Manila Standard - 2023 August 31 - Thursday

By Rio N. Araja, Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo

SUPER typhoon “Goring” continued to maintain strength while approaching the northwestern

boundary of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Thursday afternoon, leaving behind at least P230.27 million in infrastructure and agriculture damage.

More rice depots padlocked

New Bulacan raid yields P519-m suspected smuggled, hoarded grains

By Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo

Julito Rada

and

CUSTOMS agents and lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday raided four warehouses in Bulacan province that yielded P519 million worth of rice grains and "palay.''

The raid, the second in one week, was part of government efforts to crack down on smuggling and hoarding of the staple grain.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the inspection resulted in the discovery of 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains and 60,000 sacks of "palay" or unhusked rice in warehouses in Wakas, Bocaue, and San Juan, Balagtas.

Romualdez said unscrupulous traders deserve to be jailed for inflicting what he described as a “heinous crime” against the poor by keeping this Filipino food staple out of reach through price manipulation.

“Rice hoarding is a heinous crime

China features WPS in latest country map

By Rey E. Requejo

CHINA includes the West Philippine Sea as part of its territory in the 2023 edition of its standard map, which also claims parts of other Asian countries as its own. The map, released by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, features a 10-dash line—a line that supposedly signifies the

El Niño plan: Save, rehab farm areas

THE Office of Civil Defense said it has started implementing interventions to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon even as disaster management officials downplayed the possibility that a prolonged dry spell will result in a declaration of a nationwide state of calamity. "The impact of El Nino will be area specific. I doubt we will come toa point where a national state of calamity will be declared but we are prepared for that," Department of the Interior and Local Government

The state weather bureau said the El Niño phenomenon could peak in the last quarter of this year and drag on until February next year.

“[But] it does not mean that after February, the El Niño is over. There is a residual effect so you have to prepare for a long time,” said OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno.

As of August 21, PAGASA said 10 areas are already experiencing the dry spell, including Aklan, Capiz and parts of Mindanao.

"We are in the implementation phase because the situation calls for the immediate execution of the needed interventions. Now, to make the plan more comprehensive and encompassing, we are in discussion with private, local and international organizations," Nepomuceno said. Part of the government masterplan to counter the impacts of El Niño are to save vulnerable agricultural areas through appropriate water management and to rehabilitate irrecoverable areas.

House panel terminates budget hearing for OVP in 30

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macky Solon

THE House of Representatives committee on appropriations swiftly terminated deliberations on the Office of the Vice President’s P2.385 billion proposed budget for 2024, acknowledging the "long-standing tradition" of parliamentary courtesy.

Seconds after Vice President Sara Duterte finished her audiovisualpresentation, Senior Deputy

Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos moved to end the deliberation.

“In line with the long-standing tradition of giving the OVP the parliamentary courtesy, I move to terminate the deliberations on the budget of the OVP,” said Marcos, son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. At least 21 lawmakers voted in favor of Marcos' motion.

The hearing lasted about 30 minutes, including introductions and acknowledgements.

NEW MARKER. FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is joined by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in unveiling of the new commemorative markers at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan. The Battle of Pinaglabanan on August 30, 1896, more commonly called the ‘Battle of San Juan Del Monte,' was the precursor of the first Filipino resistance movement.

MANNY Pacquiao has won all the titles there are. But only one accolade is missing in his trophy cabinet – an Olympic medal. The boxing icon Pacquiao wants to extend his legendary boxing career with a shot at an Olympic medal in Paris next year.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol”

Tolentino said on Wednesday that Pacquiao’s camp reached out to him on how the former eighth-division world champion could qualify for Paris.

The POC, Tolentino said, has started conferring with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines and the International Olympic Committee, which is supervising

QC top cop resigns, Mandaluyong chief of police relieved of his post

By Rio N. Araja, Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Quezon City police chief resigned

Wednesday over accusations that he gave special treatment to an ex-cop who beaned a cyclist and poked a gun at him, even as video of another road rage incident—this one involving an active-duty policeman and a soldier—began circulating online.

The chief of police of

Mandaluyong City, meanwhile, was relieved from his post after testing positive for illegal drugs. Quezon City Police District chief Nicolas Torre III said he submitted his resignation to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Accorda Jr. “to spare the PNP from any other [issue].” His resignation will take effect on Aug. 31.

“I really regret that press conference.

I apologize to the Filipino people for those actions because those are

‘Goring‘ exits PH; agriculture, infra damages reach P230m

‘Pacquiao wants to fight in Paris Olympics‘

Director Edgar Allan Tabell said.

SUSPICIOUS SUPPLY. Speaker Martin Romualdez points at the suspected smuggled and hoarded rice inside a warehouse in Bulacan on

August 30, 2023. Romualdez is joined by ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Bulacan Rep. Ambrosio Cruz Jr., House Committee on Agriculture and Food chairman Rep. Mark Enverga and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service chief Alvin Enciso. Ver Noveno and Norman Cruz

Manny Pacquiao

Fuel subsidy release moved to September

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has pushed back the release of fuel subsidy funds for drivers and operators of public transport to September.

The LTFRB blamed the delayed filing of papers needed for the release of fuel subsidy funds this month even as it assured that the list of beneficiaries is already in place.

"The implementation is definitely September," said LTFRB Executive

More...

From A1 because it victimizes poor families who barely have enough money to put food on the table and pay for everything else that will uplift their quality of life. Hoarders profit from the misery of others, and for that they deserve to be in jail,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez warned rice traders and importers to immediately release their supply to the market at fair prices or face possible confiscation of their rice stocks as well as prosecution in accordance with the law.

“Rice found to be smuggled or hoarded should be forfeited in favor of the government, in favor of the people’s interest, for distribution or sale at a very low price,” he said.

As in an earlier inspection, Romualdez was joined by Reps. Erwin Tulfo, Wifrido Mark Enverga and Ambrosio Cruz Jr. to observe upon Rubio's invitation.

At the same time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) proposed three-year food logistics action agenda aimed at ensuring food availability, accessibility and affordability.

A Palace spokesperson said the agenda includes six key strategies: revolutionizing the food distribution system; reducing transport and logistic costs; increasing investments in logistics infrastructure on transportation and storage; addressing other supply chain gaps; heightening measures against hoarding and smuggling; and monitoring warehouses or cold storage facilities.

The 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains came from Vietnam and Pakistan and have an estimated value of P431 million, while the 60,000 sacks of palay are valued at P88 million.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), we had a sectoral meeting with the President, who gave a clear directive about how we can

China...

From A1 scope of its territory—that claims the entirety of the South China Sea, a claim that a UN tribunal has found to have no legal basis.

The 10-dash line overlaps with the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, including the West Philippines Sea, as well as the EEZs of Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The government has not commented on the map.

Based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a country's EEZ generally extends 200 nautical miles from its shore, within which the coastal state has the right to explore and exploit, and the responsibility to conserve and manage, both living and non-living resources.

China’s latest map does not abide by the UNCLOS, since it includes several features of WPS in the 10dash line. The map also claims the selfgoverning island of Taiwan as part of China, as well as the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin plateau, which are the subject of India's recent diplomatic protest.

The release of the map comes amid China's continued aggression in the South China Sea, including by deploying navy ships and maritime militia to harass foreign personnel, including Filipinos, patrolling the vast ocean.

House...

From A1

But the three members of the Makabayan bloc, led by House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, objected to the motion, appealing to the committee to allow them to ask questions.

Castro's persistence to propound questions prompted the committee to suspend the session.

Director Robert Peig.

The fuel subsidy for modern jeeps and UV Express is at P10,000; P6,500 for old jeeps, taxis, buses and TNVS; P1,200 for delivery riders; and P1,000 for tricycle drivers. The LTFRB is also set to decide

help stop the rising cost of rice in the market. So, this is our answer to that order,” Rubio said.

“We have just discovered four warehouses storing rice grains and palay, and if the owners of these warehouses fail to show proper documents that they rightfully paid the taxes and duties they owe to the government, then we will take immediate legal action and confiscate the items here,” he added.

When the team arrived, they found the representatives of the warehouses and presented them the letters of authority (LOAs) before they conducted the inspection.

On Aug. 25, the BOC also padlocked three warehouses in Balagtas, Bulacan which yielded stored rice worth P505 millio . Customs Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said they received a tip about the warehouses and swiftly acted on its verification.

“The key here is acting with immediacy because we understand that we are fighting against big-time organizations that can potentially cripple our agricultural sector. This is important not only to our agricultural workers, our farmers but more so for the everyday Juan who toils to put food on the table,” he said.

President Marcos on Tuesday ordered government agencies to exhaust alllegal tools to control the rising prices of rice, and ordered the BOC to inspect more rice warehouses.

“Hoarders need to understand that the government led by PresidentMarcos is serious in flushing out the people behind the price manipulation of rice. If they can’t be convinced to stop hoarding,maybe some jail time will make them learn,” Romualdez said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The surprise inspection was conducted on Gold Rush Rice Mill 3, Dinorado Rice Mill, and JSS Rice Mill, all in Bulacan.

The BOC team also conducted a separate inspection of another rice warehouse

China Daily, an Englishlanguage newspaper owned by the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party, said the latest edition of China's map was released during the celebration of Surveying and Mapping Publicity Day and the National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week.

India issued a diplomatic protest to China on Tuesday after a Beijing map claimed land that New Delhi says is theirs, including territory close to where the neighbors battled in 2020.

"We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the socalled 2023 'standard map' of China that lays claim to India's territory," foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement.

"We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question."

India has been wary of its northern neighbor's growing military assertiveness and their 3,500-kilometer shared frontier has been a perennial source of tension.

New Delhi said two areas on a map released on Beijing's stateowned Global Times newspaper belong to India.

One was India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China considers to be part of Tibet, and where the Asian giants fought a full-scale border war in 1962. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Castro's group wanted Duterte to explain the P125-million confidential fund that the OVP received and spent in 2022, even if such an item was not provided under that year's national budget law.

"We condemn what was done in the Committee on Appropriations in the strongest term – the suppression of the Makabayan bloc regarding our intended questions and interpellation on the socalled confidential fund, which is not even a confidential fund in the Office

on the P1 provisional increase in the minimum fare for jeeps.

"If granted, what will be the effect on our riders? If not granted, what will be the effect on the operator and drivers?

That is the balancing process," Peig said.

Drivers regulated by the agency would receive their subsidies through fuel cards, while those under local government units, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry will get the funds through e-wallets.

with no sign, also within the Intercity Industrial Complex.

Romualdez said the inspection showed an adequate supply of rice so the continuing increase in rice prices indicates efforts to withhold stocks to reap a windfall profit. He noted that some of the rice stocks in the inspected warehouses were over three months old.

The initial BOC raid on three warehouses in Bulacan yielded about P500 million worth of imported rice. BOC agents raided the Great Harvest Rice Mill Warehouse, the San Pedro Warehouse, and the FS Rice Mill Warehouse, which were found to be storing 25,000, 167,000 and 10,000 sacks of imported rice, respectively.

Their respective owners have already been instructed to submit proof of tax and duty payments.

At the Palace, Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the food logistics action agenda was approved during a meeting attended by Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pacual and other government officials.

“It is committed to a whole-of-government approach where key agencies involved shall be required to prioritize, focus and allocate funding on specific initiatives,” she said.

She added that the food logistics action agenda intends to use information and communications technology to improve logistics performance.

“The DTI has outlined efforts to integrate food terminals into the logistics framework through upgrading of existing food terminals andbuilding additional food hubs in Metro Manila and other areas in the country,” Garafil said.

“By integrating food terminals, the supply chain from producers to consumers could be shortened, with standardized logistical processes and transportation systems directed towards specific destinations.”

She said the food hubs would operate as central command centers to balance demand and supply with the resulting

QC...

From A1 decisions made in a very short span of time,” he told TeleRadyo Serbisyo, referring to a media briefing at Camp Karingal in which he presented Wilfredo Gonzales, who was caught on video hitting and threatening a cyclist at the Welcome Rotonda area on Aug. 25.

Torre apologized for organizing the press conference and allowing Gonzales to air his side.

On Aug. 29, the QCPD filed a complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales, a much less serious charge than grave threat or attempted homicide, which Torre said would require the cyclist to come forward. It was unclear if more charges would be filed against him.

The PNP has stripped Gonzales of his firearm license and the Land Transportation Office has suspended his driver’s license. The Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed that Gonzales was an employee, but he was immediately terminated after the incident.

The Court said Gonzales was a coterminous employee at the Office of Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario.

“Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior,” the Court said in a statement.

Police said Gonzales was dismissed from the PNP in June 2018 for grave misconduct.

Gonzales surrendered to authorities on Sunday after the video of the incident went viral. He said he and the cyclist had settled the matter and had come to an agreement, but the cyclist’s lawyer said

of the Vice President. There are many things that the OVP should explain to the public—in fact, the Vice President herself should provide an explanation during the budget hearing, and she is here," Castro said in a statement issued after the hearing.

"So we wonder why this decision was made, and we are truly enraged about this incident because we were fully prepared and ready to ask our questions to enlighten the public about how this P125 million confidential fund

The country's oil firms raised pump prices by as much as P0.80 per liter on Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms raised the price of kerosene by P0.80 per liter, diesel by P0.70 per liter and gasoline by P0.30 per liter.

This was the 8th consecutive week of increase for diesel and kerosene and the seventh consecutive week for gasoline.

These price adjustments resulted in a year-to-date net increase of P14.80 per liter for gasoline, P9.50 per liter diesel and P6.64 per liter for kerosene.

synergy within the food terminals.

Citing Pascual’s report, Garafil said the DTI has a pilot project with the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) and the United States Agency for International Development to help small and medium enterprises transition to mature e-commerce businesses.

The project aims to help pivot NVAT from offline to online transactions to maximize the potential of e-commerce and increase market access for farmers’ produce.

“The Trade department is also endorsing logistics-related measures forinclusion in the priority legislative agenda, such as the International Maritime Competitiveness Act, which aims to empower the Maritime Industry Authority to regulate shipping lines and guard against excessive shipping charges,” Garafil said.

The creation of the three-year food logistics agenda was one of Marcos’ directives during the 8th Cabinet meeting in September 2022 torealize his vision to make the Philippines a logistics hub in Asia.

The food logistics action agenda was developed by the DTI, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other development partners.

The sectoral meeting held Tuesday was also attended by Secretaries Benjamin Abalos Jr. (DILG) and Ivan John Uy (DICT); Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go; DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban; Undersecretaries Zeno Ronald Abenoja (Department of Finance), Elmer Sarmiento (DOTr) and Rosemarie Edillon (National Economic and Development Authority); and AntiRed Tape Authority Director General Ernesto Perez.

the deal was forced.

Accorda said he would meet with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. And Mayor Joy Belmonte to discuss Torre’s resignation.

He added that he would meet with Belmonte to discuss their next move, as Torre's resignation would affect the QCPD's operations.

Belmonte was reportedly outraged at the QCPD for giving Gonzales a platform to air his side, instead of arresting him.

Acorda welcomed Torre's resignation as a gesture of "delicadeza" (doing the right thing).

“That's what we need from the police, the delicadeza and anyway things will come out after the investigation as to what the truth is because he (Torre) explained to me his side and to some extent there is merit in what he says. But of course I respect his decision,” he said.

Torre earlier dismissed allegations that the QCPD gave special treatment to Gonzales during his supposed settlement with the cyclist, saying his personnel "acted professionally".

In a phone interview, Torre said he wanted to shield QCPD from “further brickbats and backlash.”

Metro Manila top cop Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said an officer-incharge (OIC) would be assigned to the QCPD for the meantime.

Meanwhile, Col Cesar Gerente, police chief of Mandaluyong City, was relieved from his post after testing positive for illegal drugs in a random test with top officials of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Aug. 24. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

was spent, which is not even included in the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) budget. Akala ko ba handang magpaliwanag si VP Duterte," she said.

Castro said the Office of the President approved the P125 million confidential funds of the OVP last year.

"The OVP had no Congressional authorization to incur confidential expenses in 2022. A full accounting should be made down to the last centavo," said Castro. Duterte, for her part, touted the OVP's

‘Goring’...

From A1

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 remained raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, northern portion of Apayao (Luna, Santa Marcela, Calanasan), and the northwestern portion of Cagayan (Pamplona, Claveria, Ballesteros, Abulug, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Praxedes).

Severe tropical storm Haikui, which will have the local name “Hanna,” is set to enhance the southwest monsoon as “Goring” exits PAR. It is not expected to make landfall in the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said “Goring” affected 196,926 people in seven regions in Luzon and the Visayas. NDRRMC data showed that some 35,095 people or 9,608 families are currently staying in 376 evacuation centers in the affected areas.

To date, the cost of damage to infrastructure due to “Goring” was pegged at P41.175 million.

The typhoon also left in its wake an initial P189.1 million worth of losses to crops in Cagayan Valley, the Department of Agriculture-Disaster Risk Reduction Management said.

DA data showed the typhoon affected 3,962 farmers, with volume of production loss at 7,032 metric tons and 11,280 hectares of agricultural areas.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said that at least seven major roads were still closed to traffic.

Public Works Sec. Manuel Bonoan said the seven national road sections that remained impassable were in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region and Western Visayas.

El Niño...

From A1

Agencies such as the departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy, Health and Interior have already presented their plans and activities for the areas of food security, water security, energy security, health, and public safety, respectively.

Joining the discussion with government agencies were officers andrepresentatives from the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Arise Philippines, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and UN-Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO). The UN-OCHA and UN-FAO highlighted the support given by the UN humanitarian country team in previous El Niño experiences, including the distribution of farming equipment to agricultural folk.

‘Pacquiao...

From A1

Olympic boxing while the International Boxing Association is suspended.

“Senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our Filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,” Tolentino said. “But the senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in Hangzhou next month.”

The Asian Games—an Olympic qualifier—has an age limit for athletes at 40 years old in all sports.

According to Tolentino, Pacquiao, who’s 44 years old, could qualify for Paris through two Olympic qualifying tournaments set in the first and second quarters of 2024.

The third, Tolentino said, is for Pacquiao to secure a berth under the Universality rule, which the IOC would grant. There are, however, only nine places under Universality at the Paris Games—five for women and only four for men.

A close aide of Pacquiao confirmed that the former senator is willing to fight in the Olympics and that they have already reached out to Tolentino.

Tolentino also said that the ABAP, through its chairman Ricky Vargas, will welcome Pacquiao to the national team and will assist in his qualification.

Pacquiao currently weighs 66 kgs and has to choose between 63.50 kgs or 71 kgs that are on the Paris boxing program. Professional boxers have been allowed to compete at the Olympics, and in Tokyo, 43 of the 186 competitors were professionals, including middleweight bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, who beat fellow professional, Armenia’s Arman Darchinyan, in the quarterfinals.

accomplishments in 2023, including putting up seven satellite offices in different parts of the country as well as its medical and burial assistance programs.

Based on her presentation, the OVP spent P550 million on medical assistance for 52,472 beneficiaries and P56.9 million for burial assistance for 11.606 million beneficiaries.

For 2024, Duterte proposed P500 million in confidential funds for the OVP and P150 million for the DepEd, where she serves as the department’s secretary.

Senators say new rules on travel for Filipinos ‘unreasonable’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) are unreasonable and put an additional burden on Filipino travelers.

He also said the guidelines require more documents compared to a visa application.

To investigate the government’s efforts against human trafficking, he filed Senate Resolution No. 762 to ask the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the various initiatives of the government to strengthen its anti-trafficking in programs.

“The prevention of human trafficking is an inter-agency task that not only involves providing stringent requirements on international-bound Filipinos,

but also proper awareness and education among Filipinos, and the apprehension of law enforcement agents and other government officials who facilitate or connive with wrongdoers,” Villanueva said.

The new protocols have drawn flak from various sectors and individuals, who raised concerns about the extra burden and additional cost to travelers.

Sen. Grace Poe meanwhile asked concerned government agencies to temporarily defer the implementation of the new travel rules amid concerns raised by the public on the burdensome requirements.

“The lingering doubts and questions about the new rules must not be swept under the rug,” Poe said.

She noted that authorities must make traveling through the country’s airports secure against human traffickers.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday vowed to allocate funds for specialty centers that would be established in regional hospitals to bring medical services closer to the people, especially the poor.

He made the commitment days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act.

Romualdez expressed doubt on whether the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 includes funds for the centers since the outlay was prepared months before the President signed the law.

“In any case, we in the House will ensure that the necessary initial appropriations are allocated for the implementation

of the law and the setting up, equipping and staffing of the special medical care units in regional hospitals,” Romualdez, leader of the 311-strong House of Representatives, said.

Romualdez said he would ask the committee on appropriations to see to it that such funds are incorporated in the proposed 2024 national budget.

The committee is now in the process of scrutinizing the budget proposal.

Romualdez, along with Rep. Ray T Reyes of Anakalusugan Party-list

DOJ to start probe on another murder charge vs. Bantag, others

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to conduct a preliminary investigation into another murder complaint filed against former Bureau of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag and several others.

This came after the DOJ received the murder complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against Bantag over the killing of Hegel Lapinig Samson, a person deprived of liberty who allegedly exposed corruption inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Also named respondents in the complaint included former Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, and General Victor Pascua, along with respondents PDLs Rolando Villaver, Mark Angelo Lampera, Charlie Dacuyan, and Wendell Sualog.

“This is the one who appears on so -

cial media. His name was Leon Bilibid in the social media page,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said, in an interview.

The inmate allegedly narrated “the mysterious deaths or the mysterious happenings inside Bilibid.”

“So someone got angry with him and this is what happened,” Remulla added.

According to the DOJ, the PDLs confessed to their participation by placing a bag over Samson’s head until he died.

In his sworn statement, Villaver alleged that Bantag had ordered him to eliminate anyone associated with the name “Leon Bilibid” to “neutralize the criticism on social media.”

The DOJ said that Zulueta then allegedly informed Villaver through a message that the individual behind “Leon Bilibid” was under his supervision as mayor of a dorm.

lauded President Marcos for signing the Congress-approved bill on the establishment of regional specialty medical centers.

Reyes, vice chair of the House committee on health, thanked President Marcos and his fellow legislators for prioritizing the bill’s passage. “Maraming salamat po sa ating pangulo at sa ating mga kapwa mambababatas sa inyong pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.

Reyes is one of the co-authors of House Bill 7751 which was consolidated with Senate Bill No. 2212 to form the current version of the law. “Anakalusugan has always pushed for the creation of specialty centers in the provinces to unburden our kababayans from unnecessary travel and other expenses and this a big step in our goal of ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare

services for all,” the lawmaker said.

Speaker assures funds for specialty centers IN BRIEF

Under the law, the Department of Health (DOH) is designated to establish specialty centers prioritizing cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care and burn care.

The specialty centers shall also prioritize orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.

“It is the government’s duty to bring these specialty centers closer to our people and through the signing of this law we can reassure our kababayans that wherever they are in the Philippines, they can have access to specialized care,” Reyes added.

Suspects in illegal POGO plead not guilty, lawyer says

MORE than 20 persons allegedly involved in the illegal operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) pleaded not guilty before a Pasay court.

The POGO workers pleaded not guilty before the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 111 for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“They were not allowed to be here so video conference na lang,” lawyer Gloria Quintos, legal counsel of 18 of the respondents, said in an interview. She said five other respondents asked for their arraignment to be deferred while they are securing an accredited interpreter.

In recommending the filing of the charges, the Department of Justice said the National Bureau of Investigation uncovered compelling evidence that the POGO is involved in “fraudulent activities, particularly in the realms of tasking and recharging scams.”

Meanwhile, Quintos said the missing Chinese respondent has yet to be found.

Last week, the Justice Department said a tracker team had been formed to search for the missing Chinese national.

Soldiers receive Metrobank awards for public service

METROBANK has conferred the “2023 Metrobank Outstanding Filipinos” award to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Metrobank said the award recognizes exceptional public servants “who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.”

Named as awardees were SSg Danilo S Banquiao PA from the 103rd Brigade, 1ID, Philippine Army; LTC Joseph J Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force; and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group. “Today’s recognition is not meant to be an endpoint. It is a call to action, a call for us to rally behind our police officers, our soldiers, our teachers, and other public officials to support their endeavors and to demand excellence from those who hold public office,” Senator Chiz Escudero, the chairperson of the Final Board of Judges said during the ceremony.

Castro. Badoy reportedly called Castro an ‘active member, recruiter, trainer, and fundraiser of the CPP-NPA-NDF.’ Norman Cruz

Supreme Court orders Mamba to explain withdrawal of petition

CAGAYAN Governor Manuel Mamba and his lawyers have been ordered to explain why they should not be disciplined for allegedly abusing court processes when they filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC), only to withdraw the petition later on.

The SC Public Information Office said the SC decided Tuesday to “require petitioner Manuel M. Mamba and his counsels, i.e., Macalintal Law Office, to show cause why they should not be disciplinarily dealt with or held

in contempt for acts that constitute ‘abuse of or any unlawful interference with the processes or proceedings of a court not constituting direct contempt’ and/or ‘improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice’ within ten (10) days from notice.”

Mamba has been detained for failing to attend a Congressional investigation into alleged illegal spending of his provincial government in the 2022 elections.

The House Committee on Public Accounts and the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms cited Mamba for contempt and ordered that he be detained in the chamber. He applied for and successfully secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the SC against the House orders on August 24.

But a few hours before the SC issued a TRO, he voluntarily surrendered to the House of Representatives where he was detained. He was later freed by the House

after signing an undertaking that he would apologize for his absence, attend future hearings, and no longer discuss the House resolution outside of Congress.

From SC’s perspective, Mamba’s actions “effectively rendered nugatory” or worthless the TRO SC issued when he voluntarily surrendered without immediately informing the high court about the supervening event.

He later filed a manifestation and motion to withdraw his petition.

BARMM execs use Heroes Day to trade views on Maguindanao

By Nash B. Maulana

OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have ostensibly brushed aside most comments critical of an obtaining political situation in Maguindanao del Norte but not this one on National Heroes Day.

On National Heroes’ Day, August 28, elected Vice-Governor Ainee Sinsuat of the undivided Maguindanao hailed members of the security sector and government employees as heroes of their own kind as workers in varying fields of endeavor.

Sinsuat took turns with an apparent political twist in her Heroes’ Day message, saying in Filipino that she agonized over a situation in which the employees were purportedly suffering from “delayed (processing of) salaries” in the new province. But this was promptly dismissed in a rejoinder statement issued by BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) as no longer the prevailing situation, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as governor of Maguindanao del Norte, and Sinsuat as

vice-governor last April.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim has barely spoken on the same issue apart from saying the BARMM through the MILG will file a motion for reconsideration so that the Supreme Court may appreciate new facts in some supervening events.

MILG-BARMM Minister Naguib

Sinarimbo hailed Sinsuat’s acceptance of her appointment as vice-governor last April, in that it helped pave the way through timely deliberations and passage of urgent provincial measures, including approval of local budget allocations for salaries and payments of goods and services by the new province.

The controversy stemmed from the Supreme Court decision released last June in which the High Tribunal’s Second Division affirmed a Petition for Mandamus which Sinsuat filed last February, asking the Court to order the Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance

“to process the appointment of Badore Alfonso as provincial treasurer or any qualified person to that position.”

The Chief of Staff, AFP, General Romeo Brawner Jr. was also present as the awards were conferred to SSg Danilo S Banquiao PA from the 103rd Brigade, 1ID, Philippine Army; LTC Joseph J Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force; and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group.Vince Lopez Tolentino to new immigration agents: Foster collaboration

SENATOR Francis Tolentino urged the 115 graduates of Border Control Officers Module Program Class 23 and 24 to “protect national security by identifying and preventing the entry of individuals who impose a risk to our public safety.” Tolentino, who was the keynote speaker during the commencement exercises at the Bureau of Immigration (BI), also encouraged the new batch of immigration officers to foster collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Interpol, and other intelligence organizations.

This, he said, will help identify potential threats, and take appropriate actions.

The lawmaker added that there may be issues hounding the integrity of the BI, but these should inspire the new Immigration officers, rather than weaken their resolve.

Border Control Officers’ Module is a sixmonth training program consisting of academic and practical learning phases for newly appointed Immigration Officers to efficiently address the increasing demand for border control officers at international ports.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

IN SUPPORT OF ‘BALIK ESKWELA.’

Mario Mamon, chairman and president of Enchanted Kingdom (center) with Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas (fourth from left) and Vice-Mayor Arnold B. Arcillas and other officials during a ceremony to affirm the theme park’s continuous support to the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program. Roy Tomandao

PBBM, Speaker condole with ex-broadcaster Enriquez family

By Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez while applauding his dedication to serving the Filipino people through his delivery of news and information.

“We are saddened by [the] news of the passing of veteran anchor Mike Enriquez, a pillar in our broadcasting industry. He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people,” President Marcos said on his TwitterX account.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time,” he added.

In the House of representatives, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez joined the media industry—the broadcasting sector in particular—and other citizens in mourning Enriquez/s death.

“The industry and media network GMA-7 have just lost a broadcasting giant. The death of Mike Enriquez has left a void in the industry and in his beloved network his colleagues would struggle to fill. His absence will be felt for a long time,” said Romualdez, head of the 311-member House of Representatives.

He said Enriquez was a tireless media practitioner, an anti-corruption, an anti-abuse, and an anti-wrongdoing crusader.

“I and my colleagues in the House extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Enriquez’s family, loved ones, his media colleagues, and those who loved him. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this most difficult time,” Romualdez stated.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil also extended her condolences to Enriquez’s family and paid tribute to the remarkable Enriquez’s contribution in shaping the landscape of what she called unbiased journalism in the Philippines.

“Our condolences to the family and relatives left behind by our media friend Mike Enriquez,” Secretary VelicariaGarafil said in a statement shortly after GMA Network reported the passing of Enriquez, 71, on August 29.

VOLUNTEER WORK. SM Foundation scholars from Roxas City volunteer to clean a new school building ahead of its turnover to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City. The SM Group turned over the new building in time for the school year opening.

Comelec expects 3 million candidates for BSK election

By Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo and Joel Zurbano

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) predicted Wednesday at least three million candidates will file their certificates of candidacy for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections until Saturday.

They will vie for 42,027 posts of Punong Barangay; 294,189 Members, Sangguniang Barangay; 42,027 SK Chairperson; and 294,189 Members, Sangguniang Kabataan.

In a television interview over Radyo Pilipinas, poll spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said more than two million have filed their COCs nationwide, and reiterated the warning to all BSKE candidates against early campaigning before the official campaign period, which is from October 19 to 28.

In related developments, the Supreme Court has adopted the amendments in the rules of procedure governing election contests in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan to “expeditious, inexpensive and just determination and disposition of such cases. ‘

Police, MMDA assure safety of students in Metro Manila

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE National Capital Region Police Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have assured the safety of students for the school year 2023-2024 in Metro Manila.

Both agencies have established 668 Public Assistance Desks (PADS) in several schools in Metro Manila, with 1,324 Mobile Patrolers and 1,436 Foot Patrolers for area monitoring.

“The NCRPO guarantees a safe and secure learning environment for all the learners, making it a safe haven to study not just on the first day of their class, but throughout the school year,” said Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr.

“We make sure police officers are available and visible in or near the vicinity of our schools and campuses. A bunch of law

enforcers from different units of NCRPO were already deployed to different learning institutions in the Metro to maintain peace and order in the region,” he added.

More than 5,000 uniformed police personnel from five police districts— Southern, Eastern, Northern, Manila, and Quezon City—have been deployed to 1,262 schools, including 713 public institutions and 549 private schools.

The NCRPO has conducted 733 meetings with school officials and intensified the Oplan Ligtas Balik Eskwela for the 2023-2024 school year.

Meanwhile, the MMDA isclosely coordinating with the Department of Education and local government units in Metro Manila for the establishment of One Stop-Shop Help Desks to ensure the safety and security of students, teachers, and parents.

During its en banc last Tuesday, the 2023 Amended Rules of Procedure in Election Contests Involving Elective Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (A.M. 07-4-15-SC), which updated the existing rules on election contests pending before the lower courts, was promulgated by the Court.

The amended rules, which will be applied prospectively, incorporate some of the provisions of the 2019 Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

These include, among others, the provisions on the service and filing of pleadings and the judicial affidavit rule, as well as provisions applicable to automated elections following the Commission on Elections’ adoption of pilot automated

IN BRIEF

Año urges Congress to OK brgy dev’t plan

election system in the three barangays –one in Quezon City and two in Cavite) in the upcoming elections.

The amended rules also provide for an initial recount of ballots of the pilot protested clustered precincts or mono precincts.

Aside from firearms, the Comelec will prohibit carrying cash of P500,000 or more five days before and on the day of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to prevent vote-buying.

Anyone caught carrying P500,000 cash in public can be charged criminally, the Comelec said.

“What we will prohibit and penalize is the carrying of P500,000, especially when the campaign period starts,” according to poll chief George Garcia.

The Comelec would also prohibit giving of ayuda or cash assistance from the start of the campaign period on Oct. 19 until election day on Oct. 30.

The Comelec said candidates found distributing “ayuda” will be considered as vote buying, but said “giving aid to qualified individuals is exempted from the prohibition.”

HONORING PLARIDEL.

O cers of the Association of Philippine JournalistsSamahang Plaridel gather for a wreathlaying ceremony to commemorate the 173rd birth anniversary of Marcelo H. del Pilar a.k.a. ‘Plaridel.’ Photo shows (from left to right): Nelly Lumbaca, secretary; Andy Sevilla, member; Sonny Valencia member;, Rolando Estabillo, Manila Standard publisher, and Samahang Plaridel president; and Atty. Hector Villacorta, member.

DHSUD to develop Pasig River, nearby areas

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development unveiled a plan Wednesday to develop the Pasig River and nearby areas, which would include the river’s rehabilitation and housing for informal settlers.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the project involves improving the drainage, establishing people’s parks, creating commercial hubs, and extending

these developments to the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. formed last month an inter-agency council to rehabilitate and develop the Pasig River and nearby water systems.

Acuzar hopes the project would boost tourism in Metro Manila, where nearly 13 million live.

Acuzar told a public briefing: “This does

not focus on just housing or just the inlets. You cannot do this in installments. The life of Pasig River is connected to the Laguna de Bay, the Manila Bay, and the inlets. There are many informal settlers there, so the new program we are launching is complete.”

First Lady Liza Marcos attended the meeting with the DHSUD and said she would support the project, Acuzar said.

Acuzar said: “This will happen and

Ford PH breaks Guinness record on car horn ensemble

SUBIC Bay Freeport—More than a thousand Ford Everest sports utility vehicles (SUVs) gathered at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) and successfully smashed the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Car Horn Ensemble.”

Ford Everest Club Philippines (FECP), a mid-size SUV club with 15,000 active members and one

of the largest and most active car clubs in the country, said 1,077 SUVs assembled for the recordbreaking attempt.

“Today, Ford Everest Club Philippines not only created an awe-inspiring symphony of horns, but also brought excitement along with the unique experience that came with it. I am thrilled and delighted to have witnessed and

become a part of this event,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Jonathan D. Tan during the awarding ceremony at the SBIA tarmac. An estimated crowd of 5,000 club members, their families, organizers, sponsors and spectators took part in the event, visitor arrivals peaked before, during, and after the event.

not remain as mere talk; this won’t remain a drawing. Our First Lady and the President have given assurances this project will be a reality.”

The housing chief said they have yet to finalize the budget for the plan but noted it was in the final stages of development.

A timeline for the project was so far unclear as they were still in the planning period, he added.

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Tuesday urged the House of Representatives to continue supporting the “Barangay Development Program” (BDP), noting that it has been effective in helping neutralize communist insurgency in the country.

In a statement, Año also urged the Senate and the House to approve the proposed BDP budget for 2024, which would be needed by at least 864 barangays previously influenced or controlled by the communist movement.

“(I’m appealing) to all the members of Congress and Senate to please support us and provide funds for the SBDP (Support to the Barangay Development Project) for 2024,” he said.

The BDP budget for next year is placed at P8.6 billion. Under the proposed budget, each of the recipient barangays would be allotted P10 million worth of development projects in line with Presiden Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to unify the country and for the government to become “bringers of peace” to the Filipino people.

DSWD sends 55K food packs to ood victims

DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the delivery of 55,000 family food packs (FFPs) to the different warehouses in Western Visayas (Region 6) by Thursday for flood victims.

Gatchalian on Tuesday specifically directed Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) head Assistant Secretary Marlon Alagao to finish the delivery of the food packs to the provinces of Antique, Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental which were all heavily affected by Typhoon Goring. Alagao has earlier reported to Gatchalian that 11,700 FFPs will be dispatched Tuesday to Field Office-6 (FO-6), and will reach the region by Wednesday. Gatchalian, however, ordered the immediate dispatch of additional food packs to Region 6 to deal with the changing circumstances.

Duterte bats for bill on rental subsidies

REP. Paolo Duterte of Davao City has pushed for the passage of a law that would grant rental subsidies to eligible informal settlers to help families living in hazardous areas or those rendered homeless by calamities to avail themselves of safe, decent shelter.

Duterte cited the urgent need for Congress to approve the measure especially with strong typhoons and other calamities continuing to displace tens of thousands of families.

The rental subsidy program as proposed by Duterte, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap in House Bill (HB) 455 also covers informal settler families (ISFs) who do not have legal claims to the lots or houses they occupy.

HB 455 has been consolidated by the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development with 18 other bills that also aim to provide rental subsidies to ISFs. The recommendations of the House Committee on Appropriations have already been incorporated into the substitute bill. Maricel V. Cruz

NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Jonathan D. Tan (second from left) joins Ford Everest Club Philippines (FECP) o cers as they receive the Certi cate of Award from the adjudicator of the Guinness World Records at the Subic Bay International Airport.

YOU could almost hear in the background the music of Mitch Leigh in the Broadway hit titled Man of La Mancha, where the lyrics of Joe Darionimmortalized “The Impossible Dream,” as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong launched the Mayors for Good Governance.

The film version of the musical was shown in 1972, eerily the year Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law, and would have ruled “forever and ever” (from Handel’s Messiah which then First Lady Imelda chose as the “anthem” for her husband’s third inaugural at the Quirino Grandstand in 1981), after a “mock” election the dictator held to impress upon his friend Ronald Reagan that our leadership was, in the words of then Vice President George Bush, in “adherence to the democratic principles and the democratic process.”

Marcos Sr. and his wife are described by some writers and journalists as among the “most corrupt” leaders in world contemporary history, a judgment that may be harsh when placed against the continuing reign of greed in our country after him.

Magalong along with his 100 mayors launched their movement for good governance 40 years after the murder on the tarmac of Ninoy Aquino, the man who returned to our country from his Boston exile armed with the “impossible dream” of convincing his Upsilon brod to freely give up the reins of authoritarian power and pave the way for a peaceful return to the democratic form.

Joint drills in West PH Sea

and the budgetary insertions of his fellow members of Congress, exposed graft so gross for years and years, and has for now retired from public service without seeing his crusade move even an inch forward.

Lacson, when he first ran for president in 2024, diagnosed the main problem of governance in the country, and stated in plain and simple terms, that “the problem of governance is government itself.”

Running as an independent against the incumbent GMA and the uber-popular “king” FPJ, he placed third in an election where a year later and after the death of the cheated, Hello Garci almost made the administration of PGMA collapse, were it not for her stubborn and decisive hold on generals and legislators.

Even the upright PNoy in 2010 who made “Daang Matuwid” his battle cry could not defeat corruption, and had to succumb to the dynasts and “development assistance funded” legislators, while LGU officials with their IRA feasted upon their bonanza and used the same to perpetuate their families in power.

Neither did the hard-fisted PRRD succeed in taming public greed.

The multi-headed hydra of corruption most gross along with incompetent service to the public that placed officials in power continues, and fattens itself to this day.

Listening to an interview of Magalong, he modestly said he and his initial 100 mayors will organize small groups and discuss “how to move forward.”

“We will have to define our mission, vision, what our plan of action will be. If we grow, it will be an overarching movement,” the mayor said.

“Anybody can join,” he responded to a question, adding they “assume that there is something good in people, (that) people change…although “we also should have a filtering.”

WHAT’S better than the Philippine Coast Guard and our Navy conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea to assert the country’s sovereignty over our 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone?

Just last week, the United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines conducted a joint exercise in the waters off Manila involving the Australian and Japanese large-deck ships on deployment in the region.

The quadrilateral naval drills in the vital sea lane underscored our shared commitment to a rules-based international order.

The joint drills in the South China Sea has become urgent after Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia used water cannons against a Philippine Navy ship on a resupply mission to the derelict BRP Sierra Madre that stands guard at Ayungin Shoal as part of our commitment to assert our sovereignty over our EEZ.

The Australian ships and aircraft are in the Philippines as part of the Philippines-Australian joint amphibious drill Exercise Alon, which is supported by MV-22 Ospreys for US Marine Force

Rotational – Darwin. The exercise is also part of the Australian Defense Force’s Indo-Pacific Endeavor 2023 deployment, an annual engagement activity in the region which takes place from June to October.

Traitors

think are our friends.

What the mission to the shoal aimed at, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is to demonstrate “our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and our commitment in upholding the rule of law.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. observed the drills in Zambales on Friday.

“We recommitted to planning bilateral joint patrols in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea and other areas of mutual interest,” Marles said in a statement issued that day.

Washington has vowed to defend the Philippines, its longtime treaty ally, if our vessels and forces come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea. Would the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by our two countries in 1951 deter aggression in this part of the Pacific Ocean more than 70 years later?

We really don’t know.

But if the four-nation military exercises are any yardstick, then we can at least rely on not only one, but two other countries to help us when we need it the most.

History has a way of creating ironies.

This article about Magalong and his 100 is being written for print on August 31, the 40th anniversary of Ninoy Aquino’s historic funeral which drew millions from Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City to the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque.

Magalong, the upright police official who after retirement from the police force took the reins of corruption-tainted Baguio City Hall, and has been systematically changing the face of the summer capital from urban decay, is perhaps the best person to lead a crusade against corruption.

Among close friends, we always wonder why Baguio has never had a competent and upright city mayor, until Benjie came along.

The observation, unkind as it may be to past city mayors, is borne by our experiences in the once City of Pines.

As a small kid, I was already going to Baguio, and when I was in primary school, my mom and I would go there each month to collect payments for dry goods sold to the big department store there, Tiongsan, and the stall owners in the public market, by my grand-uncle’s factory which made school uniforms of khaki and cotton shirts as well as denim pants.

After college and up till the turn of the century, it was a habit to be in Baguio from December 26 till the 30th, sometimes even to welcome New Year.

And so I have seen how the once lovely summer capital deteriorated through the years, especially when SM bought Pines Hotel from the government, and converted the same into a humongous mall that killed the shops at tony Session Road.

Nowadays, the traffic alone has become reason to shy away from the city, and in the fewer times we are there, the visit has been confined to the Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club area and environs up to St. Joseph’s Church.

Shocked at the substandard public works and the effrontery of contractors and district officials to offer him bribes, and juxtaposed with his worries at the huge national debt, the fiscal deficit, and the fiscal collapse attributed by our finance officials to the unsustainable MUP of which he is one among hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, Magalong rightly pounded on corruption as the single biggest culprit, the hindrance to good governance.

And he has been most vocal about this. His former superior, Ping Lacson, has been railing against corruption, eschewed the pork barrel

TOKYO—Takashi Hosoda was in a Tokyo skyscraper when the 9.0 magnitude quake struck on March 11, 2011, but the trained architect was “not particularly worried” as modern Japanese buildings are designed to protect their occupants.

A century after Tokyo was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Japanese capital today bears no resemblance to the city leveled by that 7.9 tremor, which killed 105,000 people.

The low-rise, largely wooden city that was destroyed a second time by US firebombing during World War II has been replaced by a soaring megalopolis where reinforced concrete is king.

The September 1, 1923, disaster marked “the dawn of seismic design of structures in Japan,” said Yoshiaki Nakano, an earthquake engineering expert from the National Research Institute for Earth Sciences and Disaster Resilience.

The following year Japan introduced its first building code for earthquake-resistant construction.

These standards have been constantly expanded since then, drawing on lessons from other major tremors in the archipelago, which accounts for around 10 percent

Well stated. To be inclusive, rather than exclusive as those of the hypocritical among the derided “yellows” and their re-incarnation in the “pinks,” is a good first step.

Their two-page manifesto calls for the rule of law, responsible leadership, transparency, prudent fund management, citizen participation and empowerment, and youth development.

All these may be “motherhood” statements unless they are rightly implemented in action more than words, whether through a swift cleansing or through incremental progress.

“We shall embrace a strong public service orientation, putting the welfare and needs of our citizens at the forefront of our agenda. Our decisions will prioritize the common good over personal or political gain,” the manifesto said. We can only hope that Magalong’s quest, along with his 100, will bear fruit in time, for the sake of our youth whose future we have squandered on the shoals of incompetence, corruption, a lack of vision and direction, and ineffective “service.”

“It will be tough,” the mayor said in his speech at the launch.

“But we are not going to give up because if we abandon the cause, it is as if we have given up for the future of our kids, the future of our children, the children of our children, and the future of our nation.”

One hundred fifteen retired and active military and police officers expressed their support for the movement.

A hundred mayors out of almost 1,600 and 115 out of legion may be viewed as a small start, and even now, some cynics have called Magalong the new “Man of La Mancha,” his quest for good governance quixotic, an “impossible dream.”

But we can never give up.

Otherwise, we doom our future, and we collectively discard what little love of nation still persists amongst us.

***

Once again we grieve at the loss of a dear friend, Mike Enriquez, and we condole with his family at the irreplaceable void he left in their lives.

Mike was a sentinel for good government, a sympathizer on the plight of the man in the street, an advocate for good sense in the day-to-day workings of government.

I have been privileged to know him well, especially in the 12 days when we and his physicianwife, traveled together with a few other friends in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2004, where I witnessed closely the engaging humor and the love of his chosen profession by this simple man.

Hail and farewell, dear Mike.

IN ALL the years of tension between our country and China, the word traitor never came out in all the rhetoric. At least not till the last incident wherein the Chinese Coast Guard again used water cannons to stop our resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal.

It all started with an insinuation from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

This was followed by what could only be termed as an accusation by the Spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard when he called out some traitors in our midst.

This was probably borne out of frustration considering that PCG bears the brunt of what the Chinese Coast Guard are doing every time there is a resupply mission.

Perhaps the PCG is only expressing its anger in a manner that it is familiar with.

Traitors, however, is not the right word to use because, normally, the word traitor is only used in times of war.

There can be no traitors if there is no war going on.

Perhaps the PCG spokesman was only directing his frustrations to people whom he believed are committing treasonous acts or to those who are always contradicting their country’s position and espousing contradictory views in subtle efforts to muddle the WPS issue.

The accusation by the PCG spokesperson somehow touched a raw nerve and jolted the nation into thinking whether there are indeed people who by their actions and words are harming the national interest.

One consequence of this is former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had to issue a statement denying she agreed to remove the Sierra Madre. So did the children of former President Joseph Estrada and the people close to former President Duterte but not FPRRD himself.

By what they did, they showed they thoroughly understand the importance of the WPS issue and what is at stake.

The latest news that has popped out is about spies that has gotten the AFP’s attention.

On this score, it would be the height of naiveté if the AFP is surprised about the possible presence of foreign spies in our midst.

Not only from countries that are not exactly our friends but even from countries whom we

Espionage is just something that goes on in countries all over the world in this day and age and if our AFP is not doing it either, then it is putting the country at a great disadvantage.

But let us go back to the activities we consider inimical to our country’s interest.

Are those people both private and public who are facilitating the surreptitious sale of our gold to foreigners to be smuggled out of the country considered as one?

How about those public officials who allow the illegal mining of black sand and the destruction of our environment to ship illegally mined nickel ore to foreign land.

This will somehow partly solve the problem of being suspected of being a spy or secret agent of a country.

Not since the Second World War that we are reading once again about the possibility of traitors in our newspapers.

But this happens if there is no united front especially when the country is facing some serious issues about its territorial integrity.

Some individuals have taken strong views which appear to be diametrically opposite to the government’s position which can give the impression of disunity.

It is necessary that on this issue, we must present to the world a united front because of what is at stake. Media have also the responsibility to present an objective and sober reporting of what is going on and not simply angling for a scoop or headline.

In recent months, several surveys have been undertaken to gauge the peoples’ attitude about how the government has been handling the WPS issue.

Two things came out to be their preferences.

And what about those corrupt officials who receive bribes to provide legal documentation to illegal aliens?

There are unquestionably a lot of these people around.

Unfortunately, there are matters where the government is slow to enact remedies.

For instance, are there people here who are acting as foreign agents for certain countries?

By agents, I do not mean necessarily spies but people who might fall under the category of business consultants.

The answer is we do not really know because we do not have a law that requires people to register if they are representing a foreign country.

Maybe Congress should pass a Foreign Agents Registration Act similar to the United States for the protection of such a person.

This way, if a person is representing the US, China or any other country for that matter, then there would be no reason for secrecy because transactions can be done in the open.

Japan’s century of efforts to tame earthquakes

of the world’s earthquakes.

Japan’s seismic building code is one of the most stringent in the world, Nakano told AFP.

“Basically, the Japanese building requires a relatively higher strength” than elsewhere, he said, stressing the importance of meticulous monitoring of compliance.

“The system to supervise and check the design and the construction on-site is a very key factor to ensure the quality of the structure, the performance of the building during earthquakes,” he said.

The 2011 earthquake triggered a deadly tsunami along the northeast coast but in Tokyo the damage was limited: high-rise towers oscillated alarmingly for several minutes but did not topple.

Skyscraper shock absorbers

Early basic reinforced structures have been adapted with more sophisticated seismic safety measures found in modern towers.

Massive soft rubber cushions are installed under the foundations to isolate them from ground vibrations; shock absorbers are distributed throughout the floors; and some even have pendulums weighing several hundred tonnes installed at the top to counteract the movement of the building during a quake.

Built in 2014 and rising 247 metres (810 feet) above the city, the Toranomon Hills Mori Tower is fitted with such seismic antivibration systems, including 516 oil dampers, each comprising a thick cylinder 1.7 meters long.

“It stretches and shrinks repeatedly in case of an earthquake. It then starts getting warm, which means the energy of the quake

transforms into heat and gets released,” Kai Toyama, a structural engineering official at real estate giant Mori Building, told AFP.

“As a result, the tremor of the whole building can be controlled.”

After the Kobe earthquake in 1995 left more than 6,000 dead, emphasis was also placed on strengthening earthquake resistance standards for new wooden houses and upgrading older buildings dating from before the last major overhaul of the building code in 1981.

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 was also “a wake-up call to Japan,” Nakano noted. “Not only the engineers but also for people.”

Since 1960, Japan has marked September 1 as national Disaster Prevention Day.

Every year on that day, countless schoolchildren, employees and civil servants -- including the entire government -- carry out simulation exercises in preparation for a major earthquake.

In Japan, many people stock emergency supplies at home, as do businesses and local governments. As of April 1, 2023, local authorities in Tokyo have stockpiled 9.5 million instant meals (comprising rice, noodles and biscuits) in about 400 warehouses.

A good majority of the survey respondents said that they would like to see the WPS issue settled diplomatically.

They also said the government should continue strengthening and expanding our military alliances. These are to a large extent what the government has been doing.

We continue to talk and maintain our strong trade relations with China while strengthening our military alliance with our old ally, the United States.

Our Department of Foreign Affairs is also currently exploring the possibility of entering into new military agreements with other friendly countries in the region.

Those who oppose this position since there is no Foreign Agents Registration Law should openly make their positions clear to the public and their reasons.

After all, they can disagree but must state their reasons openly.

That way there can be an honest to goodness public debate.

Still vulnerable These precautionary measures were intensified after the 2011 earthquake, which caused huge traffic jams in Tokyo and the suspension of public transport, preventing millions of people from returning home, said Hosoda, now head of disaster management at Mori Building.

Despite all these efforts, some experts say Tokyo remains vulnerable to earthquakes, and even more to other natural disasters such as floods.

The eastern districts of the capital are built on unstable and flood-prone soils, and there are still concentrations of old wooden dwellings attached to each other.

Post-war rebuilding of Tokyo was “anarchic” and “prioritizsed economic development and not the construction of a resilient city”, seismologist Masayuki Takemura lamented during a recent press conference.

He also pointed to an “excessive concentration of skyscrapers” and the construction of residential areas on artificial islands, increasing their risk of isolation in the event of a natural disaster.

And experts say there is a 70 percent chance of a major earthquake hitting Tokyo within the next 30 years. AFP

The eastern districts of the capital are built on unstable and flood-prone soils, and there are still concentrations of old wooden dwellings attached to each other

If the four-nation military exercises now in the planning stage become reality, then we can at least rely on not only one, but two other countries to help us when we need it the most

The multi-headed hydra of corruption most gross along with incompetent service to the public that placed officials in power continues, and fattens itself to this day

Survey respondents said the government should continue strengthening and expanding our military alliances

Moscow: Russia destroyed 4 Ukrainian military boats

MOSCOW—Russia said Wednesday its forces destroyed four Ukrainian military boats carrying up to 50 soldiers in the Black Sea as authorities reported drone attacks from southern Crimea to near the Estonian border.

Both Ukraine and Russia have ramped up activity around the Black Sea after a United Nations-brokered deal to ensure safe navigation for grain ships collapsed last month.

An aircraft “destroyed four highspeed military boats” around midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT), the Russian defence ministry wrote on Telegram. The boats had been carrying “landing groups of Ukrainian special operations forces with a total number of up to 50 people,” the ministry said. It did not give details on exactly where in the Black Sea the incident took place.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, Ukraine’s

capital was hit by a missile attack, authorities said Wednesday, with an AFP correspondent reporting at least three explosions in the city.

“Missile attack... Air defense forces are already operating,” the Kyiv Region Military Administration wrote on Telegram.

Emergency services had deployed to the southern Darnytskyi district, where debris had fallen onto a commercial building, wrote Sergiy Popko, head of the city military administration.

Early Wednesday, Russian defenses repelled a “seaborne drone attack near” near Sevastopol Bay in Crimea, the local Moscow-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhayev was cited as saying by TASS.

Sevastopol is the base of Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

“Anti-submarine... forces have completed their work,” Razvozhayev said, without giving details. AFP

Hurricane Idalia on brink of slamming Florida

ST. PETERSBURG, United States – Hurricane Idalia

intensified late Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) as it hurtled towards northwest Florida, threatening “catastrophic” impacts including dangerous storm surge, with officials forecasting it will slam the coast within hours as an extreme and historic Category 4 storm.

Authorities in the southern US state described Idalia and its potentially deadly storm surge as a once-in-alifetime event for the state’s northwest coast, as they ordered mass evacuations and issued flood alerts ahead of a pro

jected landfall early Wednesday. The US National Hurricane Center said Idalia, which earlier raked western Cuba, had strengthened to the top of Category 2 status by 11:00 pm Tuesday (3 am Wednesday in Manila) with

Gabon gov’t toppled by Army officers

LIBREVILLE, Gabon—Military officers announced on Wednesday overturning the government in Gabon, in an apparent coup targeting President Ali Bongo Ondimba who has been in power for 14 years and whose reelection was just announced.

The status of Ali Bongo, whose family has ruled the oil-rich African country for over 55 years, was not immediately clear but the area around his residence appeared to be quiet.

Rich in natural resources, the West African nation is on the Atlantic Ocean, it borders Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo, is sparsely populated, with a population of 2.3 million (2021) and forests covering 88 percent of its territory.

Meanwhile, China called for “all sides” in Gabon to guarantee the safety of President Bongo.

“China is closely following the developing situation in Gabon,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

“We call on all sides in Gabon to proceed from the basic interests of the country and the people, resolve differences through dialogue, (and) restore normal order as soon as possible,” he added, urging parties to “guarantee the personal safety of President Bongo, and uphold national peace and stability”.

While the officers made their televised statement announcing the cancellation of the vote results one of the officers said “all the institutions of the republic” had been dissolved. AFP

winds of 177 kilometers per hour.

Warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico are expected to further turbocharge Idalia, which is “forecast to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 intensity at landfall,” with wind speeds of 209 kms to 250 kms per hour, the NHC said.

It warned of potentially disastrous storm surge inundation of 3-5 meters in some coastal areas.

“Very few people can survive being in the path of a major storm surge, and this storm will be deadly if we don’t get out of harm’s way and take it seriously,”

said Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Deanne Criswell.

Storms that are Category 3 or higher on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale are considered to be major weather events. In the small coastal town of Steinhatchee, resident Robert Bryant was making final preparations to evacuate inland with his two cats and a dog.

“We are out on the water, so we are going to be the worst ones to get hit,” said the 18-year-old student, whose home built on stilts is close to the mouth of a river.

“Hopefully, it just blows over and we have a bit of wind... but you prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he told AFP.

The nearby cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, part of a metropolitan area that is home to more than three million people, are of particular concern, authorities said.

“There’s a danger of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay to the Big Bend region,” said Matthew Payne of FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery. AFP

ATTOCK, Pakistan—Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was on Wednesday remanded in jail over a leaked documents case, extending his detention despite the suspension of his prison term for graft a day earlier.

Khan has been tangled in a slew of legal cases he says are politically motivated since being ousted from power last year.

“Imran Khan’s judicial remand in the Cipher case has been extended for 14 days,” Khan’s lawyer Salman Safdar told AFP after the hearing.

On Tuesday, another court suspended Khan’s three-year prison term for graft handed down early in August—a judgment that kept him from contesting upcoming elections.

But authorities kept him in custody at Attock prison, around 60 kilometers west of Islamabad, after arresting him over a case alleging he had leaked classified state documents.

“This constitutes a manipulation of justice,” Muhammad Shoaib Shaheen, another of Khan’s lawyers, said Tuesday. Wednesday’s hearing was held under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, with only lawyers present.

The case relates to a cable that Khan had touted as proof that he was ousted as part of a US conspiracy backed by the establishment, according to a report by the government’s Federal Investigation Agency.

The United States and the Pakistan military have denied the claim. AFP

Indian rover confirms sulphur on Moon’s south pole

NEW DELHI, India – India’s Moon

rover has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the lunar south pole, the country’s space agency said. Last week, India became the first country to land a craft near the largely unexplored south pole, and just the fourth nation to land on the Moon.

“The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument onboard Chandrayaan-3 Rover has made the first-ever in-situ measurements on the elemental composition of the lunar surface near the south pole,” the Indian Space Research Organization said in a statement dated Monday.

“These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of sulphur in the region unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments on-

board the orbiters,” it said.

The spectrographic analysis also confirmed the presence of aluminum, calcium, iron, chromium and titanium on the lunar surface, ISRO added, with additional measurements showing the presence of manganese, silicon and oxygen.

The six-wheeled solar-powered rover Pragyan -- “Wisdom” in Sanskrit -- will amble around the relatively unmapped south pole and transmit images and scientific data over its twoweek lifespan.

India has been steadily matching the achievements of other space programs at a fraction of their cost, despite suffering some setbacks.

Four years ago, the previous Indian lunar mission failed during its final de-

scent, in what was seen at the time as a huge setback for the program.

Chandrayaan-3 has captivated public attention since launching nearly six weeks ago in front of thousands of cheering spectators, and its successful touchdown on the Moon last week came just days after a Russian lander crashed in the same region.

In 2014, India became the first Asian nation to put a craft into orbit around Mars and plans to send a probe towards the sun in September.

ISRO is slated to launch a three-day crewed mission into Earth’s orbit by next year.

It also plans a joint mission with Japan to send another probe to the Moon by 2025 and an orbital mission to Venus within the next two years. AFP

THEME PARK.

A young girl dressed in a LinaBell costume shows the tail on her dress Wednesday to visiting US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (center) at Shanghai Disneyland, the second-largest theme park after Walt Disney World in terms of size, covering 390 hectares compared to the 444 hectares of Disney World’s four main theme parks. AFP

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan remanded in jail over leaked docus

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BRACING FOR IDALIA. Workers set up a fence to prevent flooding at Tampa General Hospital in Florida on Wednesday as the city prepares for Hurricane Idalia, which intensified the day before as it churned toward the west coast of Florida, triggering mass evacuation orders and flood alerts as authorities warned of life-threatening ocean surge and catastrophic destruction. AFP

CROSS FOR PRIGOZHIN. A woman crosses herself as she visits the grave of Wagner private mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, killed in a private jet crash in the Tver region last week, at the Porokhovskoye cemetery in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. AFP

Stocks rise on bargain hunting, US data

By Jenniffer B.

Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks extended their gains Wednesday on bargain hunting and strong performance of US equities.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index surged 70.29 points, or 1.13 percent, to close at 6,295.25, while the broader all-shares index rose 27.57 points to settle at 3,382.19.

“Sentiment was buoyed by the bigger expected drop in US job openings and consumer confidence, with investors speculating that this could ease the pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates,” China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said.

Colet said that for the rest of the week, the bellwether might move past the 6,300 level as part of the market’s rebound from oversold conditions.

Selling pressures are expected as the index approaches the 6,375 resistance level.

Meanwhile, Asian investors on Wednesday tracked a rally on Wall Street after a softer-than-expected report on US job openings soothed fears the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again.

The mood was brightened by a report that China’s biggest state-backed banks would slash rates on mortgages and deposits as part of a drive to support the country’s beleaguered property sector.

Wall Street enjoyed one of its best days in months thanks to a surge in big names— including Amazon and Apple —after the Labor Department’s closely followed Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) figure fell well short of forecasts.

A separate report revealed consumer confidence falling owing to concerns about jobs, higher rates and lingering inflation.

The readings come ahead of the release of the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation—the personal consumption expenditures price index—this week as well as data on non-farm payrolls and factory activity.

Analysts said the JOLTS reading would give monetary policymakers room to hold off on lifting borrowing costs further, having already pushed them to a two-decade high to tame prices.

The cooling of rate expectations helped bring US Treasury yields down and even allowed investors to bring forward bets on a rate cut to June from July, according to Bloomberg News.

“With layoffs estimated to be 8.8 million, it is still around 70 percent above its long-term average, but markets don’t care about that,” said Matthew Simpson at City Index.

“It’s the rate of change that matters. And with job openings falling to a 28-month low, it suggests the labor market is indeed softening. And with markets ready to pounce on softer US data, any signs of weakness is likely to weigh further on yields and the US dollar. And that could be great for equity market sentiment.”

Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Mumbai, Bangkok,

Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were all up. Hong Kong and Shanghai were flat. London, Paris and Frankfurt all rose in the morning.

The gains extended a rally across world markets this week that came after Fed chief Jerome Powell last week repeated a pledge that rate decision-making would be based on incoming data, which has been broadly going in the right direction in recent months.

However, Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management warned that while poor data was seen as good for the outlook on rates, “we are only one bad (non-farm payrolls) report from hitting the ‘bad news is bad’ button”.

“The emergence of weak labor market data of this magnitude has reignited concerns of a potential US recession, which is not great for risk markets.”

Investors took heart from a Bloomberg article that said lenders were looking to slash rates on most of China’s $5.3 trillion of outstanding mortgages.

While the report said the move would only affect loans on first homes, it indicated authorities were trying to relieve some of the pressure in the vast property industry, where a debt crisis is threatening some of the nation’s biggest developers and the wider financial system.

It also comes as leaders face calls to introduce a “bazooka” stimulus for the world’s number two economy, with a series of pledges and small rate cuts doing little to ease anxiety among traders and causing foreign investors to flee. With AFP

CARGO SHIP. A border guard stands near a cargo ship at Tan Vu port in Hai Phong near Hanoi on August 29, 2023. AFP

Per SEC Memorandum No. 06-2020, stockholders may attend and participate in the Annual Stockholders Meeting through teleconferencing, videoconferencing and other remote or electronic means of communication. If you wish to attend through videoconferencing, kindly inform the Corporate Secretary at least five (5) business days prior to 21 September 2023 so that the proper link may be sent to you.

The Stock and Transfers Books of the corporation shall be closed for transfer for twenty (20) days prior to the meeting, or from 1 September 2023 to 21 September 2023. Immediately after the Stockholders’ Meeting, the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors will follow.

Thank you.

Very truly yours, (sgd.)

ATTY. RENZO ROSS C. SARTE Corporate Secretary

P.S. The Definitive Information Statement (“IS”), Management Report, SEC Form 17A, and pertinent documents may be accessed through any of the following:

1. Go to the CIP website via this link: https://www.chemphil.com.ph/main_cip.htm; and; Go to PSE EDGE portal via https://edge.pse.com.ph (MS-AUG. 30 & 31, 2023)

THIRTY one years from its discovery, the Malampaya natural gas reserve in the deep waters off northwest Palawan remains a major source of energy powering the Philippine economy.

It was an exploration feat for the oil-starved country that led partners Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) and Occidental Petroleum Corp. of the US (Oxy) to harness the offshore field’s potential to the tune of $4.5 billion. Malampaya to date fuels the requirements of gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 2,700 megawatts of electricity in Batangas province.

The gas field has also played its role in mitigating climate change. Malampaya gas provides an alternative source of clean fuel, and is much less pollutive than dirty crude oil or coal. Natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide that coal does in producing energy.

The use of natural gas to produce electricity has been shown to stabilize power generation and reduce as well greenhouse gases that science has found to be the main cause of global warming. With the development of renewable energy sources yet to mature in the Philippines, Malampaya is serving its role in the transition to much cleaner fuel.

“Natural gas-fired power plants can serve as quick starting reserves which could complement the variability of RE technologies such as solar and wind,” the Department of Energy (DOE) says in its updated Power Development Plan (PDP).

Keeping the supply of natural gas and its price stable in the Philippines, however, is a challenge. The government partly provided a solution after renewing Service Contract 38, the government license that allows extraction and the continued production of natural gas from the Malampaya oil field.

The renewal of SC 38 bodes well for the steady supply of indigenous natural gas, which costs less than fossil fuels. The Malampaya consortium, now led Prime Infrastrcuture Capital Inc. of tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., is now deep into the development of new wells in the area.

But Malampaya’s reserves are finite. How will the Philippines keep gas-fired power plants running as demand keeps growing? Buying it elsewhere depends on the vagaries of market forces.

Importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), though, seems to be the only viable solution. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport.

But the system of bringing these LNG imports to power plants in a cost-efficient manner is chaotic at best, or non-existent. The Philippines must adopt a gas aggregator framework, complete with the infrastructure to support it. The framework would simply allow a group of consumers, in this case power plants, to combine their natural gas requirements and form a buying bloc. With greater bargaining power, the bloc or cartel may secure lower costs or more stable prices in a highly competitive market.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has welcomed the proposal when Prime Infra unveiled it in Malacañang.

“It seems that this gas aggregator idea is the key,” says Mr. Marcos Jr., after key officials of the Malampaya consortium relayed to him that work on developing new Malampaya wells is on track.

His open support for a more efficient system of gas distribution, through aggregation, was not based on guess work or popular appeal. Energy Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla says gas aggregation will prevent volatility in prices that are often associated with a chaotic distribution system.

“That’s what we are trying to prevent from happening in terms of spikes in the price of imported LNG and the plan is to blend the lower price of Malampaya natural gas with imported LNG so that we can soften the impact or the volatilities of imported LNG,” Lotilla said in a recent interview with One News.

Cheaper LNG cost equals lower power rates. “The framework establishes a resilient and efficient natural gas supply chain,” adds Prime Infra chief executive officer Guillaume Lucci.

The gas aggregate framework offers an end to industry chaos and the start of a predictable system. It will offset market fluctuations that result in high LNG prices most of the time. E-mail:

Steady LNG prices are critical in the shift to renewable energy

Benguet Corp. marks 120th year, sustains mining excellence, legacy

BENGUET Corp. celebrated its 120th anniversary in August 2023, a testament to its enduring legacy in mining excellence, sustainable practices and community development.

The oldest mining company in the Philippines marked its 120th year of operation on Aug. 12, 2023.

It exemplifies the Filipino quality of resiliency and determination as it withstood the test of and grew fully capable of addressing the challenges of the modern era.

BenguetCorp, from its humble beginning as the pioneering mine in the Cordillera, has evolved into a progressive and diversified corporation which is not only profitable and sustainable, but also socially responsible.

Aside from its mining ventures, Ben-

guetCorp has expanded its portfolio to include real estate, logistics, agribusiness, renewable energy, construction and health care.

Diversification is the primary theme in this year’s celebration marked by simplicity and significance. It will launch before the year end a company history book and issue a commemorative stamp to mark this important milestone.

As it soars high into the future, BenguetCorp is steered in the right direction by its dynamic leadership at the helm, nurtured with the lesson of the past, leveraging on its hardearned resources and driven to be a major player and contributor to the economy as it moves to the post-pandemic stage.

HEALTH

DOTr to

open bidding for subway, 147-km. railway operations in Q4

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it plans to open the bidding for the operations and maintenance contracts of Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway projects in the fourth quarter of 2023.

IN BRIEF

PH primed to be leading investment hub in Asia

FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno told Japanese businessmen the Philippines is primed to be a leading investment destination in Asia because of its favorable policy environment.

Diokno made this point during the Philippine Investment Opportunities Forum on Aug. 29, 2023 at the Japan International Cooperation Agency Office in Takebashi, Tokyo.

“Indeed, the Philippines today is primed more than ever to become a leading locus of investments in Asia and the Pacific. This is made possible through the establishment of a stable, predictable, and competitive investment environment,” he said in a presentation.

Diokno cited the Philippines’ improved publicprivate partnership policy framework, fiscal incentives offered under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises law and the recently legislated Maharlika Investment Fund to an audience of over 130 representatives of Japan-based trading houses, financial institutions, Japanese government agencies and multilateral development agencies.

He said the Philippine government is guided by the Marcos administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Julito G. Rada

AirAsia PH vows to help combat human trafficking

AIRASIA Philippines said Wednesday it teamed up with the Bureau of Immigration, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Manila International Airport Authority to combat human trafficking in the country.

“AirAsia Philippines is one with the government in safeguarding our fellow Filipinos against human trafficking. There will be no room for complacency,” said AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs country head Steve Dailisan.

“To ensure the safety of our guests, we have 20,000 Allstars across ASEAN trained to identify signs of human trafficking during check-in procedures and onboard flights,” he said.

Data from the Bureau of Immigration revealed that 6,000 Filipinos were suspected to have fallen victim to human trafficking in the first two months of 2023. Of the said figure, only 0.6 percent were offloaded while the rest continued with their journey ending in other ASEAN countries and the Middle East.

MIAA assistant general manager for security and emergency services Manuel Gonzales said NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 were the usual gateway used by human traffickers victimizing mostly women and children. Airport police are being trained to implement thorough inspection and surveillance, he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

SEC warns public vs. BBMI’s scheme

THE Securities and Exchange Commission advised the public against dealing with Bagong Bansang Maharlika International Inc. over its alleged unauthorized solicitation of investments without the necessary license from the agency.

It said in an advisory BBMI was claiming to be an organization that aims to uplift the living conditions of its members by assisting them in the establishment of livelihood facilities, services and enterprises. BBMI entices prospective members by promoting and offering so-called “assured benefits” in the form of food security, medical services, livelihood, free education and cash assistance for senior citizens, among others, the SEC said..

The SEC said to avail of the benefits offered by BBMII, a prospective member is required to fill out an application form and pay P100 in the guise of a processing fee for their identification cards.

It said while BBMI was registered with the SEC, it had not secured necessary permit to operate as a private social welfare development agency from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The SEC said its investigation also showed that

PSE INDEX

Transportation Secretary Jaime

Bautista said the bidding for MMSP would likely start in the fourth quarter and until the first quarter of next year. Worth P76.89 billion, the 36-km MMSP includes operations and maintenance of subway trains, stations, depot and other systems infrastructure for a concession period of 15 years of full operations.

Also included are maintenance of facilities and equipment under the Philippine Railway Institute, collection of passenger fares and commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others.

Bautista said the bidding for the operations and maintenance contract of the North-South Commuter Railway Project would also commence in the fourth quarter until the first quarter of 2024.

The 147-km. NSCR system, worth P204.6 billion, includes O&M of trains, stations, depot and other systems and in-

frastructure for a 15-year concession of full operations in addition to the partial operations period.

The project includes interoperation management of the rail system with trains from other lines, collection of passenger fares and exercise of commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others.

The DOTr is also seeking private firms interested in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport PPP project worth P170.6 billion (or 426.5 billion Japanese yen) which aims to address the “longstanding challenges” plaguing the airport, which serves as the country’s “primary international gateway.”

The project, which was designed to increase the airport capacity to at least 62 million passengers yearly, includes rehabilitation of airport terminals and improved operations and maintenance of the airport’s airside and landside facilities.

“The concessionaire’s aeronautical revenues will consist of passenger service charges, landing and takeoff fees, aircraft parking, tacking, and cargo and others,” Bautista said.

“The concessionaire will be allowed to conduct airport-related commercial activities within the project land,” he said.

The bidding process for the NAIA PPP project started Aug. 23, following the publication of instructions to bidders. The issuance of the draft concession agreement is set on Sept. 8, while the pre-bid conference will be on Sept. 22. The bid submission is scheduled on Dec. 27, 2023.

“DOTr will bridge the gap towards our vision for the Philippines’ transportation sector by developing infrastructure and delivering transport services across our four operating sectors in airports and aviation, maritime, railways and roads,” Bautista said.

Economists bullish on second half, see 2023 target doable

By Julito G. Rada

Private sector economists said Wednesday the government’s 2023 economic growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent could be achieved despite the lower-than-expected expansion of 5.3 percent in the first half.

The economists said in the August 2023 issue of The Market Call published by First Metro Investment Corp. and the University of Asia & the Pacific the latest economic indicators pointed to a positive outlook in the second half.

“Despite the slowdown in GDP expansion to 4.3 percent year-on-year in Q2, other key economic data do not preclude a full-year growth of 6 percent to 7 percent,” they said.

“Sustained job growth, especially in manufacturing, construction [for industry], accommodation and food services and other services and a slight uptick in exports, with an added boost from the peso depreciation in August, provide some glow for the economy,” they said.

DOE wants to retire old coal power plants, shift to nuclear energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy plans to retire and repurpose the country’s coalfired power plants and develop nuclear power as part of its move towards clean energy.

“There is a need for us to retire some of the coal plant capacities,” DOE director for energy policy and planning bureau Michael Sinocruz said during the public consultations on the proposed Philippine Energy Plan 2023 to 2050. Sinocruz said the DOE listed several criteria for the coal plant retirement such as reaching 40-year technical life

and being inefficient in terms of number of outages.

“These are some of the criteria that we will use for us to decide whether some of these coal plants should be retired under the clean energy scenario,” he said.

“Repurposing of coal power plants will also contribute to the increased share of RE,” he said. Repurposing means using other fuel such as biomass, ammonia and other technologies once available.

Coal accounts for around 46 percent of the country’s installed power generation capacity. Around 12,473 mega-

watts of installed capacity comes from coal, including 8,607.7 MW in Luzon; 1,959.5 MW in Mindanao; and 1,412.5 MW in the Visayas.

Meanwhile, Sinocruz said nuclear power is “not a transition fuel” for the Philippines.

“That will be one of the fuels that we need to consider for us to move to energy transition and moving further to have a clean economy or a net zero or carbon neutrality,” he said.

Based on its proposal, the DOE was looking at 1,200 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030, 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.

They said that apart from inflation slowing to 4.7 percent in July, the government would likely ramp up spending in the second half, especially in infrastructure, which would also benefit from ongoing major public-private partnership projects.

The gross domestic product growth slowed to 4.3 percent in the second quarter from 7.5 percent a year ago, amid the uncertain global environment highlighted by elevated inflation and higher interest rates.

It was the slowest GDP growth since the first quarter of 2021 and was slower than 6.4 percent in the first quarter. This brought the first-half average to 5.3 percent, below the target range for the year.

Industry group expects motorcycle sales in PH to increase 6.6% to 1.6m units in 2023

By Othel V. Campos

THE Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association expressed optimism it would surpass the 1.5 million unit sales in 2022 by 6.6 percent to 1.6 million units in 2023.

MDPPA president Norminio Mojica said the sales performance in the first semester could potentially mirror that of the second half.

“Drawing from historical trends, the months of September, October and No-

vember have consistently exhibited heightened sales volumes, whereas the months of August and December have maintained an average profile in terms of monthly sales,” he said in a statement.

The group—composed of major industry players Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha—reported combined sales of 932,220 units from January to July, up by 4.6 percent from 890,720 units in the same period in 2022.

MDPPA said its self-imposed growth target is prone to developments on the

global scale and local economic factors. Elements like rising prices and the lingering impacts of the pandemic such as supply chain issues and combination of in-person and remote work setups contributed to slower growth, the group said.

MDPPA is the country’s biggest group of motorcycle manufacturers in terms of volume.

The Philippines is among the largest markets of motorcycles in Southeast Asia.

CARAVAN. Manila Water Foundation and Procter & Gamble Philippines lead a 9-stop caravan in different communities, healthcare and social development institutions in Cebu to hand over health and wellness products to over 7,000 individuals. This is a part of MWF’s Health in our Hands program that promotes hand hygiene as key to healthy living.

TRADE FAIR. The 2023 National Trade Fair opens at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall with solid support from stakeholders. Offering a toast to formally open trade fair are (from left) Pasig deputy city administrator Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion director Marievic Bonoan, When in Manila chief executive Sky Gavin, blogger and entrepreneur Nini Bacani and International Fund for Agricultural Development country program officer for Asia and the Pacific Mags Catindig-Reyes. The trade fair features micro, small and medium enterprises from the country’s 16 regions.

Gilas PH eyes Paris Olympic berth via classification round

REFUSING to wave the white flag, the Philippines marches on defiantly despite going 0-3 in the Group Phase, zeroing in instead on two classification games that will ultimately decide its fate in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

At stake in those two remaining matches — the first on Thursday, Aug. 31 — could be a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics where the region will be represented by the highest-placed Asian team in the World Cup.

The second game is on Sep. 2.

Final positioning in Group B has yet to be determined although Serbia, with a 2-0 slate as of Tuesday even in the absence of NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the world champion Denver Nuggets, appears secure at No. 1.

That leaves either Asian powerhouse China, Puerto Rico, or South Sudan as Gilas Pilipinas’ potential tickets to Paris, with final placings known Wednesday.

The Filipinos will need all the support they can muster on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And for good reason.

The nationals may have dropped all three ===Group A games, but the Olympic dream remains alive and beating in the heart of every Filipino as Gilas Pilipinas takes on the third and fourth placers in Group B in decisive matchups.

Another sellout crowd all decked in blue in a show of solidarity with the brave is expected. Tip-off for the clash is at 8 p.m. with Gilas Piipinas bracing for another tough fight. Its opponent will still be determined late Wednesday,

“We’re super motivated. I think from the beginning we were motivated. Our team is strong. We fight and never give up throughout the game,” said Jordan Clarkson after Gilas Pilipinas’ brave stand against Italy fell short anew, 90-83.

“Basketball is a game of missed shots and ups and downs and we string together runs and we go out there competing ‘til the end of the horn,” Clarkson added.

Clarkson believes it is only a matter of time for the Philippines to find the winning formula and that one last push to finally get over the hump after staying close in its games against Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy.

“We haven’t really felt like we’ve been out of any games. We fight. We’re strong and we can put it together and try to get these two (games). We know what it means and we know what it means for the country. We are leaving it all out on the floor,” vowed the Gilas Pilipinas main man.

The race for the lone Olympic slot for Asia remains wide open, although the Filipinos and the rest of the Asian teams are chasing down Japan, who gained a headstart after finishing the first round with a 1-2 record.

Towns relishes World Cup role with perfect Dominicans

KARK-ANTHONY Towns said “the world is on notice” after the Minnesota Timberwolves star led the Dominican Republic to a perfect first-round record at the Basketball World Cup on Tuesday.

The American-born Towns, whose late mother was Dominican, was again influential as the Caribbean nation beat Angola 75-67 for their third win out of three in Manila.

Three-time NBA All Star Towns is the undisputed top dog in a team ranked 23rd in the world but he warned the rest of the competition not to underestimate them as they booked their place in the next round.

“We have a special team -- everyone counted us out, they didn’t think we could be great,” said the 27-year-old.

“But in practice with one of the best coaches in the world, we believed that we could do something amazing and I think that the world is on notice now.”

Towns has a long history with the Dominican team, first appearing for them in 2012 as a 16-year-old.

We can compete against world’s best

By Peter Atencio

GILAS Pilipinas showed it can compete against the world’s top teams.

Coach Chot Reyes said this after Gilas lost its third straight game, this time to Italy, 83-90, on Tuesday as the nationals head into the classification stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

“We have shown that we can compete and even lead against these tough teams. We’re just not able to put an entire game together,” said Reyes, who brushed off the boos of the fans at the Araneta Coliseum.

Up next for Gilas are classification matches, against the third and fourth placers of Group B, South Sudan and China, on Thursday and Saturday.

The schedules will still be determined by the outcome of the Group B matches, with the Chicago Bulls’ guard Carlik Jones-led South Sudan still meeting Serbia.

China, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kyle Anderson on board, is still taking on Puerto Rico.

Italy’s win happened in front of 11,821 fans as it secured a Top 16 spot for the 10th time in 10 World Cup appearances.

This was after the Azzuris settled for second place in Group A with a 2-1 record, while the Philippines placed last in the bracket at 0-3.

The Philippines became the first host team since Colombia in 1982 to lose their first three games in the tournament.

Ten teams are already out of contention for the second round with the Philippines among them.

This includes Angola, France, Finland, Japan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Mexico.

But Gilas and the other nine squads are still involved in important games in the classification phase.

The outcome of their games will count towards qualification for the 2024 Olympics and the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

So far, Australia, Dominican Republic and Italy are in the second round with Canada, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Spain and the United States.

before going on to beat Italy 87-82 in their

ter to help seal the win over Angola.

“People look at me for positivity, and I have to be able to give that regardless of if I’m playing or not,” said Towns, who scored eight points in just over 15 minutes on the floor against the Africans.

“My mindset the whole game was this was a great moment to work on your leadership, to work on yourself.

“And when the game comes to a point where they need you win, I’ll be there.”

Towns said the World Cup was “one of the pinnacles of basketball”, and he is having the time of his life with his Dominican teammates.

He called head coach Nestor Garcia “the best in the world” and said that playing for his country was “not about stats or awards”.

“I want everyone who’s been supporting us to know that we’re not just doing this for ourselves and our families,” he said.

“We’re doing it for their families, we’re doing it for our country, we’re doing it for the mothers who gave us men a chance to live this dream.” AFP

Tamaraws turn back Altas, back in semis hunt

FAR Eastern University bounced back from a tough five-set defeat the last time out as it thwarted University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 2522, 23-25, 25-16, 25-16, to get back into the thick of things in the VLeague Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila yesterday.

The Tams toughened up on defense upfront to put one over the Altas, finishing with 13 blocks, including three from Lirick Mendoza and two from Dryx Saavedra.

“Yung kapit na pinakita namin nung dulo (against Ateneo), yun yung ginawa namin,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo, whose wards rallied from 2-0 set down to force a decider against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, only to lose momentum on shaky service reception and yield a 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23, 13-15 decision last Sunday.

“Yung blocking nilinis namin at yung depensa, Yun talaga yung inayos naming,” added Orcullo.

FEU thus tied its victim at 2-2 behind Ateneo’s unblemished 3-0 card with UST, National U and La Salle all toting 2-1 slates in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Saavedra took charge for FEU in the fourth that saw the Tams pull away from a tight 12-10 count on a decisive 13-6 with Mendoza ending the match with a kill block.

Saavedra added four digs on top of his 20-point explosion.

Klint Mateo, who did double duty in setting and spiking, paced the Altas with 13 points and three excellent sets while Mike Medalla and Jeff Marapoc added 10 markers each for the Las Piñas-based squad.

Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz hopes for swift verdict to Spanish football kiss row

NEW YORK—Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday said he hopes for a quick resolution to the Women’s World Cup kiss scandal involving the country’s football chief Luis Rubiales.

Prosecutors at Spain’s top criminal court have opened a preliminary investigation into Rubiales’ forcible kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso on grounds it could constitute a crime of “sexual assault”.

“My opinion is that it is not behaviour that should be shown by someone in a high position,” Alcaraz said after winning his first round match at the US Open.

“That’s the only opinion that I am going to give on the matter and we hope it is resolved soon because the women’s team has achieved something historic and that they have not been given as much credit for what they’ve done is a shame.”

Rubiales has vigorously defended the unsolicited kiss as “just a peck” that was entirely consensual, and repeatedly refused to resign.

But Hermoso said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault”, describing it as “an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part”.

Rubiales also came under fire for grabbing his crotch with both hands as he celebrated Spain’s 1-0 win against England while standing next to Spain’s Queen Letizia. AFP

Chot:

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes had Paris in his mind even before the Italy game. FIBA

FEU’s Andrei Delicana foils a smash by Perpetual.

Games Friday 10 a.m. – San Beda U vs NU (men’s)

noon – Ateneo vs La Salle (men’s)

p.m. – Mapua vs SSC-R (women’s)

p.m. – Enderun vs St. Benilde (women’s)

He is back playing for his country after a 10-year absence and he is making his presence felt at the World Cup. The Dominicans started with an 8781 win over cohosts the Philippines

second game.

Towns is averaging over 19 points a game and he chipped in with two crucial free shots late in the fourth quar-

Karl-Anthony Towns

Revised rules to be applied in 2023 PBA Rookie Draft

THE 2023 PBA Rookie Draft is around the bend, and a deluge of applicants is expected a few days before the deadline for submission of applications from locals and Fil-Foreigners at 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.

A new league policy as approved by the PBA board of governors in a meeting on May 26 will be implemented in this draft, where Terrafirma is No. 1 in the draft order.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial described as “very welcoming” the revised rules, including the lifting of the age limit of 30 years old for Fil-foreign players.

The uniform rule now is that a draft applicant, whether local or Fil-Foreign, is eligible if he is 22 years old and above or at least 19 but has completed at least two years of college.

Another rule is that a draft applicant must have studied and played in collegiate leagues in the country before playing in a professional league overseas, regardless of age, provided that he joins the PBA draft within the third year of his eligibility.

However, if the applicant decides to join the draft in the fourth or fifth year of his eligibility after playing in a pro league overseas, he will have to go through a special computer generated lottery among the 12 teams.

An applicant who has played abroad and joined the draft in the sixth year of his eligibility or more, his application is subject to conditions and approval of the Board.

Here’s the draft order for the first round, adjusted to reflect trades: No. 1 Terrafirma, No. 2 Blackwater, No. 3 Rain or Shine, No. 4 Rain or Shine (from Phoenix), No. 5 NorthPort, No. 6 Phoenix (from NLEX), No. 7 NLEX (from Converge), No. 8 Meralco, No. 9 Converge (from Blackwater and TNT), No. 10 Converge (from Magnolia), No. 11 NorthPort (from Ginebra) and No. 12 Terrafirma (from San Miguel Beer). Terrafirma, Rain or Shine, Converge and NorthPort will pick twice in the first round. San Miguel, Ginebra, Magnolia and TNT are without first round picks.

Wawrinka oldest man to win US Open match in 31 years

NEW YORK—Former US Open champion Stan Wawrinka on Tuesday became the oldest man to win a match at the tournament since 40-year-old Jimmy Connors in 1992.

Wawrinka, 38, earned his first win in New York in four years as he beat Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 6-4 in the opening round.

“I think I’m playing well. I’m not trying to compare from the past because it’s never good idea to compare a few years ago what I was doing,” said Wawrinka, who lifted the US Open trophy in 2016.

“But I’m happy with my level. I know where I am right now. I know I can beat some really good players. I can be really competitive. I’m moving well.”

The Swiss goes on to play Argentine 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who outlasted Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen in a fifth-set tie-break.

Wawrinka has reached the quarter-

finals or better on six occasions at Flushing Meadows, but his win over Nishioka was his first at the event since he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the last eight in 2019.

“Last few months have been almost better every week with more win, with more confidence, with what I’m doing,” he said.

“Hopefully I can keep pushing myself and get some big results before the end of the year.”

Wawrinka, a former world number three, saw his ranking drop as low as 361 last year after a lengthy battle with injuries.

He returned to the top 100 in February and arrived at the US Open ranked 49th, nearing the final act of his career

Eala reaches career-high no. 195 in WTA rankings

By Peter Atencio

ALEX Eala has reached a new milestone in her young career.

The 18-year-old Eala breached the top 200 in the Women’s Tennis Association world rankings, leaping from 215 last week to a new high of 195.

Because of this, Eala moved ahead of her previous career-best of 214, which she achieved in November, 2022.

Her rise in the rankings came after last week’s campaign where she finished the ITF World Series with a title in Roehamption, and runner-up finish in Aldershot.

Eala took the Roehamption championship, disposing of Australian Ariana Rodionova, 6-2, 6-3, after settling for a runner-up finish to another Australian in Destanee Alava, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Eala’s upward move came after she joined 10 events in the ITF tour. She is now the highest-ranked Southeast Asian netter, with Lanlana Tararudee of Thailand behind at no. 252.

but unwilling to call time just yet.

“You also want to push yourself for the maximum, be the better player, best as possible. Of course you’re going to have up and downs in the career, with some positive emotions when you win, with some tough ones when you lose,” said Wawrinka.

“There’s many kind of emotions. It’s part of the beauty of the sport, I will say. That’s also one of the main reason I keep going, is to get those emotions. Hopefully positive ones.

“To get the feeling that you get when you enter the court with so many people, when you play US Open, when you play the biggest tournaments in the world,” he continued.

“I never forgot why I start playing tennis and what I was dreaming when I was young, is to play US Open, to play those Grand Slams, big tournaments, ATP tournaments, to be there.

“I’m happy I can still play at that level.” AFP

Castigador, Divinagracia reign in PPS-Iloilo netfest

ANTHONY Castigador carved out a pair of victories in contrasting fashions to match Hannah Divinagracia’s stress-free two-title romp in the distaff side as they shared the MVP honors in the PPS-PEPP Mayor Jerry Trenas national juniors tennis championships at La Paz courts in Iloilo last Tuesday.

While he yielded just three games in four matches to top his age-group category, capped by a 4-0, 4-0 victory over Marben Alimarin in the finals, the 12-year-old Castigador gutted it out in the tougher 14-andU play, repulsing fellow Iloilo City Sports Academy standout Rizzjun Labindao, 4-2, 5-3, and completing a twinkill in boys’ singles in the Group 2 tournament held in conjunction with the city’s 86th Charter anniversary celebration.

Divinagracia, meanwhile, stamped her class in her side of the

Gomobos dominates athletics event

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Christine Gomobos of the Philippine Army gave her all in the stretch to win the women’s 100m dash and secured her third gold Tuesday in the penultimate day of the athletics competition in the 2023 ROTC Games Mindanao Leg at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex here.

The 20-year-old Gomobos of Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dipolog City finished in 13.6 seconds to become the fastest women in the weeklong competition.

Gomobos earlier won the women’s 200m run in 28.2 seconds and anchored the Army’s women’s team that ruled 4x100m relay along with Shara Jamilosa, Mary Sumilhig and Rahima Jamil on Monday.

“At least my three months of practice for this event paid off. We were also supposed to participate in Davao City Kadayawan Sports Festival. That’s why I am very much for this event. I hope I can again win in the ROTC national

finals tentatively set in October in Manila,” said Gomobos. She could be athletics’ most bemedalled athlete if her team bring home the gold in the 4x400-m relay which was still being competed at presstime yesterday.

“I hope I can again win in the ROTC national finals in Manila. After this event I will continue my preparations. I will not stop practicing,” added Gomobos.

Rico Miller Noro grabbed the limelight by winning the men’s 100-m dash in 11.8 seconds that relegated yesterday’s 200-m run winner Jerome Marc Dave Basin to only second place in 11.9 seconds. The 21-year-old Miller of Davao Oriental State University settled for second in the 200-m run.

I really gave my all in the final stretch.

Thank God I did it,” said Noro, a first year Bachelor in Industrial Technology Management student of DOSU in Mati, Davao Oriental.

John Barry Asdan of the Philippine Air Force collected his second gilt after ruling the PAF’s 100m dash in 12.3 seconds, a fitting follow-up of his victory in the men’s 200-m run in 26.1 seconds the other day.

Barbie Joy Lamera of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College in Gen. Santos City was the Air Force’ fastest woman in 15.9 seconds, while Shakira Tuahan was the Navy’s top runner in the century dash with a time of 18.1 seconds.

Philippine Navy’s Silver Jude Ventoza of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University dominated the men’s 100-m dash in 11.9 seconds.

battle as the Bacolod ace came away with a pair of shutout wins over Ave Maria Policarpio and Aleeva Suace in the 16- and 18-and-U finals, respectively, of the tournament hosted by Mayor Jerry Trenas and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala, headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Cebu City’s RB John Lataza took the boys’ 18-and-U trophy with a 4-0, 4-0 romp over Ian Ituriaga from Sara, Iloilo City, who earlier upended top seed Jeremy Napiere, 5-4(2), 6-0, to claim the 16-and-U diadem, while Bogo City’s Pete Niere routed Don Olavides, 4-1, 4-1, for the 10-unisex crown.

Second ranked Louraine Jallorina, also from ICSA, thumped No. 1 Ave Maria Policarpio, 4-0, 4-0, to run away with the girls’ 14-and-U plum, while Bacolod City’s Isobel Alipo-on upended top seed Stella Policarpio, 4-0, 4-0, in the quarterfinals, held off An-

nie Dante, 5-4(4), 4-2, in the semis then survived Theriz Zapatos, 4-0, 4-5(5), 10-7, to snare the 12-and-U diadem. In doubles play, Lataza and Napiere rolled past Elemar Sealza and Ituriaga, 8-3, and Divinagracia and Alexandra Onte clobbered Maria Aguirre and Suace, 8-2, to share the 18-and-U honors; while Dave Hechanova and Dylan Octaviano foiled siblings Pete and Gil Niere, 8-2, and Jallorina and Jannah Justalero downed Maxene Panizales and Claire Fungo. 8-3, in the 14-and-U finals.

The Nieres, however, captured the 10-unisex crown with an 8-2 win over Diana Alcarde and Prince Crisosto.

Meanwhile, the next PPS-PEPP leg will be held in the City of Mati in Davao Oriental on Aug. 31-Sept. 4 with Tagum City hosting the next stop on Sept. 7-11 in Davao del Norte. For details and listup, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland serves against Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan during their Men’s Singles First Round match on Day 2 of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

GOLF APPAREL. Colo Ventosa (left), general manager of Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., which organizes the country’s longest-running men’s and ladies pro circuits, and Kampfortis Inc. managing director Francis Talion

signing the contract, making Kampfortis Golf, a premium

apparel of the PGTI at The Country Club.

Alex Eala

Hannah Divinagracia and Anthony Castigador (second and third from left, respectively) hold their trophies after romping off with two titles each. With them are PPS-PEPP OIC–Panay Island Alquinn Flores (left) and Iloilo City Community Affair’s Rein Dayot.

Christine Gomobos

Young stars shed light on mental health, modern challenges in ‘Senior High’

THE country’s next generation of stars, led by Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Juan Karlos, Elijah Canlas, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Xyriel Manabat, tackle the most pressing issues that Gen Z’s are facing today in Senior High, ABS-CBN and iWantTFC’s new primetime series that premiered on August 28

The mystery-thriller series aims to shed light on significant and pertinent concerns that affect young people, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Themes like suicide, mental well-being, bullying, and peer pressure are prominently featured in the show, aiming to enhance viewers’ understanding.

Senior High opens with the reunion of twin sisters Luna and Sky, both played by Andrea, who have completely different personalities. Luna is smart and bubbly, while Sky is indifferent to others out of resentment toward Luna and their mother Tanya (Angel Aquino) for abandoning her with her grandmother.

Sky enters a whole new world when she joins Luna at the prestigious Northford High. She will get to know more about the different cliques in school, including the group of wealthy bullies and siblings Archie (Elijah) and Z (Daniela Stranner),

Z’s rockstar boyfriend Gino (Juan Karlos), and their friend Poch (Miggy Jimenez).

The other faction of students are the “good ones” who have dirty secrets of their own - Obet (Kyle) and young couple

Former radio DJ now a swimming coach

WITH how fast-paced and evolutionary the world has become, changing careers, or dropping that job you’re passionate about for something new, seems to be the call of nature for the common good. It depends on the person in question if they are willing to adjust to a new profession and get themselves in a position to excel in it.

Neil Andoque, a former FM radio jockey who went by the name Jack Melo, has the gallantry to make the transition, in his case, from being a DJ delivering mainstream music while smooth-talking on air with his “casanova persona” to someone practically dealing with “the way of the water.” He is now a swimming coach.

“Leaving something that you’re passionate about is very hard to do, but as fate would have it, I was also destined for something else,” said the onetime “Prince of the Airwaves” from ABS-CBN’s famed FM radio station.

The former DJ is now a go-to guy for kids and adults to learn basic and competitive swimming, especially with the birth of Coach Neil’s Leopard Seals.

Incredibly, he was already 30 years old when he learned how to swim but nevertheless became so passionate about it that he concentrated on swimming for two years straight, dipping himself in the pool three to four times a week for two to three hours of training. Such a routine made him “really confident in water” and it led him to scuba diving.

Neil shared, “I started teaching swimming just this March. Someone was inquiring about swimming lessons and I quickly presented myself. I found out there was a need for swimming instructors in my locality (Bonifacio Global City). Six months later I find myself not only teaching basics to swim classes but I am also encouraging students to compete and engage in swimming as a sport.”

His love for the underwater scene pushed him to become a divemaster for three years working at different resorts in Anilao, Batangas. He had a good run with Divestination Philippines, an online travel agency that specializes in diving trips in the Philippines.

He noted, “A group of swimming enthusiasts investing in the future of our grassroots athletes are conducting seminars and workshops for coaches like me to enhance our experience and knowledge of the sport. They hold swim competitions for teams to test the potential of students.”

Swim League Philippines president Fred Galang Ancheta has served as Neil’s mentor and urged him

Tim (Zaijian) and Roxy (Xyriel).

The students of Northford High will be in hot water when Luna dies after falling from a balcony. It will be ruled as a suicide, but Sky is convinced that someone pushed her sister. Sky will become determined to seek justice and in the process, she will uncover a lot more shocking twists than she has ever imagined.

“We address sensitive topics. I don’t want to romanticize drugs, mental health, etc. I want this to be different and to truly have an impact, and for us to help other people understand that we need to take responsibility for our own lives,” Andrea told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.

“There are people who are people pleasers and seek validation from others, and here we show how this affects us mentally when we don’t know ourselves. There was a point in my life when I was like Luna, so I can relate to her. My character teaches us that it’s better to speak up and approach your family and friends. On the other hand, my character Sky represents all the kids who were left behind and taken for granted. She is a misunderstood kid,” she related.

Kyle was genuinely enthusiastic about taking on this project, particularly because it is geared towards teenagers. they are going through a lot, and we wanted to open up a conversation for everybody. They will be able to relate to my character, especially those who deeply love their family,” he shared.

JK talked about how the narrative revolves around the concept of individuals being misconstrued and not easily understood.

“My character is a bully because his family owns the school where he studies. However, he’s dealing with a lot of trauma that he brings to the school. The entire concept of the story centered around my character is to not easily judge people because we truly don’t understand what they’re experiencing. It’s all about the notion of being misunderstood,” JK said. Elijah, on the other hand, said that the series portrays the characters’ mental health challenges and gradually unfolds the story to showcase potential solutions “We often assume that we are the only ones who can comprehend our selves until we reach a breaking point. The series aims to convey to viewers that they are not alone in their struggles. In the beginning, the series demonstrates why the characters are grappling with mental health challenges, but eventually, the story will reveal the solutions,” Elijah explained. Senior High is directed by Onat Diaz and Andoy Ranay, the same directors of the hit revenge series Dirty Linen. It also features Tommy Alejandrino, Gela

Atayde, Baron Geisler, Mon Confiado, Sylvia Sanchez, Desiree Del Valle, Kean Cipriano, Ana Abad Santos, Gerald Madrid, Inka Magnaye, Angeli Bayani, Ryan Eigenmann, Rans Rifol, Rap Robes, Kakki Teodoro, and Floyd Tena

A Dreamscape Entertainment production, Senior High airs Monday to Friday at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

Atom Araullo’s docu wins honor at ContentAsia Awards 2023

GMA Public Affairs’ multiawarded documentary program

The Atom Araullo Specials won the “Best Current Affairs Programme made in Asia for Regional Asia and/or International Markets” at this year’s ContentAsia Awards for the documentary “Mata sa Dilim.”

First aired in 2022, the winning documentary delved into how online sexual abuse and exploitation of children has become a silent pandemic, with cases of online child sex abuse worsening amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSEC. The work continues,” said Atom Araullo Receiving the award on behalf of the program and GMA Network was The Atom Araullo Specials Executive Producer Ian Simbulan

Earlier this year, the same documentary also gave the Philippines one of its Gold medals at the 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards, winning in the Documentary: Social Issues category.

to put up his swim school. “I never had the confidence to make one,” Neil humbly said, “I was satisfied with just teaching. But, for me to join the competitions, I needed a team for my students. It was more of a practical requirement.”

Back in the 1990s, Neil was christened Jack Rabbit partly because the name Jack was half of the star-crossed lovers aboard James Cameron’s Titanic. That became Jack Melo because of his “mellow tone” voice.

Asked about his take on the current radio scene, Neil, in his usual sincere tone, said, “I don’t like where it’s heading and how it has changed. I’ve always considered myself as an old-school guy. Then again, we have to evolve, we have to accept evolution even if it doesn’t appeal to us. One thing that I do like about this evolution is that you are no longer bound to the limitations of listening to your favorite music or personality. Everything now is accessible with a push of a button.” With such clarity of thought, positivity, and determination to feel that “sense of achievement” by helping swimming enthusiasts “surpass their physical and psychological hindrances,” there is no doubt you’re safe in the care of coach Neil, with his “well-crafted baritone voice” and “passion for communicating” still intact and assuring some great ‘pool-fillment.’

“The whole team is elated to receive this recognition from ContentAsia. We want to dedicate the award to the courageous survivors of online child sexual abuse, as well as the advocates who are working tirelessly to fight the spread of

The winners at the 4th ContentAsia Awards were announced in a live awarding ceremony held last August 24 in Bangkok, Thailand, which was also broadcast via live streaming. Winners came from 12 countries and represented TV broadcast and production leaders, streamers, and online platforms.

The stellar cast of the series, 'Senior High', during its press conference

2020 Gawad Urian Best Actor Elijah Canlas as Archie

Andrea Brillantes plays twin sisters Sky and Luna

JK Labajo (left) as Gino and Daniela Stranner as Z

Neil Andoque is a former DJ on mainstream FM radio as Jack Melo

Atom Araullo's 'Mata Sa Dilim' tackles the silent pandemic of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children

Neil's love for the underwater scene makes him become a divemaster for various resorts in Anilao, Batangas, and Divestination Philippines, an online travel agency that specializes in diving trips

Kapamilya actress Sylvia Sanchez

Essential back-to-school must-haves for learning and staying connected

By Nickie Wang

HEADING back to school requires more than just a refreshed mindset; it calls for the right tools and resources to facilitate effective learning and seamless connectivity.

This school year though, there’s an extra layer of uncertainty as nobody can say for sure if face-to-face classes are now truly the norm or if hybrid or full online learning will still be implemented. Whatever the case, it’s best to be prepared for all possibilities. And in today’s digital age, a well-rounded list of essential back-to-school must-haves encompasses both traditional and technological items.

A reliable device. A reliable laptop or tablet is the cornerstone of modern education. It provides access to online resources, e-books, research materials, and communication platforms. Look for devices with sufficient processing power, memory, and battery life to support multitasking and extended usage.

Excellent connectivity. Seamless connectivity is paramount for online research, virtual classes, and collaboration. A high-speed, stable internet connection ensures you can access resources, join video conferences, and submit assignments without disruptions.

Online learning platforms. Familiarize yourself with your school’s online platforms. Some use proprietary systems not only for virtual classes but also for communication, assignments, and tracking performance. Ensure smooth access and understand their functions.

For college students, depending on your courses and preferences, you might need specific software for tasks like word processing, data analysis, graphic design, and more. Additionally, educational apps and platforms can enhance your learning experience.

Calendar and planning apps. Staying organized is key to academic success. A physical planner or digital calendar helps you track assignments, project deadlines, exams, and extracurricular activities.

Health and safety supplies. In the current global context, don’t forget to include items like hand sanitizers, masks, and disinfectant wipes to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.

Accessories. Invest in items like an ergonomic chair, laptop stand, and keyboard to promote good posture and reduce strain during long study sessions. If your classes involve virtual components, having a good-quality webcam and microphone improves your communication and participation in online discussions.

By equipping yourself with these essential back-to-school must-haves (a list curated by Smart Communications), you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the academic landscape and stay connected in an increasingly digital learning environment.

Smart’s affordable smartphone plans include Postpaid Plans with UNLI calls, texts, and ample data. SIM-only Plans 999+ have UNLI 5G for a year. Device Plans offer easy access to new devices.

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Confidential guide: Mastering natural haircare essentials

WHEN our lovely locks go through a lot – being exposed to the harsh heat, color and salon treatments, pulling –it’s only natural for us to seek a gen tler touch for our hair, leading us to give natural haircare a try.

The Natural Haircare Move ment. a new kid on the haircare block started turning heads – natural haircare.

Slowly, people were wak ing up to the fact that their hair deserved better TLC than harsh chemicals. Fast forward today, and boom –what started as a trend is now a full-blown movement that cel ebrates nourished locks and owning our authentic selves like Andi Eigenmann, Sue Ramirez, Megan Young

But, okay, let’s get real –while the natural haircare movement is ahh-mazing, it’s not all glitter and rainbows.

We’ve all been there – picking up “natural” hair products, only to end up feeling betrayed by lackluster results. And let’s not forget those ingredient lists that read like a chemistry experiment.

When we don’t know what we’re looking for—and let’s face it, most of us don’t—it’s so easy to fall into the trap of checking out “natural” haircare products that promise the moon but deliver merely a glimmer.

The art of choosing: doing the label check. Often, embracing your natural hair game comes with the rad task of getting familiar with a bunch of ingredients, terms, and labels – no doubt, it takes time and even more Googling.

But thankfully, there’s a compass that helps us navigate the complicated maze that is natural haircare—the #FeelWhatsReal label check, which simplifies natural haircare into three essentials:

Clarity: Say goodbye to confusing jargon! Your haircare should come with a user-friendly label, not a cryptic riddle. No more scratching your head in confusion – simple and straightforward is where it’s at.

Certification: Look out for that golden stamp of approval. Certified natural products are like green light, ensuring they’re the real deal on your journey to healthier, naturally nourished hair.

Ingredient Revelation: Think of the ingredient list as your treasure map. Check out that label and make sure it spills the beans on everything inside – the good stuff and even the not-so-great.

Slay Your Natural Haircare Game with Herbal Essences Now that you’re diving headfirst into the refreshing world of natural haircare, let’s talk about your next move.

After rigorous label scrutiny, it’s clear: Herbal Essences Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner takes the lead in setting the gold standard for transparency and actual hair-transforming results, giving revitalized, more nourished hair.

Amidst a sea of imitations and additives, its devotion to Argan oil is genuine and not just lip service. Truly pure argan oil goodness, devoid of parabens, colorants, and paraffin with system regular use vs. P&G nonconditioning shampoo and naturally sourced ingredients.

Herbal Essences Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner are available at leading supermarkets or ecomm channels on Shopee and Lazada.

What Chadwick Boseman’s quiet battle can teach us about colon cancer

ON August 28, 2020, the world lost Chadwick Boseman to colon cancer. He was 43.

His death shed light on how an illness that is typically associated with older people can also affect the young. Boseman was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 at the age of 43. He looked healthy and strong – based on his portrayal of iconic characters like baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42 Godfather of Soul James Brown in Get On Up, and the mighty T’Challa in Black Panther.

“Chadwick Boseman’s death is a wake-up call,” says Carlo M. Cornejo, MD, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology of the top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “He showed us that colon cancer can occur in young people, and we must be vigilant in identifying red flags in our patients so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be performed.”

Filipinos are particularly at risk for colon cancer. According to Globocan 2020, an online database containing global cancer statistics and estimates of incidence and mortality for 36 types of cancers in 185 countries, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Philippines, after breast and lung cancer. Dr. Cornejo enumerates three takeaways from Boseman’s

tragic death from colon cancer.

You’re never too young to get it. The actor is one among many under the age of 50 to be diagnosed with colon cancer. Individuals born after 1990 are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times as likely to develop rectal cancer, according to the US-based non-profit organization Colon Cancer Coalition.

Pay attention to persistent warning signs “See your doctor if you have iron deficiency anemia, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or you move ‘pencil stools,’ which are long, thin stools caused by a tumor constricting the colon or rectum,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Cramping, abdominal pain, and a persistent change in your bowel habits are not to be taken lightly.”

Get a colonoscopy. Young people without warning signs are typically not advised to undergo routine screening colonoscopies. “Find out if you need to be screened earlier by talking with your family physician, your primary healthcare provider, or your gastroenterologist,” says Dr. Cornejo.

For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www. makatimed.net.ph.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young-Daez

Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman

Andi Eigenmann