Manila Standard - 2023 July 11 - Tuesday

By Othel V. Campos, Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc.

(Maynilad) is cutting water flow to five of its service areas for as much as 12 hours daily starting July 12, following a further reduction in the supply of raw water from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

“The water interruption will be every 7 p.m. starting July 12. It is expected to be extended until 6 a.m. [the next day], but the supply should be available by as early as 4 a.m. in some parts. We just need to build up pressure so water can flow as swiftly as possible during the hours it is available,” said Maynilad vice president and head of water supply operations Ronald Padua.

This came a day after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DOH: Cholera, dengue, malnutrition cases could rise amid El Niño

By Gabriellea B. Pariño

THE Department of Health on Monday warned against the risk of cholera and dengue outbreaks in the country as well as a possible spike in malnutrition cases

Japan, France backstop PH stance on WPS

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

JAPAN has vowed to strengthen security partnerships with the Philippines and other like-minded nations such as the United States and Australia to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the 69th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines

Koshikawa Kazuhiko emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation with Manila, saying unity is necessary “to lead the international community towards greater cooperation while deterring unwarranted division and confrontation.”

Besides the Philippines, Japan is bolstering its ties with the US and Australia—two countries with which the

linked to the El Niño phenomenon. “Weather affects health. We are handling diseases that deal with drought. If there is drought, there is low food production and we are going to focus on malnourished-sensitive populations,”

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told reporters in a press briefing.

Food shortages and inaccessibility to food products due to high prices may result in malnutrition cases in povertyinclined communities, Herbosa said.

DOH Usec. Eric Tayag also warned that water-borne diseases such as dengue and cholera may also spike during the dry spell.

“People tend to reserve water by

DOJ orders POGO workers freed, hits case buildup

By Rey Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta, and Vince Lopez

THE Department of Justice on Monday ordered the release of five Chinese suspects allegedly involved in human traf-

ficking operations, who were arrested during a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raid in Las Piñas City, as it lamented that the police failed in its case buildup.

But as of last night, the foreign POGO workers remained in police custody,

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

THE government and the World Bank signed the agreement for a $600-million (roughly P33.3 billion) loan for a project to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sector in the country.

The World Bank and the Department of Finance, on behalf of the government, signed the deal on July 7, 2023.

The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up aims to transform the agriculture sector into a modernized and industrialized sector through public infrastructure interven-

their lawyer told reporters after the DOJ ordered their release “for further preliminary investigation.”

“We told them to cooperate with us first before acting, and then they want us to file cases without evidence. Our

tions and strengthening the commodity value chain.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said hundreds of thousands of farmers will now have extra resources to spend on food, education, shelter, wellness, and other family expenses after the New Agrarian Emancipation Act gave them a clean slate by condoning their debts worth P57.56 billion. Romualdez said more than 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries can now focus on “living their lives to the full-

Envoy: Sokor leader eyes PH visit

By Charles Dantes

SOUTH Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is planning to visit the country either this year or in the first half of 2024 to mark 75 years of strong bilateral ties between Manila and Seoul.

Newly-designated South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee SangHwa disclosed this as he presented his credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacanang yesterday.

Mr. Marcos, for his part, said he looks forward to meeting his South Korean counterpart at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November.

“Of course, there are many other conferences and I hope that maybe in Novem-

Meralco: Power costs dropping by P0.72/kWh

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CUSTOMERS of Manila Electric Co. will experience a significant reduction in electricity costs this month amounting to P0.7213 per kilowatt-hour due to lower cost of generation from the company’s suppliers.

Meralco’s overall rate for a typical household went down to P11.1899 per kWh in June from P11.9112 per kWh last month.

“We have good news for July because we have a significant reduction in electricity rates of P0.72 per kWh for this month,” Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Meanwhile, Meralco’s residential customers with an average consumption of 200 kWh will experience a decrease of around P144 in their total electricity bill.

“The higher the consumption, the bigger the reduction. The main driver is the reduction in generation of P0.64 per kWh,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco officials, however, cannot say yet what the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon will be on the power rates in the months ahead Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said power supply is expected to remain sufficient during the period and “hopefully power prices in the market will continue to be moderated.”

Fernandez said they are also expecting a reduction from the Malampaya prices this month which will be reflected in the August generation price amid a reduction in global oil prices.

“So far we saw two factors that will move the August generation charge. First, demand went up, especially in the last week of July.

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police are used to making arrests without a case,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

“Arresting people without cases. What – cases will be invented? The DOJ will not agree to that,” he added.

Remulla lamented that many pending cases could not be filed due to a lack of evidence.

The DOJ chief said that in the Las Piñas raid, in particular, the police failed to cite specific acts or specific grounds to arrest the individuals in the compound.

“They just raided… they just entered the premises. As if they were fishing,” Remulla said.

“This is the problem when people refuse to listen. We’ve said that we should first coordinate before acting and now they want us to file a case even without evidence. We will not do that,” he said.

Remulla said he will bring this up with PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. For his part, Senator Raffy Tulfo slammed the police for turning the June 27 Las Pinas raid into a “milking cow.”

Tulfo sought a Senate investigation into the raid, citing a reliable source from Camp Crame that money changed hands for the release of the foreigners.

He disclosed that at least P250,000 was paid to some members of the Philippine National Police-AntiCybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for the release of a Chinese or Vietnamese occupying a high position in a POGO firm.

ber when we go to the United States for the APEC, because I’m sure your President (Yeol) will attend, maybe we’ll have a chance to at least meet and have a bilateral meeting,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos also met with Mexico’s newly-appointed ambassador to the Philippines, Daniel Hernandez Joseph.

Hernandez Joseph said both countries are the “connectors” between Asia and America due to the cultural closeness

they share.

Lee underscored South Korea’s interest in “elevating the two countries’ relationship to strategic partnership” to improve different areas of interest such as security and defense cooperation, trade, investment, and people-topeople exchanges.

The South Korean envoy also cited Seoul’s keen interest in energy cooperation, especially on the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

“We presented, submitted our proposal for a joint feasibility study,” he said.

Mr. Marcos noted the potential to explore a bigger partnership with the Mexican government.

“Mexico and the Philippines are connectors between Asia and America,

UP scientists craft AI-powered

FILIPINO mathematicians have just invented a computerized method for converting entire paragraphs and even full documents written in the ancient Filipino Baybayin writing system into text that even non-native readers can easily understand. And they’re now hard at work developing a full twoway translator. By combining mathematics and technology, scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science Institute of Mathematics (UPD-CS IM) have made what is likely

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advised village leaders and residents of Metro Manila to reduce activities such as watering lawns and washing cars to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months.

The DENR’s Water Resources Management Office, through a bulletin, also said its team will conduct spot inspections of government office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures.

The team will ensure that WRMO Bulletin Nos. 1 and 2 are posted in offices accordingly.

In a briefing Monday, Maynilad said efforts, from all corners, are underway to preserve water in Angat Dam in preparation for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which may be felt in the coming months.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has further cut water allocation to the MWSS to 48 cubic meters per second (CMS) starting July 8, after it reduced supply twice from 52 CMS on April 16 to June 30, and 50 CMS on July 1 to 7.

At 48 CMS, Maynilad will get less supply than it needs to sustain normal service operations. Spreading out the limited supply will necessitate daily

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est” and work to realize their dreams and aspirations for their families with the signing of RA 11953 into law.

PRDP Scale-Up, a major Department of Agriculture (DA) initiative, is an expanded response to the persistent challenges confronting the agriculture and fisheries sector and rural communities.

In particular, the project will boost farmer and fisher access to markets, increase income from selected agrifishery value chains, and improve efficiency in the food supply chain.

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Philippines is also cooperating to ensure a rules-based order in the volatile region.

Meanwhile, France expressed concern over the recent swarming of Chinese vessels in the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the French Embassy in Manila called for respect for international law and the resolution of disputes through dialogue.

“We are resolutely opposed to any use of force or threat to do so. We recall, in this regard, the Arbitration award rendered under UNCLOS on the 12th of July 2016,” the embassy said.

In another development, Filipino and American combat aircraft engaged in

and through that role, there is so much we can do in trade, in culture, in science,” the ambassador said in reply.

Since 2020, the country’s total trade with Mexico has been steadily growing, reaching a total of $1.1 billion last year.

Mexico ranked as the 23rd trading partner of the Philippines, with ongoing applications for market access for bovine and pork meat, grapes, avocados, and citrus.

President Marcos also expressed gratitude to Mexico for taking care of Filipinos residing there.

As of February 2023, there are about 1,206 Filipinos in Mexico who are mainly craft and trade-related workers, technicians and associate professionals, and other industry professionals.

Baybayin translator

the world’s first paragraph-level optical character recognition (OCR) system that can distinguish between entire blocks of Baybayin and Latin characters in a text image.

In their paper entitled “Block-level Optical Character Recognition System for Automatic Transliterations of Baybayin Texts Using Support Vector Machine,” masters student Rodney Pino and associate professors Dr. Renier Mendoza and Dr. Rachelle Sambayan developed an algorithm to convert a photograph of a set of text into

service interruptions in some portions of the West Zone, which includes the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Quezon City, and Valenzuela.

The company’s supply augmentation projects, as well as local rains at the Ipo watershed, are expected to help mitigate the impact of lower releases from Angat Dam.

Affected customers are advised to keep in mind the interruption schedule, and to store water once it becomes available during the daytime. Mobile water tankers will be deployed as needed.

The water company warned users to expect some water discoloration once supply resumes during the day as this is a normal consequence of service interruptions. Maynilad explained that the returning supply scours the naturally occurring mineral deposits inside the pipelines. Maynilad advises users to allow the water to flow out briefly until it clears but use the initial flow of water for nondrinking purposes, such as for flushing toilets, to avoid wastage.

The company said it continues to coordinate closely with all Angat Dam stakeholders in balancing the need between preserving the limited supply and managing the impact of lower allocations on water consumers. It is also facilitating other supply augmentation projects so that more supply can be generated.

Meanwhile, water usage of Metro Manila establishments may be regulated at

The project will cover 16 regions composed of 82 provinces. It will entail direct investments in rural infrastructure and enterprise subprojects, which will directly benefit about 450,000 farmers and fishers and generate about 42,000 new jobs.

Amounting to $818 million (P45.01 billion) in total, the remaining $218 million will be funded by the national government and will involve local government units.

The World Bank has been supporting the project since 2014 and has provided two additional loans in 2018 and 2021. Upon the completion of the project, the DA aims to facilitate its transition into a regular locally-funded program

a “defensive counter-air” (DCA) exercise over the military training area east of Luzon as part of efforts to enhance interoperability and cohesiveness between the two air forces.

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the DCA took place last July 8 and is part of the second iteration of the ongoing Cope Thunder exercises between the PAF and the US Pacific Air Forces. The Cope Thunder exercises started on July 2 and will run until July 21.

Koshikawa said that Tokyo has reinforced its commitments to regional peace and stability to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A statement released by the Japanese embassy said the ambassador reaffirmed the shared commitments of Japan, the Philippines, and the US to bolster their maritime cooperation as demonstrated by

IN BRIEF

Diesel price up 75c, kerosene up 50c too

THE country’s oil firms are increasing the pump price of diesel by P0.75 per liter and P0.50 per liter for kerosene effective 6 am Tuesday. On the other hand, the firms cut the price of gasoline by P0.20 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

“Petron will implement the following price adjustments effective 6 a.m. on July 11: P0.20 per liter rollback for gasoline; P0.75 per liter increase for diesel and P0.50 per liter for kerosene.

These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in its advisory.

Other oil firms also implemented the mixed price movement such as Seaoil Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Jetti Petroleum and Cleanfuel. Alena Mae S. Flores

binary data.

That is then run through a support vector machine (SVM) character classifier to automatically determine whether the characters are Baybayin or Latin.

“SVM is a machine learning algorithm used to solve regression or classification problems,” Pino explained.

“We have a dataset for Baybayin characters—let’s say character A and then character BA. SVM uses techniques or mathematical methods that can separate the two datasets to determine characters BA and A.” Eunice Jean Patron, UPD-CS SciComm

the discretion of local government units.

Metro Manila Council chairman and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said local chief executives have the autonomy to decide on the matter, saying not all cities in the National Capital Region have establishments that need large amounts of water.

“Based on our discussion, it will now depend on each LGU because the demographics of our cities are not the same,” Zamora told a TV interview, adding that the cities can pass their own ordinances.

Talk of water usage regulation came after the MWSS appealed to business establishments and those consuming massive volumes of water to conserve and limit their usage.

“This is something that we discussed as a Metro Manila Council and I am optimistic that all Metro Manila LGUs will adopt the same policy so that we can use collected rainwater. This can be used to wash cars, clean the toilets, or water plants,” Zamora said in a mix of English and Filipino.

State weather bureau officials said at least 30 provinces may experience a dry spell while at least two provinces may suffer from drought due to the El Niño phenomenon.

PAGASA climate monitoring chief Ana Solis said the possibility of El Niño is high. She said rainfall is expected to decrease in September and drop further from October to December this year.

to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the project’s interventions.

In a stakeholder meeting on June 6, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. emphasized the need to develop the agriculture sector not only in terms of production but also in ensuring the welfare of farmers and fishers.

The President’s thrust for a modernized agriculture and agribusiness sector is envisioned to spur social and economic transformation, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

As of July 2023, the total official development assistance loan and grant commitments from the World Bank amount to an estimated $7.94 billion.

the first joint trilateral exercises of their respective coast guards.

Recently, Manila, Tokyo, and Washington held week-long joint maritime drills in the waters off Bataan province.

The first-ever Japan-Australia-Philippines-US Defense Ministerial Meeting is also coming, which Koshikawa said was a welcome development towards maintaining peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said more than 50 Chinese vessels had been spotted in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

A Philippine air patrol on June 30 spotted Chinese fishing vessels “anchored in groups of five to seven” with no fishing activities observed.

Citing earlier Intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance flights, the

DoTr says subway to open by 2029

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Monday that the completion of the Metro Manila Subway Project has been moved anew.

The DOTr said it aims to complete the construction of the Japan-aided subway -- dubbed “Project of the Century” -- in 2028 and to open the subway to the public by 2029.

The agency also bared that it has scrapped its plan to partially operate Valenzuela, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue stations in 2027, which were originally included in the subway project.

The agency said opening the subway with all 17 operational stations is “more optimal for the passengers.”

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Rails Jorjette Aquino, in the ABSCBN News report, said: “We are not looking into the partial operability of 2027.”

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filling up their water containers during the dry season. This may lead to an outbreak of dengue because these containers will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he said.

“Groundwater comes out of the pipes and out of our tap water systems. Cholera usually comes in when the water is turbid or has a different color. That happens during the El Niño season when there is lower water distribution. This is why pipes have to be replaced. This is why water-borne fecal diseases tend to increase,” Tayag added.

The World Health Organization last month said it is preparing for an increased spread of viral diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon.

“WHO is preparing for the very high probability that 2023 and 2024 will be marked by an El Nino event, which could increase transmission of dengue and other so-called arboviruses, such as Zika and chikungunya,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

He warned that climate change is fueling the breeding of mosquitoes, and the incidence of dengue has already risen sharply in recent decades, particularly in the Americas. Peru declared a state of emergency earlier this year amid a surge in cases of dengue.

Marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, El Nino last occurred in 2018-19 and takes place every 2-7 years on average.

AFP’s Western Command said the number of Chinese fishing vessels in the area had increased from 12 in February to 47 in June.

The military also said that aside from the fishing vessels, three China coast guard ships and two People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were seen “regularly loitering” near Sabina Shoal.

The AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are set to intensify patrols in the Iroquois Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG earlier reported another incident where Chinese vessels made dangerous maneuvers near Philippine vessels that could have caused a collision in the Ayungin Shoal.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the maneuvers of their vessels were “professional and restrained.”

MAP calls for streamlining of K-12 system

By Othel V. Campos

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is calling for a public-private partnership in education “to ease the crisis that has affected many Filipino youth.”

MAP president Benedicta Du-Baludad stressed the need to streamline the implementation of the K to 12 system so that it can fully integrate as a Tech-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program to increase enterprise-based learning where the senior high school students will have more immersive experiences through certification training and exposure to actual work settings.

“We agree with what Senator Win Gatchalian cited during the Breakfast Dialogue that basic education and TVET are the most relevant to the business sector from among the 28 priority areas of EDCOM II. The vision of K to 12 to turn-out students going into the 11 and 12 grades as employment-ready, based on specialized skills that were supposed to be taught in the two added years, is far from being

Remulla says culprit identi ed in NBI hiring of

sexy dancers during confab

By Gabriellea Pariño

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secre-

tary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already identified the official who hired sexy dancers in the viral video during the bureau’s command conference.

Remulla said the investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

“There’s an internal investigation within the NBI. Some facts have been revealed to me and we will look at the NBI’s disciplinary procedure first because their investigation is ongoing and we will not preempt them,” he said in a press conference.

Remulla refused to disclose the identity or rank of the said official, explaining that

the individual had attempted to approach him regarding the matter. The Justice Secretary instead asked for an explanation to be put in writing.

Three dancers were hired for entertainment during the said conference, but no public funds were supposedly used to pay for the said performance, according to Remulla.

“There are voluntary contributions to an affair of old men who thought they were adolescents,” he said, lambasting the officials. Remulla did not disclose the disciplinary measures to be implemented to hold the bureau personnel accountable.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) meanwhile expressed its concern on the matter.

realized. Instead of getting better jobs, they end up taking on elementary jobs that do not pay well,” Du-Baludad said. Republic Act 11899 or the “Second Congressional Commission on Education II Act” (EDCOM II) aims to address the education crisis, look at the entire system, and come up with targeted and measurable reforms. MAP said it could not have come at an opportune time.

Du-Baludad said that a system for micro-credentialing should be created in such a way that a national certification program will qualify a student for better job opportunities and higher wages.

In particular, the Batang Magaling Act that was filed to seek the reform of the Senior High School system in the country, can

be a significant step to empower students through the national certification system.

MAP also noted the need for effective and efficient management of public schools to streamline operations, remove duplications, improve the ratio of employees and administrators and be proficient in fiscal management.

Local government units (LGUs) are also encouraged to participate in monitoring results of student performance by providing the Department of Education (DepEd) with timely information on the issues of delivering education.

MAP also proposed to re-design and update the programs of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to be more future-oriented.

Court denies Napoles motion for acquittal in plunder case

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has denied the appeal of detained businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles through a memorandum asking for her acquittal in a plunder case, among other cases.

In a resolution promulgated on July 4, 2023, the anti-graft court refused to admit Napoles’ memorandum in her plunder case involving former APEC party-list representative Edgar Valdez by technicality as the memorandum of Napoles was filed on March 31, 2023, beyond the February 19, 2023 deadline.

A memorandum is the summation of arguments presented by the defense and the prosecution and is filed after they presented witnesses and pieces of evidence.

FOR RUFFA MAE. Elizaldes and Darlen Gurabil hold Ru a Mae Gurabil’s photograph as they join a graduation march during the commencement exercises of the City University of Pasay (CUP) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Monday. Ru a, who graduated AB Political Science, died of cardiac arrest several days before her graduation day. Danny Pata

BIR set to hold public hearing on zonal values of Bulacan towns

By Orlan L. Mauricio

MALOLOS CITY—It’s all systems go for the scheduled public hearing on Wednesday for the proposed revision of zonal values of real properties in Bulacan covering nine municipalities and two component cities under the jurisdiction of BIR-Revenue District Office No. 25B (East Bulacan). The public hearing was organized and

will be supervised Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

RDO-25B covers the cities of Meycauayan and San Jose Del Monte, and in the municipalities of Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Norzagaray, Obando, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, San Rafael and Sta. Maria.

RDO-25B District Officer Atty. Celestino C. Viernes is calling on all interested residents, independent private appraisers

and local officials in their jurisdiction to participate in the forum.

Asst. Revenue District Officer Nina Diana U. Federizo said barangay captains of the biggest villages were also invited to provide information on the grassroots levels to complement the data from the local assessors in the two cities and nine towns included in the Zonal Value revision.

The public hearing will be a whole-day event starting at 9 in the morning until 3:00

in the afternoon. The venue for the hearing, KLIR Waterpark Resort, is located less than 1,000 meters from the NLEX-Sta. Rita Exit, in Kabilang Bakood, Sta. Rita, Guiguinto. The public hearing on the proposed revision of Zonal Values of real property is mandated under Section 6(E) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, in compliance with Dept. of Finance Order No. 6-2010 and Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO No. 31-2019).

“Lamentably, Napoles failed to justify the belated filing of her memorandum,” the court said in the resolution penned by Associate Justice Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega. Division Chairperson Rafael Lagos and Associate Justice Maryann CorpusMañalac concurred the decision.

Napoles and Valdez are facing plunder, as well as seven related graft cases, involving P57 million kic backs from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Napoles’ lawyer asked the court to consider the testimony of Benhur Luy in the graft cases that the amounts supposedly given to Valdez as kickbacks did not come from PDAF.

Napoles’ lawyer also stated in the memorandum that the alleged kickbacks did not come from checks issued by the Department of Budget and Management.

“More so, she prayed for her acquittal from the crime of plunder for failure of the prosecution to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” the court noted.

De facto lifting of health emergency

SANTA Banana, as far as my wife and myself are concerned, the best news is the “de facto” lifting of the COVID-19 health emergency by the Department of Health.

It is now up to President Marcos Jr. to issue a proclamation supporting the IATF or the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to lift the state of public health emergency!

I consider this news the best so far for my wife and myself considering we are among the most vulnerable category of the COVID-19 pandemic which made us compliant to all the health protocol restrictions, like masking, washing of hands regularly, social distancing.

Santa Banana, we have gone through all the lockdowns and are still observing health protocols whenever we go outside to eat, especially when we go to hospitals for consultation.

My gulay, my wife and I have been isolated in hospitals when we had COVID- 19 pneumonia. In the wake of all the news that we are among the most vulnerable in so far as the pandemic is concerned, my gulay, we cannot afford not to be careful.

According to DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, he thinks the obstacle is gone because now we have the bivalent vaccine accompanied with what is called CPR or Certificate of Product Registration.

Recall the state of national emergency on COVID-19 was then issued by the DOH officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergiere.

Recall also the state of public health emergency was declared by then President Duterte in March 2020 through Proclamation 922, which also provided that COVID-19 state of public health emergency will remain in effect until withdrawn by the President.

Rising to El Niño’s challenge

from government agencies.”

A tourism secretary is basically a salesperson who can sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo.

Abolish the MTRCB

The call of some senators for the Movie and Television Ratings and Classification Board (MTRCB) to ban the movie “Barbie” because it showed the “nine-dash line” of China that was outlawed by the Hague Arbitral Court way back in 2016 brings to fore the existence of the MTRCB following the global information and communications technology that with just a tap of the finger, it enables one to access movies and television worldwide.

Santa Banana, why should a movie and television ratings and classification board exist when it cannot by any means rate and classify movies and television programs shown on the internet? It doesn’t make sense.

But, here in the Philippines, we have the 35-member MTRCB trying to ban a movie from Hollywood. I believe it’s time to abolish the MTRCB.

Perhaps, the Philippines is the only country in the world still having a censorship agency.

Santa Banana, how can MTRCB censor Netflix, HBO and the many things shown in the movies and television?

Just by looking at the membership of the MTRCB, it has existed as a dumping ground for political proteges.

My gulay, I saw all the episodes of the highly rated HBO series Game of Thrones, with all its sex scenes and nudity. Was the MTRCB able to censor it?

Just to recall how MTRCB started, it was created by a proclamation of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, father of BBM.

At that time, the communist insurgency was becoming a threat to national security, and one access was movies and television.

Thus, it was created with a 35-member board.

To justify it, it soon became a dumping ground of political proteges with its own budget.

REASSURING that the government is prepared for El Niño, a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said with preparations and mitigation measures in place, the country is expected to be up to the challenge of the weather phenomenon.

In 1982-1983, El Niño-related droughts affected 450,000 hectares of farmland in the Philippines and the most severe El Niño occurred in 1997-1998, when rainfall fell to half of historical levels, causing drought in two-thirds of this basically agricultural economy..

As early as March this year, climate monitoring and analyses by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA suggested the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific.

For one, the Department of Agriculture is mapping out the areas that could be negatively affected by the dry spell while the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has stockpiled food and nonfood items, ready to be augmented by local government units.

Edillon added some areas in Luzon are already experiencing dry spell, and 36 more provinces across the country are expected to be hit by dry spell by December.

Moderate El Niño is seen by the end of 2023 and there is an 86 percent probability that El Niño will become moderate between November 2023 and January 2024.

With the lifting of the state of public health emergency, COVID-19 cases will just be considered as a health problem, like flu, cold, diabetes, hypertension, etc.

But, being elderly, my wife and I still wear masks outdoors or indoors when among other people, my gulay!

We cannot be too careful knowing that many of our friends and relatives died because of the pandemic! Thanks to vaccination and the Bivalent vaccine.

Love the Philippines. For what?

Amid all the conundrum about the new slogan of the Department of Tourism, I still wonder what tourists from abroad can love about the Philippines.

For instance, when they arrive at NAIA, the main gateway of the country, and go through it, Santa Banana, I wonder how they can love the Philippines?

Not after they have gone through the international airports of Singapore, Hong Kong, Narita in Japan or through the international airports of other Asian countries.

And when tourists want to go to Boracay, its white sand beaches, or to the other resorts they have heard of too, but when NAIA gets hit by brownouts and when its air conditioners don’t not work, will they love the Philippines?

It’s all for these reasons why there’s a need for Congress and lawmakers to probe the DOT and ask all these questions in connection with the rebranding of the country slogan, which needs to be trumpeted worldwide if the DOT can expect more tourists to come to the Philippines.

As for the recent mess and fiasco that came about with an advertising agency contracted by the DOT to promote the slogan worldwide to our great embarrassment using stock footages of other countries, I now wonder about the capability of the DOT on what it will do to convince tourists to come to the Philippines.

With all the mess that came about with the contracted agency, I also believe that DOT Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco was also to blame for not pre-screening the tourism promotion video.

Obviously, she did not.

For the DOT to allow that ad agency to come out with those stock footages at the launch of the new slogan was clearly the fault of the DOT Secretary, and no amount of support can correct that fiasco.

Coming right down to it, I am now beginning to wonder if the DOT secretary is capable of promoting the Philippines with that new “Love the Philippines” slogan with the measly budget it has.

Using CNN alone to air minutes-long slots will certainly cost hundreds of millions of pesos.

Did Frasco ever consider how much it would cost for promotional materials, like posters, brochures and other promos to “sell” places that tourists can love about the Philippines?

It is for this reason there is the need for DOT to seek the proper budget.

I say just abolish it and save a lot of money.

Another thing, I could not believe it with the MTRCB reclassifying and giving newscasts and news programs on local TV as needing parental advice.

That’s clearly silly and stupid.

Reduced flights

Another stupid solution to avoid constant delays and cancellation of flights which has become a big irritation on the part of airline passengers is the reduction of flights.

Upon recommendation of the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, the reduction of airline flights will solve flight delays and cancellations because airlines have the problem of grounded planes mostly due to inability of spare parts.

Santa Banana, reduction of flights of airlines is likened to burning a house because of rats.

If the problem of flight delays and cancellations is due to grounded planes, then the airlines are to blame. They are expected to have enough planes and available spare parts, and this could be a problem for airline passengers.

The proposed solution of reducing flights can only worsen the problem.

On twinkle toes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to prepare for the possible impact of El Niño, ensure “protocol-based and scientific” longterm solutions, and come up with a campaign to generate public awareness of water and energy conservation.

According to Undersecretary Edillon, “We always have El Niño. Three years in, three years out,...Its impact really depends on how well we prepare for it. The people already know how to deal with it with help

PAGASA climate monitoring chief Ana Liza Solis told a public briefing those with health condition should take precaution against high temperatures and advised the public to conserve water and check for water leaks, as well as to save energy.

She added if the El Niño prolongs, “there is a possibility that it [2024] could be one of the highest (hottest) year on record.”

Currently, weak El Niño persists, and this could possibly result in dry spell or drought in the next two months.

Officials have noted that reduction in rainfall is likely, and, if this prolongs, high temperature will prevail, especially towards next year.

Women’s groups demand resignation of NBI Director De Lemos

WOMEN’S groups want National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo de Lemos to resign for a scandal that took place during an official conference of the NBI. The conference was held at the plush Manila Diamond Hotel last June 30, attende by top NBI officials and key personnel. The entertainment consisted of a provocative dance performed by a nearly nude woman. How the male members of the audience reacted was not reported by the media.

Anyway, when the scandal was reported by the media, De Lemos apologized for “any offense caused, particularly to women.”

Observers noted De Lemos seemed to dismiss the magnitude of the scandal when he asserted the dance number was just a part of a “fellowship” activity where regional and national officers of the NBI can “bond.”

The NBI chief added a formal investigation has been conducted on this incident.

De Lemos denied public funds were spent to finance the conference and the dance number. He said the expenses for the conference were covered through contributions from NBI officials and agents.

Gabriela Women’s partylist Representative Arlene Brosas, also the Assistant Minority Leader in the House of Representatives of Congress, said De Lemos’ apology is insufficient. She demanded an investigation and public accountability from the NBI.

For Brosas, the incident under De Lemos as NBI director condones “the explicit objectification of women most especially during an official function.” She added “it is a shame if the NBI would (sic) find a way out of the mess by mere apology.”

Brosas will file a resolution urging the House to investigate this scandal. In sum, Brosas said the lewd activity is a violation by top NBI officials of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

It appears the controversial NBI conference took place when Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla of the Department of Justice was on medical leave for heart surgery.

When news of the NBI scandal came out, Remulla, who had returned to the office after his post-surgery recovery period, was visibly upset. He ordered the NBI, which is a bureau under the DOJ, to speed up the investigation promised by De Lemos.

Remulla has good reason to be upset. He had been working hard to maintain the public reputation of the DOJ and its bureaus, and this scandal has compromised the public image of a key bureau under the DOJ.

Analysts noted Remulla had just taken an emergency medical leave, and during this brief period he was on leave, the NBI under De Lemos created a scandal with sexual overtones, enough to get women’s organizations angry.

condoned it.

The same concerned sectors find that De Lemos’ excuse—that the expenses for the event were covered by contributions from NBI officials and agents—only magnifies the scandal.

They say that since the conference was an official activity of the NBI, it must have been paid with public funds.

Thus, they contend that taxpayers money was spent on an official NBI conference which featured a sexually provocative dance number for the entertainment fare.

They also stress that even if the scandalous dance number was paid for by contributions from NBI officials and agents, that does not erase the fact that the NBI under De Lemos, held an official activity with a nearly nude woman dancing in public as part of the paid entertainment.

They noted that had Remulla been on leave for a longer period, who knows what other scandals may have taken place in the NBI under De Lemos.

Observers ask, since De Lemos must have been present at the conference in his capacity as NBI Director, why didn’t he stop the lewd dance number?

Also, if the scandal been kept from public knowledge, would De Lemos even bother to apologize for the incident?

Some concerned sectors argue that by acquiescing in the lewd activity, done in an official NBI event at that, and apologizing only after the media found out about it, De Lemos

Many women were just as offended by De Lemos’ narrative that the scandalous dance number was just a part of a “fellowship” activity where regional and national officers of the NBI can “bond.”

For them, De Lemos admits that regional and national officers of the NBI “bond” with each other while watching a nearly nude woman dancing to entertain NBI officials in an official bureau activity.

They maintain that if top NBI officials “bond” this way, and at government expense, the NBI has no moral high ground to be involved in the administration of justice. It should stop using the word “integrity” in its official seal.

To many, De Lemos should take the honorable way out of the scandal by resigning.

‘Love letters’ from death row: Pre-execution photo shoots

SINGAPORE—Death row inmate Nazeri

Lajim beams at the camera, fingers raised in a “V” sign, wearing a shirt emblazoned with large motifs and showing no signs of his impending hanging.

Taken days before his execution at Singapore’s Changi prison, the picture is among the last mementoes Lajim’s family has of the 64-year-old, who was executed on charges of drug trafficking.

In the city-state, prison officials offer a photo shoot shortly before an inmate’s hanging, providing simple props like chairs and other items.

“When I see his photograph he’s (a) very healthy man, he’s very good looking man... his face shines,” Nazira Lajim Hertslet, his sister, told AFP.

“I was very upset... that he was taken away just like that.”

Singapore imposes the death penalty for a litany of crimes, including murder and some forms of kidnapping. It also has some of the world’s toughest anti-drug laws: trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis can result in the death penalty.

Thirteen people have been hanged since the government resumed executions following a two-year hiatus in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a program first introduced in the 1990s, they were offered the option to pose for photographs before their death.

‘Quite cruel’ Usually taken against a pale-green flow-

ery backdrop, the photos offer a glimpse into the last days of the condemned.

The Singapore Prison Service says participation in the program is voluntary, and that the photo shoots “allow family members to have recent photographs of their loved one”. Relatives, however, say they have mixed feelings about the practice.

“Actually it’s quite cruel to do such thing, to take photograph on his last days,” said Hertslet, pointing to the horror inmates might feel knowing it was their last time being photographed alive.

“But at least we have his last photo for memories when he’s really gone,” she added.

Nazeri was hanged last year for trafficking more than 33 grams (1.2 ounces) of heroin.

In his sister’s favorite photograph of him, he is wearing a white Muslim prayer robe,

his hands clasped in front, looking at the camera.

A ‘veneer of thoughtfulness’

Little information is publicly available about Singapore’s death row inmates.

The Transformative Justice Collective, which provides support to families of death row prisoners and advocates for the abolition of the death penalty, estimates about 53 people are on death row, the majority convicted of drug offenses.

Authorities generally notify inmates and their families about a week before an execution.

During that time, the inmate is allowed to have daily visitors, but they are separated by a glass pane and no physical contact is allowed, according to the TJC.

Spiritual counselors are also provided.

Kokila Annamalai, a TJC activist, said the photo shoots are an attempt “to lend a veneer of thoughtfulness” to the executions.

In the photo sessions, prisoners can strike a particular pose or wear clothing that means something to a family member, she said.

“And so, I think that the photos are also like love letters to them.”

‘Every night I cry’ Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have long called on Singapore to abolish capital punishment, but the government insists it is an effective deterrent against crime.

Tangaraju Suppiah, a 46-year-old Singaporean, was hanged in April for conspiring to smuggle one kilogram (2.2 pounds)

of cannabis.

“Every night I cry and every night I think about him,” his sister Leelavathy Suppiah told AFP.

Tangaraju initially refused to do the photo shoot, but relented after his family persuaded him, she said.

Leelavathy has framed a photograph of him smiling, holding his thumb and forefinger in a heart shape –- a pose popularized by K-pop stars.

“I’m very happy when I see the photos. At least he’s there in the photos,” she told AFP, speaking in English.

“This is the photo our family members everybody like because he smile,” she added.

Still, she wondered what must have been going through her brother’s mind in his final days.

“They know they’re going to die,” she said. “It’s cruel, you know?” White sneakers

Kalwant Singh’s family bought him a pair of white sneakers, which he wore with a Tshirt, sweatpants and a broad smile in one photograph.

Sonia Tarlochan Kaur, the 31-year-old Malaysian’s sister, told AFP he only got about half an hour during the photo shoot to wear the shoes, and so ran around the cell block to make the most of them.

After Kalwant’s execution for heroin trafficking last year, Sonia said she cannot bring herself to look at the photographs.

“They could have just given me that half an hour to hug him tight.” AFP

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to prepare for the possible impact of El Niño, ensure ‘protocolbased and scientific’ long-term solutions

Usually taken against a pale-green flowery backdrop, the photos offer a glimpse into the last days of the condemned

If the problem of flight delays and cancellations is due to grounded planes, then the airlines are to blame

To many, De Lemos should take the honorable way out of the scandal by resigning

Survey shows ex-President Duterte is man to beat in 2025 Senate race

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte remains the leading preferred candidate for the upcoming 2025 senatorial race, according to the latest PAHAYAG 2023-Q2 survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc.

Despite a slight drop in popularity to 51 percent from 55 percent in the previous quarter, Duterte was still the top choice among the voters, the pollster said.

The survey results also highlighted the strong performances of Doc Willie Ong and Erwin Tulfo, who were tied at the second and third spots with a significant support base of 44 percent each. Their consistent popularity demonstrates their strong appeal among the electorate, PUBLiCUS said.

In the fourth and fifth spots, the presence of incumbent senators seeking reelection is greatly evident, the survey firm said. Senator Christopher Go and Senator Maria Imelda ‘Imee’ Marcos garnered 39 percent support, positioning themselves as formidable contenders in the upcoming race.

Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto were tied at 36 percent, indicating their competitive standing in the race.

Similarly, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and former Senator Panfilo

Lacson, along with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, were at 35 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was at 25 percent, further emphasizing the diverse range of candidates vying for Senate seats, PUBLiCUS said.

Additionally, the survey revealed the emergence of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in the coveted “Magic 12,” capturing 28 percent and 25 percent of the respondents’ support, respectively.

The survey results provide valuable insights into the current political landscape and reflect the preferences of the electorate at this stage, PUBLiCUS said.

The PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey (PQ2) was an independent and non- commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. between 7-12 June 2023.

It is a nationwide purposive survey with 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from a market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence with respondents, and distributed across five geographical areas: National Capital Region (NCR), North Central Luzon (NCL), South Luzon (SL), Visayas (Vis), and Mindanao (Min).

OF HEALTH.

AFP gains ‘strategic victory,’ CPP-NPA forces cut to 1,800

By Vince Lopez

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said they have achieved “strategic victory” over the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as the insurgents only have 1,800 members at present, compared to 24,000 during its peak in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army is intensifying its efforts to locate more firearms stashed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to prevent the communist rebels from recovering lost ground on Negros Island.

AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)’s press conference that 400 of the remaining 1,800 NPA members have already been identified and were facing criminal charges.

He added that all active NPA rebels are currently the subject of “focused military operations.”

“They should think of getting back to their families and to the folds of the law,” Aguilar said.

He said some of the identified NPA fighters were holding key positions in the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), a factor that must be considered, as they were the ones telling their comrades not to surrender or “waiting to be given

graceful exit.”

Aguilar said over the past few months, more than 600 NPA members were either killed in combat operations or voluntarily surrendered to the government, further reducing the figure from more than 2,400 back in 2008.

“Because of that, we have reduced the number of guerilla fronts. When before there were five active guerilla fronts, this is now reduced to one, with the dismantling of two guerilla fronts, and weakening of two. That one active guerilla front is located, operating somewhere in the northern part of Samar,” Aguilar said.

He also said the military has focused its forces in the area to prevent and suppress violence that could be triggered by this guerilla front.

Aguilar said dismantling the politico-military structure of the CPP-NPANDF is the key objective of the AFP to achieve a total victory.

SC bares basic principles of 5-yr. Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations IN BRIEF

BI flags Taiwan-bound woman with dubious documents

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) hogged the limelight anew on social media after a female passenger was allegedly required to present 10 birth certificates by an Immigration officer. According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, while they have yet to receive the full report and investigation, initial information shows that the unnamed passenger’s travel was deferred for having multiple red flags.

It will be recalled that last March, a passenger missed her international flight after an Immigration officer asked a female passenger if she had a yearbook or a photo to prove she had graduated from college. As a result of the mess, she missed her flight.

In the latest controversy, the traveler, also a female, was not allowed to board her plane due to issues about her travel documents. She was to travel to Taiwan ostensibly to visit a distant relative.

However, the Immigration officer noted that during the assessment, there was mention of possible work in Taiwan. The woman was also unable to establish her relationship with her sponsor, and had numerous inconsistencies when asked about basic details on her sponsor.Vito

Barcelo

Lawmaker eyes passage of anti-hunger measure

REP. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan party-list on Monday pushed for the passage of House Bill 2189, or the Zero Hunger bill, to ensure food security and wipe out hunger in the country.

Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, made the statement as the country commemorates National Nutrition Month, noting that “malnutrition remains a serious problem in our country and it is our duty to address, not just hunger incidence, but also the lack of healthy food available to all at a fair price point.”

“AnaKalusugan party-list joins the nation in celebrating National Nutrition Month and remains committed to advance legislation to eliminate hunger and make affordable healthy food accessible to all Filipinos,” Reyes said.

He said the bill aims to eradicate hunger by 2030 and calls for the creation of the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, which will be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of all efforts towards addressing hunger and other issues.Maricel V. Cruz

No reason to defer BSKE in Negros Or.—Abalos

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary

Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Monday said he saw no reason to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections in Negros Oriental following his visit to the province over the weekend.

Abalos said the province has been relatively peaceful four months after the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo, citing comparative data presented to him by the local police.

“The police compared the province’s crime rate now and last year. Negros Oriental has been quiet, except for that one incident... but if you look at the bigger picture, it’s really quiet,” Abalos said. He also told local officials in Negros Oriental to focus on the province’s economic recovery, noting an apparent influx of tourists since the Degamo slay. “Ang importante rito ay bumangon economically ang Negros Oriental. Nagulat nga ako dumami ang mga turista eh.... Nakita ko iyong eroplanong nakasabay ko, madami-dami na rin iyong turista eh.” he said.

Abalos also said that during his visit to Negros Oriental, he personally witnessed the change of leadership of the provincial police as Col. Ronan Claravall succeeded outgoing director Col. Alex Recinto.

THE Supreme Court (SC) has set four guiding principles embodied in its five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) for implementation until 2027. These are timely and fair delivery of justice, transparency and accountability, equality and inclusion, and adaptability to technology.

Execution of the SPJI was seen to have gained added dimensions with the High Tribunal’s observance of its 122nd founding anniversary on June 11, 2023

If fully implemented, the SC “will surely achieve its three target outcomes -- efficiency, innovation and access.”

“To achieve efficiency, the SC shall implement a thorough organizational review and restructuring in the judiciary.”

It also includes the establishment of programs on enhancing the physical

and well-being of all court officials and employees and reinforce ethical responsibility.

The SPJI underscores that innovation would include introduction of new paradigms and concepts, like the firstever regionalized and digitalized conduct of the bar examinations during the coronavirus pandemic and the bench books on family courts and commercial courts.

To achieve access, the SC has continued its efforts to bring judicial services closer to the public.

Justices zones were created in many urban cities in Metro Manila, Davao Region, Western Visayas, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

The SC has implemented a program of active coordination among the prosecution, the courts and the corrections system, in order to ensure a faster disposition of cases.

Also, the SC has permitted the conduct of virtual conferencing of hearings of criminal cases to lessen congestion of cases in several courts.

In a report from the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), it said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, some 27,000 courts in the country have conducted an estimated 170,000 hearings via teleconferencing.

The OCA further reported that through virtual hearings, around 81,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) were released from incarceration.

Electronic filing of complaints and petition for bail; e-payments of fees were permitted to speed up resolutions of pending cases which resulted to access to judicial processes.

In the SPJI, the use and adaption of digital transformation is considered a factor in the target result of the stra-

tegic innovations by the highest court of the land.

The creation and development of a digital platform is envisioned to enable judges and court clerks to conduct research on a computerized database. Likewise, a creation of a public information will surely enhance the public access to publication of cases in the court system. In conclusion, the SPJI was launched to realize the goal of rendering equal access to justice in real time with efficiency and access to fair disposition of justice to all.

In the words of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the realization of the objectives of the SPJI is imperative in ensuring the attainment of the goal to “remold and transform the courts into consistently efficient and accountable havens for the disadvantaged, the wronged, and the injured.”

PNP set to step up anti-cybercrime drive

THE Philippine National Police AntiCybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) on Monday said it would step up its information dissemination campaign against online scams and internet fraud.

This as the unit noted mounting cybercrime incidents over the past six months compared to the same period last year.

PNP-ACG records show that cybercrime incidents in Metro Manila totaled 6,250 from January to June this year, representing a 152-percent increase from the 2,477 incidents during the first half of 2022.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia said many internet subscribers were still unaware of the “click the link” scam which targets mobile wallets and online banking subscribers.

“The victim doesn’t know that if he or she clicks the link, it would lead to

By Rio N. Araja

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)

and commercial receipts/ invoices, such as delivery receipts, order slips, purchase orders, provisional receipts, acknowledgement receipts, collection receipts, credit/debit memo, job orders and other similar documents, are supplementary evidence.

Acosta was reacting to a report that the Commission on Audit (COA) has questioned the validity of PAO’s procurement of P3.310,414.42 million worth of office supplies for alleged lack of supporting documents.

Acosta stressed that the COA had already issued an unmodified opinion last March 31 as part of its annual report citing that PAO’s financial statements “are free from material misstatements and are prepared in accordance with the applicable and appropriate financial reporting framework (Section 4 B B.1, COA Financial Audit Manual).”

“Those transactions noted as having no delivery receipts and sales invoices actually have official receipts; those with no sales invoices actually have delivery

a site for updating bank details. If he or she falls into the scheme, there is a big possibility that the scammers would get a hold of his or her bank details, hence, the money would be transferred to another account,” Hernia said.

He also said they have also tapped stakeholders and mobile wallet providers for massive information dissemination and awareness campaigns against scams.

Hernia also cited the need to enhance the capability of cybercrimes in the conduct of investigations and the acquisition of more advanced equipment.

“I am happy that the Chief PNP (Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.) was formerly assigned to the ACG and he is supportive of our availability of subscriptions to the latest technologies against cybercrimes. He is also supportive of our training for our personnel so that we make sure that they are capable of investigating cybercrimes,” he added.

Vince Lopez

receipts and official receipts; those without delivery receipts have sales invoices and/or official receipts; and the transaction noted as having no collection receipt/official receipt has a sales invoice and delivery receipt,” she clarified.

“In addition, the items purchased were actually delivered and formed part of PAO’s inventory,” Acosta told the Manila Standard.

She said all the noted lacking documents have already been submitted to COA.

CLEAN BILL

Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo shows off his the result of his mandatory drug testing which also covers all city employees. Norman Cruz and Danny Pata

WARDEN’S BIRTDAY GIFTS. Bureau of Corrections director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr, pushes one of ten brand new wheelchairs with a sick and elderly inmate on it. Catapang, who celebrates his birthday today, also gave away 10,000 bags of hygiene kits to the persons deprived of liberty at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City. Joseph Muego

FOR A JOB WELL DONE. Johnson Sian, president and chief executive officer of JSK Customs Paint and Auto Works, poses with his plaque of recognition as one of this year’s Philippines’ Most Exceptional Men and Women Awardees, for having organized the longest car convoy in the country. Boy Bautista

Threatening floods lash New York

NEW YORK—Heavy rains caused “life threatening” flooding on Sunday in New York state (Monday in Manila), turning streets into raging waterways, washing out bridges and leading the governor to declare a state of emergency.

A woman was killed while trying to leave her house with her dog in the Hudson Valley when she was swept away in a flash flood, multiple media reports said.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared states of emergency in Orange County, northwest of New York City, and in Ontario County in the central part of the state, noting that up to eight inches (200 mm) of rain had created “life threatening conditions due to flash flooding.”

“We are approaching a critical point in this weather event,” Hochul said.

By Sunday evening, more than 12,000 customers had lost electricity, her office said.

The heavy rains washed out roadways and stranded people in their cars and homes.

The National Weather Service said it was “receiving multiple reports of significant flooding and persons trapped in vehicles in eastern Orange county.”

“Remember Turn Around Don’t Drown,” it warned drivers.

As of 8:00 pm (2400 GMT), highways were closed in at least five counties, including Westchester County, which is immediately north of New York City, and borders the Hudson River.

The governor’s office said the state should expect more storms on Monday.

“Excessive rainfall caused by slowmoving thunderstorms is likely to continue causing flash flooding and minor to isolated moderate river flooding tonight into Monday,” it said. AFP

LAND FRAUD

CASE. Security personnel escort a vehicle carrying Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as he arrives from his hometown Lahore to appear before the court in Islamabad on Monday on a land fraud ase charge. Last month, a Pakistani court ordered his release on bail after his arrest ignited deadly protests and a tussle with the military. AFP

Nokor threatens airspace violators

SEOUL—North Korea threatened on Monday to shoot down any US spy planes violating its airspace and condemned Washington’s plans to deploy a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula.

A spokesperson for the North’s Ministry of National Defense said the United States has “intensified espionage activities beyond the wartime level,” with “provocative” flights made by US spy aircraft over eight straight days this month, and one reconnaissance plane intruding into its airspace over the East Sea “several times.”

“There is no guarantee that such shocking accident as downing of the

US Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen in the East Sea of Korea,” the spokesperson said in a statement, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

The spokesperson cited past incidents when Pyongyang shot down US aircraft, and warned the United States would pay for its “frantically staged” air espionage.

The statement also slammed the

Sweden tries to break Turkish rebuff in talks

VILNIUS, Lithuania—Sweden’s prime minister will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday in a last-gasp attempt to bridge a diplomatic impasse over his Nordic state’s stalled NATO membership drive. The high-stakes talks on the eve of an alliance summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius come with NATO keen to demonstrate unity in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

NATO and the White House both fear the Kremlin is trying to use its strong ties with Turkey to seed divisions among Western allies.

US President Joe Biden is expected to raise the issue when he meets Erdogan on the sidelines of the twoday event.

Erdogan has voiced repeated frus-

trations with what he calls Sweden’s failure to keep its promise to deal with suspected Kurdish militants allegedly “roaming the streets” of Stockholm.

“Sweden has taken some steps in the right direction,” Erdogan’s office quoted the Turkish leader as telling Biden in a call Sunday.

But Sweden’s decision to allow proKurdish groups to “hold demonstrations freely praising terrorism nullify those steps,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan’s stance is being supported by Kremlin-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The two countries remain the only NATO members still standing in the way of the unanimous ratification needed for Sweden to become the 32nd member of the US-led bloc. AFP

FULLY GUARDED.

US President Joe Biden arrives in ‘The Beast’ in Downing Street in central London Monday, ahead of his meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister. US President Joe Biden is in Britain for a brief visit to his key ally during which he met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before meeting King Charles III, and going on to a NATO summit in Lithuania. AFP

planned deployment of US strategic nuclear assets to the Korean peninsula as “the most undisguised nuclear blackmail” to North Korea, saying it posed a grave threat to regional and global security.

“The present situation clearly proves that the situation of the Korean peninsula is coming closer to the threshold of nuclear conflict due to the U.S. provocative military action,” it read.

Washington said in April that it would send a nuclear-armed ballistic submarine to make the first visit to a South Korean port in decades, without specifying the timing.

North Korea has conducted multiple

Biden visits UK ahead of summit

LONDON—US President Joe Biden was in Britain Monday for a brief visit to his key ally during which he will meet King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before going on to a NATO summit in Lithuania.

Ahead of the visit, the White House said Biden would seek to “further strengthen the close relationship” with Britain.

The king will host Biden at Windsor Castle, a royal residence west of London, where they are due to discuss climate issues, long a subject close to Charles’ heart.

It will be their first meeting since the monarch’s coronation in early May.

The president did not attend, sending First Lady Jill Biden instead, but the Bidens were at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September.

Earlier in the day, Biden will meet Sunak for their fifth meeting in recent months.

Downing Street has said the president’s visit “reflects the strong relationship” between the two countries.

Sunak traveled to the United States last month for a two-day visit where the leaders discussed Ukraine, AI regulation and post-Brexit ties.

They also agreed to a new economic partnership, the “Atlantic Declaration.”

Biden said the United States has “no closer ally” than Britain.

But Sunak came away empty-handed on the UK’s ambitions for a post-Brexit free-trade agreement with Washington.

The two countries are key allies of Ukraine and Russia’s invasion of its pro-Western neighbour is likely to top the agenda on Monday, after Biden pledged to supply Kyiv with controversial cluster munitions. AFP

sanctions-busting launches this year, including test-firing its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles, and in May attempting to put a military spy satellite into orbit.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has ramped up defense cooperation with Washington in response, staging joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and high-profile US strategic assets.

Yoon is set to attend a NATO summit in Lithuania this week, seeking stronger cooperation with NATO members over North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats, his office said. AFP

IN BRIEF

Pre-school attack:

6

killed in China

BEIJING—Six people were killed and one wounded in an attack at a kindergarten in southern China’s Guangdong province on Monday, a spokeswoman for the city government said.

“The victims include one teacher, two parents and three students,” she said.

She did not offer details about the identities or ages of the victims, nor the weapon used in the attack, which took place in the city of Lianjiang.

“One suspect has been arrested,” she said, adding that a police investigation was underway.

The suspect was a 25-year-old male surnamed Wu, local police said in a statement.

The incident took place around 7:40 am (2340 GMT on Sunday), the statebacked China News Network reported.

Videos shot by passersby claiming to show the crime scene were removed from video-sharing platform Douyin and Twitter-like Weibo.

While guns are strictly controlled, China has been struggling with a spate of mass stabbings.

Violent crime has been on the rise as the economy has grown in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly.

Fatal attacks targeting students and schools have occurred nationwide in recent years.

The attacks have forced authorities to step up security and prompted calls for more research into the root causes of such violent acts. AFP

New Zealand hopeful on Fukushima advice

WELLINGTON—New Zealand said Monday it has “full confidence” in the UN nuclear watchdog’s advice after it approved of Japan’s plans to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Tokyo’s scheme to release treated water from the tsunami-hit nuclear plant into the sea over the next few decades would have a “negligible” radiological impact on people and the environment.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta met IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Auckland, where she said they discussed “at length” its report on the proposed Fukushima treated water release.

“I reiterated New Zealand’s full confidence in the IAEA’s advice and commended their science-based approach,” Mahuta said in a statement.

“I also felt it was important to draw attention to the Pacific’s traumatic experience with nuclear testing and asked directly that meaningful engagement continues with the Pacific region on the proposed release.”

Japan’s plan has raised concerns among some of its neighbors. AFP

DRAMATIC MEMORIAL. Members of the Thai ‘Wild Boars’ youth football team walk towards the entrance of the Tham Luang Cave in Mae Sai district in the northern province of Chiang Rai on Monday during an event to mark the ve-year anniversary of their rescue from inside the ooded cave. AFP

SMC exec Chua gives UST sports big boost

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas is getting a major boost heading into the UAAP Season 86 with Alfrancis Chua being appointed as the Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports.

The San Miguel Corpsports director was formally appointed the role on Monday as it signals a new start in Espana.

Obiena’s PH teammates get share of Asian tilt spotlight

By Peter Atencio

EXPECTATIONS

will be high on pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and his Filipino teammates, led by sprinter Kyla Richardson, long jumper Janry Ubas and the 400-meter relay teams in the women and mixed events during the coming 25th Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Francisco, Gabuat eye top finish in PPS Lanao

THE PPS-PEPP national junior tennis circuit returns to Lanao del Norte with Thomas Gabuat and Sanschena Francisco leading close to 200 youngsters chasing top honors in nine age-group categories and ranking points at the Lala and MCL courts.

The Group 2 tournament got going Sunday with hostilities in the boys’ 18-and-under side that drew 32 players, the same number of field clashing in the 14- and 16-and-under classes of the event presented by Dunlop.

Gabuat, from Zamboanga, Sibugay, gains the top seeding in the premier division that also features No. 2 Kale Villamar, Pete Bandala, Jan Docor, Mark Dagooc, Vinz Bering, Aljun Tizon a nd James Yosores.

Villamar, on the other hand, headlines the 16-U play, along with Benedict Lim, who shone in the PPS-PEPP Dimaporo National Juniors two weeks ago in Tubod after ruling the 14-U category and posting a runner-up finish in 16-U division to clinch the MVP honors.

The 14-year-old Lim, a native of Maranding, Lala, goes all-out in a bid to score back-to-back victories in his age-group division that also features Bandala, Vincent Nadal, Deem Lanticse, Daniel Neri, Vincent Aguilar, Crislance Iglupas and Brent Baranggot.

Meanwhile, Francisco braces for a fierce duel with Gwen Bandolis in the girls’ 18-U side of the tournament sponsored by Lala, Lanao del Norte Mayor Angel Yap and Vice Mayor Cesar Yap.

A big chunk of the pressure has been taken off Obiena since he has already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after he leapt to a 5.82-meter qualifying mark in Sweden on July 3. With this, some of the spotlight is now on the 25-year-old Richardson, the 2021 Southeast Asian Games Sprint Queen, who will compete in the women’s 100and 200-meter races. Richardson was ranked behind China’s Liang Xiao Jing last year with her personal best of 11.31 seconds. She timed 12.4 seconds during the recent Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, where she

failed to defend her crown. Richardson is at no. 3 in the 200-meters with her 2022 personal best of 23.12 seconds, ahead of Mei Kodama of Japan (23.26 seconds).

Also getting the brunt of the pressure is the relay team of Bernalyn Bejoy, Robyn Brown, Jessel Lumapas and Maureen Schrijvers, who set a new Philippine record of 3:37.75 during the SEA Games in Phnom Penh. Bejoy and Lumapas will also be in the mixed relay team with Joyme Sequita, who was part of the gold-winning 4x400 relay team in the SEAG.

Members of the 34-member national squad start leaving today for Bangkok.

Obiena recently bagged a silver medal in the Meeting International de Sotteville held in Rouen, France last Saturday. He cleared 5.72 meters on a single attempt, after skipping the first four heights.

Action starts on Wednesday at the Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok in Thailand.

Fil-American sprinter Eric Cray is also coming, along with long jumper Janry Ubas, and both are seeking Olympic qualifications through the points that they will earn.

“I’m here to fully support UST. This is my school, dito ako lumaki, mahal ko ang school na ito,” said Chua, who got the green light from SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang to support the program.

“The only thing we have to do is to prove ourselves with how we play. If we’re gonna work together, we’re strong.”

Chua personally appeared before Rector Fr. Richard Ang, OP, Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP, and the Growling Tigers team.

“I would like to assure you UST will be giving it’s full support to the team and everybody involved. We hope we will make it good in the coming seasons,” said Ang.

“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the full support of coach Al. Coach Al is yung pinaka-magaling nating na-recruit,” said Cansancio.

Chua also solidified Petron’s commitment as a major sponsor for the men’s basketball team.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Chua who was a part of the Glowing Goldies team and the team captain back in 1989. He reunites with Pido Jarencio, the new UST head coach and his former teammate, as they seek to bring glory back to Espana.

“Matagal na kaming magkasama ni coach Al at masaya kami na sinamahan niya kami dito. Isa lang ang hangarin namin lahat, yung maibalik ang korona sa Espana dito sa bagong simula natin sa UST,” said Jarencio.

UST is heading to this campaign reinvigorated with holdovers Nic Cabanero and Adama Faye leading the charge and the arrival of rookies SJ Moore and Mark Llemit.

Marcos to award SEA Games, APG medalists

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will personally present the cash incentives to more than 500 medalled national at hletes on July 20 at the Malacañang Palace, recognizing their outstanding achievements at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia.

“We are grateful for President Marcos’ decision to personally award the incentives to Team Philippines, an expression of his admiration to our national athletes and their unwavering passion and dedication for representing the country,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman

Richard Bachmann.

The PSC will be releasing about P60 million and P14 million in cash bonuses for SEAG and APG medalists, respectively, as provided for by Republic Act 10699, or the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act. Under the law, national athletes with gold medal finish will receive P300,000, silver medal finish with P150,000, and bronze medal finish with P60,000 at the SEA Games level. Meanwhile, gold, silver, and bronze medalists from the ASEAN Para Games level are entitled to receive incentives worth P150,000,

P75,000, and P30,000, respectively.

Funding for these cash bonuses from the government is taken from the net cash income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), to be remitted to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) of the PSC.

“In the past, the PSC conducted two separate awarding for SEAG and APG medalists, but I believe it is more fitting to join the two for the President’s first-ever incentives awarding during his administration,” added the sports agency chief, who will be joining the awarding at the Palace together with the PSC Board of Commissioners.

Also invited to grace the ceremony are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Sen. Bong Go, House Committee on Youth and Sports Chairman Rep. Faustino Dy III, and Philippine Olympic Committee president Mayor Abraham Tolentino, and other sports executives and officials.

During the biennial meets in Cambodia, Team Philippines placed 5th in the SEAG bagging 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals. In the APG, the country delivered a record-breaking performance with 34 gold, 33 silver and 50 bronze medals.

PH tops pool play in AVC Challenge Cup in Taiwan

THE Philippines beat scored a thrilling 22-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12 win over Mongolia on Monday to sweep Pool D of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Men’s Cup at the University of Taipei Hall in Taiwan.

Hard-hitting Marck Espejo, Steven Rotter and Ryan Ka joined forces in the fifth set to out off the Mongolians en route to 2-0 win-loss record and a slot in the knockout final 12 stage that starts on Wednesday. Espejo erupted for 36 points on 29 kills, five service points and two blocks for the team fielded by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by

Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The Filipinos also swept Macau, 2521, 25-15, 25-14, last Sunday.

Mongolia finished the eliminations at 1-1 while Macau went winless.

Suzara congratulated the team of Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso but reminded them to sustain their momentum in the tournament that features 15 Asian nations.

The Philippines joins host Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, India, Vietnam and Bahrain in the playoff round along with either Saudi Arabia or Thailand, which has yet to complete their pool play.

NBA 2K24 COVER. Five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, all-time leading scorer for the Los Angeles Lakers and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, the late Kobe Bryant will be featured as the NBA® 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition cover athlete. NBA 2K24 will release worldwide on September 8 on all platforms and feature crossplay compatibility for PlayStation® 5 (PS5®) and Xbox Series X|S. Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna and seven others on January 26, 2020.

WINNERS. Rafa Anciano (left) and Chaz Limketkai display their medals

of the Junior

2023 Series in the drive, chip and putt format in the

Kayla Richardson

Janry Ubas

Alfrancis Chua gives UST players a pep talk

PPA@49: SA PROGRESIBONG PANTALAN, AASENSO ANG BAYAN

PPA celebrates 49 years of growth

By Patricia Taculao

THIS year, the PPA is celebrating its 49th anniversary under the theme “Sa progresibong Pantalan, aasenso ang bayan,” alluding to the institution’s continuing bid for innovation. The celebrations last from July 10 to 14 to commemorate the achievements, milestones, and constant progress that has shaped the world of the PPA throughout its 49 years in the industry.

Since the 1970s, the PPA has upheld its mission of providing modern, sustainable, and resilient port infrastructures and facilities. Its recent undertaking is developing and operating ports that cater to the needs of local and global clients using best practices and state-of-theart technologies.

The PPA’s responsibilities include offering responsive, reliable, and efficient port services while promoting a transparent, fair, and relevant regulatory framework in pursuit of a national development program. This agency also leads the charge to establish, develop, regulate, manage, and operate a rationalized national port system to support trade. Stakeholders from across the Philippines can join the various activities the PPA planned to highlight the authority’s achievements and relevance to the Filipinos.

Looking back at PPA’s successes

Every government agency and industry in the Philippines felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. But PPA’s 2021 Annual Report claimed that the country’s maritime transport sector remained resilient and showed remarkable recovery in the same year.

The economic growth in 2021, which posted a 5.6 percent increase in GDP from the negative 9.5 percent recorded in 2020, was ultimately the result of the government’s economic stimulus packages, reopening of the domestic markets, and gradual lifting of restrictions such as those in the supply chain of essential goods, and trade in general.

Such developments positively

influenced the country’s overall trade and shipping performance during the year in review. Driven by the favorable outcome in shipping and trade volume, PPA generated a total revenue of P17.673 billion during the year. It also coincides with PPA’s bid to help the Philippines in “Healing As One Maritime Nation.”

Turn C2

PPA to transform ‘underutilized’ Iloilo Port into world-class facility

By Darwin G.Amojelar

THE Philippine Ports Authority

(PPA) is planning to auction off within the year the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) to transform the “underutilized” port into a world-class terminal facility.

In a public Consultation last June 21, the state-run port authority said it plans to modernize and transform the port into an exclusive international port.

“The plan for ICPC is to make it exclusively an international port,

admittedly as the moment the volume is not there. So, during the transition period of 5 years, it will continue to accept domestic cargo,” Mark Jon Palomar, PPA commercial services department manager said.

“However, after the fifth year, the domestic cargo will be coursed through Fort San Pedro port,” he added.

Palomar said the ICPC will be bidded out as a Tier 1 port, which is a 25 years concession period.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency would privatize the ICPC and other several ports within the year.

The ICPC is designed to handle domestic and international containerized cargo, which serves Iloilo and Western Visayas.

The PPA, however, said that the Iloilo port is currently lacking modern equipment, resulting in low productivity that prevents the port from maximizing yard and berth capacity.

“Furthermore, it prevents cargo owners from shipping directly to and from Iloilo and international origins, and from avoiding multiple and expensive handling of their containers,” the agency said.

PPA added that the Iloilo port has

not served international shipping lines or handled international containerized cargo, “making it a severely underutilized investment.”

Under the proposed 25-year development plan, the required capital outlay for the project amounted to P5.87 billion, including the acquisition of modern equipment.

ICPC, which is being categorized as Tier 1 port, the PPA said it requires the prospective concessionaire to deliver a wide array of deliverables such as building landside infrastructure, installing information technology systems, and deploying sophisticated

PPA celebrates...

equipment and gears to be used for the management and operations cargohandling and other port related services.

To attract investors and to have the necessary infrastructure and equipment in place, the port authority said the winning bidder should be given incentives such as competitive tariff.

PPA said the winning bidder for the project should have “reasonable returns.”

For example, the PPA said the current rate for a 20-foot loaded container will be raised by 885 percent to P11,060.63 from the current P1,154.50.

For a 20-foot laden container, the proposed rates would be P19,713.30, higher by 870 percent from the current P2031.40.

While the proposed Tier 1 tariff for the ICPC is higher, the PPA said it would have a minimal impact on basic commodities.

For rice, PPA said the impact of higher tariff would be P0.43 per kilo and P0.75 per kilo for cement products. “The impact appears to be negligible,” PPA said.

From C1

Besides helping the Philippines recover from the throes of the pandemic, the PPA also had to adapt to meet the demands of the new normal. The authority’s efforts include constant improvement to ensure the efficient flow of goods in ports across the country.

In response to the present realities and to identify new opportunities, the PPA has amended and formulated policy measures and recalibrated its action plans to improve its port operations and services.

The PPA’s efforts continue today to maintain efficient operations that meet the demands of a modern world that is still reliant on ports for transportation.

A brief history of the PPA

Before the PPA, the Philippines’ port administration merged with the traditional function of revenue collection of the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The Bureau of Public Works (BPW) was responsible for port and harbor maintenance. In the early 1970s, there were already 591 national and municipal ports, plus 200 private ports scattered all over the country, demanding long-range planning and rationalization of port development.

There was an identified need to integrate and coordinate port planning, development, operations, and regulation at the national level. Around this time, the BOC proposed to the Reorganization Committee and Congress the creation of a separate government agency to integrate the functions of port operations, cargo handling, and port development and maintenance to enable the Bureau to concentrate on tax and customs duties collection.

Soon, the government and its concerned agencies realized that establishing and operating port authorities led to improved port operations. They felt similar benefits could come from a national port authority to administer and manage Philippine ports.

Not long, Presidential Decree No. 505, subsequently amended by P.D. No. 875 in December 1975, created the PPA.

The latter decree expanded the PPA’s scope and functions, tasking it to facilitate the implementation of an integrated program for the planning, development, financing, operation, and maintenance of ports or port districts for the country.

In 1978, the charter was further amended by Executive Order No. 513, the salient features of which were the granting of police authority to the PPA, the creation of a National Ports Advisory Council (NPAC) to strengthen cooperation between the government and the private sector, and empowering the PPA to exact reasonable administrative fines for specific violations of its rules and regulations.

The PPA was also part of what was then the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH), which also served as the executing agency for all port construction projects. Under this setup, the PPA prepared the general plans, programs, and project priorities, while the MPWH was responsible for detailed engineering, actual construction, and supervision of port construction projects.

Later, the PPA became independent of the MPWH (now the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH) and attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for policy and program coordination. Subsequently, under Executive Order No. 159, in 1987, the PPA is now vested with undertaking all port construction projects under its port system, relieving DPWH of this responsibility. The executive order also granted the PPA financial autonomy. For nearly five decades, the PPA has held the fort for efficient and secure services throughout the various ports in the Philippines. As 2030 nears, the authority is also taking the necessary steps to move closer to becoming part of an integrated transport and logistics system, provide port facilities and services at par with global best practices, and have a port regulatory environment conducive to national development.

LIFE

Trailblazing Heart Evangelista

puts Pinoy designers in the global fashion spotlight

IN an exciting lead-up to the highly anticipated Haute Couture Week, a prominent event in the fashion industry, the official Instagram page (@hautecoutureweek) has chosen to feature a Filipina trailblazer.

Heart Evangelista-Escudero, known for her innovative fashion choices, has been selected to grace the teaser just three days before the start of this global fashion extravaganza.

Evangelista showcased a stunning modern terno, a traditional Filipino gown, designed by the talented Filipino designer Cheetah Rivera. Notably, exactly a year ago, she captivated attention on the streets of Paris, wearing Rivera’s exquisite white and blue ombré “Santiago” dress.

This time, her ensemble serves as the backdrop for the announcement of the Fall/Winter 2023 Haute Couture Week, proudly highlighting Filipino fashion on the grandest couture stage. Heart’s remarkable presence not only fills the Philippines with pride but also paves the way for other talented Filipinos to make their mark on renowned fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and the international fashion scene as a whole.

Heart has ascended to become a global fashion icon, making a significant impact on the industry like no other Filipino before her. Her face is widely recognized on the glossy pages of top-tier magazines, including Elle, Instyle, Bazaar, and Vogue Even the influential Anna Wintour knows her by name. Heart has posed for photographs alongside renowned figures

such as Michael Kors and shared warm embraces with Christian Louboutin.

Brands consider Heart’s face and poses as valuable currency. With her impeccable personal style, attention-grabbing looks, and captivating runway presence, she secures front-row seats at high-profile fashion shows, sought after by designers eager to associate their names with hers. The list of luxury brands that seek her endorsement is endless, including Chanel, Guerlain, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balmain, Prada, Kenzo, Giambattista Valli, and many more.

Alongside her international endeavors, Heart is also an advocate for Filipino brands. She champions designers such as Neric Beltran, Cheetah Rivera, Maison Glarino, and Mark Bumgarner, promoting their creations to the world and bringing global attention to the rich textile and design heritage of the Philippines.

The fashion world eagerly anticipates Heart’s next move, as she is just getting started on her remarkable journey. The next time the shutter of a fashion photographer’s camera clicks, whether in Milan, Paris, Los Angeles, or Singapore, it is highly likely that Heart will be the focal point, exuding style, grace, and elegance in a single frame.

Pico Terraces

Hamilo Coast’s newest, exclusive Family-friendly haven

The officers and members of SPEEd with Sister Emerlita Luna (center) during a visit at the Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage

Editors’ group marks sixth year with well-meaning affair

ADDING greater significance to the 6th anniversary of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), the group organized an outreach initiative on Friday, July 7.

Spearheaded by Eugene Asis (President of SPEEd and from People’s Journal), the organization, along with other officials and members, paid a visit to two charitable institutions in Bulacan, where they made generous donations.

SPEEd first visited the Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage in Guiguinto, which takes care of and provides protection to children who have no family or relatives.

INDULGE the family with incomparable comfort and leisure amidst a breathtaking nature ambience at Pico Terraces –Hamilo Coasts’ newest residential enclave. An exclusive resort within a resort tucked into a prime leisure estate in Pico De Loro Cove, Pico Terraces offers bountiful opportunities for families to relax and revel in.

Developed by Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., a duly recognized company under SM Prime, Pico Terraces inspires a play of heights in its condominium buildings that sprawl across 2.1 hectares of lush terrain. Set

recently launched for potential homebuyers to personally view and have an experiential journey of the unit’s actual size, layout, and finishes as well as provide interior design inspiration for their future Pico Terraces home.

Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage has 30 children under its care. Bethany’s directress Sr. Emelita Cruz OP is assisted by Sr. Emerlita Luna OP and their fellow Dominican sisters of Saint Joseph.

Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEed) officers and members

Laboratories.

SPEEd president Eugene Asis (2nd from left) and members Dindo Balares (left) and Dondon Sermino (right) with Baby Martin of Emmaus House of Apostolate

SPEEd also went to Emmaus House of Apostolate located in Malolos, Bulacan, where 60 abandoned men and women reside.

In addition to financial assistance, the group provided food and medical supplies, cleaning materials, vitamins, adult diapers, and other items that can be used for daily needs.

The partners of the SPEEd Outreach 2023 are Rei Anicoche-Tan of Beautederm and BlancPro, Cris Roque of Kamiseta, Unilab Corporation, and Pascual

The group also extends its gratitude to showbiz columnist and talent manager Lolis Solis, Hon. Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando San Miguel Corporation, Jollibee, Universal Robina Corporation, Mark Parlade and Rosbel Buñag of Stratworks, Dee Chanco of Maris Pure Water, actress Lotlot de Leon, Susan Joven, Wilson Flores of Kamuning Bakery, Edd Fuentes, Lamoiyan Corporation, and Colorete Clothing. SPEEd is composed of current and former entertainment editors from leading newspapers and online sites in the Philippines.

Pico Terraces condominium units are complemented by the liberal use of wooden textures to evoke comfort and relaxation any time of the day

against a vista of picturesque hills and natural greenery, this Hamilo Coast property boasts 80 percent open spaces, consisting of stunning views and expansive outdoor amenities.

Gifted with generous nature backdrops, Pico Terraces truly embodies resort-style living. The enclave is host to the biggest existing pool amenity in Pico De Loro Cove—approximately 500 sqm of a jawdropping Cascading Pool that includes a Family Pool, a Kiddie Pool, a Lounge Pool, and a Lap Pool. Pico Terraces takes to heart the fun and adventure that residents can experience right within the property. Other family-friendly amenities include cabanas by the poolside, a grand lawn, a play area for children, an outdoor fitness area for adults, and a nature trail for the more intrepid residents.

Homebuyers can have their pick of spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom tropical-themed residential suites, with open living spaces ranging from 46 sqm to 89 sqm. Each unit has large windows that bring ample natural light in and a spacious balcony that looks out on a vast panorama of dense mountains, wide-ranging amenities, and verdant landscape.

To top all these, Pico Terraces is within strolling distance from Hamilo Coast’s Beach Club, Country Club, and Pico Beach, allowing residents to indulge in various leisure activities and beachfront

Imee Francisco, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., happily shares that Pico Terraces was indeed envisioned as a place for families to unwind, have fun, and build lasting memories—all in the lap of luxury. She is buoyant about offering Pico Terraces to property investors. “Pico Terraces not only promises an exclusive lifestyle but also capitalizes on the demand for prime leisure homes surrounded by nature.” Pico Terraces is indeed a haven where adventure, healing, and happiness unfold—where an un-