Manila Standard - 2023 July 5 - Wednesday

Nat’l debt hits record P14.1 trillion

By Julito G. Rada

THE country’s outstanding debt hit a record P14.10 trillion as of end-May 2023 from P13.91 trillion as of endApril mainly due to the weaker peso against the greenback and the borrowings incurred by the government to fund its budget deficit, the Bureau of the Treasury said Tuesday.

“The level of debt grew by P185.40 billion or 1.3 percent from the previous month due to the net issuance of domestic and external debt and the depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar,” the Treasury said in a statement.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government would not borrow as much as it did

PBBM: Probe onion smuggling

DOJ, NBI told to curb hoarding, price fixing, economic sabotage

By Charles Dantes and Rey Requejo

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the smuggling of onion and other agricultural products, saying such acts were tantamount to economic sabotage.

“I have just given instructions to the DOJ and the NBI to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling (and) price fixing of agricultural commodities. And this is stemming from the hearing that we’ve conducted in the House, specifically by Congresswoman Stella Quimbo and the findings that they came up with,” Mr. Marcos said.

Upon the directive of the President, the Department of Justice will form a task force to investigate and prosecute onion smuggling in the country.

“The DOJ is one with the President in its commitment to eradicate onion smuggling in the Philippines,” the DOJ said in a statement.

“The Department is not only focused on investigation and prosecution but also on enhancing the regulatory framework and strengthening border controls to prevent future incidents,” the department added.

President Marcos emphasized the significance of these findings as suf-

Don’t pay DDB for DOT work, says Pimentel

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino

Pimentel III on Tuesday said the Department of Tourism (DOT) should not pay the ad agency DDB Philippines after they circulated a promotional video about the country online that included stock footage from other countries.

“We should refuse to pay professional fees for such unprofessional work,” Pimentel said, adding that the DOT should ensure that the Philippine government suffered no financial damage as a result of the fiasco.

Furthermore, he said the DOT should also demand the return of whatever payment has already been made to the ad agency.

He also told the DOT to implement better screening of contractors or service providers.

On

High Court reverses decision in big shabu case, rebukes cops, judges

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of two men who were convicted in 2014 for possession of over 119 kilos

of shabu in 2003 and rebuked the police, prosecutors, and lower court judges for bungling a multi-billion-peso drug case. In an en banc decision rendered on Feb. 21 but uploaded on the Court’s

website on June 30, the justices reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals and acquitted Robert Uy, and James Go Ong alias Willie Gan. The decision and the Court’s scath-

ing assessment of the officials involved triggered a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the possible culpabilities of prosecutors in the case.

4th of July, Marcos hails ‘deep’ PH-US ties

ON PHILIPPINE -American Friendship Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserted the Philippines’ commitment to its ties with the country’s staunch ally, the United States.

Speaker,

By Rio N. Araja and Gabriellea B. Pariño

THE El Niño phenomenon is now present in the Tropical Pacific, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday said, adding that the people must prepare for the expected dry spell “as early as we can.”

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said an estimated 632,000

In a tweet on Tuesday, the President said that the deep connection between the Philippines and the United States was built on “trust and collaboration”.

“On this joyous occasion of Phil-

House transmit Maharlika bill to Senate for President to sign

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

lier signed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri while he was in the United States on June 21.

Romualdez, the principal author of the bill, earlier said the amendments introduced to the measure, specifically the inclusion of more safeguards against possible abuse and fraud, were “our way of addressing the concerns of our people.”

ippine-American Friendship Day, we commemorate the deep connection between our nations, built on the foundation of trust and collaboration,” the

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

El Nino arrives, PH ‘must brace for dry spells’

State of the Nation

24. Joan Bondoc and Norman Cruz

LEDAC lays out priority measures

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CONGRESS aims to pass bills on the Mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the Ease Of Paying Taxes (EOPT) among the priority measures during the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress, which opens on July 24.

These two bills and seven others to be given priority were discussed during the pre-Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting held in Malacanang Monday night.

The pre-LEDAC was led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Finance committee chairman Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, House Speaker

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“It is truly regrettable that the Court must acquit accused-appellant in the instant case and extend such acquittal to Willie Gan,” the SC decision written by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said.

“The law enforcement agents and the prosecution must exercise more prudence and care in their compliance with the requirements of Sec. 21 of R.A. No. 9165 (or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002),” the Court said.

“Even more reprehensible is the error committed by the RTC in the penalty imposed upon Willie Gan and accusedappellant for violation of . . . of RA No. 9165,” the SC said, noting that the law provides a penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million where the shabu or other dangerous drugs possessed is 50 grams or more.

The SC noted that Gan did not appeal his conviction because the lower penalty imposed was advantageous to him, and the prosecution did not even question the insufficient penalty imposed against Gan.

In reprimanding the police authorities, prosecutors and the RTC judge, and CA magistrates who handled the case of Uy, the SC said any failure on their part would likely result in an acquittal.

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Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said her department would terminate the contract with DDB and that no public funds were spent on the promotional video.

On Tuesday, a group of Cebu officials said the video fiasco was a form of sabotage and a “demolition job” against Frasco.

In a manifesto, the Cebu officials also expressed their support for Frasco.

“Given the circumstances, it is not difficult to see that the goal of all this is to sabotage the great accomplishments of the DOT secretary, who continues to deliver for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.” Signatories of the manifesto included 11 congressmen of Cebu and 53 mayors. Leading the signatories were Daanbantayan Mayor Sun J. Shimura and Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV, the president and secretary of the League of Municipal Mayors Cebu Chapter, respectively.

IN BRIEF

PH, EU forge maritime pact

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe.

Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives will meet again Wednesday with officials of the executive department to iron out the priority measures that the administration wants passed during the 2nd Regular Session.

Once enacted into law, ROTC will be mandatory in colleges as well as in

technical and vocational courses.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, author and sponsor of the mandatory ROTC bill, said that an eligible student who fails to complete the ROTC training would not be able to graduate.

The EOPT on the other hand, will make it easier for Filipinos to pay their taxes as this will boost taxpayer compliance. It will also strengthen the government’s finances, and help businesses accelerate the creation of more and better jobs.

The other bills included in the LEDAC priorities are the National Disease Prevention Management Authority or CDC, the Internet Transactions Act, amendments to the BOT Law on public-private partnerships, Revital-

izing the Salt Industry, Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, LGU Income Classification and PENCAS (Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System).

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said there would be a LEDAC meeting before the President’s State of the Nation Address.

Secretary General Reginald Velasco of the House of Representatives on Tuesday announced that the LEDAC would convene Wednesday so lawmakers could meet with the President to discuss the administration’s legislative priorities. The meeting will be at the Palace at 2 p.m., Velasco said.

DOLE defends P40 wage hike, cites biz needs

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday defended the P40 daily minimum wage increase for workers in Metro Manila, saying it took into account the ability of employers, especially small businesses, to afford the increase.

National Wages and Productivity

Commission Executive Director Criselda Sy said that while it respects the

PBBM:...

sentiments of labor groups that the P40 increase is insufficient, other factors must be considered before the government grants their request.

“One of the criteria for minimum wage determination is the needs of workers and their families. We are also looking at their demand for a living wage. However, we need to exercise this relative to the ability of employers to provide additional wages and the overall condition of our economic

development,” Sy said in an interview over GMA’s Unang Balita.

Sy admitted that DOLE wants a higher income for all Filipinos, but this is not an easy decision for Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

“It is very difficult for our regional boards to weigh all of this and balance whatever they think is appropriate so that we can meet the wage increase demands of our citizens, especially our minimum wage earners,” she added.

THE Philippines and the European Union have forged an agreement to establish a subcommittee on maritime cooperation as the two sides expressed concern about unilateral actions endangering peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

The maritime cooperation between Manila and the 27-member regional bloc came after the representatives from both sides recently convened in Brussels, Belgium for the third Joint Committee Meeting, where they reviewed ongoing bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation.

Amid China’s aggression in the South China Sea and its incursions into waters it unilaterally claims it owns, the Philippines and the EU were wary of activities threatening peace, security, and stability, and the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. Rey E. Requejo

Be wary of fake endorsers—DOH

of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry revealed only a modest shortage of approximately 7.56 percent in 2022, which would not justify the significant inflation rates reaching 87 percent in December of that year.

Frasco, the daughter of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, was the mayor of their hometown of Liloan in Cebu and was the spokesman of eventual Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2022 elections.

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Of the total debt stock, 32 percent was sourced externally while 68 percent came from domestic borrowings.

Domestic debt amounted to P9.59 trillion, P130.67 billion or 1.4 percent higher compared to the endApril 2023 level.

“For the month, the increment to domestic debt was primarily accounted for by the net issuance of government securities amounting to P129.11 billion. Moreover, the impact of peso depreciation against the US dollar

ficient grounds to initiate an investigation, citing the need to address what amounts to economic sabotage.

“And that is why we are going to be very, very strict about finding these people and making sure that they are brought to justice,” Mr. Marcos said.

In a memorandum to the President, Quimbo, who led the Committee on Agriculture and Food hearings at the House of Representatives, said substantial evidence has been uncovered pointing to the existence of an onion cartel as she shed light on the causes behind the surge in onion prices in 2022.

Quimbo said the cartel, operating primarily through the Philippine VIEVA Group of Companies Inc. (PVGCI), has engaged in various activities including farming, importation, local trading, warehousing, and logistics.

The hearings highlighted the sharp increase in onion prices starting in July 2022, attributed to a perceived shortage of supply.

However, data from the Department

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Metro Manila households may be affected by water service interruptions arising from low allocation and lack of rain over the watersheds.

Quimbo also presented an “Onion Matrix” which involves several companies engaged in the trading and importation of onions and other vegetables, acting in connivance with owners of cold storage facilities.

“Together with these agencies, the Department will create an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force along with a Special Team of Prosecutors primarily focused on protecting the entire agricultural sector, not only the Onion Industry,” it said.

THE Department of Health on Tuesday told the public to be wary of scammers selling various unregistered food and drug products with photos of local celebrities and personalities used as fake endorsers. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa asked the public to make sure to look for “FDA Approved” in the bottles and boxes of procured drugs. Dr. Willie Ong and Dr. Anthony Leachon were among the personalities used in the counterfeit products, have filed cases with the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation according to Herbosa. He cited that these fake drugs are possibly smuggled from abroad as they are not registered under the Food and Drug Administration.

Apart from onion smuggling, the DOJ task force will investigate violations of Republic Act No. 10845, the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, among other laws.

“This law specifically targets the illegal importation of agricultural products, including onions, and imposes severe penalties on offenders,” the DOJ said.

It also said it will be “pursuing cases related to crimes of profiteering, hoarding, and smuggling, which are recognized as acts of economic sabotage.”

With the Presidential directive, the DOJ said it will “collaborate closely with other government agencies, including the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture, among others.”

lished in March 2023.

“It has further developed into a weak El Niño, which shows signs of strengthening in the coming months,” the agency said.

The El Niño Alert issued last May was upgraded to El Niño Advisory.

It also said the task force will include as members the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) headed by Chief State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headed by Director Medardo De Lemos.

“Our team of investigators will be working to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze data to uncover the intricate web of onion smuggling networks,” it said.

“The shared objective is clear: to dismantle these smuggling networks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the DOJ added.

The department said it is “diligently conducting its case build up against individuals and organizations involved in onion smuggling.”

“Once these cases are ready, the DOJ will file charges, ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.”

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sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health and public safety,” PAGASA said.

An enhanced southwest monsoon season or “hanging habagat” may still be expected which may result in abovenormal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country.

Charles Dantes

PBBM seen to lift COVID emergency

HEALTH Secretary Ted Herbosa said on Tuesday that the COVID-19 public health emergency has been “de facto” lifted and only waiting for the formal order from the Palace. Herbosa told reporters that the lifting of the public health emergency will come soon.

According to Herbosa, the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) for COVID-19 has already recommended the lifting but believed that the Office of the President is still pondering on the possible consequences.

Charles Dantes

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President said.

He said that the two countries should continue “to stand together” toward a prosperous future.

Based on recent climate monitoring and analyses, PAGASA has observed the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific that was estab -

“El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts, such as dry spells and droughts, in some areas of the country which may adversely impact the different climate-sensitive

Speaker...

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“The proposed sovereign wealth fund will help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. keep the country on the high-growth path. We want to assure the public that the management of the fund will follow best practices and the principles of transpar-

padded the value of onshore foreign currency-denominated securities by P1.56 billion,” it said.

Year-to-date, domestic debt has increased by P380.13 billion or 4.1 percent. On the other hand, external debt amounted to P4.51 trillion, P54.73 billion or 1.2 percent higher than the previous month.

“External debt was mainly driven by the net availment of external loans amounting to P10.05 billion and the impact of local-currency depreciation against the US dollar amounting to P59.70 billion,” it said.

It said third-currency adjustments against the US dollar tempered the value of foreign currency debt by P15.02 billion. External debt has increased by P297.56 billion or 7.1 percent from the end-December 2022 level.

ency and accountability,” he said.

He said the bill, as finalized, would insulate the MIF from political influence. As revised, the proposed law lists the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (Pagcor), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as MIF contributors. Their initial contributions are P50

‘Barbie’...

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movie in question.

“At the minimum, she said our cinemas should include an explicit disclaimer that the nine-dash line is a figment of China’s imagination,” she said.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said there have been precedents in the past where movies such as “Uncharted” and “Abominable” have been pulled out from local cinemas because of the presence of China’s nine-dash line claim.

“This is not a first as there had been similar cases in the past...It may be a work of fiction but still, this is a very sensitive issue. It is contrary to our national interest and China has no historic rights in the waters within the nine-

billion for Land Bank, P25 billion for DBP, and 100 percent of dividends the BSP will give the national government.

Pagcor’s share will be 10 percent of gross gaming revenues.

Congress has removed the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System, which are pension funds for the private sector and government workers, from the list of contributors.

dash line,” he said.

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson Lala Sotto said Monday the movie “Barbie” will be reviewed for rating and classification.

“Barbie” is set to open in Philippine cinemas on July 19.

The climate outlook further suggests that the aggregate impacts of El Niño is expected toward the last quarter of the year and the first half of 2024 bringing dry season in most areas of the country. during the pandemic because the tax reform measures implemented during the previous administration could help boost government revenues.

Vietnam has banned the upcoming “Barbie” movie from cinemas over scenes with a map showing China’s nine-dash line claim.

The fantasy comedy film about the famous doll, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, had been set for nationwide release in Vietnam on July 21.

“The film review board watched the film and made the decision to ban the screening of this movie in Vietnam due to a violation regarding the ‘nine-dash

“As allies, let us continue to stand together, embracing the values of democracy, freedom, and equality, forging a path towards a more prosperous and inclusive future for all,” Mr. Marcos said.

The United States marks its Independence Day from Great Britain every fourth of July, which is a major holiday for Americans.

Also known as Philippine Republic Day, Philippine-American Friendship Day is a working holiday in the country.

For a while, the Philippines also celebrated July 4 as its Independence Day from the US, which granted its former colony its complete freedom on that day in 1946 after 48 years of rule through the Treaty of Manila. Charles Dantes

line,’” Vietnam’s Department of Cinema director, Vi Kien Thanh, told the Dan Tri news site.

As this developed, Sen. Hontiveros said it is crucial for the Philippine government to raise the West Philippine Sea issue before the UN General Assembly.

“I hope that the Senate can tackle my resolution regarding this as soon as session resumes, as we need the support of the wider international community to stop China’s unbridled aggression,” Hontiveros said.

She earlier filed Senate Resolution 659 urging the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, “to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels within the WPS.

Zubiri says foreign investors wary of PH labor problems, wage issues

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE perception that sweatshops proliferate in the Philippines has been driving away foreign investors who also feared being accused of paying low wages, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

“They want to move to the Philippines, but they’re looking at our wages, our labor problems… they don’t want to be accused of moving to a country which runs sweatshops due to the low pay they’re giving,” said Zubiri, who recently returned from an official trip to the United States.

Zubiri was referring to American officials he talked to during his three-week official working visit in Washington D.C.

The Philippine contingent led by Zubiri and Sen. Francis Tolentino met US State Department officials and sev-

eral congressmen who aired their concerns on foreign companies who would like to invest in our country.

“They want to move to the Philippines, believe it or not, this is their concern,” he said.

According to Zubiri, the prospective American investors want to pay the right wages, which is higher than what workers in the Philippine have been getting.

He cited a big disparity of the wages they’re paying in countries where the American investors have located and in the Philippines.

Optimism runs high over passage of FOI, budget modernization bills

AS the Marcos Jr. administration enters its second year, a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) official expressed optimism that Congress will soon pass the controversial Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill and the Budget Modernization Bill.

DBM Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo made the statement during a forum on Friday dubbed, “The Legitimacy of President Marcos Jr.: Entailing the Need for More Transparent and Accountable Governance”, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute and Democracy Watch Philippines.

“[We’re] looking forward to having the FOI law passed. With this administration, with the push from the executive, we are looking forward, we’ll have the Freedom of Information law,” Toledo said.

“As far as FOI [in local governments] is concerned, there are already gains. Around 61 local budget issuances as far as Freedom of Information has been signed. It has been a law at the local government units already,” he added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr earlier called on “all branches of government to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and openness”.

Zubiri also mentioned some people, whom he did not identify, told a foreign investor not to give high salaries to their Filipino workers

“I brought a company into Clark and then imagine, they want to pay above minimum wage, but was told ‘don’t do that’ because it will look like you can afford it and therefore you will not get the incentives given to ecozones. I could not believe my mind,” narrated.

“They have to keep the wages this low so it will look like they are incapable of paying so they have the so-called economic fiscal incentives,” Zubiri said.

“That is ludicrous. It’s crazy. imagine the frustration we feel.”

He vowed to tackle this issue in the next Senate budget hearing, and pointed out President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “is doing a great job being the number one salesman of our country.”

Toledo also said the Budget Modernization Bill, which is a priority of the Marcos administration, was getting more support in both chambers of Congress.

“Yes, we are hopeful that this PBBM [Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernization Governance] bill will be passed. Given that we’ve already consulted a lot in Congress and there are congressmen who are sponsoring this bill already. We have already 11 who authored in Congress and 2 in the Senate… As far as the Senate is concerned, we’ve already identified and responded to the proposal of PBBM [Budget Modernization Bill]. We’re hopeful, but it all depends still on Congress,” he explained.

“We saw that we really need [to] publish our reports and our documents, and make them available to the public. That is very important because we want the public to know what the government is doing, what the government is investing in,” Toledo said.

Stratbase president and Democracy Watch Philippines lead convenor Dindo Manhit urged President Marcos to capitalize on his legitimate electoral victory and on his consequent strong political capital in pushing for important legislation such as the Freedom of Information Bill and the Budget Modernization Bill.

BACOOR PLESBISCITE. Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia calls on residents of Bacoor City to go out and vote  in the city’s plebiscite this coming July 29. Garcia makes the call during the First Bacoor City Plebiscite Joint Security Command Conference being held at the Fynn Boutique Hotel in Bacoor City. With Garcia are Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. and Cavite police chief CoL Christopher Olazo. Joseph Muego

DOTr favors 15-year concession deal on refurbished, modernized NAIA IN BRIEF

Herbosa: Get your anti-TB treatment

THE Department of Health (DOH) has called on Filipinos who have tested positive for tuberculosis to dismiss social stigma and continue treatment in specialty facilities all over the country.

The DOH raised the call following reports that around one million Filipinos were afflicted with tuberculosis.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has announced that treatment period for the disease has been drastically reduced to the usual six to nine months to just four months are recommended by the World Health Organization.

“People fall out of this TB program, because after they feel good - there are no more symptoms, they don’t complete the courses,” Herbosa said. explained in Filipino.

He added that upon his appointment, President Marcos had urged a directive to address the problem of Tuberculosis in the country – with the Philippines ranking fourth among other countries which hold a high burden of the disease.

The Health secretary stated that most Filipinos who were being treated for the disease chose to discontinue from participating in treatment programs once they began to lose any of its symptoms.Gabriellea B. Pariño

Task force says NPA presses armed attacks

THE New People’s Army (NPA) continues to stage attacks, targeting various development projects of the government aimed at improving the quality of life in formerly rebel-controlled barangays, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Monday.

In an online press briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) director Rene Valera, who heads the agency’s Project Development Services, said military and police units have foiled at least 10 NPA attacks targeting various development projects.

“So, disruptions did not last long, based on the information we gathered the NPAs were just making their presence felt, and then they will flee,” he added in a statement Monday night.

Based on DILG records, government forces repelled the NPA rebels’ attack on Nov. 26, 2022 against a development project being implemented in Sitio Ibayasaya, Barangay Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo. Vince Lopez

OCD eyes national unity vs. disasters

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has called for sustained cooperation among the various government agencies, private sector and the public to boost the country’s disaster resilience.

OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno made this remark in observance of this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).

He said a whole-of-nation approach is important in building disaster resilience.

“NDRM 2023 is a call for us to continue working to make the Signature Filipino Smile of Resilience clearly stand for our ability to mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. The time is now for us to scale up our strategies and work in surmounting the impacts of disaster through foresight and preparedness,” Usec. Nepomuceno, who is also executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said in a statement.

With the theme: “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a stronger Filipino well-being towards disaster resilience,” the agency is advocating for a collective effort to ensure the safety of communities against disaster by promoting well-being holistically. Vince Lopez

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said a 15-year concession period is a “more appropriate” term for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Meanwhile, a party-list legislator representing the migrant workers sector sought a congressional inquiry on the poor service being provided by budget airlines that are mostly patronized by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“In DOTr, we believe 15 (years) is more appropriate term that gives us flexibility,” Roberto Lim, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports of the DOTr told reporters.

“But you know we have also incorporating in our proposal an option to extend it by another 10 years in the event cir-

cumstances warrant. That’s how we are approaching. So, 15 years with an option to extend it to 10 years,” he said.

Lim said the 10-year extension will depend on the passenger demand and if the completion of the Bulacan and Sangley airports are delayed.

The DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority earlier submitted a joint proposal for the P141-billion NAIA solicited PPP project for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investments.

Lim said the government was looking at bidding out the NAIA rehabilitation project by September this year.

“Right now, with respect to the unsolicited proposal it is under evaluation by DOTr. We met with them several times and in fact we are meeting with them this week,” Lim said.

“There are still clarifications that have been raised by both sides. Issues like real property taxes and other issues,” he added.

The Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) earlier said its P267 billion unsolicited offer is the “fastest route” to rehabilitate and modernize the NAIA.

MIAC, whose members included six of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, namely Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance Global – Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp. said its unsolicited proposal (USP) already completed its technical, economic, financial, value-formoney, and ESG studies.

The consortium has proposed a 25year concession period for the project.

MIAC’s P267 billion bid included

By Joel E. Zurbano

METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando

Artes on Tuesday acknowledged the delay in the implementation of flood management projects flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).

The COA scored the MMDA for failure to fully implement 33 out of its 47 projects and programs amounting to P825.318 million as of Dec. 31, 2022.

The state auditors cited delays in documentary requirements and procurement activities and poor strategies in the monitoring and implementation of the projects and programs.

According to Artes, the projects under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Phase 1 which were not yet fully implemented as of December 2022 were funded by the World Bank

P211 billion of capital investments, P57 billion of which will be rolled out over the first five years with the remaining P154 billion to be invested over the remainder of the proposed 25-year concession period.

The proposal also included an unprecedented P57-billion concession payment to the government—the largest ever upfront concession payment offered for a transportation PPP project in the country, whether solicited or unsolicited.

Beyond the P267 billion of upfront payment and capital investments, the government was also projected to receive an additional P280 billion OFW Rep. Marissa Magsino filed House Resolution 1105 to address the concerns repeatedly raised by airline passengers, notably by the OFWs on the lousy service of domestic airlines, particularly the so-called budget carriers.

(WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

He noted that since the projects were foreign-assisted, the procurement process was different from the usual early procurement process under Republic Act 9184.

“The projects underwent a tedious process and discussions with the World Bank before they were approved and implemented,” Artes said.

“The WB reviews the bidding process done by the MMDA. Sometimes, they recommend continuation of the project rejected by our agency which in turn results in contract cost and duration revision,” he added.

As for the site relocation or project redesign, Artes said it was approved by the World Bank. “It is the World Bank that recommends and decides whether a contract shall be extended and coverage widened.”

A SOCIO-civic advocate has spearheaded a medical mission in a town in Laguna province, offering free circumcision for adolescents as a rite of passage to manhood. The organizer, Kono Salinas, in a press statement said the medical mission will be held in Binan, Laguna.

Last Sunday, June 25, Kono Salinas coorganized a Medical Mission at the Town Hall and Country Southville multi-purpose basketball court, known as “Operation Binata,” the statement read.

“This medical mission focused on pro-

viding free circumcisions to qualified males residing in Barangay Sto. Tomas and nearby areas. In collaboration with the Tau Gamma Phi Triskelion Grand Fraternity Sto. Tomas Chapter’s Grand Triskelion, Larry Marco Sabado, the event was a resounding success,” it added.

“Operation Binata” epitomizes Kono’s hands-on approach to

realizing his visionary pursuit. By offering free circumcisions, the event addressed a common health concern among young males while promoting overall well-being and hygiene practices.

“By fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, Kono aims to provide opportunities for individuals to unleash their potential, create

jobs, and build sustainable livelihoods. He recognizes the transformative power of empowering individuals to shape their own destinies and make meaningful contributions to the community.

“Kono Salinas’ visionary pursuit is centered around his belief that even the smallest actions can make a significant difference in improving Laguna. By championing the importance of small businesses and organizing events like “Operation Binata,” Kono demonstrates his commitment to creating a prosperous and vibrant region,” the statement said.

MMDA justifies project implementation delays, cites stringent rules set by donors

FREE WIFI. Converge operations chief Jesus Romero and Transportation Undersecretary Roberto Lim push the button to formally launch the free Wifi project at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4. Danny Pata

ISO CERTIFICATES. Seaoil Philippines receives ISO certifications for quality management system and environmental management system presented by Bureau Veritas. The firm says the awards proved its ‘continued dedication to provide its customers with quality and innovative products and services, while protecting the environment.’

Legal counsel demands police to leave POGO o ice premises

By Jun David

ALAWYER representing Xinchuang Network Technologies has demanded that Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel vacate the Philippine offshore gaming operator’s (POGO) offices in Las Piñas City.

The POGO also demanded that the police return seized items and pay damages following a raid authorities conducted last week, or face a lawsuit.

In a letter dated July 3 to the chiefs of the National Capital Region Police Office, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, and PNP Directorate for Intelligence, lawyer Ananias Christian Vargas gave the police 24 hours to vacate the premises.

Vargas said it has been more than a week

IN BRIEF

DOJ receives more evidence in Degamo slay

THE panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) has received additional evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during the preliminary hearing to bolster its murder complaints against the respondents involved in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

DOJ spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano explained that the additional evidence includes pictures and videos which will further identify the accused at the scene of the crime, supporting the testimonies they gave before they recanted.

“These will automatically support their original statements that they were at the scene of the crime, there in Pamplona,” Clavano said.

“And these recantations are just statements being taken back. But to put them up against actual object evidence such as pictures and videos will be hard for them to defend. So these are the additional pieces of evidence submitted,” he added. Rey

E. Requejo

Foreigners face raps for disrespecting PH flag

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) will file a deportation case against four foreigners who were arrested for disrespecting the Philippine flag in Ternate, Cavite.

Arrested were three Pakistanis and a Romanian who were turned over by the Philippine National Police Ternate to the bureau after being seen by a member of the Philippine Marine Corps pulling down a Philippine flag, taking turns tearing it, and throwing it away in violation of Republic Act 8491.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that they will be pursuing a deportation case against the four aliens.

“Foreign nationals staying here must respect our country and our laws. Foreigners destroying symbols of our country show utmost disrespect and do not deserve our hospitality,” he said.

All four have undergone preliminary investigation and were committed in the BI’s holding facility in Taguig.

Meanwhile, immigration agents intercepted three Filipinos seeking jobs abroad and believed victims of a human trafficking ring at the Ninoy Aquino International airport (NAIA).

Vito Barcelo

DFA: 16 Pinoys in Myanmar need rescue

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said that at least 16 Filipinos who are allegedly victimized by human trafficking in Myanmar are seeking help from the Philippine government to have them rescued in conflict areas where they are working.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eduardo de Vega stressed that overseas Filipino workers who are legally working in Myanmar are not assigned in areas being controlled by the rebels. Nonetheless, he admitted that some OFWs are still working in rebel-infested areas as they are undocumented and compelled to work as scammers.

“Who are the Filipinos in the conflicted areas? These are not legal workers. They are those you have heard about six months ago, the trafficking victims who were promised good jobs in Thailand, but they were brought elsewhere,” De Vega said, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB interview. Rey E. Requejo

Gov. Lagman calls for help on Mt. Mayon evacuation plans

since authorities “stormed” the premises and their “continued commandeering” of the offices was “an illegal disruption of my client’s operations and deprivation of business and property without due process of law.

Vargas noted that by the time they received his letter, it would be at least 7 days “since you stormed the premises of my client… on mere suspicion of acts of human trafficking through online means.”

It also was “an arbitrary and illegal

detention of the persons that you continue to hold hostage therein,” Vargas said, referring to over 2,000 workers who were at the offices when the PNP raided the firm.

The PNP meanwhile said its agents would vacate the premises of the raided establishment in Las Piñas City once they have completed the processing of pieces of evidence on the site.

PNP chief information officer BGen. Redrico Maranan, on Tuesday, said the process will take some time due to thousands of computer sets being examined, aside from other sets of evidence found at Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc.

“The PNP is acting under the authority of valid search warrants issued by the court. As of now, continuous search and processing of evidence is being undertaken,” Maranan said.

The PNP official also assured the

PNP chief wants probe into death of Lanao Sur cop who went missing

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE

National Police

(PNP)

chief Police General. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered an investigation on the police officer who went missing for several days and was found dead in a river in Wao, Lanao del Sur.

In a statement on Tuesday, Acorda expressed his grief and assured the public that the PNP is committed to diligently pursuing this case and ensuring a thorough and fair investigation.

“The loss of one of our own is a profound tragedy. We will spare no effort in uncovering the truth behind this incident and holding accountable those responsible.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Patrolman Jeffrey Inclonar Dabuco during this difficult time.

The entire PNP extends our condolences to

the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim,” Acorda said.

On June 26, the Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS) received a report regarding the discovery of a decomposing male body at Marudagao River, Purok 2, in the town’s Barangay Panang.

Initial investigations suggest that the recovered body matches the description of the missing police officer, Patrolman Jeffrey Inclonar Dabuco.

Upon receiving the report, the Wao MPS promptly coordinated with the Kalilangan MPS, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office (BUKPPO), Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10), and the 104th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10.

This collaboration was initiated due to a potential connection between the missing person case in Kalilangan, Bukidnon on June 23, and the discovered body.

public that they will immediately vacate the premises once the investigation and profiling of persons still under custody is completed.

“The same principle applies to the equipment seized during the operation,” he added.

Vargas said the police had conducted and concluded inquest proceedings on Xinchuang workers, “foreign nationals that you randomly picked from among those whom you continuously detain within the premises of our client,” by June 30.

This was despite the foreign POGO workers were not among those named in the search and seizure warrants to examine the firm’s computer data dated June 26 that the PNP served, which Vargas said was a procedural lapse that will be “the subject of a different proceeding.” With Vince Lopez

By Rio N. Araja

ALBAY Governor Edcel Greco Lagman is seeking assistance from the national government, as the ocal government’s budget to fund the needs of thousands of Mt. Mayon evacuees has run out.

“The quick response fund is about to be exhausted. That’s why I think we have to again look for other sources perhaps coming from the national government in terms of cash aid,” Lagman, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

Reports said the Albay government has shelled out some P32 million from its calamity funds to support the evacuation efforts since June 9, a day after scientists placed the active Mt. Mayon under Alert Level 3 for an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.

As of Tuesday, Lagman said there were around 5,743 families or 20,068 people in the province’s 34 evacuation shelters. He warned earlier that the fund would only last for 15 to 20 days to cater to the needs of the evacuees.

Mt. Mayon is expected to continue acting up for months, state seismologists have warned.

Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a notice of “increased activity” at the Mayon volcano—the second time in less than a week. Mayon reportedly spewed hot volcanic particles and ash fall reaching Tabaco City.

Phivolcs also said Mayon has been having continuous tremor-like weak volcanic earthquakes since Monday. The said quakes, recorded since 3:47 p.m. on Monday, until Tuesday afternoon.

The Phivolcs also said satellite monitoring detected a pronounced increase in sulfur dioxide emission on Monday.

Two-minute dome-collapse events were also observed within 1 to 2 kilometers from the crater at the Basud Gully (eastern slopes), Mi-isi Gully (southern slope), and Bonga Gully (southeastern slope). Ashfall traces have also been reported by residents of Guinobatan and Ligao in Albay.

Alert Level 3 remains in effect in Mayon Volcano, Phivolcs said, which means increased tendency toward a hazardous eruption.

The increase in seismic energy release is being monitored closely, the agency added.

PLARIDEL. A statue of Filipino hero Marcelo H. del Pilar (‘Plaridel’), Filipino propagandist and patron of the Association of Philippine JournalistsSamahang Plaridel. The country is commemorating the 127th death anniversary every July 4.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

a faraway province, he noted.

Avenue,

Boulevard

Lawmaker files bill on higher taxes for e-cigarettes

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Ray T. Reyes of AnaKalusugan party-list group on Tuesday is seeking an increase in taxes on e-cigarettes, saying this will help raise funds for Universal Health Care and dissuade the youth from vaping. Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, also expressed his concern over the increasing number of teen-

agers in the country that are using vape.

“It is very alarming that more and more Filipino youth are using vape and ecigarettes. Increasing taxes on these products will not only raise funds for Universal Health Care but also dissuade its use especially among young people,” he said.

The lawmaker cited the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) released in 2021 that showed 14.1 percent of

school-aged children are now smoking electronic cigarettes or vapes.

“It is very alarming because the GYTS study also showed the Philippines topping the list of countries in Southeast Asia where teen vaping is on the rise,” he said.

Reyes added that while vape products are usually branded as a ‘safer’ alternative to cigarettes, they still pose many health risks.

SEN. Raffy Tulfo said the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga looks like a “ghost town.”

Tulfo, along with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) USec. Hans Cacdac and OFW Hospital Administrator Dr. Dante Dator conducted an inspection following complaints about the hospital’s poor services and handling of patients. The senator said he was “disgusted” when he saw the condition of the hospital, which opened only on May 1, 2022.

While the hospital has 100 beds with 46 doctors and 72 nurses and a total of 200 personnel, including laboratory staff and administrative staff, Tulfo found out there were only two patients during his visit last July 1.

One patient is an employee of the hospital, and the other even came from

Tulfo was dismayed upon learning from one of his staff who tried to get an appointment through the hospital’s online patient scheduling system that the next available slot for consultation is on Oct. 10, or more than three months from now.

This prompted the senator to recommend to the hospital’s officials to fix their online portal immediately.

Tulfo also stressed the hospital’s outpatient department should be always opened to the public.

He also saw the Pharmacy Department has no shelves or drawers and medicines were only placed on trays on a table. Worse, he said the medicine supply was not complete, especially the important ones like antibiotics.

In his tour of the hospital’s departments, Tulfo noticed that the installed modern medical equipment has not been used.

‘OPLAN PAG-ABOT.’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano talk to street dwellers along Roxas

and Macapagal

as part of the DSWD’s Oplan Pag-Abot outreach program in Pasay City. Joseph Muego

Sen. Tulfo says OFW Hospital in Pampanga like a ‘ghost town’

‘NO’ TO POGOS. Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian holds a press conference announcing the prohibition of Philippine O shore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other Illegal gambling activities in Valenzuela City.  Andrew Rabulan

‘Love the Philippines’: Feat or fiasco?

THE Department of Tourism’s recently unveiled new slogan “Love the Philippines” met with mostly negative reactions from the public because it sounded boring, unoriginal, ungrammatical, demanding, and generally underwhelming.

Many remarked that there was no need to replace the old one—“It’s More Fun in the Philippines”—or even the one before that, “Wow Philippines”—which were catchy and effective as evidenced by tourist arrivals and other statistics.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

There also needs to be a continuity of the brand, instead of changing the slogan with every new president or DOT head.

Continually messing about with what ain’t broke just shows ego and a lack of discernment.

I’m not going to rehash the other criticisms, of which many have been written and some by advertising mavens who cast an expert eye over the slogan and logo. Let’s look at a couple of other points that this issue raises, and the lessons learned.

I have noticed that time and again with government agencies, even government media agencies, not a lot of priority is given to hiring people who can write grammatically, accurately, and logically.

Not a lot of attention is paid to communication in general.

This misstep in turn devolves on the organization and makes it look sloppy and inefficient.

In this digital age, it also means a loss of opportunity to reach out to stakeholders.

Clear and effective communication is essential for any organization, but it is especially important for tourism agencies.

Tourism agencies need to be able to communicate effectively with their target audience, which can be global. This means their in-house and outsourced creative teams need to be able to write and speak in a clear, concise, and engaging way.

The major lesson from this debacle is that the DOT—and the government in general—need to hire qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable writers to ensure clear communication.

They also need to have people on board who can pay attention to detail and double-check materials before they are disseminated.

Truth in advertising

WE SHARE the disappointment —and the hope as well—of Senator Grace Poe after the Department of Tourism lost its balance in a marketing campaign aimed at propping up the tourism industry.

This is the government’s agency mandated to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and local employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to a wider segment of the population with the support, assistance, and cooperation of both the private and the public sector.

The gaffe from the new “Love the Philippines” video – which featured materials filmed abroad – has been likened to a scam but her hope should be heard by other government agencies that there will be no reruns of such marketing mistakes.

“We expect the incident will not happen again especially to government agencies like the DOT that our people trust,” Senator Poe said.

EVERY new administration in this country is generally welcomed by Filipinos for its potential as the harbinger of change and reform.

First, in addition to the criticisms of the slogan itself, the DOT also came under fire because footage of foreign tourist spots was used in the promotional video for the “Love the Philippines” campaign.

The video featured images of beaches, mountains, and other scenery that were not in the Philippines.

The advertising agency responded to the criticism by saying the video was a “mood video” meant for internal use only and that it would be taken down.

While we are all human and part of the human condition is that we make mistakes, this one could have been avoided if more care had been taken by whoever was responsible for handling socials.

This is a reminder of the importance of careful planning and execution when it comes to any kind of marketing and organizational communication.

As the client—and clients have final approval—DOT should have checked all materials before release.

Any competent operations manager knows to double-check and triplecheck.

This is also why all organizations that have a communication initiative need to put editors and communication managers in place to check the work of implementors.

Second, the “Love the Philippines” slogan fiasco points to the need to create and disseminate clear and unambiguous communication at all times.

To do this you need to hire people who have the skills to communicate well.

MONTREAL, Canada—For many Canadian parents, the start of the summer holidays is turning into a headache, as thick wildfire smoke forces them to check air quality indices the same way they might normally check the weather forecast.

Major cities in Eastern Canada have faced heavy air pollution for several days, meaning vulnerable people— including children—have been advised to stay indoors to avoid the high concentrations of fine particles in the air.

Marion Helies, who heads a summer day camp in Montreal, told AFP the children in her care “are bouncing off the walls because we have been inside for several days.”

“Between the smoke and the rain, it’s a bit difficult for them,” she said, ahead

This is something so basic and commonsensical that it is annoying to see a large and well-funded agency such as DOT make this rookie mistake. Again, don’t blame the third party.

The WEF Future of Jobs 2023 report has identified communication as one of the top 10 most sought-after soft skills.

This means there is a high demand for skilled writers in the workforce. Government agencies need to be able to attract and retain such communicators.

Writing and speaking skills are essential for success in all areas of life.

They are also increasingly important in the workplace, particularly in today’s globalized economy.

For this reason, it is important to develop writing and speaking skills at all levels of education.

Schools should offer courses in writing and public speaking, and they should encourage students to practice these skills in their everyday lives.

By developing clear communication skills, students will be better prepared for success in the workplace and life.

One way I work for this advocacy is by sharing news about the literary community—about writing and books and reading and the people who do them. We need to emphasize the importance of writing and communicating well.

DOT and the rest of the government should take the lessons from this debacle to heart and start putting more effort into communicating better, not just making a splash.

* * * FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

of a 10-minute outing she organized despite the poor air quality.

Air quality warnings

For the second time in just days the city has been forced to close sports fields and outdoor pools due to the smoke, whose smell lingers in the streets despite the closest fires being more than 600 kilometers away.

Buildings are shrouded and the sun is hard to see.

According to authorities, the air quality index oscillates between “harmful” and “very harmful.”

After several days of being stuck at home, Marin Vicck, 14, finally went out: “The air quality is terrible, to the point where it’s difficult to walk around because of the smoke. You feel trapped,” he said.

Kedjar Boudjema, whose son is four,

That holds true whether in the customary 100-day “honeymoon period” or even up to the end of the first year. So how does the Marcos Jr. administration stack up after its 365 days in office?

In our latest Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, we asked a political analyst from the Department of Political Science of the University of Santo Tomas to give us a fair assessment of political developments since Mr. Marcos assumed office a year ago.

At the outset, Prof. Froilan Calilung pointed out that the current administration’s strongest suit is its “very definite, very clear and specific direction when it comes to foreign policy.”

“And I think this is one thing that will really put the President in a very good position” because this represents a markedly different foreign policy stance from that of the Duterte administration.

“Filipinos are seeing a pivot as the country shifts toward the United States,” he said.

This “shows the President’s decisiveness to actually craft or carve his own direction in foreign policy.”

But it is in domestic policy that the university professor finds room for improvement.

He believes the President should be “more assertive” and “more aggressive” in convincing legislators to pass key legislative measures. After all, he has the supermajority in Congress.

Even as congressional support for the President’s priority bills appears to be proceeding at a less-than-ideal pace, the political analyst emphasized the administration’s programs, such as putting up the Kadiwa rolling stores to sell basic goods to the public at lower market prices and implementing the eGovPH to digitize government services, more than make up for the lack of adequate support from the legislative branch for his pet bills.

Professor Calilung also believes that despite challenges, the rule of law is actually being upheld and given due importance by the current dispensation. The rule of law is important, he empha-

The tourism department immediately expressed outrage and extreme disappointment at the use of non-original/ stock footage purporting to be scenes from the Philippines in the audio visual presentation prepared by the advertising firm that produced the video.

rate about products and services offered. Neither can we fathom the go-ahead by understudies at the DOT when, as it should be practiced, the product is presented for final approval before the launch.

Or did they think perhaps that the foreign scenes were those breathing in the Philippines, the Land of the Morning with 114 million people from Batanes down to Tawi Tawi?

It speaks a lot of our philistinism when it comes to the Philippines we want our countrymen and foreigners to love.

Such ruthless racket, or, in the language of Senator Poe, an advertisement scam—whether the ad agency had been paid or not for its easy efforts is immaterial at this point.

And the DOT is now processing terminating its contract with the ad agency DDB Philippines, which the former used for the tourism branding campaign.

We are knocked out the ad agency blatantly failed to remember what college advertising students learned semester after semester before they get their diploma that there must be truth in advertising.

Truth in advertising is a maxim, an enforced concept of being truthful and accu-

sized, because if the Philippines wants to invite foreign investments to come in droves into the country, this can never materialize if there is a perception of a breakdown in law and order.

Yet another area where Marcos Jr. appears to have had some success, he said, is in building good relations with mass media.

This, again, stands in marked contrast to the position of the previous administration, whose relations with the press had been characterized by “animosity.”

In short, “we are seeing a lot more freer media than before.” Calilung emphasized. After all is said and done, what grade would he give the president, someone from media asked.

The DOT, in a statement, has noted that DDB Philippines “has publicly apologized, taken full responsibility, and admitted in no uncertain terms, that non-original materials were used in their AVP, reflecting an abject failure to comply with their obligation/s under the contract and a direct contravention with the DOT’s objectives for the enhanced tourism branding, the DOT hereby exercises its right to proceed with termination proceedings against its contract with DDB.”

Will see how the sun rises tomorrow.

employability and sustainability factors. Its rankings were based on metrics including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, sustainability, employment outcomes, and an international research network.

Among Philippine schools, UP and Ateneo, among those in the global top 200 universities, received high scores in employer reputation.

UP got the highest regard among international employers at 136th, followed by Ateneo at 141st.

But the QS survey result did not mention the rise of another institution of higher learning in academic excellence, namely Mapua University.

We read about this development in another recent news report, but couldn’t recall in which broadsheet.

Well, he suggested, maybe 85 percent?

Mapua rises in university rankings

The good news for our institutions of higher learning is that the University of the Philippines has climbed from 412th to 404th in the World University Rankings for 2024 by global education specialists Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Four other Philippine universities made it to the list, with Ateneo de Manila ascending from 651-700th to 563rd and De La Salle rising from 801-1000th to 681-690th.

The University of Santo Tomas remained in 801-850th place, while the Cebu-based University of San Carlos entered the QS rankings for the first time in 1201-1400th place. Now in its 20th year, the QS World University Rankings is the world’s most consulted international university rankings on

on air quality every day.

“I’m worried about his health,” he said of his son. “But at the same time it’s complicated not to go out with him at all.”

Asthma fears

In the capital Ottawa, where visibility was also very poor, Janet Hamill opted to take her two grandchildren, ages 2 and 11, out for ice cream early, before the smoke became too much.

“I’m taking them out early in the day and will get them back home before it gets really bad. The smoke has been hard on them, and me, so we’ve been staying indoors mostly,” she said, adding that they’ve all suffered bad headaches.

In any event, Mapua University appears to have adequately proven itself over the past decades in the various fields of engineering, with many of its graduates making a name for themselves in civil and mechanical engineering.

Mapua University, which was taken over by the Yuchengco family from the original owners, is now headed by Reynaldo Vea as its president.

Vea graduated summa cum laude from UP in 1971 and later pursued masteral and doctoral degrees in Naval Architecture, I think, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before returning to UP as Dean of the College of Engineering.

Now he has successfully steered Mapua to the honor roll of best universities in the world—maybe not at the same level as of now with UP and Ateneo—but now poised to excel even more in the years ahead under his tutelage.

But more on this later.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

wildfire season is only just beginning, after an early start.

In a country where 10 percent of people suffer from asthma, many are worried about the long-term consequences of this exposure to toxic smoke.

Calls to Asthma Canada, a nonprofit that funds education and research on the respiratory disease, have almost doubled since the fires started in early May.

said he is discouraged by this succession of warnings over a few days. Phone in hand, he now consults his app

There could be many more days like these throughout the summer—authorities have warned that Canada’s peak

People “especially want to know what they can do to protect themselves,” its president, Jeff Beach, told AFP. Canada, which is warming faster than the rest of the planet due to its geographical location, has been confronted in recent years with extreme weather events whose intensity and frequency have been exacerbated by climate change. AFP

which is warming faster than the rest of the planet due to its geographical location, has been confronted in recent years with extreme weather events

Clear and effective communication is essential for any organization, but it is especially important for tourism agencies

HONG Kong’s leader has called on eight overseas activists to turn themselves in a day after police put out bounties on them for violating the city’s national security law.

Police have offered rewards of HK$1 million ($128,000) each for information leading to the arrests of eight prominent democracy activists based abroad, accusing them of crimes such as subversion and collud-

ing with foreign forces. City leader John Lee said Tuesday he supported the police action and called on the activists to surrender themselves.

“The only way to end their destiny of being an abscondee who will be pursued for life is to surrender,” Lee told reporters, adding they would otherwise “spend their days in fear”.

All eight fled Hong Kong after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the financial hub in 2020 to quell dissent after huge, sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019 were quashed.

Lee called on the public to assist police, adding that even the activists’ “relatives and friends” could become informants.

The offer has been criticised by the United States, Britain and Australia -- countries where the wanted activists reportedly reside. AFP

UN talks aim to harness AI power, potential to empower humanity

THE United Nations is convening this week a global gathering to try to map out the frontiers of artificial intelligence and to harness its potential for empowering humanity.

The UN hopes to lay out a clear blueprint on the way forward for handling AI, as development of the technology races ahead the capacity to set its boundaries.

The “AI for Good Global Summit”, being held in Geneva on Thursday and Friday, will bring together around 3,000 experts from companies like Microsoft and Amazon as well as from universities and international organisations to try to sculpt frameworks for handling AI.

“This technology is moving fast,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the International Telecommunication Union, the UN’s information and communications technology agency that convened the summit.

“It’s a real opportunity for the world’s leading

voices on AI to come together on the global stage and to address governance issues,” she told reporters.

“Doing nothing is not an option. Humanity is dependent upon it. So we have to engage and try and ensure a responsible future with AI.”

She said the summit would examine possible frameworks and guardrails to support safe AI use.

Listed participants include Amazon’s chief technology officer Werner Vogels, Google DeepMind chief operating officer Lila Ibrahim and former Spain football captain Iker Casillas -- who suffered a heart attack in 2019 and now advocates for AI use in heart attack prevention. They will be joined by dozens of robots, including several humanoids like Ai-Da, the first ultra-realistic robot artist; Ameca, the world’s most advanced lifelike robot; the humanoid rock singer Desdemona; and Grace, the most advanced healthcare robot. Benefiting humanity?

The Geneva-based ITU feels it can bring its experience to bear on AI governance.

Founded in 1865, the ITU is the oldest agency in the UN fold. It established “SOS” as the Morse code

international maritime distress call in 1906, and coordinates everything from radio frequencies to satellites and 5G.

The summit wants to identify ways of using AI to advance the UN’s lagging sustainable development goals on issues such as health, the climate, poverty, hunger and clean water.

Bogdan-Martin said AI must not exacerbate social inequalities or introduce biases on race, gender, politics, culture, religion or wealth.

“This summit can help ensure that AI charts the course that benefits humanity,” UN chief Antonio Guterres said.

However, while AI proponents hail the technology for how it can transform society, including work, healthcare and creative pursuits, others are worried by its potential to undermine democracy.

‘Perfect storm’

“We’re kind of in a perfect storm of suddenly having this powerful new technology—I don’t think it’s super-intelligent—being spread very widely and empowered in our lives, and we’re really not prepared,” said serial AI entrepreneur Gary Marcus. AFP

China warns of ‘multiple natural disasters’ in July

CHINESE authorities have warned of extreme weather and “multiple natural disasters” in the coming month, as heavy rain in parts of the country led to thousands being evacuated.

An alert was in place on Tuesday for rain-triggered disasters in large swathes of central and southwestern China, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Meteorological authorities have warned the country will face “multiple natural disasters in July, including floods, severe convection weather, typhoons and high temperatures”, Xinhua said.

Dozens of homes and roads were damaged in northwest China’s Shaanxi province during “once-in-fifty-years”

torrential rains over the weekend, the Communist Party-owned Chongqing Daily said Monday.

More than 10,000 people in central

Hunan province were evacuated from floods last week that damaged more than 2,000 homes, provincial officials said on Sunday.

Chinese media published footage of cars drifting down a flooded road in Hunan last week, and murky torrents gushing past apartment blocks and shops.

Scientists say rising global temperatures -- caused largely by burning fossil fuels -- are aggravating extreme weather worldwide, and many countries in Asia have experienced deadly heatwaves and record temperatures in recent weeks.

China is the world’s largest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change, responsible for roughly a quarter of all current carbon pollution.

The country has set a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality 30 years later. AFP

picks compromise speaker

THE Thai parliament appointed a compromise candidate to the powerful role of House speaker on Tuesday, potentially complicating progressive party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s efforts to form a government.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn officially opened the Thai parliament on Monday, more than a month after Pita’s pro-democracy Move Forward Party unexpectedly won the most seats at the May 14 election.

MFP has cobbled together an eight-party coalition that also includes election runnersup Pheu Thai, but it still remains well short of the 376 seats needed across both houses of parliament for Pita to be appointed prime minister in a vote due in mid-July.

MFP and Pheu Thai had been at loggerheads for weeks over which party would hold the speakership, ultimately settling on compromise candidate Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, head of the smaller Prachachat Party, on Monday night.

Lawmakers on Tuesday elected the 79-year-old veteran unopposed as speaker

of the lower house.

“I will work neutrally,” Wan Noor told the parliament.

One of his first jobs will be deciding the timing of the vote for prime minister. The powerful speaker role also sets the parliamentary agenda.

Analysts say the fact that MFP was unable to get the coalition to back its own speaker candidate was not ideal for Pita’s prospects of taking the top job.

“It doesn’t really guarantee that Move Forward Party’s (leader) will get to be prime minister, it just stops the conflict at this time,” Mahidol University political analyst Punchada Sirivunnabood told AFP.

Ubon Ratchathani political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich noted that the vote for prime minister could go through multiple rounds, and the speaker had an important role in putting names forward.

“This is why they (MFP) really wanted the position of the house speaker, to ensure (Pita’s) name will keep being nominated,” Titipol said.

HK activists told: Surrender now or ‘spend days in fear’

Thai House

as progressives seek to form gov’t

AFP

STRENGTHENING DEFENSE. A target missile is launched during a Taiwanese military live-firing exercise in Pingtung county Tuesday as Taiwan starts a two-day missile live-firing test Monday ahead of its largest annual military exercises as the island ramps up preparations against an increasingly assertive China. AFP

POWERLESS. Fishermen stand in a boat as they inspect thousands of dead fish floating by the bank of the Amshan river, which draws its water from the Tigris, in Iraq’s southeastern Maysan governorate on Monday. Thousands of dead fish were found on the banks of the river in a disaster that could be linked to the consequences of a drought, prompting authorities to open an investigation. AFP

MPIC offers P54.8b to buy out minority

IN BRIEF

Solana Solar, Prime Asset sign electricity supply deal

SOLANA Solar Alpha Inc., a whollyowned subsidiary of Solar Pacific Energy Corp., signed a power supply agreement with Kratos RES Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Villar Group’s Prime Asset Ventures Inc. which is engaged in retail electricity supply.

Solana Solar will supply Kratos RES with up to 20 megawatts of clean and renewable power from the soon-to-be built Solana solar project in Hermosa, Bataan.

“We are pleased to partner with Kratos RES to help its electricity end-consumers achieve their sustainability goals and transition their power supply to renewable energy,” Alternergy Holdings Corp. chairman and Solana Solar chairman and president Vicente Pérez Jr. said.

The 20-MW Solana solar project, with a cost of P1.5 billion, recently secured financing commitments from a leading commercial bank and a commitment for the engineering, procurement and construction from a leading EPC provider.

Early works activities had started, with the full swing construction to commence in the coming months. Project completion is eyed by 2024. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business groups support open Internet access bill

TEN business groups are expected to sign on July 5 a joint statement of support for the immediate enactment of the proposed Open Access in Internet Services Act.

The groups include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Export Development Council, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance.PH, Philippine Cable Television Association Inc., Internet Society - Philippines Chapter, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Democracy. net. Ph and Better Internet PH.

Major challenges in internet access, quality and affordability are affecting the digitalization of the Philippines, according to the groups.

Results of the National ICT Household Survey 2019 showed the Philippines entered the COVID-19 pandemic with only 47 percent of Filipinos using the Internet and 18 percent of households subscribed to an Internet connection.

A Department of Education survey also revealed that 52 percent of public schools and 83 percent of their enrollees were unable to go online during the height of mobility restrictions. Othel V. Campos

Megaworld eyes P6.5-b sales from Cubao project

MEGAWORLD Corp. said Tuesday it expects to raise up to P6.5 billion in sales from a newly-launched high-rise residential development in Cubao, Quezon City. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 39-story Laurent Park would be the third residential development within the Manhattan Garden City complex. It will offer 796 ‘smart home’ units in varying types with sizes ranging from 29 square meters for studio unit to 132 sq. m. for a three-bedroom loft unit with lanai.

“Laurent Park sits on a very strategic location as it will soon rise within Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City, which is known now as the central transportation and mobility hub of Metro Manila. This will allow future residents to enjoy unparalleled convenience and seamless connections to different cities and provinces,” said Eugene Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld Manhattan Garden City.

Manila Standard TODAY

The condominium tower is scheduled for completion by 2029. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Jenniffer B. Austria

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. said Tuesday the consortium of companies that offers to take the company private increased the tender offer price by 12 percent to P5.20 from P4.63 per share.

The consortium said in a joint statement the P5.20 is “the best and final” offer price to minority investors, representing a 37-percent premium over the one-year volume weighted average price of the company’s common shares. It also marks a P0.10 premium over the highest end of the range provided by the independent financial adviser.

The consortium will spend about P54.8 billion, at P5.20 per share, to buy out the remaining shares held by minority shareholders of MPIC.

The tender offer price also values MPIC at P149.2 billion or $2.7 billion in equity value.

MPIC said it would call a special stockholders meeting on Aug. 8 to seek shareholders’ approval on the planned voluntary delisting from the Philippine Stock Exchange.

A consortium consisting of Metro Pacific Holdings Inc., GT Capital Holdings Inc., Mit-Pacific Infrastructure Holdings Inc. and MIG Holdings Inc., offered in April this year to buy out the shares held by minority investors in MPIC.

“We regard this new offer as the best and final price the bidders are able to deliver to MPIC’s minority shareholders,” said First Pacific executive director Christopher Young.

“Due to the transaction timetable, approvals, and regulatory requirements of the entire process across multiple jurisdictions, there will be no further opportunity to adjust the price,” he said.

The consortium said MPIC has historically traded at a discount to the underlying value of its assets with a one-year volume weighted average price of P3.80 per share.

The consortium hired an independent financial advisor, which produced a report with a valuation range of P3.37 to P5.10 per share, to comply with the voluntary delisting rules.

“Following a period of consultation in the wake of the earlier tender offer announcement, the bidders feel that the raised tender offer price provides an improved path to minority shareholders to exit their positions at a sizable premium to market price,” the consortium said.

Converge ICT rolls out 1 Gbps fiber Internet at NAIA Terminal-4

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONVERGE

ICT Solutions Inc. on

Tuesday rolled out fiber connectivity with a speed of 1 gigabit per second at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 as part of its Free Wifi project for the benefit of the country’s international and local gateways.

FCF EDUCATIONAL TOUR. Officials and workers of Barangay Aurora, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya hold an educational mine tour at FCF Minerals Corp. which afforded participants to have a closer look at the active mine operations and some of the company’s rehabilitated areas. They also visited the new Runruno Barangay site, a project implemented by the Social Development and Management Program of the company. The group toured around the building where they saw the different traditional clothing and accessories of the different tribes in Runruno hand-weaved by the Abel RIPO—a local group of 10 women who are members of the Runruno Indigenous Peoples Organization and e-pillows produced by the Innovative Runruno Livelihood Integrating for Sustainable Environment -- an income-generating project of the BLGU. The tour was concluded by a side trip to the FCF Information Center beside the Barangay Hall.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

6.26 PT.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to review the auction rates amid the low investor turnout during the Green Energy Auction Program

2. “We urge ERC to seriously examine the tariff rates in the GEAP. The rates are not reflecting the realities of the current demand and supply of electricity in the country, nor is it encouraging developers to build,” PSSEA chairperson Tetchi Capellan said.

The Department of Energy’s GEAP

2 generated 3,580.76 megawatts of renewable energy capacities who committed to deliver energy from 2024 to 2026 at a price that is lower than or equal to the prices set by the regulator.

The committed capacities is way below the 11,600 MW offered by DOE for private sector development on Monday.

Energy players committed to develop 1,968.982 MW of ground-mounted so-

CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation)

NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

TO: ALL STOCKHOLDERS

lar from 2024 to 2026.

Meanwhile, 9.39 MW was committed for 2024 and 2025 for rooftop solar, and 90 MW for the construction of floating solar in 2026.

Developers committed 1,512.384 MW for onshore wind from 2025 and 2026.

“The framework of the auction is to set a price cap and bid below the price cap. It seems however that the regulators are setting a floor price,” Capellan said.

The PSSEA sought for a higher reserve price for floating solar of P7.3661 per kilowatt-hour compared to the ERC-approved P5.3948 per kWh.

Capellan said the renewable energy developers epeatedly made representations to the ERC on the parameters of the tariff structure.

“In the case of solar, PSSEA submitted studies and actual references that can form part in designing green tariff. Unfortunately, these parameters failed to convince ERC,” she said.

Notice is hereby given that CONCEPCION INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION (formerly Concepcion Airconditioning Corporation) (the “Corporation”) will conduct its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting virtually via Zoom (https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqde-srTgtG9fH9_ghoziIPzVJ5f7lfQTv) on July 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at which meeting the following matters shall be taken up:

1. Call to Order;

2. Certification of Existence of Quorum;

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders held on July 20, 2022;

4. Report of the Chairman;

5. Approval of the Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022;

6. Election of Directors;

7. Appointment of External Auditors;

8. Ratification of All Actions taken by the Board and Management;

9. Approval of the Compensation of Directors;

10. Other Matters; and

11. Adjournment.

The record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the said meeting is fixed at the close of business hours on June 27, 2023.

To ensure the health and well-being of our stockholders during this COVID-19 pandemic, stockholders may only attend the meeting by remote communication and/or vote in absentia or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. Stockholders who wish to participate by remote communication or vote in absentia or by proxy should notify the Corporate Secretary by email to cic.secretary@romulo.com from July 6, 2023 to July 17, 2023. Successful registrants will receive an electronic invitation via email with a complete guide on how to join the meeting. For any registration concerns, please get in touch with the Corporation through cic.secretary@romulo.com.

All stockholders who wish to vote through a proxy or in absentia shall submit the duly signed proxies or ballots, as the case may be, to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 21st Floor, Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City and/or by email to cic.secretary@romulo.com not later than July 17, 2023. The proxies and ballots submitted shall be validated on July 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. We are not soliciting proxies. The Information Statement which contains a brief explanation of each item on the agenda and procedures for attending the meeting via remote communication and for casting votes in absentia, Management Report, and Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022 in SEC Form 17-A are posted on the Corporation’s website at https:// cic.ph/investor-relations/#annual-stockholders and PSE EDGE. The meeting shall be recorded in audio and video format and copies thereof shall be retained by the Corporation.

(MS-JULY 5 & 6, 2023)

By Othel V. Campos

METRO Pacific Health Corp. said Tuesday it acquired 70.4 percent of Medical Center Imus in Cavite, marking the company’s 21st hospital investment to date.

“This is our first hospital in the much-coveted Cavite province which, due to industrialization and the influx of OFW families in the past decades, has grown to be the country’s second most populated and second densest province, next to Cebu and Rizal, respectively,” said MPH president Augie Palisoc Jr.

MCI, established by a group of 30 enterprising founders 21 years ago, is a 90-bed Level 2 hospital and has the po-

“Internet connectivity is among the top complaints of travelers when it comes to airport amenities. We want to do our part in enhancing the Philippines’ image and reputation to foreign and domestic travelers through this connectivity project,” said Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

“Local and international travelers can maximize our fiber-fast connection especially in digitally-supported processes in checking in and boarding, or even just surfing while waiting for departure or upon their arrival,” he said.

Through the Converge Free Public Wifi, travelers can surf the internet for 120 minutes at speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Converge formalized the project through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Transportation and airport operators Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, MactanCebu International Airport Authority, Manila International Airport Authority and Davao International Airport Authority last year.

NAIA Terminal 4 is the first terminal to have the fiber Internet project under the agreement.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the Manila International Airport Authority’s vision of a modern and technologically advanced transportation system. By offering free WiFi, we create an environment that encourages digital innovation and provides a platform for the development and implementation of various digital services,” said MIAA officerin-charge Bryan Co.

Center Imus

tential to expand to 120 beds. It caters to the cities of Imus and Bacoor, with a combined population of about 1 million, with 97 active specialists and 200 visiting doctors. It occupies over a hectare of property, inclusive of about 6,000 square meters of vacant land currently used for surface parking.

“We see a lot of potential in this hospital given that it is in the middle of a highly populated fertile market. We are excited to apply MPH’s group synergies to MCI and raise patient experience to new levels never before seen in Cavite, by strengthening management and investing in infrastructure improvements,” said incoming deputy chief executive Dr. Jo Eileen Suzanne Ringler-Pama.

PLDT-ARTA WORKSHOP.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio and Anti-Red Tape Authority deputy director-general for operations Undersecretary Gerald Divinagracia kick off a workshop on process mapping of telco towers’ energization, an ARTA initiative that reinforces its mandate of ensuring compliance to the national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business in the country. PLDT Group’s support aligns with a focus area of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s digital infrastructure pillar, where Panlilio sits as a founding member, aimed at accelerating the rollout of telco towers and internet infrastructure.

Solar producers ask ERC to examine energy auction rates amid low turnout

Metro Pacific Health buys 70.4% of Medical

SPORTS Crowd energizes Italy to victory

WORLD championship veteran

Yuri Romano and his teammates enjoyed the cheers of a large number of Filipino fans who came to watch their games.

The presence of around 4,456 enthusiasts energized Italy as it weathered a first-set loss and repulsed Brazil, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21, on Tuesday at the start of Volleyball Nations League’s Week 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The 25-year-old Romano said he got fired up by cheers of the crowd as Italy posted its first victory in the weeklong spikefest.

“It’s very good to play here. The fans are so happy,” said Romano, a member of the Italian squad that took home the 2022 FIVB world championship.

Romano, a 6’8” opposite spiker, knocked in two crucial points as the Italian moved away from a 19all deadlock during their 133-minute encounter.

The Italian spikers eventually won match point following Henrique Honorato’s floor touch error off Daniel Lavia’s serve.

“We need this win to go up in the standings,” said Romano after teammates Alessandro Michieletto and Gianlucca Galassi contributed 17 and 12 points, respectively.

Brazil drew 19 points from Honorato, a 26-year-old standout from Paraiba.

Ricardo Souza and Flavio Gualberto chipped in 11 points for the Brazilians, who took the first set off Romano’s blocking error, 25-23.

It was Souza’s blocking miscue in the second set which allowed the Italians to take matchpoint, 25-20.

With Galassi leading an attack in the third set, the Italians took control with their biggest lead, 19-11.

Italy will next meet Japan on Thursday. Peter

Atencio

SEAG gold winner gets international FIG exposure

EXPOSING Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Juancho Miguel Besana to more competitive events in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium in September will give him the confidence to compete at a higher level.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton said this after the International Gymnastics Federation informed them that Besana has earned qualifying slots for the vault and horizontal bar events.

“He may not have a chance to earn a medal in the world championships, but we want him to have exposure there also,” said Norton.

Because of this, Besana, the gold medalist in vault during the Cambodia SEAG, will see action in both the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and in the world meet.

Earlier, two-time world champion Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Kylee Kvamme made it to the world meet following last month’s Asian Championships in Singapore.

“We want him (Besana) to first go to the Asian Games, and then catch up with them in the world championships,” added Norton. The 21-year-old Besana is currently in Japan, training with Yulo. He is in a monthlong training camp at the Tokushukai Sports Center in Kamakura, with Caloy’s younger brother Eldrew and coach Reyland Capellan.

Eldrew is preparing to join a series of youth competitions in the coming months.

The IGF recently sent the GAP two separate letters with sports events manager Stephane Detraz, telling Norton that Besana has been given a “MAG Apparatus Specialist quota place” on the two apparatus.

The quota places were offered after national federations declined the spots that were reserved for them. Peter Atencio

De Los Santos to follow same footsteps Obiena took in Italy

By Peter Atencio

HOKETT de los Santos is now following almost the same exact steps that Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has taken to become Asia’s and the Philippines’ top

The 20-year-old De los Santos is now in Formia, Italy, working out at the International Association of Athletics Federation Pole Vault Training Center with his coach Emerson Obiena, EJ’s dad. De los Santos has been there with the elder Obiena for the last three weeks, going through the same routines that EJ went through when he started out. While in Italy, any opportunity for De los Santos to join competitions in Europe will be welcome.

vegetation without authorization.”

RIO DE JANEIRO—A prosecutor in Brazil fined soccer star Neymar 16 million reais ($3.3 million) for building a lake at his mansion on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro without an environmental license, authorities said Monday.

The town council in Mangaratiba issued four fines for “environmental violations in the construction of an artificial lake at the player’s mansion,” the council secretariat said in a statement.

“The sanctions add up to more than 16 million reais,” the statement said, a sum set out by the prosecutor’s office in Mangaratiba, a tourist area around 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Rio where the Paris Saint-Germain star has his mansion.

Among “dozens of infractions” detected, the authorities listed “carrying out work subject to environmental control without authorization,” capture and diversion of river water without authorization, and “removal of land and suppression of

Neymar has 20 days to appeal the penalty, the amount of which had initially been set at five million reais, close to one million dollars.

On June 22, after complaints based on social media posts, authorities found several environmental violations at the luxury property, where workers were building an artificial lake and beach.

Authorities cordoned off the site and ordered all activity to cease, but Brazilian media reported that Neymar threw a party there and bathed in the lake.

Neymar’s press office in Brazil did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

Neymar, 31, is currently recovering from surgery on his right ankle, which he underwent in Doha in March.

The striker has not played since February and doubts have arisen about his staying at PSG.

Neymar bought the Mangaratiba

“Iyun ang hinahanap ko ngayon. Kung mapagbigyan kami na sumali sa mga competitions, mga local meets dito, maganda,” said Obiena, who watched and waited in Italy with Hokett as EJ made qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024 in Stockholm.

The elder Emerson said they are taking the same pathway his son EJ took since 2017.

Six years ago, EJ focused his energies on training and developing his skills under legendary Ukranian coach Vitaly Petrov.

Hokett met and talked to Petrov before the Ukrainian coach and EJ went to Stockholm to compete.

Before he went to Italy, De los Santos leapt to a height of 5.0 meters at the Busan International Pole Vault Meeting at Gwangalli beach in Busan, Korea last June 10.

De Los Santos also cleared the same height when he settled for the silver medal to Elijah Cole during the ICTSI-Philippine Athletics Championships in Ilagan, Isabela last March.

Philippine Badminton Association revives grassroots program

THE Philippine Badminton Association announced the revival of its grassroots program after an extended hiatus.

In line with the vision of Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, PBAD is committed to nurturing young badminton talents in the Philippines and ultimately producing a Filipino badminton Olympian.

The initial grassroots program will be implemented in ten provinces across the country through local tournaments for different age groups.

“We are delighted to revive our grassroots program and provide aspiring young athletes with the necessary training and support to excel in badminton,” said PBAD head of development Melvin C. Nubla. “Through this initiative, we aim to discover and develop the next generation of Filipino badminton champions who will proudly carry our nation’s flag on the international stage.”

Aligned with international standards and drawing inspiration from successful bad-

The program will commence this August in P ampanga, a province renowned for its vibrant sports community and passion for badminton.

“PBAD extends its gratitude to the local government of Pampanga for their in-

valuable support and partnership in hosting the inaugural phase of the program,” said PBAD secretarygeneral Christopher Quimpo. PBAD is thrilled to collaborate with FMKD Inc. in implementing the grassroots program. This partnership brings together the expertise and resources of both organizations, guaranteeing the program’s success in nurturing young talent and fostering a love for badminton at the grassroots level.

“FMKD, Inc. is here to help PBAD provide a world-class experience to all JRS participants across all legs and ensure that the JRS program becomes a solid grassroots platform for recruiting new players for their junior team. We believe that players in other regions are just as competitive as the players in Metro Manila. The talent is out there; we just need to reach out and tap into it,” Marvin Salazar, Vice Chairman of FMKD Inc.

pole vaulter.

Italy’s Giarluca Galassi (14) and Daniele Lavia (15) fail to reject the smash of Brazil’s Gualberto Flavio in the VNL at the MOA Arena on Tuesday. The Italians took the win, though, 2325, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21.

PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar AFP

PBAD head of grassroots Kevin Dalisay, head coach Cha dz Yusuf and MVPSF Executive Director Jude Turcuato minton nations such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and others, PBAD will also introduce a juniors ranking system. This is on top of the Philippine National Ranking System which is currently being set up and can be seen on the PBAD website.

Hokett delos Santos (left) with coach Emerson Obiena, father and mentor of pole vault superstar Ernest John

Laro ng Lahi in Lagawe calendars 5 combat sports

FIVE major combat sports make up the coming Laro ng Lahi Ifugao set in the municipality of Lagawe over the weekend.

Boxing, wushu, wrestling, weightlifting, and taekwondo will be featured in the all-women event set July 8-9.

A total of 400 participants are seeing action in the two-day meet to be held at the Lagawe Town Plaza and Village Park.

“The project is to support the grassroots program of Ifugao and mandated by the Philippine Commission on Women na laging nagpapa-alala na huwag kalimutan ang indigenous sports,” said PSC commissioner Bong Coo in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Since tinutulungan namin ang Ifugao sa grassroots program at tsaka maraming IP (Indigenous People) sa kanila, so kinausap namin sila kung puwede kaming magsagawa ng IP sports dun.”

The meet is in coordination with Ifugao Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Executive Assistant Agustin Calya-en.

Coo added in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee , and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation that ethnic cultural games will likewise be part of the calendar of events.

The cultural sports, nine in all, are labba race, guyyudan (tug of war), kadang-kadang, dopop di babuy, manbayu, hanggul, huktingan, bultung, dopap di manuk.

As added incentive, the provincial government of Ifugao initiated on its own a coaching certification on technical officials who are going to participate.

At the same time, the local government is in the process of building a covered court to house their local athletes.

Gumaru’s game-winner lifts Ginebra to 3x3 title

BARANGAY Ginebra’s solid quartet escaped past upset-conscious San Miguel Beer in overtime, 19-17, to win the opener of the PBA 3x3 First Conference Season 3 on Tuesday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.

Donald Gumaru finished with eight points, including the game-winning deuce that clinched for the Kings the P100,000 prize money after a tightlyfought finale.

Kim Aurin had an all-around game of five points, five rebounds, and five assists, while setting up Gumaru for the game winner.

Ralph Cu and Raphael Salcedo round out the scoring with four and two points, respectively for the Kings, who are

coached by Kirk Collier.

All four Ginebra players incidentally, are also part of the team’s roster in the ongoing PBA On Tour.

The Kings nosed out Terrafirman Dyip in the semis, 17-13. It was a heartbreaker of a loss for the Beermen, who earlier pulled off shocking wins over grand slam champion TNT and second seed Cavitex to reach the finals.

Marvin Lee exploded for 15 points

ABAP boxers, coaches welcome new leader

DEPUTY Speaker Robbie Puno, the new president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, remembers the first world class fight he ever saw on television. He also recalls distinctly, but not with much fondness, his first taste of what getting hit feels like.

“The very first fight I saw on TV was Muhammad Ali versus Oscar Bonavena,” said Puno, referring to the December 7, 1970 heavyweight bout between Ali, who was coming out of a three and a half-year suspension from boxing for draft evasion, and a hardpunching brawler from Argentina, who had gone the full distance against Joe Frazier in two previous fights. Ali won the fight via a 15th round TKO.

“I’ve loved watching Ali since,” added Puno, w ho took over the ABAP reins last May after the untimely passing of longtime secretary general and later president Ed Picson.

“And, of course, I’ve also been a fan of our very own Manny Pacquiao,” he added, having long followed the rise and reign of the eight-time world boxing champion.

The erstwhile federation vice president was formally introduced to the national boxers at ABAP’s training facility in Baguio City last Saturday, with ABAP chairman and former president Ricky Vargas, Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and national coach Pat Gaspi taking turns in welcoming the five-term Antipolo first district representative.

Also in attendance were ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo, who hosted the affair, and Karina Picson, executive assistant to the president.

With Puno was his wife, former Congresswoman Chiqui Roa-Puno, a respected TV host and sports broadcast personality, and their son Nick.

“I’m very impressed with our boxers’ living quarters. Ang expectation ko noong una, baka hindi maayos. Maganda pala,” said Puno, who took pictures in front of the boxing ring with the 50 or so members of the national pool.

Setting plans and objectives for ABAP, and working to reach and

Former PBL commissioner promotes cockfighting

CHINO Trinidad, a noted broadcaster and former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League, has embarked on a new journey and advocacy.

Trinidad is out to promote cockfighting as a sport and ‘an integral part of Philippine culture.’

“Based on history, it’s the oldest sport in our country, and played by our ancestors,” said Trinidad during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The popular sports figure plans to use all avenues, including the tri-media, to send his message across that cockfighting is “beyond gambling” but a sport that adheres to honesty.

Trinidad also recognized that cockfighting in the country has become a multi-billion industry.

in the quarterfinals as the Beermen ousted the Triple Giga, 22-14, while Ken Bono imposed himself in the paint during the semis, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds in San Miguel’s 18-10 win over Cavitex to advance in the title game.

The Beermen banked in the P50,000 runner-up purse. Cavitex beat Terrafirma for the battle for third, 21-15. Ken Ighalo topscored with eight points, while Tonino Gonzaga added six for the Braves, who bagged P30,000.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, the Braves slammed the door on Meralco, 21-17, Terrafirma denied newcomer Wilcon Depot a semifinals seat, 20-18, and Ginebra downed Pioneer Elastoseal, 19-16, to advance.

“From the breeding process, feeds, vitamins, supplements all the way to the derbies, it truly is a multi-billion industry in the Philippines and a great contributor to the economy,” he said during the weekly forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“But my ultimate goal is to develop the appreciation of the sport and ‘yung mai-present ang sabong hindi sa negative side. What we want to preserve here is the sport being part of who we are as Filipinos,” he added.

“Sayang because cockfighting here was never given the opportunity to be included in mainstream sports like horse racing,” added Trinidad, who stressed that he’s not into cockfighting.

“Hindi po ako sabungero but a lover of Philippine culture. I’m just fascinated by this industry,” he added.

execute them, Puno said, is of utmost priority.

“Our goal is to make it to the Olympics via the Asian qualifying events, and win the gold in Paris,” he said. Puno then added to applause, “At kasama na rin sa pangarap natin na magwagi ng ginto sa Olympics ay ang mai-angat ang buhay ng ating mga boksingero at nang kanilang mga pamilya.”

Concurrently the vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and an instrumental figure in the passage of House bills naturalizing players like Marcus

Douthit, Andray Blatche, Ange Kouame and lately Justin Brownlee for Gilas Pilipinas, Puno addressed his ascension to ABAP chief with a touch of humor.

“Nagtataka nga ako kung bakit ako ang napili na maging ABAP president. Kako, hindi naman siguro dahil congressman ako kasi may 300 pa naman sa ‘min na puwedeng pagpilian,” he told his audience, who broke into laughter when he added, “Sa totoo lang, minsan lang akong nasuntok noon, naiyak pa ko. Kaya nga nag-basketball na lang ako.”

Puno was later joined by Vargas and MVP Sports Foundation officials Jude Turcuato, Maita David and Art Aro in handing over incentives to boxing medalists in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh. The Philippines took home four gold medals, five silvers and one bronze.

Vargas, also the chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association and vice president of SBP, provided some explanation for Puno’s appointment.

“Sa sports kasi, especially kami sa basketball, oftentimes, we call on Congressman Robbie to help us resolve certain issues; he has been our go-to guy in basketball,” said Vargas.

“E medyo nainggit naman kami dito sa boxing, kaya ginawa na rin namin siyang go-to guy ng ABAP.

Isa pa, he’s a very good family man, a very loving family man. And here at ABAP, we’re one big family so he’s the perfect choice to head it.”

Vargas spoke of the Olympic Games next year as being on its “fourth cycle” since 2009 when ABAP calculated it would take that much time before it strikes gold.

“Sinabi namin noon, on the fourth cycle of the Olympics, mananalo tayo nang gold,” he said, addressing the boxers. “Yan ang cycle na pinakaimportante, at yan ang cycle ngayon. That’s why the Asian Games [in September] is so important kasi don ka magka-qualify. At kaya nating gawin ito.”

Smart unveils Gilas Power to stream FIBA World Cup

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is making it so much easier for Filipino basketball fans to stream and catch up on all the FIBA action as it unveils Gilas Power 399, a data-packed offer perfect for watching games on the Smart LiveStream App and so much more.

As the country inches closer to the much-anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup happening in Manila from August 25 to September 10, basketball fans can count on Smart to cover all their streaming needs and daily online activities—from following their favorite stars, on social media, keeping abreast with the latest FIBA updates, and reliving the best FIBA World Cup games on the Smart LiveStream App anytime and anywhere.

Gilas Power 399 comes with a total of 78 GB worth of data, consisting of 48 GB for all sites and apps (18 GB plus 1 GB per day for 30 days) plus 30 GB for Smart LiveStream App (1 GB per day for 30 days) for only P399. With 78 GB data, Gilas Power 399 pays tribute to 1978, the year when the Philippines first played host to the prestigious tournament then known as the FIBA World Championships.

Smart Prepaid subscribers can register to Gilas Power 399 exclusively via the GigaLife App and the Maya App for a limited time only.

Own a piece of FIBA history

Smart will also enable fans to own a piece of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 history with the upcoming launch of limited-edition Gilas Load Cards featuring some of the country’s best Gilas players.

Soon to be available at the Smart Online Store, select Smart Stores, and accredited retailers nationwide, the iconic and collectible Gilas Load Cards showcase masterpieces from no less than ‘Mr. Hoops’ himself, Pinoy basketball artist and advocate Mike Swift, who made headlines worldwide in 2020 for his massive art tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant at the Tenement Court in Taguig City.

Filipino basketball aficionados can make the most of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 powered by Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

Know more about Smart Prepaid’s Gilas Power 399 and other data-packed offers at https://smrt.ph/gilasfb.

Players from Barangay Ginebra take a photo of themselves after receiving a giant check replica of their prize money for winning the PBA 3x3 First Conference Season 3.

Gilas Power

Rep. Robbie Puno, ABAP president, addresses members of the national boxing team in Baguio City. ABAP photo

Young woman forced into prostitution finds a turning point in ‘Bugaw’

Ataska star in Vivamax’s latest offering, ‘Bugaw’

It is a distressing truth that some parents resort to exploiting their own children as a means to combat poverty as if there are no other alternatives available. What may be perceived as a solution often leads to even more significant problems. But life continues to offer opportunities for redemption as shown in Bugaw, a movie directed by Yam Laranas

redemption as shown in

town – inhabited solely by

father to be able to provide

The film transports the viewers to a secluded town – inhabited solely by men – 22-year-old Dolores (Alexa Ocampo), is led into prostitution by her own father to be able to provide for the needs of her siblings,

Isaac (Clifford Pusing), and Gloria (Juharra Zhianne Asayo). Dolores learns to accept this job wholeheartedly and does not feel damaged by it. But something happens that will prevent Dolores from doing it. Isaac then gets into the business of selling his body as he becomes their family’s breadwinner. By this time, he has discovered that their father paid bribes to the town’s corrupt chief of police they call “Ser” (Jay Manalo), and he has no intention of doing the same thing. But Isaac cannot avoid Ser for too long. And when he fails to pay him, he is

KaladKaren embarks on exciting new journey

KALADKAREN , a well-known personality within the LGBTQIA+ community, passionately discussed the topic of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) and inclusivity, shedding light on the progress that has been made so far.

Malayo na, pero malayo pa,” KaladKaren, or Jervi Li in real life, told Manila Standard Entertainment. “We still have a long way to go, but we've come a long way. We have made many efforts that have borne fruit, but there is still much more to be done to achieve our goals in society."

While acknowledging the strides that have been taken, KaladKaren emphasized that there is still a significant distance to cover on the path to true equality.

"We need to consider many things. We have conservative lawmakers, and we are a Catholic country, but before anything else, we should focus on equal rights for everyone before addressing civil partnerships or same-sex unions. Let's first address discrimination against all types of people, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have gender identities and sexual characteristics,” she said.

With unwavering determination, KaladKaren highlighted the efforts that have yielded positive

outcomes but also emphasized the need for continued action to achieve the community's aspirations within society. It was acknowledged that there is much work to be done in order to fulfill the goals and ideals that the LGBTQIA+ community envisions.

In the interview, KaladKaren emphasized the importance of considering various factors in navigating these challenges. The presence of conservative lawmakers and the cultural context of being a predominantly Catholic country were acknowledged. However, KaladKaren urged for the prioritization of equal rights for all individuals before delving into discussions surrounding civil partnerships or same-sex unions.

KaladKaren also pointed out that the focus should be on addressing discrimination in all its forms, extending beyond just the LGBTQIA+ community, as people from diverse backgrounds also experience issues related to gender identity and sexual characteristics.

The interview took place during her signing with Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN, on

June 26.

“Star Magic has produced the Alisters of the industry since time immemorial. Parang lahat ng sikat at pinag-uusapan, napaka-talented na tao, nangggaling sa Star Magic. It’s such an honor and privilege for me to be a part of this family,” Jervi said during her contract signing. She also shared that she will be part of an upcoming series, a reality show, and a movie as a Star Magic artist.

Meanwhile, Laurenti Dyogi, head of Star Magic, praised KaladKaren’s character during the contract signing. “Alam mo naman, Jervi, you embody the attributes of what a Star Magic artist is. You stand for excellence, you’re very talented, you stand for other people,” Dyogi told KaladKaren.

KaladKaren rose to fame for her impersonation of TV Patrol and ANC Headstart anchor Karen Davila. But now, she is slowly making a name for herself as an actor after she was named the first transwoman to become a winner at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Currently, KaladKaren is part of iWantTFC’s Drag You & Me and the upcoming ABS-CBN and Prime Video series, Fit Check Apart from her win as Best Supporting Actress at the MMFF this year, KaladKaren is also the first transwoman news anchor in the country.

Nessa Valdellon appointed Senior VP for GMA Pictures

GMA Network announces the appointment of Nessa Valdellon as Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures effective July 1. Valdellon, who is the Network’s concurrent

First Vice President for Public Affairs pivoted a department of documentary and news magazine producers to become creatives and producers of top-rated soaps, romantic comedies, historical dramas, and drama anthologies. Under her leadership, GMA Public Affairs has broadened its messagemaking to a wider audience through a diverse lineup of formats and titles including a slate of films under GMA Pictures.

Valdellon currently heads the production of the following films: the edgy romance The Cheating Game, the fantasy drama Firefly, the horror movie Penthouse 77’ the science fiction romance Version 2, as well as 4K documentary film The Lost Sabungeros. Prior to venturing into filmmaking, she was production head for over 30 GMA Public Affairs programs,

including the multi-awarded news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, the blockbuster series Lolong, the George Foster Peabody awardees Reel Time and I-Witness, and the New York Fest multi-medalist Reporter's Notebook, among many others.

Valdellon is credited for creating the full programming grid for GMA News TV which was launched in 2011. While running the channel, she also co-wrote and produced the award-winning social realist series Bayan Ko and Titser.

In 2018, she won for GMA Network a YouTube innovation grant for the digital newscast Stand For Truth – the Network’s pioneering mobile journalism newscast.

Valdellon began her career as a producer for The Probe Team and served as a long-time Probe Team Executive Producer.

A Kapuso for 20 years now, she started her work in GMA as Program Manager and pioneered reality production with programs such as Wish Ko Lang, Extra Challenge, Imbestigador, and Survivor Philippines –bringing these to the top of Philippine television ratings. She has served as a New York Festivals grand jury member for five years and running. Valdellon is also in her third year as a juror for the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

thrown in jail. There he meets Lydia (Ataska), a 16-year-old girl who has been kidnapped by Ser, and plans to make her the town’s new prostitute. Isaac finds himself suddenly in charge of the girl’s fate. Can he redeem himself by helping her?

While Vivamax viewers may have already enjoyed the movies of Alexa and Clifford, Bugaw is Ataska’s first Vivamax movie where she plays a more mature role (she was also part of How To Love Mr. Heartless). She describes her character as “a fighter” and calls it her “dream role come true”.

Ataska, who became a Viva artist after The Voice Kids, says that she’s “happy and thrilled” that her first Vivamax movie is directed by the award-winning and aweinspiring Yam Laranas. She shares that even before she was offered this role, she already did a lot of research by watching foreign, local, and Vivamax movies. She says, “During my research last year, I was able to watch Balahibong Pusa It’s now one of my favorite films of all time. So when I found out I was going to work with Direk, and even Kuya Jay, ang sayasaya ko. Then, during the days leading up to our shoot, we had a Zoom table read and Zoom acting workshop. The one-on-one with Direk Yam was really helpful. He also sent acting tips and recommended movies to watch.”

As part of her preparation, she also made a playlist inspired by her character. “As a musician, it just feels absolutely integral to incorporate music in everything I do.” Ataska also expresses her gratitude for the support of her co-stars. She describes Alexa as an “ate” to her, Clifford as “fun to talk to”, and Jay Manalo gave her advice not only in acting but in “buhay-artista”.

Ataska concludes, “Working on Bugaw is an unforgettable experience and this project has a special place in my heart.” Bugaw will be available on Vivamax on July 7.

Following the statement of Vietnam banning the ‘Barbie’ film over issues about South China, MTRCB says that it has also reviewed the movie

MTRCB initiates review of controversial ‘Barbie’ film

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officially commenced the review process for the film Barbie yesterday, July 4.

In a statement sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, the assigned Committee on First Review is currently engaged in deliberations regarding Warner Brothers F.E. Inc.'s request for a Permit to Exhibit.

“Once available, a copy of the Permit to Exhibit or the Committee’s decision will be uploaded to the agency’s official website: mtrcb.gov. ph,” the statement said. The decision was made after Vietnam prohibited the screening of

the highly-anticipated Barbie movie in its cinemas due to scenes featuring a map depicting China's claims over territorial waters in the South China Sea. State media announced that the fantasy comedy, directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was originally scheduled for nationwide release on July 21.

However, following the government's decision to ban the film due to the inclusion of the controversial nine-dash line, major cinema chains in Vietnam have removed the movie's showtimes from their websites.

roster of A-list stars of Star Magic

GMA executive Nessa Valdellon

Scan, discover, and experience the masterpieces and iconic paintings of the National Museum brought to life through AR

LIFE

Witness the beauty of Juan Luna’s notable works such as the ‘Spolarium’

A museum adventure unlike anything else

SM Mall of Asia and the National Museum of the Philippines have collaborated to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) exhibition showcasing notable Filipino artworks. The exhibit, named ARt in MOA, will be displayed within the MOA Complex.

This groundbreaking partnership marks a first for both organizations, as they join forces to offer a distinctive and immersive experience to SM Mall of Asia’s diverse customer base, comprising both local visitors and international guests.

Both parties signed the Memorandum of Agreement at the National Museum of the Philippines on June 9 to formalize their partnership. The National Museum was

represented by Director-General Jeremy Barns and Deputy Director-General for Museums Jorell Legaspi, while SM Mall of Asia was represented by Senior Assistant Vice President of Mall Operations, Perkin O. So and Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Krisel Raymundo-Ramilo In his remarks during the signing, Deputy Director Legaspi stated that “[The National Museum looks] forward to... making other programs with SM that will be beneficial for both organizations ... because our role to the Filipino people is to provide enjoyment, entertainment, and... access to our wonderful collection of fine

arts and other cultural assets.” So also remarked that “[SM is] truly honored to be partnering with our friends from the National Museum of the Philippines. We’re truly excited to be able to become a venue to enrich the lives of our customers on a day-to-day basis. We’re excited that the public will be able to experience these creations by the masters in our mall... Hopefully, we can make the public feel the importance and beauty of Philippine art.” The exhibit will run until August featuring a pop-up installation in Level 2 of the Main Mall, as well as QR codes placed around the MOA Complex, namely

Redefining fatherhood through art

in MOA, MOA Square, and S Maison.

Through scanning the QR codes, mallgoers will be able to see an image of a particular artwork from a selection of pieces curated by the Fine Arts division of the National Museum of the Philippines.

The concept of the digital exhibit makes use of the convenience of technology. Given the limited reach of Philippine artistic institutions in terms of audience, the objective of the project is to bring Filipino masterpieces to a wider audience via digitization. Through this effort to increase accessibility, SM Mall of Asia intends for the general public to better appreciate the rich and vibrant history of the country’s

WHAT does it mean to become a father? Do you become a father when you spawn a smaller version of yourself, or when you become a provider and emotional supporter? How do we define fatherhood?

Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration celebrates the multi-faceted roles fathers play in shaping one’s identity and delves into the depths of fatherhood and its profound influence on a person’s life.

On view until July 8, at the Imahica Art Gallery, the group exhibit honors the influential figures that have shaped our lives and celebrates the universal bond of fatherhood as shown in the pieces created by father and daughter artists Nikulas Lebajo and Beatrice Lebajo. Their artworks serve as powerful reminders of the impact fathers have on our lives, acting as sources of inspiration, guidance, and unwavering support.

Nikulas’ artistic style can best be de-

scribed as minimalist-realist, a manifestation of his relentless pursuit of serenity and harmony. His creations are characterized by their ability to evoke profound beauty and tranquility, engendering a Zen-like effect on all who behold them.

With a keen eye for detail and an extraordinary command of technique, he predominantly explores the ethereal allure of glassware, bottles, jars, the human figure, and portraiture. He often intertwines these themes with a deep-rooted reverence for nature and a commitment to preserving our fragile environment.

As an artist continuously evolving, Nikulas courageously embraces contemporary subject matters that mirror the ever-changing tapestry of our times. He fearlessly ventures into uncharted artistic territories, deftly capturing the essence of our rapidly evolving world.

As an emerging artist, Beatrice is poised to make a significant impact on the art world. Her trajectory is characterized by her relentless pursuit of artistic growth, her commitment to embracing both tradition and innovation, and her unwavering dedication to sharing her unique perspective with the world.

With each stroke of her brush, Beatrice breathes life into her creations, capturing the essence of human emotion and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to experience her art.

Beatrice is a blossoming artist who defies expectations and breathes life into her canvases. Born with an innate talent and a creative spirit that knows no boundaries, she has emerged as a vibrant force in the realm of TraDigital Fine Art, bridging the gap between traditional and digital mediums.

At just 19 years old, Beatrice exudes a maturity and depth that belies her youth, captivating audiences with her unique perspective and captivating artwork.

Beatrice embarked on her academic pursuit of artistic excellence at the prestigious Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of TraDigital Fine Art with a major in Visual Communication and Design. Under the tutelage of esteemed professors and mentors, she has honed her skills and expanded her artistic horizons, exploring the delicate interplay between the traditional and digital

artworks and artists, and drive them to visit the National Museum itself to experience their entire collection.

Featuring the work of many revered Filipino artists, such as Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Ang Kiukok, and Guillermo Tolentino ARt in MOA is a one-of-akind initiative that seeks to strengthen the connection between Filipinos and their heritage. With such famous masterpieces available through the simple touch of one’s mobile device, SM Mall of Asia and the National Museum of the Philippines are one in promoting Filipino art and art appreciation for all.

Young designer previews first collection for .ARCHIVES

By Rendell Ron Pacho

ELLIS Co, a young talented Filipino fashion designer that was influenced by brutalist fashion from the ‘50s and ‘60s and incorporated Japanese streetwear style, had offered an exclusive sneak peek of his debut Resort/Cruise collection for his highfashion streetwear brand .ARCHIVES last June 29 at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City. The event offered an exclusive preview of his meticulous preparations for his highly anticipated fashion show happening at Misibis Bay Resort on July 14.

Co, with a visionary perspective, perceived his designs as the “future of clothing.” At the sneak peek presentation, he showcased two significant designs from the forthcoming fashion show. He expressed that these two looks were merely the beginning, as there is much more to come. While they may appear different from his initial collection, Memoirs of the Future, from last year, a closer examination reveals the incorporation of new ideas while preserving the essence of .ARCHIVES’ DNA.

The Phases/Faces collection would include 22 looks, the first 21 of which pay homage to persons who have affected Co and creative director Aya Reika Mayani’s life. Co and Mayani’s point of view and individuality as young designers would be

reflected in the final look.

Co shared with Manila Standard Life

really is we’re just trying to be real to ourselves as artists. We want our looks to be not influenced by any commercial or financial influences or political influences. It’s just, you know, it’s just pure art and we’re just having fun with it.”

Co and his team used precise cutting, experimented with layered materials, and developed the characteristic lapel which was the focus of last year’s presentation. Keeping with neutrals, Phases/Faces will use more whites to complement light and airy hues to give the collection a particular personality.

Co said that he spent around two months making the garments. However, before beginning work on the collection, he began sketching his concepts. Co would go through his sketches and decide which ones would be used.

“Coming into every collection, it’s always our goal to express ourselves freely without the boundaries of you know, whatever outside influence. We express ourselves through the clothing and we are to us, (on) ourselves through the garments then whatever our emotions are at that time, whatever our personalities are at that time, as long as we continue doing that,” said Aya Reika Mayani, the .ARCHIVES creative director.

Co also claimed that the pieces are a “mixture of modern and experimental.” He also added that it was a fresh take on familiar silhouettes which they hope Gen Zs and Millennials will relate to.

Co also expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in the effort ahead of the fashion show at Misibis Bay Resort. He also said that the best asset of the resort is the beach, which they all agreed to utilize.

who part exEspinorole of fathers but also recognizes the culheritage fathers conThe showcased artworks serve as a testa-cul-

realms. Other artists who are part of the ex hibit are Pandy Aviado, Diana Aviado, Fil Delacruz, Janos Delacruz, Roy Espino sa, Pauline Allison Espinosa, Fernando Sena, Tintin Sena, and Oddin Sena. The exhibition not only celebrates the role of fathers but also recognizes the cul tural heritage they impart. Through their wisdom, love, and heritage, fathers con tribute to the rich tapestry of our society. The showcased artworks serve as a testa ment to these creative influences, inspir ing us to embrace and preserve our cul tural legacies.

“We wish to have our own store like we wish to get consigned internationally and you know have these fashion shows in like different countries but our main focus

Co enlisted the help of fashion creative director Robby Carmona in order to bring his idea for the presentation to life. Co said that working with director Robby was a breeze and that he was receptive when Carmona listened to their ideas.

Co hired Bicol-based models for his hometown show to bring a touch of local character to the fashion show and aside from the local talent, last year’s models will also walk in the main presentation. Co also worked with makeup artist Violet Ocampo to produce basic and natural tones that portray a sumptuous vacation image and the show’s final look will be the only one that deviates from the rest of the collection.

“The show will be personal and an intimate showcase of looks. We did our best to inject and express our emotions in the garments, hoping to deliver a visceral impact to our audience,” Co said.

Co exclusively told Manila Standard Life that their team is already working on their website and mobile application which they’re planning to release next month during or after the much-awaited fashion show.

Young fashion designer Ellis Co (left) and creative director Aya Reika Mayani (right)

Co shares an exclusive preview of his Resort/Cruise collection for his high-fashion streetwear brand .ARCHIVES

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE MANILA

DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 032 - 2023

May 15, 2023

SUBJECT : IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED SCHEDULES OF ZONAL VALUES OF REAL PROPERTIES IN THE CITIES OF CAGAYAN DE ORO (5TH REVISION) AND EL SALVADOR (4TH REVISION) AND THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ALUBIJID, GITAGUM, INITAO, JASAAN, LAGUINDINGAN, LIBERTAD, LUGAIT, MANTICAO, NAAWAN, OPOL, TAGOLOAN AND VILLANUEVA (4TH REVISION), WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF REVENUE DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, REVENUE REGION NO. 16 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY FOR INTERNAL REVENUE TAX PURPOSES.

TO : All Internal Revenue Officers and Others Concerned

Under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise known as the “Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN)” Law, amending Section 6 (E) of National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, the Commissioner is hereby authorized to divide the Philippines into different zones or areas and shall determine the fair market value of real properties located in each zone or area, subject to automatic adjustment once every three (3) years.

By virtue of said authority and after the conduct of public hearing on October 28, 2022, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue has determined the zonal values of real properties in the Cities of Cagayan De Oro (5th Revision) and El Salvador (4th Revision) and the Municipalities of Alubijid, Gitagum, Initao, Jasaan, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Opol, Tagoloan and Villanueva (4th Revision), within the jurisdiction of Revenue District Office No. 98 - Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Revenue Region No. 16 - Cagayan De Oro City.

This Order is therefore issued to implement the revised schedule of zonal values of real properties for purposes of computation of any internal revenue tax due on sale/ transfer or any other disposition of real properties. The zonal values established herein shall apply provided the same is higher than (1) the fair market value as shown in the schedule of values of the City Assessor and (2) the gross selling price/consideration as shown in the duly notarized document of sale or transfer of real property.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

RECOMMENDED BY:

ROMEO D. LUMAGUI, JR.

Commissioner of Internal Revenue

DEFINITION OF TERMS

BENJAMIN E. DIOKNO Secretary of Finance

RESIDENTIAL LAND/CONDOMINIUM PRINCIPALLY DEVOTED TO HABITATION.

COMMERCIAL LAND DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO COMMERCIAL PURPOSES AND GENERALLY FOR THE OBJECT OF PROFIT.

INDUSTRIAL DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO INDUSTRY AS CAPITAL.

AGRICULTURAL DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO RAISING OF CROP SUCH AS RICE, CORN, SUGARCANE, TOBACCO, ETC. OR TO PASTURING, INLAND FISHING, SALT-MAKING, AND OTHER AGRICULTURAL USES INCLUDING TIMBERLAND AND FOREST LAND.

GENERAL PURPOSE RAWLAND, UNDEVELOPED AND UNDERDEVELOPED AREA WHICH HAS POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT INTO RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, ETC. MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 5,000 SQUARE METERS.

VICINITY MEANS AN AREA, LOCALITY, NEIGHBORHOOD OR DISTRICT ABOUT, NEAR, ADJACENT PROXIMATE OR CONTIGUOUS TO A STREET BEING LOCATED.

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

ROA EXT.

: MISAMIS ORIENTAL CITY : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

: 29

NAME / SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION 5TH

BORJA

FROM CORRALES TO DAUMAR CR52,500.00 RR42,000.00

JUSTO RAMONAL ST FROM CORRALES TO AGUINALDO ST.CR26,000.00 RR21,100.00

NIEVES ST CR26,000.00 RR21,100.00

RAMON CHAVEZ ST FROM AGUINALDO TO DAUMAR CR44,600.00 RR34,500.00

SOTERO DAUMAR ST BORJA TO R. CHAVEZ CR50,400.00 RR39,900.00

YACAPIN ST FROM CORRALES TO AGUINALDO ST.CR47,200.00 RR37,900.00

BARANGAY : 33

STREET NAME / SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION 5TH REV. ZV/SQ.M (Final Rev)

CAPT. V. ROA ST FROM BORJA TO R. CHAVEZ ST. CR52,000.00 RR38,000.00 FROM CAPT. V. ROA TO OSMENA CR42,100.00 RR33,600.00

DAUMAR ST. ALONG

RR1,900.00 A50300.00 BARANGAY: 50 - MACASANDIG SECTION 2 TOMAS SACO ST. ALONG TOMAS SACO ST. CR8,000.00 RR5,000.00 14TH, 15TH ALONG 14TH, 15TH CR6,800.00 RR5,000.00 10TH,11TH, 12TH, SAMPAGUITA ST.ALONG 10TH,11TH, 12TH, SAMPAGUITA ST.CR**6,800.00 RR5,000.00 CHAVEZ, FERNHILL, CR6,200.00

JUPITER, APOLLO RR5,000.00

HILLSIDE SUBD RR5,000.00

GOLDEN SHOWER DRIVE* RR5,000.00

MEGA HOMES RR5,000.00

IMMANUEL HOMES* RR4,600.00

BARANGAY. ROAD ALONG BARANGAY. ROAD CR6,000.00 RR4,200.00

ALL OTHER STREETS CR5,700.00 RR3,100.00 A50400.00

PROVINCE : MISAMIS ORIENTAL CITY : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

BARANGAY : CAMAMAN-AN BARANGAY: 52 - CAMAMAN-AN SECTION 5 STREET NAME / SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION

SECTION 2 ROAD TO PPA

LA PAZ I EXT.

SAN JUAN II DISTRICT

CR53,900.00

RR26,700.00

CR8,400.00

RR6,400.00

CR8,400.00

RR6,400.00 STO. NIÑO

NHA SUBD (SAN JUAN DISTRICT)

ALL OTHER STREETS

BARANGAY: 53 - LAPASAN SECTION 3

CR8,400.00

RR6,400.00

CR8,400.00

RR6,100.00

CR8,400.00

RR5,900.00

SUPER HIGHWAY ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY CR49,800.00 RR34,700.00 ROAD TO AGORA MARKET CR47,900.00 RR30,400.00

DN MARIANO MARCOS POL COLLEGE CR39,300.00 BITAN-AG VILLAGE SUBD. CR10,300.00 RR6,400.00

ALL OTHER STREETS CR28,200.00 RR22,900.00

BARANGAY: 53 - LAPASAN SECTION 4

SUPER HIGHWAY ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY CR39,100.00 RR29,300.00

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

PROVINCE : MISAMIS ORIENTAL CITY : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

BARANGAY : BONBON BARANGAY: 57 - BONBONSECTION 1 STREET NAME / SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION 5TH REV. ZV/SQ.M (Final Rev)

BONBON ROAD ALONG THE ROAD CR5,800.00 RR3,100.00

ALL OTHER STREETS BONBON CR*5,500.00 RR2,700.00 A50400.00

BARANGAY: 57 - BONBONSECTION 2 BONBON ROAD ALONG THE ROAD RR3,500.00

ALL OTHER STREETS BONBON CR*5,400.00 RR3,200.00 A50400.00

BARANGAY: 57 - BONBONSECTION

BARANGAY: 57 - BONBONSECTION 5

BAYABAS ROAD CR6,100.00 RR4,200.00

VILLA CRISTO REY SUBD.** RR3,500.00

ALL OTHER STREETS CR*5,700.00 RR3,000.00 A50400.00

BARANGAY: 57 - BONBONSECTION 6-10

BARANGAY ROAD** ALONG BARANGAY ROAD CR5,900.00 RR3,800.00

ALL OTHER STREETS** CR5,200.00 RR3,100.00 A50300.00

BEACH OF CAGAYAN RIVER MOUTH PORTION A39400.00

Notes: * Newly identified classification ** Newly identified street/subdivision

PROVINCE : MISAMIS ORIENTAL CITY : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

BARANGAY : BAYABAS

BARANGAY: 58 - BAYABASSECTION 1, PHASE 1 STREET NAME / SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION 5TH REV. ZV/SQ.M (Final Rev)

COASTAL HIGHWAY

BARANGAY: 58 - BAYABASSECTION 2

ROAD

NEMECITO CHAVEZ VILLAGE (N. CHAVEZ VILLAGE)** RR3,000.00

ALL OTHER STREETS CR*5,400.00

BARANGAY: 58 - BAYABASSECTION 3

COASTAL HIGHWAY*

BAYABAS ROAD CR**5,500.00 RR3,300.00

ALL OTHER STREETS

BARANGAY: 58 - BAYABAS SECTION 4

BAYABAS ROAD

ALL OTHER STREETS

BARANGAY: 58 - BAYABASSECTION 5-6

COASTAL HIGHWAY*

DIVERSION ROAD

CR*5,800.00

RR3,600.00

CR*5,400.00

RR2,200.00

A50700.00

CR9,500.00

RR6,000.00

CR9,300.00

RR7,200.00

WESTBOUND TERMINAL ROAD* ALONG WESTBOUND TERMINAL ROADCR8,600.00

KAUSWAGANSECTION 2 SUPER HIGHWAY (NATIONAL HIWAY)ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY CR13,200.00 RR10,800.00 KAUSWAGAN RD ALONG KAUSWAGAN RD CR9,700.00 RR6,700.00 RER SUBD - PHASE 2 CR8,900.00 RR6,500.00 ALL OTHER STREETS CR9,500.00 RR5,900.00 ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY SECTION 2, SHEET 1 CR RR

BARANGAY: 59 KAUSWAGANSECTION 3,

OTHER STREETS

BARANGAY: 59 - KAUSWAGANSECTION 19 SUPER HIGHWAY (NATIONAL HIWAY) ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY (NATIONAL HIWAY) CR11,400.00 RR7,000.00

BARANGAY ROAD TO PATAG*ALONG BARANGAY ROAD TO PATAG

PROVINCE : MISAMIS ORIENTAL CITY : CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

BARANGAY : KAUSWAGAN

BARANGAY: 59 - KAUSWAGANSECTION 20 STREET NAME SUBDIVISION VICINITY CLASSIFICATION 5TH REV. ZV/SQ.M (Final Rev)

SUPER HIGHWAY (NATIONAL HIWAY)* ALONG SUPER HIGHWAY (NATIONAL HIWAY) CR13,600.00 RR8,000.00 BUAL ST*

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

BARANGAY: 63 - PAGATPATSECTION 3, SHEET 3 LOTS ALONG MAIN ROAD*

MACAPAGAL DRIVE CR RR

BARANGAY: 63 - PAGATPATSECTION 4 LOTS ALONG MAIN ROAD*

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

REVISED ZONAL VALUATION – RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

PROPERTIES FOR RDO NO. 98 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

1. NO ZONAL VALUE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR A PARTICULAR CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREIN THE APPROVED SCHEDULE OF ZONAL VALUES FOR A PARTICULAR BARANGAY -

a.) NO ZONAL VALUE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR A PARTICULAR CLASSIFICATION IN A PARTICULAR STREET/ SUBDIVISION IN A BARANGAY, THE ZONAL VALUE PRESCRIBED FOR THE SAME CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE OTHER STREET/SUBDIVISION WITHIN THE SAME BARANGAY OF SIMILAR CONDITIONS SHALL BE USED; AND

b.) NO ZONAL VALUE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR A PARTICULAR CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY IN ONE BARANGAY, THE ZONAL VALUE PRESCRIBED FOR THE SAME CLASSIFICATION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN AN ADJACENT BARANGAY OF SIMILAR CONDITIONS SHALL BE USED.

2. PREDOMINANT USE OF PROPERTY.

a.) ALL REAL PROPERTIES, REGARDLESS OF ACTUAL USE, LOCATED IN A STREET/BARANGAY/ZONE, THE USE OF WHICH ARE PREDOMINANTLY COMMERCIAL SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS “COMMERCIAL” FOR PURPOSES OF ZONAL VALUATION

b.) THE PREDOMINANT USE OF OTHER CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN A STREET/BARANGAY/ZONE, REGARDLESS OF ACTUAL USE SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR PURPOSES OF ZONAL VALUATION.

3. ZONAL VALUES OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT/TOWNHOUSE:

IF THE TITLE OF A PARTICULAR CONDOMINIUM UNIT/TOWNHOUSE IS -

a.) A CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (CCT), THE ZONAL VALUE OF THE LAND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE TREATED AS ONE; OR

b.) A TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (TCT), THE LAND AND IMPROVEMENT SHALL BE GIVEN SEPARATE VALUES, i.e. ZONAL VALUE/GROSS SELLING PRICE/FAIR MARKET VALUE PER LATEST TAX DECLARATION WHICHEVER IS HIGHER AND, IN THE ABSENCE OF ZONAL VALUATION, PROPERTY SHALL BE VALUED PURSUANT TO RAMO 2-91.

THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS COMMERCIAL AND TWENTY PERENT (20%) OF THE ESTABLISHED VALUE SHALL BE ADDED THERETO.

4. AREAS FOR PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT(APD).

THESE ARE AREAS IDENTIFIED AS AREAS FOR PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT CERTIFIED TO AS SUCH BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (DHSUD). IF IT IS UTILIZED FOR SOCIALIZED HOUSING, IT SHALL BE CERTIFIED TO AS SUCH BY THE PROPER GOVERNMENT AGENCY SUCH AS, PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON URBAN POOR (PCUP), NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (NHA), ETC. SECOND SALE OF LOT IDENTIFIED AS LOCATED IN THE APD SHALL NO LONGER BE VALUED AS AN APD AND SHALL BE TREATED AS AN ORDINARY REAL PROPERTY.

5. DIVISION OF A BARANGAY

IN THE EVENT THAT AN EXISTING BARANGAY IS DIVIDED INTO TWO OR MORE BARANGAYS, THE ZONAL VALUE PRESCRIBED FOR THE EXISTING BARANGAY SHALL BE USED FOR THE NEWLY CREATED BARANGAY

6. PARKING SLOT (PS)

IF NO ZONAL VALUE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR PARKING SLOTS, THE VALUE SHOULD BE 60% OF THE AMOUNT OF THE UNIT SOLD

7. INSTITUTION (X) THESE ARE AREAS FOR SCHOOL, HOSPITAL AND CHURCHES. IF NO ZONAL VALUE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED, THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF THE PROPERTY NEAREST TO THE INSTITUTION, WITHIN THE SAME BARANGAY AND STREET SHALL BE USED

8. ZONAL VALUE OR FMV ESTABLISHED IN THE SCHEDULE OF VALUES OF ASSESSORS. THE ZONAL VALUES ESTABLISHED HEREIN SHALL APPLY IN COMPUTING ALL INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES (i.e. CAPITAL GAINS, CREDITABLE WITHHOLDING, ESTATE, DONOR’S AND DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAXES)

DUE ON SALES, EXCHANGES, OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS OF REAL PROPERTY. PROVIDED , THAT THE SAME IS HIGHER THAN (1) THE FAIR MARKET VALUES AS SHOWN IN THE SCHEDULE OF VALUES OF THE PROVINCIAL AND CITY ASSESSORS (i.e. LATEST TAX DECLARATION) AND (2) THE GROSS SELLING PRICE AS SHOWN IN THE DULY NOTARIZED DOCUMENT OF SALE OR EXCHANGE AT THE TIME OF SALE OR EXCHANGE.

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE VALUE OF PROPERTY TO BE USED IN COMPUTING ESTATE AND DONOR’S TAXES SHALL BE (1) THE FAIR MARKET VALUE AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE (i.e. ZONAL VALUES) OR (2.) THE FAIR MARKET VALUE AS SHOWN IN THE SCHEDULE OF VALUES OF THE PROVINCIAL/CITY/ MUNICIPAL ASSESSOR, WHICHEVER IS HIGHER.