastructure and capabilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA.

Projects implemented at these EDCA locations will advance the Philippine Armed Forces’ modernization goals and bring tangible economic benefits to local communities, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

The Philippines is the largest recipient of U.S. security assistance in the Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening our Alliance helps secure peace and prosperity for our peoples. US-Philippine economic partnerships are flourishing.

In May, I visited two top-tier US businesses in Cebu, Timex and Teradyne.

Like many US companies operating in the Philippines, Timex and Teradyne provide thousands of Filipinos with high-quality, high-paying jobs—including as managers and executives.

US businesses value the talent of the Filipino workforce and, more and more, are looking to the Philippines as an attractive place

to trade and invest.

For example, Moderna has chosen the Philippines as its first-ever operational hub in Asia. We look forward to building on this momentum as partners in prosperity.

The United States is committed to supporting the Philippines’ growth and development goals.

Through USAID, the United States recently invested one billion pesos to help small and medium-sized enterprises compete in the country’s e-commerce ecosystem.

This investment helps build a robust, inclusive, secure, and resilient digital economy.

USAID is also supporting the Philippine government and private sector to increase access to fast and reliable internet across the archipelago, train Filipino workers to meet the evolving requirements of the high-tech manufacturing sector, and help youth develop the skills they need to succeed.

This Fourth of July, I hope you’ll agree we have much to celebrate!

(The author is US Ambassador to the Philippines)

‘Steadfast friends, ironclad

Taiwan kicks off two-day anti-tank missile live-fire test

TAIWAN kicked off a two-day missile live-firing test on Monday ahead of its largest annual military exercises as the island ramps up preparations against an increasingly assertive China.

The 23 million Taiwanese people live under constant threat of invasion by Beijing, which views the island democracy as part of its territory to be seized one day.

Soldiers fired US-made TOW 2A anti-tank missiles in southern Pingtung county on Monday in an exercise aimed at “enhancing defense operations based on practicality,” defense ministry spokesman Sun Lifang said.

“So our soldiers could have the confidence and capability at wartime, and execute their responsibility to defend the country,” he told reporters.

The missile firings come as relations between Taipei and Beijing are increasingly strained, with China conducting two major military exercises around Taiwan in the past year.

The latest was in April, when Beijing

simulated targeted strikes on Taiwan and encirclement of the island. State media also reported dozens of planes practising an “aerial blockade.”

Those war games were in response to President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California that month.

Monday’s and Tuesday’s missile tests come against the backdrop of aerial and naval maneuvers by Beijing in and around the Taiwan Strait, a 180-kilometer-wide (122-mile-wide) passage between the island and mainland China.

Eight Chinese warplanes approached Taiwan’s contiguous zone, the band of sea within 24 nautical miles (44 kilometers) of its coast, last month.

In May, China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group sailed through the Taiwan Strait in a rare voyage. Relations have not fared better in the diplomatic sphere. Since the election of Tsai, who rejects China’s claim to Taiwan, Beijing has refused to speak with her government. AFP

Ukraine war probe opens in The Hague

ation of a special tribunal that could bring Kremlin officials to justice for starting the Ukraine war.

EXTRA- JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of ESTATE (MS JULY 4, 11 and 18, 2023)

AN INTERNATIONAL office to investigate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine opens on Monday in The Hague, in the first step towards a possible tribunal for Moscow’s leadership.

The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA) features prosecutors from Kyiv, the European Union, the United States and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

No. 33, Page No. 08, Book No. II Series of 2023 (Quezon City).

It will investigate and gather evidence in a move seen as an interim step before the cre-

Senior officials will hold a press conference at the ICPA at the headquarters of the EU’s judicial agency, Eurojust, scheduled to begin at 11:15 am (0915 GMT), Eurojust said in a statement.

They include Ukrainian prosecutor general Andriy Kostin, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, US Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite and EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, the statement added.

Calls for a special tribunal on Ukraine have mounted because the ICC, a war crimes court which is also based in The Hague, has no mandate to investigate the broader crime of

aggression.

The ICC is probing more specific war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, and issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March over alleged child deportations. Kyiv has been pushing for a special tribunal since the discovery of hundreds of bodies after Russian troops withdrew from the town of Bucha near the Ukrainian capital in April 2022.

International support has grown steadily, and the European Commission then announced the creation of the ICPA in February.

Brussels said the centre had the “ultimate aim of prosecuting those responsible for the invasion” of Ukraine.

The involvement of the United States has added weight to the push for a special court, despite the fact that Washington still refuses to join the ICC.

During a visit to The Hague in June, US Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special prosecutor for the crime of aggression, Jessica Kim, as its representative to the ICPA.

But the complex question of how such a court would work remains unresolved.

Ukraine favors obtaining a resolution from the UN General Assembly.

But some of Kyiv’s Western backers fear it would lack international backing, arguing instead for a hybrid court with Ukrainian and foreign judges. AFP

IN BRIEF

Envoy summoned over Koran burning

SAUDI Arabia has summoned Sweden’s ambassador to denounce a Koran burning outside a Stockholm mosque that sparked a diplomatic backlash across the Muslim world, state media reported early Monday.

The kingdom – home to the holiest sites in Islam, in Mecca and Medina –had already condemned Wednesday’s incident in which an Iraqi citizen living in Sweden, Salwan Momika, 37, stomped on the Muslim holy book and set several pages alight.

The foreign ministry summoned the ambassador on Sunday to urge Sweden “to stop all actions that directly contradict international efforts seeking to spread the values of tolerance, moderation and rejection of extremism, and undermine the necessary mutual respect for relations between peoples and states,” the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Momika’s Koran burning coincided with the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday and the end of the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, triggering widespread anger.

Countries including Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco have also summoned Swedish ambassadors in protest.

Iran said on Sunday it was holding off on sending its new ambassador to Sweden because of the incident.

At an extraordinary meeting on Sunday at its Jeddah headquarters, the Saudibased Organisation of Islamic Cooperation called for collective measures to avoid future Koran burnings.AFP

Israeli air strike kills 5 Palestinians

THE Israeli army launched drone strikes in the occupied West Bank area of Jenin Monday as part of an “extensive counterterrorism effort” that the Palestinian health ministry said killed five residents.

The operation comes two weeks after an Israeli army raid in Jenin refugee camp left seven people dead, and saw rare use of helicopter missile fire.

CLIMATE change threatens to deliver a “truly terrifying” dystopian future of hunger and suffering, the United Nations’ human rights chief warned Monday.

Volker Turk slammed world leaders for only thinking of the short term while dealing with the climate crisis.

Turk told a UN Human Rights Council debate on the right to food that extreme weather events were wiping out crops, herds and ecosystems, making it impossible for communities to rebuild and support themselves.

“More than 828 million people faced hunger in 2021. And climate change is projected to place up to 80 million more people at risk of hunger by the middle of this century,” said Turk.

“Our environment is burning. It’s melting. It’s flooding. It’s depleting. It’s drying. It’s dying,” he said, evoking a “dystopian future.”

“Addressing climate change is a human rights issue... there is still time to act. But that time is now,” he said.

The 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries agree to cap global warming at “well below” two degrees Celsius above average levels measured

between 1850 and 1900 – and 1.5C if possible. The global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15C above the 1850-1900 average.

On current policy trends, the planet will be 2.8C warmer by the end of the century, according to the UN’s IPCC climate science advisory panel.

“We must not deliver this future of hunger and suffering to our children, and their children. And we don’t have to,” Volk said.

“We, the generation with the most powerful technological tools in history, have the capacity to change it.”

Turk said world leaders “perform the choreography of deciding to act and promising to act and then get stuck in the short term.”

He called for an end to “senseless subsidies” of the fossil fuel industry, and said the Dubai COP28 climate summit in November and December needed to be the “decisive gamechanger that we so badly need.”

Turk urged the world to “shun the green-washers” as well as those who cast doubt on climate science, driven by their own greed.

The Human Rights Council’s 53rd session runs until July 14. AFP

Israel has stepped up operations in the northern West Bank, home to Jenin city and its adjacent refugee camp, which is a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups and where there has been a spate of attacks on Israelis as well as attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian communities.

The Palestinian health ministry said that in Monday’s operation five people were killed and 27 injured.

“There is bombing from the air and an invasion from the ground,” Mahmoud al-Saadi, director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jenin, told AFP.

“Several houses and sites have been bombed... smoke is rising from everywhere.”

The Israeli army said its forces had struck a “joint operations center,” which served as a command post for the “Jenin Brigade,” a local militant group.

The area is nominally under the control of president Mahmud Abbas’s Palestinian Authority, which has partial administrative control in the West Bank.AFP

Fire injures four in Tokyo building

FOUR people were injured in a blast and a blaze in a central Tokyo building, the city’s fire department said, with footage showing flames and smoke emerging from a second-floor business.

The fire started in a building in a restaurant area of the bustling Shimbashi district around 3:20 pm (0620 GMT).

“The sound of an explosion was also heard. A total of 32 fire trucks are at the scene,” a fire department spokesman told AFP, declining to be named.

“Four people are injured, three of whom are conscious,” he said, adding no details were yet available on the fourth person.

Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

“The sound was deafening. It was as if something huge was dropped from the top of the building – it was an incredible bang,” a male eyewitness told public broadcaster NHK.

“Pieces of paper were scattered all over at the nearby intersection. From the way they were scattered, I immediately knew it was an explosion,” he said. AFP

UN rights chief: Climate change spells ‘terrifying dystopian’ future

LIVE-FIRE TEST. A soldier launches a US-made TOW A2 missile during a live firing exercise in Pingtung county on July 3, 2023. AFP

DEATH-DEFYING. French tightrope walker and artist Nathan Paulin walks on a rope above the Plaza de Catalunya square in Barcelona as part of the GREC festival on July 2, 2023. AFP

New BSP governor sees inflation falling within target by end-2023

By Julito G. Rada

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona said Monday he will continue the priorities that bore fruit under the leadership of Felipe Medalla and work harder to do better during his term.

Remolona underscored during the turnover ceremony two points in his speech: pagpapatuloy and pagpapabuti (continuation and improvement), saying Medalla’s “resolute leadership during trying times” allowed the BSP to find solid ground for the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

“And on this ground we can continue to build... Together we must build on the progress we have already made. Inflation has finally started to come down as Gov. Philip explained. And if our

NGCP seeking higher capex to link RE projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines is seeking the government’s assistance for higher capital expenditures to roll-out transmission facilities for the entry of more renewable energy power plants in line with the target of a 50-percent share in the power mix by 2050.

“We hope for the government and regulator’s support in crafting policies and allowing NGCP to have enough capex to fund the required projects to support RE. This move towards a greener and more sustainable grid requires a holistic approach and we hope for the synergy among all the energy players to ensure the fruition of these efforts,” NGCP said in a statement.

It said the Transmission Development Plan considers variable RE and committed RE plants which will connect to the grid in the next few years.

It said capex-heavy projects would require regulatory approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“The ERC, among all agencies, will be centrally crucial to the success of all this,” it said.

It said the Department of Energy recognized that transmission projects to support their recent off-shore wind projects were not included in NGCP’s 5th regulatory period application with the ERC.

models are right, we should be back in our target range even by the end of this year,” Remolona said.

He said the banking system remained strong and their capital and liquidity are more than adequate.

“That’s why, in recovering from the pandemic, our banks have been a source of strength, unlike in previous crises, when they were a source of weakness.

The plumbing of our system—our payments and settlement system—has in-

creasingly become digitalized and efficient. We are delivering greater and greater access to financial services for our people,” he said.

Remolona said everybody should work harder. “I know we have what it takes to do even better—especially if we work together.”

Medalla said the BSP survived 2022, a year full of extreme challenges highlighted by elevated inflation, higher interest rates, persistent COVID-19 pandemic and the spiraling impact of the continuing geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

Medalla said the regulator managed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of money across the country, kept the banking system strong and stable, made the financial system more inclu-

PSE INDEX CLOSING

sive and battled record-high inflation.

“It was a year like no other. We encountered unprecedented challenges over which the BSP has little control. Of course, we call them supply shocks. Supply chain disruptions, here and overseas, triggered price hikes in basic commodities, transport and other services,” he said.

“We had to act decisively. And we did. During my term as governor, the BSP raised the policy rates by a total of 350 basis points, on top of the 75 bps already taken before I became governor,” Medalla said.

He said combined with non-monetary measures, the BSP’s actions helped reduce second-round effects and re-anchor inflationary expectations. The BSP already brought inflation to a target-consistent path of 2 percent to 4 percent.

SEMIRARA’S AWARD. Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corp. is recognized as one of the best energy companies in the Philippines, bagging the silver award in the 2023 Asia’s Best Managed Companies Poll by FinanceAsia. Receiving the award in Hong Kong are SMPC president and chief operating officer Maria Cristina Gotianun and chief finance officer Carla Cristina Levina. The annual poll serves as a prestigious benchmark of Asia’s top-performing companies, showcasing organizations that have demonstrated superior performance and corporate behavior over the past year.

Aboitiz Group denies buying majority stake in Air Asia PH

By Joel E. Zurbano

ABOITIZ Group on Monday denied reports it acquired a majority stake in low-cost carrier Air Asia Philippines.

“We would like to clarify and state that this information is not true and accurate. At this time, we are actively verifying the sources that led to the publication of this article and have requested that the article be taken down,” Aboitiz said in a statement.

“We want to assure our stakeholders and the public that any significant developments regarding our company will be communicated and disclosed first by us through official channels. We appreciate your patience as we work to clarify the matter,” it said.

MEETING

Held on 28 July 2022

Capital A Berhad (Air Asia) chief executive Tony Fernandes said they would make the proper announcement on the issue of Air Asia Philippines’ ownership at the proper time.

“I’ve stuck to the script, all you will get from me is honesty and transparency. And it’s

not just about the good things, right? The good things are that we are alive, we saved everyone’s job, we’re going to recruit. My chief pilot just asked me about his retirement plan, and I’m going to deliver on that as well. I’m going to deliver the money we owe to the people, and I’m going to deliver to the Philippines,” he said.

The airline recorded 93 flights on its first day of operation for domestic flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 2.

“The total number of passengers in and out of NAIA-Terminal 2 during our first day of transfer was 12,656,” said Air Asia PH information officer Carlo Carongoy.

Air Asia Philippines moved its domestic flights service from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 on Saturday as part of the Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program initiated by the Manila International Airport Authority.

Terminal 2 now exclusively caters to domestic flights operated by Philippine Airlines, Air Asia and Royal Air.

“This change benefits both our domestic and international passengers. With NAIA Terminal 2 now handling domestic flights only, CIQ [customs, immigration and quarantine] personnel have been redistributed to NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 as additional deployment. This shall ensure maximum manning of these posts especially at peak hours,” MIAA officer-incharge Bryan Co said.

Grab PH, DICT vow to protect app users

GRAB Philippines said Monday it teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to protect app users from cybercrime.

Grab Philippines public affairs head Sherielysse Bonifacio said the “public-private sector collaboration is an integral component of efforts to fight digital crime, which is why Grab is working with agencies such as the DICT to ensure the security of our platform.”

“With e-commerce in the country estimated at half a trillion pesos last year, and it being projected to hit a trillion pesos by 2026, it is imperative for the private sector to be proactive in efforts to protect Filipino consumers who are doing more and more of their transactions online,” she said.

Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz said that her company is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its platform users.

“ The real and growing threat of cyberattacks on platforms, such as phishing and identity theft leading to fraudulent transactions on e-wallets,”’she said.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the country should harness the power of technology while ensuring the safety and security of its digital future. Darwin G. Amojelar Production gauge declined in June

THE Philippines› purchasing managers index, a gauge of the strength of the manufacturing and service sectors, softened to 50.9 in June from 52.2 in May and 53.8 a year ago, S&P Global said Monday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the decline could be attributed to higher interest rates locally and globally amid elevated inflation.

Despite the slowdown, PMI still hovered above 50 for 22 straight months since September 2021.

Ricafort said contributing to the decline was the slowdown in exports which hit three-year lows recently and imports at near two-year lows amid the possibility of a recession in the United States.

He said the aggressive interest rate hikes by the US and other central banks since 2022 to deliberately slow demand and other economic activities also weighed on PMI. Julito Rada

SEC warns public against 3 companies

THE Securities and Exchange Commission advised the public against investing in three companies engaged in alleged unauthorized solicitation of investments without the necessary license from the regulator.

The SEC said that based on the information it gathered, it issued warnings against investing in Sunny Smart Asia, Crowdfunding Pinas and Global Fortune Trade which were not authorised to sell investment contracts to the public.

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

4. Approval of the Management Report and Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

5. Ratification of Acts of the Board of Directors and Management

6. Election of Directors

7. Appointment of the External Auditor

8. Other Matters

9. Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of June 28, 2023 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the said meeting. Registration for the meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. For convenience in registering your attendance, present your valid identification, such as, a driver’s license, voter’s ID, TIN card, SSS card or passport.

If you will not be able to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you are requested to submit a duly signed and accomplished proxy form to the Office of the Corporate Secretary of Marcventures Holdings, Inc. located at the 4th Floor Citi Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City or on before 6:00 p.m., July 15, 2023. Beneficial owners whose shares are lodged with PDTC or registered under the name of a broker, bank, or other fiduciary allowed by law, must likewise present a notarized certification from the owner of record (i.e. the broker, bank, or other fiduciary) that he is the beneficial owner indicating thereon the number of shares. Corporate shareholders shall likewise be required to present a notarized Secretary’s Certificate attesting to the authority of its representative to attend and vote at the stockholder’s meeting.

The deadline for submission of proxies is on July 15, 2023. Validation of proxies will take place on July 20, 2023.

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice dated March 13, 2023, an electronic copy of the Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17A and other pertinent documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Corporation’s website at https://www. marcventuresholdings.com/ and on the Philippine Stock Exchange Edge website. For any question about the meeting, you may send an email to: inquiries@ marcventures.com.ph Makati City, 27 June 2023.

by remote communication should send an e-mail indicating their intent to participate to IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com. They will then be sent a link to a registration form requiring certain information and documentation. Upon their successful accomplishment of the registration form, they will receive an e-mail invitation with a complete guide on how to join the ASM and how to cast votes in absentia. Registration and voting must be accomplished by 21 July 2023. Proxies, in the form provided by the Company, however, must be scanned and emailed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com not later than 18 July 2023. The proxies shall be validated by 20 July 2023. The Corporate Secretary’s decision shall be final and binding on the shareholders, and those not settled during the proxy validation shall be deemed waived and may no longer be raised. WE ARE NOT, HOWEVER, SOLICITING PROXIES

For any registration concerns, please contact IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com. Please refer to the Definitive Information Statement (“DIS”) on the guidelines on attendance by remote communication and voting in absentia. The DIS is posted on the website of the Company at www.fruitasholdings.com. Only stockholders who have successfully registered within the prescribed period, together with the stockholders who voted in absentia and by proxy, will be included in the determination of quorum. Stockholders may send their questions about the ASM and the Company to IPO.Compliance@fruitasholdings.com. Pursuant to SEC Notice dated March 16, 2021, the Stockholders may examine the Definitive Information Statement, Management Report, and SEC Form 17A at the Company’s website and through the PSE Edge Portal.

It also warned the salesmen, brokers, dealers or agents, representatives, promoters, recruiters, uplines, influencers, endorsers, abetters and enablers of these firms, as they may be liable under Section 28 of the Securities Regulation Code.

The SEC said Sunny Smart claims to be a company engaged in the business of trading cryptocurrency, stock and forex and promises investors stable and risk-free growth of financial assets and daily earnings of 2.8 percent up to 3.3 percent by registering through an online link and choosing from six investment plans. Jenniffer B. Austria

Cold storage to boost income in Visayas

MURCIA, Negros Occidental—The municipality of Murcia in this province has just welcomed one of its biggest investments to date— the P350-million state-of-the-art Sapporo cold storage facility and ice plant of Czark Mak Corporation Group of Companies.

The investment includes those for the solar power, real estate and planned dry warehouses. CZM’s businesses all over the country include real estate, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, agribusiness, food and hospitality, and technology, among others, even as it continues to explore new business opportunities and to expand its current customer reach.

The construction of the cold storage facility is expected to be completed this month, with start of commercial operation scheduled for the third week of July. It will have a capacity of 1,728 pallet positions, with five frozen rooms, two chiller rooms and two blast freezing rooms.

CZM chairman and president Caesar Wongchuking said they identified Negros as one of their preferred areas of investment for the company’s cold chain portfolio as the region is heavy in agriculture and identified by the administration as one of the key growth areas.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Buddies Chua, Aranas top World Cup of Pool

By Randy Caluag

THE Filipino pair of Johann

Chua and James Aranas made history on Sunday (Monday morning in Manila) in Luga, Spain after beating Germany’s Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to make the Philippines the winningest team in the World Cup of Pool.

Chua and Aranas, who pocketed the top prize of $60,000, became the fourth Filipino tandem to rule the prestigious event.

Pool legends Efren Bata Reyes and Django Bustamante did it first for the Philippines in the inaugural event in 2006 and repeated their feat in 2006.

Chua, known in the pool circuit as “Bad Koi”, expressed his joy in winning the title with James. “I feel great. It feels amazing to win a world title. It’s such an honor to win with James. We’ve

known each other since we were 13 years old. We went to school together. To win with him is amazing. This has always been our dream. It’s a special achievement to win the World Cup of Pool,” Chua told Matchroom Pool.

Aranas shared a mutual admiration for their friendship on and off the pool table. “For me, I have so many memories, it’s so exciting. This week is unforgettable, spending this moment with Johann, too.”

And he was so thankful his favorite cues arrived in time for the World Cup after losing them in transit.

“My cues arrived right on time because they didn’t arrive for the Spanish Open. I want to thank my friends and family and all the Filipinos back home. Without my family, I would not be here,” Aranas said.

Chua, meanwhile, credited his aggressiveness on the table, which was largely responsible for the early lead they enjoyed against Germany, 9-2.

“I am aggressive at the table. I cannot sleep if I do not approach it like that. It’s my first achievement at this sort of prestigious event. It’s my first world title,” said Chua.

The Germans came close at 7-9, but the

Undefeated

I CAME across a photoshopped image of Damian Lillard in a Miami Heat uniform, flanked by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

The caption reads: Who can defeat this?

The answer, to this and to all the other teams posturing after acquiring a new “superstar” during the NBA free agency: A lot.

For the very simple reason that a superstar, even two or three of them, is never invincible. Not even an automatic championship contender. Ask Karl Malone or Steve Nash when they joined the Los Angeles Lakers, or James Harden when he joined Kyrie

TNT makes PBA 3x3 quarterfinals

TNT picked up from where it left off as it clinched an early quarterfinals berth in the opening leg of the PBA 3x3 Season 3 Monday at Ayala Mall Manila Bay.

National team member Almond Vosotros teamed up with Ping Exciminiano as the two guards combined for 12 points in the Triple Giga’s 20-17 win over Blackwater Smooth Razor to open their First Conference campaign on a high note.

Fresh from winning the grand slam last season, TNT completed a sweep of its Pool A assignment by turning back Pioneer Elastoseal, 13-11, as Vosotros accounted for eight of TNT’s total output.

Despite the loss, the Elastoseal claimed the other playoffs berth in the same pool by edging out the Smooth Razor, 15-14.

The remaining quarterfinal tickets in Pools B and C, are still up for grabs as of press time.

New guest team Wilcon Depot put itself in a perfect position to advance after winning two in a row on opening day of pool play.

The team of coach Anton Altamirano pulled the rug from under multi-leg champion Cavitex, 18-16, before hacking out an 18-13 win over Purefoods led by the eight points of Ael Banal to show the way in Pool B.

It was the second straight loss on the other hand for a revamped Titans side after earlier bowing to the San Miguel Beermen, 20-17.

Meanwhile, early winners in Pool C were Meralco over Terrafirma (1913) and Barangay Ginebra opposite Northport (21-11).

The three teams with the best records in Pool B and C will join TNT and Pioneer Elastoseal to the knockout stage set on Tuesday at the same venue.

Brazil, Italy kick off VNL Week 3

Filipino swent to work again, cleaning up the balls en route to the historic win. Prior to their win over Germany, the Filipino pair ousted defending world champion Taipei in the semifinals, Austria in the quarters and Spain in the eliminations.

Obiena to focus on Asiad, Olympics

By Peter Atencio

THE qualification of the Philippines’ top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena to the 2024 Paris Olympics is a good indication for Philippine athletics as it gives the country a competitive edge in search for medals in the Olympiad.

“It’s good that an athlete in athletics is the first Filipino qualifier to the Olympics, knowing that it is a centerpiece event. We are happy with this development,” said PATAFA secretary general Edward Kho.

Irving and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn.

Nobody knows if the long-rumored marriage of Miami and Damian Lillard will finally come true, as much as nobody knows what will become of Miami with the inclusion of Lillard.

What’s fast becoming obvious is the imminent decline of the super team paradigm. No one’s scared of super teams anymore.

Not Denver, which eliminated a starstudded Minnesota (Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl-Anthony Towns) in the first round of the Playoffs before slaying a more formidable four-headed beast in Phoenix (Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Ayton) and completing a sweep of a Los Angeles Lakers unit that included LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dennis Schroder, Rui Hachimura, Malik Beasley, and D’Angelo Russell.

That Miami fans clamor for Damian Lillard is, to some extent, a slap in the face of the basketball culture that Erik Spoelstra is nurturing in Miami, especially after the team was able to reach the NBA Finals on the backs of players, whose salaries were peanuts compared to

Obiena hit the 5.82-meter qualifying mark on his second attempt in the men’s pol e event of the Bauhaus Galan leg of the Wanda Diamond League 2023 on Sunday (Monday in Manila) in Stockholm, Sweden.

This earned him the right to represent the Philippines again in the Olympiad after making it in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Swedish superstar Mondo Duplantis thrilled the home crowd with his 6.05m performance for the gold medal.

The 23-year-old Duplantis went to

the paycheck of superstars that failed the franchise during the finals.

It was the players with meager paychecks that kept Miami in the thick of the fight throughout the post-season. Now, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus are gone, off to greener pastures now that they are coveted.

You’d think Denver will keep its core in preparation for a tough title defense come the 2023-24 season, but they let a key member of their rotation leave. Now, Bruce Brown is an asset to the Indiana Pacers.

The departure of Vincent, Strus, and Brown became relevant only after what they were able to prove. Nobody cared when they were acquired by their respective teams, and nobody cares right now about the movement of low-salary role players because, despite the lessons of the past, fans (and the front office) remain star-struck.

And so the question lingers, teeming with arrogance it starts to sound puerile if you read it over and over again: Who can defeat this?

Is there something else here? A coded dispatch perhaps? A deeper message hid-

claim his fourth Stockholm crown, following wins in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

With his qualification, Obiena can just focus on his preparations for the Olympics when he competes for the country in the Asian Championships and in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The 27-year old Obiena had been getting better performances after embracing a 20-step move, a technique which his Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov taught him.

den beneath a façade of simplemindedness?

Is it a warning to the Miami Heat – and other teams treading the same path -- to not stray away from what it had done in the 2022-23 season that gave the team success despite the net value of the team at the start of the season?

Is it a challenge to fans who understand the pitfalls of chasing superstars and to make their voice heard, to be the voice of reason among those blindly following the free agency herd?

Maybe I read that Facebook post wrong. Maybe the “who can defeat this” question is not (just) about a potential Lillard-Butler-Adebayo triumvirate, and the potency of this trio when on the court together. Maybe the statement is a mockery of our obsession with super teams. Maybe this is a gauntlet thrown at the person reading the post. And the challenge is to find the strength and wisdom to rise above accounting for the superficial merits of an untested team just to satisfy the need to find a hero to save us and the team we support. Maybe the picture and the caption combined is a reminder of the true enemy

WORLD No. 2 Brazil squares off with No. 4 Italy as action in Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League kicks off Tuesday with no less than First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos making the ceremonial serve at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Brazil and Italy take the court at 3 p.m. in a showdown of Olympic finalists with the Brazilians owning a 3-0 record over the Italians. They played in the gold medal matches in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Rio de Janeiro 2016.

“Everyone is excited with the VNL men’s competition and we’re expecting more fans to march to the MOA Arena to witness thrilling world-class and high flying international men’s volleyball action,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Crowd favorite Japan, ranked No. 7 in the world, and No. 25 China complete the opening-day double header at 7 p.m.

This marks the second consecutive year that the PNVF is hosting the VNL, the sport’s most prestigious competition organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Volleyball World.

of good basketball, and that is the problematic strategy of chasing superstars many of whom promise nothing more than a Pyrrhic victory, leaving the team shortchanged eventually.

The big names on the roster make the team popular. But bereft of the cadre of workhorse men scrapped to make room for a superstar (or superstars), it is nothing more than men in uniform on a scheduled series of exhibition games, paid performers stuck on an annual circus calendar, our expectations of which should not exceed entertainment.

At least that’s how it felt watching Brooklyn when the Nets turned topheavy for the sake of creating the Kevin Durant – Kyrie Irving – James Harden super team.

And it was supposed to be a learning experience, a cautionary tale for other teams after Brooklyn got nothing out of the very expensive experiment, and yet Phoenix followed the same path and traded its young role players in exchange for Kevin Durant.

The same free agency shortsightedness from the front office, which fans blindly laud.

TNT’s Almond Vosotros scores against Gian Abrigo of Blackwater Smooth Razor.

Ernest John Obiena

Johann Chua and James Aranas kiss their trophy. Matchroom Pool

Nickie Wang Editor

ENTERTAINMENT

LOVI Poe recently extended her partnership with Imono Jewelry, coinciding with the launch of the brand's new collection that embodies an ethereal and playful style suitable for all seasons.

Lovi perfectly embodies the charm of the soughtafter designer jewelry brand, which embraces the essence of contemporary elegance.

This renewal of ties

GSTUDIO and G Productions are the new “babies” of celebrity couple Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli. Amidst the pandemic, G Productions was born out of their own home video shoots.

Initially a humorous idea, the couple decided to take it seriously and established the production company. G Productions has since collaborated with Viva, coproducing projects such as Sarah’s music videos and concerts.

In an upcoming concert on July 7 at the Araneta Coliseum, G Productions proudly mounts the pop queen’s show with Bamboo

According to Sarah, Viva's boss, Vic del Rosario, expressed great pride in their collaboration, acknowledging their presence in the industry.

"Sarah is the president of G Productions," Matteo said during a Sun Life event where his wife

signifies Lovi's ninth year as the ambassador of Imono Jewelry.

Simultaneously, Lovi is eagerly anticipating the release of her film titled Seasons on Netflix, co-starring with fellow Kapamilya actor Carlo Aquino. What makes this project particularly special for Lovi is her involvement in its conceptualization. Describing the film

Sarah and Matteo have partnered their production company with Viva in co-producing the Popstar Royalty’s music videos and concerts

as a story about love and friendship, Lovi shared that it was one of the first projects she proposed to Regal Films. Together with Roselle Monteverde, they developed the idea, and Lovi is genuinely delighted with the final outcome.

Seasons also features Sarah Edwards and Jolo Estrada, with the screenplay written by Dwein Baltazar

and directed by Easy Ferrer

In addition to her film success, Lovi continues to shine in the primetime series FPJ's Batang Quiapo, which consistently tops the ratings. The audience has grown fond of Mokang, the true love interest of Coco Martin's character Tanggol. FPJs’ Batang Quiapo airs weeknights at 8:00.

lies in collaborations, evident in her new songs that feature emerging artists. She actively advocates for promoting Filipino talents. On the other hand, G Studios serves as the venue for Sarah's recordings and shoots. Additionally, it will be available to other artists seeking a space for their creative endeavors.

“When I hear certain music offered to me, but meron akong mai-isip na certain artist na parang mas bagay. So, I told my husband, ‘Love, it will be nice that in the future, we can – not just manage –also get involved in the production, whatever project that is,” Sarah stated.

Sarah G’s

was introduced as the insurance company’s newest ambassador.

"I truly encourage her. She has creative control to do what she wants. I want to make her feel empowered to pursue her desires and I’m just here to support her. The creative decisions are all

hers; I'm just the support system," he went on.

Meanwhile, Sarah's passion

Viva broadens domestic catalog with Ivory Music acquisition

RENOWNED label Ivory

Music and Video Inc., boasting a four-decade history and a robust domestic catalog, has been acquired by the Viva Music Group.

The announcement was made by Tony Ocampo, the Chief Operating Officer of Viva Records, who, alongside Vic Del Rosario Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Viva Communications, successfully finalized the undisclosed sale with Ivory's President, Steven L. Tan, last week.

“Ivory makes a most prestigious addition to the Viva catalog,” said Ocampo who established Ivory label in 1983.

“Having Ivory in its catalog further strengthens Viva’s position in the entertainment industry as the leading propagator of original Filipino music,” continued Ocampo.

The deal includes Ivory’s entire catalog of recorded music and all of the songs licensed to

its music publishing arm. Among these are recordings by MYMP, The CompanY, Side A, Freddie Aguilar, Zack Tabudlo, Moira Dela Torre, Join the Club, Silent Sanctuary, Wolfgang, April Boy Regino, Moonstar 88, Lokal Brown, Gary Granada, Florante, Roselle Nava, and Orient Pearl, to name a few.

Ivory is the latest investment acquisition by Viva. As of now, the music side of the multi-media enter-

tainment company already includes all of the recorded music libraries of Vicor Music, Telesis Recording, Terno Records and Viva Music. Among these are recordings by Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Basil Valdez, Regine Velasquez, Andrew E, Sarah Geronimo, Freestyle, and Up Dharma Down.

Viva has also invested in start-up labels like Kean Cipriano’s OC Records which boasts of artists like Adie, mrld, and Kenenaiah; WayBettr Music of Naki Quimson and NexxFriday with artists Deny and Jin Chan; Blacksheep Records of Jaworski Garcia with artists Magnus Haven and Ferodina; and the recently launched Wild Dream Records of Marion Aunor which has Matt Wilson and Pecado under contract.

Apart from those, Viva Music Publishing is home to the works of Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia, Willy Cruz, Louie Ocampo, Top Suzara, Jay Durias, Thyro Alfaro, Arthur Nery, and many other authors and composers.

‘Indiana Jones’ latest installment topples ‘Spider-Man’ in box office race

THE latest – and likely last –installment in the popular Indiana Jones franchise lassoed the competition at the North American box office, industry

estimates showed Sunday, but analysts noted the weak debut for the fan favorite.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, starring Harrison Ford in the role the archeologist he first made famous more than 40 years ago, earned about $60 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.

With that, Indy booted the animated sequel Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse from the top spot, but analysts

said it was a weak start for the fifth Indiana Jones movie.

Pixar's animated immigrant fable Elemental, which was bumped from second to third place, raked in $11.3 million.

Also from Sony, No Hard Feelings – a throwback to the once-ubiquitous raunchy comedy genre, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence – brought in $7.5 million for fourth place.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, one of the many spinoffs and sequels dominating theaters this summer, brought in $7 million for fifth place.

AFP

Matteo reveals that G Studios will open its doors in Alabang at the end of July. He commends his wife’s business acumen, noting that she has a natural inclination toward entrepreneurship. He remains stead-

A perfect season for Lovi Poe partner for life

fast in his supportive role.

Sarah adds that Alabang lacks a studio, and with many friends

residing in the area, G Studios will be a valuable resource for them.

Understanding the business side of her career is essential for Sarah. She emphasizes the importance of financial knowledge, hoping that artists can enrich their art by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Matteo echoes this sentiment, stating that they prefer to keep their passion projects within a small, trusted circle - primarily their family.

As a couple, Sarah and Matteo prioritize more than just work. They find joy in bonding and cherish the time spent together. They share their love for traveling and indulging in good food, prioritizing experiences and memories over material possessions.

Meanwhile, as the face of “Partner for Life,” together with her husband, Sarah emphasizes the importance of having someone who will help us achieve our financial goals, live a healthier life, and be the best version of ourselves.

A series of digital and on-ground activities will also be mounted to further amplify the campaign and encourage more Filipinos to secure the future of their loved ones.

"I'm happy and thankful to be part of the Sun Life family," Sarah said.

Apart from Sarah and Matteo, Sun Life has Piolo Pascual and Donny Pangilinan as Clients and advocates of financial literacy and health and wellness.

WITH the highly popular trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) and their troop of “Legit Dabarkads” making their new home in TV5, subscribers of Cignal, the country’s number 1 Pay TV provider, and SatLite, the fastest growing sulit Pay TV service, can now enjoy watching their long-awaited return to noontime. As a special treat, Cignal and SatLite will make TV5 SD (Ch. 5) free for all subscribers (with or without load) from July 1 to 8. Thanks to Cignal's nationwide coverage, TVJ's noontime show will now reach even the most remote areas of the country. From Batanes to Jolo, subscribers can simply switch on their Cignal or SatLite boxes to watch and enjoy the first week of TVJ’s highly anticipated noontime show.

Watch TVJ and the Legit Dabarkads in high-definition quality on Cignal's TV5 HD (Channel 15), a first on Pay TV. Current Cignal subscribers with an active subscription can access this channel in their existing channel lineup, along with more HD channels. “We are excited to finally watch

TVJ and the Legit Dabarkads live on TV again. By making TV5 SD free on Cignal and SatLite, TVJ’s return to noontime television will be available to more of our customers. This is consistent with our promise to continuously deliver top quality entertainment that is relevant and accessible for all,” shared Gerard L. Milan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cignal TV. TVJ recently made headlines as their move to TV5 became known to the public who missed their presence in the noontime show, Eat Bulaga,' which has been closely associated with TVJ for the last 44 years. What the public can now expect is a new and reinvigorated TVJ plus Legit Dabarkads which MediaQuest Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan referred to as an “investment agreement.”

In the agreement, TV5 partners with TVJ Productions to bring in high-quality and entertaining content for viewers all over to enjoy. For further information regarding Cignal’s plans and offers, visit their website at www.cignal. tv or contact their Sales Hotline at #88555.

Kapamilya actress Lovi Poe

Estrada screenplay Dwein Baltazar

Viva’s newest venture with Ivory aims to provide more original Filipino music content to the audience

More Filipinos can watch the highly-anticipate comeback of TVJ and its legit Dabrkads for free on Cignal

Noontime show will be a lot more fun with E.A.T’s legit Dabarkads

Setting the standard for exquisite and eco-friendly columbariums

FILIPINOS have always celebrated the lives and memories of their dearly departed in a time-honored way: providing them with serene and tranquil memorial parks as their final resting places. After all, nothing trumps beautifully landscaped and verdant gardens for evoking eternal peace. In these solemn, contemplative settings, families are inspired to fondly reminisce on happy times spent with loved ones who have gone ahead.

Such is how Golden Haven gained prominence in the Philippine deathcare industry through the years. As the country’s foremost developer of the most beautiful memorial parks, Golden Haven has also become its most trusted provider of premium deathcare services.

In an era marked by evolving memorial practices, Golden Haven remains at the forefront of constant innovation, this time

offering columbariums as a sensible and environmentally friendly option to Filipinos who earnestly seek a most meaningful way to honor their loved ones. To accommodate their sentiments, Golden Haven presents its columbariums as graceful and personalized spaces for remembrance and reflection.

And because columbariums occupy less space on memorial grounds, Golden Haven plans to continuously venture into vertical memorials, integrating eco-friendly practices as they support a greener future.

To date, Golden Haven now touts some of the most exceptional columbariums across the country. One is the Santuario De San Ezekiel Moreno Columbarium in the city of Las Piñas. Located beneath the church of Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno, this columbarium features three phases with 700 columbary vaults each, offering a total of 2,100 units housed within the church.

Meanwhile, the Aero Columbarium of Golden Haven Norzagaray stands out for its stunning architecture. This dome structure takes inspiration from the Jardin Tropicale and the Amazon tropical rainforest. A mural at the columbarium beautifully conveys the serene beauty of a tropical jungle and puts visitors in a tranquil state of mind.

While Golden Haven’s memorial parks in Ceu and San Fernando likewise boast strikingly designed columbariums, these are not the only vertical memorial spaces offered at the parks. Golden Haven Iloilo and Zamboanga, for example, provide ossuaries as an alternative, while its flagship project in Las Piñas has both ossuaries and memorial alcoves.

Indeed, with its modern columbariums, Golden Haven once more affirms its premier status in deathcare services and sets the bar for eternal remembrance redefined.

Champion of dreams

Meet lawyer Marlene Gonzalez, a beacon of hope for Filipinos pursuing their American dream

By Nickie Wang

FOR over two decades, Atty. Marlene Gonzalez has tirelessly dedicated herself to guiding individuals through the complex labyrinth of US immigration law.

As a dual citizen (Filipino and American), Atty. Gonzalez’s personal connection to the struggles and aspirations of her clients sets her apart. With her main office nestled in the heart of South Jordan, Utah, she has etched her name in the annals of immigration law.

A recent expansion saw the opening of yet another office in the bustling city of Phoenix, Arizona, solidifying her presence and expanding her reach.

At the core of her enterprise, US Journey Immigration Services, lies a diverse and devoted team. This ensemble of paralegals and legal assistants mirrors the tapestry of humanity, hailing from Mexico, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Venezuela.

With a deep understanding of the immigrant experience, they stand shoulder to shoulder with their clients, their collective wisdom, and unwavering support guiding individuals toward their aspirations. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and Tagalog, alongside English, they ensure that language barriers are shattered and voices are heard.

Gonzalez and her team have helped countless individuals pave their way to success. Whether it’s securing family-based Green Cards, navigating the maze of marriage-based Green Cards, or pursuing Employment-based Green

Revolutionizing home entertainment

PLDT, the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, has unveiled its latest offering for home internet users: the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plan. With this new package, customers can enjoy unlimited access to the internet, Pay TV, and mobile services, providing an all-inone solution for their digital needs.

The Fiber Unli All plan is designed to offer exceptional value for money, combining unlimited fiber internet, entertainment content from Cignal TV, and calls to PLDT, Smart, and TNT. This comprehensive bundle ensures that customers have everything they need for a seamless and enjoyable online experience.

The Fiber Unli All plans come with varying internet speeds to cater to different needs. The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 offers speeds of up to 50 Mbps and includes 85 Cignal TV channels with a free setup box. Moreover, it allows for landline calls and unlimited FamCall to PLDT, Smart, and TNT mobile numbers. For those requiring even faster internet, the Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 offers speeds of up to 200 Mbps.

Whether it’s streaming favorite videos, TV series, or movies, the Fiber Unli All plans deliver the desired entertainment options for the entire family. With Cignal TV, the largest Pay TV provider in the Philippines, customers gain access to

Cards tailored to the needs of skilled and unskilled workers, they leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

The office of Gonzalez also provides expert assistance in Naturalization, aiding individuals in their journey to become proud citizens of the United States. For those looking to invest in their American dream, Investor Visas such as E-2 and EB-5 are skillfully handled by the dedicated team. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive support for Affirmative Asylum cases, U Visas for victims of heinous crimes, VAWA self-petitions for those facing abuse, Student Visas, and extensions or changes of status. Not forgetting the TN Visa, a gateway for Canadians and Mexicans seeking professional opportunities in the United States.

Gonzalez has garnered a reputation as a trusted and compassionate advocate. Her clients have attested to her unwavering dedication and exceptional legal prowess. Katalina Duarte Cabrera from Salt Lake City speaks of finding solace in Gonzalez’s expertise, recounting how she restored faith in the legal profession.

“I was going through a difficult time finding the right person to represent me, previous lawyers just took my money and did nothing but Marlene proved to me there are excellent lawyers still out there like her,” Cabrera shared.

Jian Macy, also from Salt Lake City, commends Gonzalez’s efficiency and prompt communication, praising her as a reliable immigration lawyer. The testimonials continue, with families expressing their gratitude for her unwavering commitment and impressive track record.

“She has been a true blessing to our family and several families in our congregation. We continue to refer families to Marlene, because we know she has a strong work ethic and is someone who does not give up easily,” Macy stated.

The testimonials from satisfied clients serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, they forge a path toward a brighter future, one case at a time.

a wide range of high-definition channels, spanning sports, kids’ programming, and documentaries, among others.

Fiber Unli All plans are not only focused on entertainment but also prioritize the health and well-being of subscribers. In partnership with mWell, a fully integrated health and wellness app, customers receive a complimentary health pass that provides access to various health services. This includes consultation sessions, Emergency Quick Response by Lifeline, e-prescriptions, e-medical certificates, e-lab requests, fitness and nutrition programs, and a wellness recipe library.

By subscribing or upgrading to the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plan, customers can make the most of their digital lifestyles and enjoy unparalleled convenience and entertainment within the comfort of their homes. To learn more about the plan and its features, interested individuals can visit the provided link.

PLDT continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers, and the Fiber Unli All plan demonstrates their commitment to delivering comprehensive and reliable broadband services for households across the Philippines. For more information visit https:// pldthome.com.

Improved shopping experience online

THIS July, Japanese Global apparel retailer Uniqlo celebrates the inaugural App Members Month to show its gratitude to the Filipinos for the support they have given the platform.

Since its launch in 2020, Uniqlo. com has enabled customers to have a more convenient and seamless shopping experience for their LifeWear favorites.

This year, Uniqlo aims to show that the best is still yet to come as they launch new and improved services with special features within the app.

“We launched Uniqlo.com three years ago with our customers in mind, providing an avenue where they can conveniently shop for their LifeWear favorites anytime and anywhere,” says Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia

“This year, we aim to continue improving their shopping experience with its better features and benefits that will provide a more seamless purchasing process through their phones up to receiving their orders at their doorsteps fast and hassle-free,” Sia adds.

New app members will receive a P300 coupon upon registration, ready to use for their first online purchase.

Customers can access limited offers through app, website, and all physical stores if they show their Uniqlo App from July 7 to 13. Additionally, with every single receipt worth P3,500 purchased from July 7 to 13, they will get a free limited edition Uniqlo Collapsible Cup. From July 14 to 16, Uniqlo Travel Organizer will be given for every Click and Collect single receipt orders with a minimum purchase of P3,000.

As part of the festivities, Uniglo is also launching a special App Members Month Celebration at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from July 7 to 9. Uniqlo App Members will have access to the different activations showcasing the various app features, additional limited edition novelty items, and freebies from partner brands.

The Aero Columbarium of Golden Haven Norzagaray is inspired from the Jardin Tropicale and the Amazon tropical rainforest

Gonzalez and her team have helped countless individuals in achieving their American dream

The Fiber Unli All plans aim to deliver fast and seamless internet service especially whether if it’s for streaming favorite videos, TV series, or movies

Attorney Marlene Gonzalez continues to deliver aid in helping Filipinos about the complex labyrinth of US immigration law