GILAS Pilipinas' game against China-its last in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on Saturday--was not a “nobearing” game after all.
With the Filipinos' 96-75 victory over the Chinese, GILAS earned a slot for next year’s 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. This was made possible after the Philippine team finished with a ranking of No. 24 at the end of their campaign in the 17-24 clas sification phase of the World Cup.
For his part, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded the Philippine basketball team for its win.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas for their stunning victory against China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. This remarkable performance by our national team underscores their unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and indomitable spirit, set- ting an inspiring example for all. This achievement fills our nation with immense pride, highlighting the extraordinary
THE price ceilings on rice that will take effect Sept. 5 will not only help lower prices but also combat hoarding, profiteering and smuggling, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said over the weekend.
“We are facing difficult times,” NEDA said in a statement, noting that the extreme weather conditions brought about by the El Niño phenomenon are likely to take a heavy toll on agriculture, particularly rice.
Moreover, it said the trade-restricting protectionist behavior such as India’s ban on exports of non-basmati rice to keep prices low at home, and the aggressive buying by rice-importing countries have reduced the volume of the grain being traded in the global market.
SENATORS who wore T-shirts emblazoned with the words “West Philippine Sea” and the national flag at the basketball game between the Philippines and
By Charles Dantes
DFA Assistant Secretary Daniel Es-
China said they were sending a message to Beijing.
"They came out with the 10-dash line, so this wearing of a T-shirt with the words is a statement that West Philippine Sea is ours," said Senate President Juan Miguel
Zubiri, who was at the 2023 FIBA World Cup cheering the Pilipinas Gilas team, which crushed China 96-75 on Saturday to end a losing streak. He was joined by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Sena-
tors Christopher Go, Ronald Dela Rosa, Sonny Angara and Pia Cayetano, who all wore the black T-shirts.
“This was the most important game of all! For our pride and for our motherland the Philippines,” Zubiri said. Next page
“The government’s priority amid this situation is to ensure that the country has an ample supply of affordable rice,” the agency said.
NEDA said the country has enough supply for the third quarter, and with the harvest season starting in September and import orders already secure, there will be enough rice for the rest of the year.
piritu said Mr. Marcos will also raise the Philippines' objection to the 2023 standard map of China, which includes the West Philippine Sea as part of its territory.
The Philippines was the third nation to assail Beijing's attempt to assert sovereignty over disputed maritime territories in the South China Sea, after India and Malaysia.
Next page
Nickie Wang
By Vince Lopez
TWO persons died due to the effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat, which was enhanced by typhoons “Goring” and “Hanna,” the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said Sunday.
OCD spokesman Edgar Posadas said the reports, one from the Cordillera Administrative Region and the other from Western Visayas, have yet to be validated.
The bad weather affected 418,000 people in 1,469 barangays all over the country, Posadas said in a radio interview.
At least 21,700 people or 5,100 families remained at 272 evacuation centers, while 30,000 people or 7,400 families sought shelter in other places, the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.
Posadas said the number of damaged houses had risen to 501, of which 96 were destroyed.
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"Definitely there are external partners who support us," Espiritu said, although he said he could not be sure there would be consensus support from the regional bloc.
The President assured the public that the government will defend the country’s sovereignty.
"We received the news that now the nine-dash line has been extended to the ten-dash line. We have to respond to all of these and we will," Mr. Marcos said in an earlier interview, without providing any details.
"We have stayed true to rules-based international law especially the UNCLOS and that I think puts us on solid ground in terms of our claims for territorial sovereignty, for maritime territory," Mr. Marcos said.
Mr. Marcos is also expected to push for the early completion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which has been under negotiation since 2002 or more than two decades ago.
During the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May, Mr. Marcos called on the bloc to hasten the completion of the legally binding pact with China.
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“That said, we note that the price of rice has been sharply increasing over the past weeks, which is inconsistent with the apparent supply and demand situation. This implies that some are manipulating the expected impact of [the El Niño ] to depict a shortage at this time,” it said.
NEDA said the imposition of a price ceiling on rice will address this issue in two ways: it will immediately reduce the price of rice, and it penalizes and consequently discourages hoarding, further decreasing the price of rice.
“The imposition of a price ceiling on rice is not a standalone initiative. Law enforcement authorities continue their valiant efforts to crack down on individuals who hoard, excessively profit from, smuggle, or participate in rice cartels,” it said.
The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund continues to support farmers nationwide, enhancing their livelihoods and capacity to produce the rice Filipinos need, it added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering subsidies and other ways to help small businesses that will be affected by the price ceiling on rice.
Trade Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero told CNN Philippines an assistance program is “in the works” to help keep small traders and retailers afloat until rice prices stabilize.
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talent and teamwork of Filipino athletes,” he said.
After GILAS coach Chot Reyes stepped down and Team Philippines celebrated their momentous triumph over China, team officials learned that GILAS bagged the last of two slots reserved for Asia in the 2024 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
With a new coach coming in, the Philippines joins Lebanon as an Asian entry in the tournament, which is set from July 2 to 7 next year.
According to the FIBA rankings, the next best 16 placers in the World Cup that have not directly secured a place in the Olympics will go into qualifiers.
France, as a host nation, has already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with South Sudan, Japan, and Australia claiming three of the six slots available during the ongoing World Cup in Manila, Okinawa, and Jakarta.
Making it to the 2024 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament following the result of their games in the World Cup are Egypt, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire in the Africa zone, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro and Finland in the European zone, and New Zealand in the Oceania zone.
South Sudan ruled Group M of the classification round with a 3-2 win-loss record on Saturday. The Bright Stars ended a 10-year wait, when they demolished Angola, 101-78, as they celebrated their direct qualification to the 2024
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At the same time, Uvero urged small businesses to “sacrifice” for the benefit of consumers, saying they have likely reaped windfall profits due to the previous price increases.
“The government is asking for retailers to sacrifice and also help the majority of Filipinos,” he said in Filipino.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, said he will continue to speak with leaders of rice retailers, who complained that they’d be selling their rice at a loss, since they paid high prices to traders.
“The government is not numb. We want to listen to their concerns,” he said.
“But of course, it is our priority to help the public buy affordable rice.”
He said they could discuss ways to come up with a “win-win solution.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered a price cap of P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice on Friday.
“They (traders) cannot just disobey or the government can file criminal cases [against them], apart from [impose] penalties,” he said.
“But definitely, the government will help our retailers affected by this executive order," he added.
Romualdez, who joined Customs agents in raids on rice warehouses, earlier warned unscrupulous traders that the government was serious about fighting hoarders and smugglers.
He said they would do everything to help the President drive rice prices down to a reasonable level.
Romualdez and other lawmakers met
Olympics
The Philippines tied with Angola and China, behind South Sudan with similar 1-4 win-loss records, with Gilas getting second place due to its -21 point differential. Angola, which finished with a -42 differential, and China (-91) fell out of contention.
Reyes said the team was glad to finally gift the Filipino crowd, who still trooped to the venue despite the stormy weather and disappointments from previous losses, a victory on their home turf.
“We reminded the players that no matter the typhoon, the weather, being essentially a no-bearing game, the crowd still came, Filipinos still came to watch. I told the players, ‘Let's give them a present,’” said Reyes.
“Make sure we end this with a gift to the Filipino people for their continued belief and support for the team. Let’s dig deep,” he added.
Jordan Clarkson emerged as the vital cog in the victory, dropping 34 points in the contest – the most by any Filipino player in the World Cup, surpassing the 33 and 31 points of Mon Cruz in the 1978 edition and the 31 points of FIBA Hall of Famer Carlos ‘Big Difference’ Loyzaga in 1951.
More importantly, the win ended a nine-game drought for Gilas Pilipinas in the world stage with its last win dating back to the 2014 edition in Seville, Spain, where they – also under Reyes, but with Andray Blatche, Jimmy Alapag, and Jayson Castro showing the way – outlasted Senegal in overtime 81-79, also in the nationals’ last on-court appearance. With Rio N. Araja
P130.25 million.
with representatives of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders’ Movement last week.
“If you want to be part of the solution, you are with us, we will help you, we’re going to support you. But if you’re part of the problem, we will root you out,” he told them.
“We won’t stop until the President is successful in achieving his targets. We’re very serious about it. And we’re not going to stop here in Luzon, we’ll go to Visayas and Mindanao. We’re going to hit every region,” he said.
Senator Grace Poe said the price ceiling imposed on rice should assure the people that the staple remains accessible.
In the long run, she said, solutions must be in place to keep the supply and prices steady, and bring growth to the agriculture sector, especially to our farmers.
She said authorities must address the unhampered smuggling and hoarding that continue to undermine efforts to improve farmers' productivity, modernize agriculture and reduce the retail price of the staple.
The Department of Agriculture should also see to it that the benefits of the Rice Tariffication Law trickle down to the farmers to make them more competitive, she said.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, said rice retailers who are worried they will lose money because of the price ceilings should submit sworn statements to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry about their current rice inventories and their
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"We showed the bully in the north that we shall not be allowed to be bullied in our own home and that we rallied together as a nation to pray and cheer for our Team Gilas!"
The Philippines has rejected the 2023 version of China's map which features a new 10-dash line that includes the West Philippine Sea as part of its territory.
The map, published by Beijing's state-owned newspaper, Global Times, covers a large part of the South China Sea, including the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
Go, Senate sports committee chairperson, said in wearing the West Philippine Sea T-shirt, they wanted to show that they are one with all the Filipino people in supporting Gilas.
"We own the West Philippine Sea. This win is ours," he said.
"I salute the players, coaches and even the fans since the ‘never say die’ attitude prevailed. We did not lose,” Go said.
Equally important, Go said, is that this win over China's team is a morale-boosting win for every Filipino, especially amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Dela Rosa said they wore the WPS T-shirt with the Philippine flag to awaken the patriotic spirit of Gi-
Twenty-five roads and nine bridges were rendered impassable, the NDRRMC said.
purchase costs to enable the government to address their concerns.
He said the National Food Authority can buy their inventory and resell it to the public at a regulated price, even at a loss, which it traditionally does.
“This strategy would not only help the farmers with existing and additional subsidies but also the rice retailers and consumers,” he said.
An advocacy group, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, said instead of imposing price ceilings, the government should cut import tariffs on rice to bring prices down.
It said Executive Order (EO) 39, which places a price ceiling of P41 per kilo on regular-milled rice and P45 per kilo on well-milled rice, will harm Filipino consumers and farmers, and the entire economy.
“The price cap will harm consumers because it will drive supply away from the market, fuel a black market for rice, cause traders to cheat consumers by mixing inferior broken rice with regular and well-milled rice, and incentivize traders to hoard as the price ceiling is below their procurement and selling prices,” the group said.
Lower-income consumers in particular will suffer when regular milled rice becomes less available in markets at a controlled price and is passed on as wellmilled rice by traders, it added.
EO 39 will also hurt farmers because traders will use the price cap to justify lowering their buying price for palay, it added.
las Pilipinas and to motivate them to exhaust all their remaining talents, skills and teamwork in oto secure the victory, which is symbolic for Filipinos in light of the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea.
Senator Imee Marcos suggested that after Gilas Pilipinas’ win against China by 21 points, “I propose we re-draw our map too to encompass the new 21-dash line of the Philippines.”
The senators were called out by some social media users, who said politics should not intrude on sports.
"I'm all for protesting and asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea. However, I don't think that sports is the right venue. Those are Chinese athletes, not the Chinese Communist Party," one social media post said.
"Apart from wearing those tshirts, what have you done to protect our territory in the West Philippine Sea," another said in a Facebook post.
Others pointed out that Villanueva and Dela Rosa had echoed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China stance in the past.
"The act of these three idiots does not shed light on the actual problem we're facing in the West PH Sea. It is not a political statement. They are wellknown dogs of the past admin and balimbing,” another user said.
During his participation in the ASEAN Summit, which will run from September 5 to 7 in Jakarta, the President is also set to hold bilateral meetings with at least four leaders: Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
Espiritu said Mr. Marcos is also eyeing to discuss food and energy security, migrant workers protection, and the country's potential in the digital economy with his counterparts during the summit.
“Other priority areas of cooperation with dialogue partners will also be discussed. The President will continue to promote our rules-based international order, including UNCLOS, especially in the South China Sea,” the official added.
From A1 streams on Spotify on the first day of September.
Carey exclaimed, "Not yet!!!!" Her words served as a playful reminder that the Christmas season, despite the excitement, has not officially arrived.
“I’ll allow it for my Filipino lambs though,” Carey tweeted in reference to the sudden uptick in streams. “I don’t make the rules!”
The song, considered one of the most recognizable tunes of the season, was streamed 112,040 times in the Philippines on September 1, becoming the 82nd most-streamed song in the country that day.
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, social media is flooded with Jose Mari Chan's yuletide memes and songs, signaling the unofficial start of an extended Christmas season.
"Christmas in Our Hearts" is an iconic anthem associated with this early celebration, joined by recognizable tunes such as "A Perfect Christmas" and "A Christmas Carol."
Filipinos humorously connect Chan with the onset of Christmas in September, sharing jokes and memes to express their holiday excitement and poke fun at the early festivities.
In a recent television interview, Chan said he has personally come across the memes.
"I see the memes, and I'm genuinely curious about who's responsible for creating them. This trend began about a decade ago, right?" the 78-year-old singer-songwriter said.
Chan also expressed gratitude for being a significant part of the Christmas season in the Philippines. “Thank you very much for making me one of the symbols of Philippine Christmas,” the singer said.
Sunday afternoon.
Two towns—Pototan in Iloilo and Sibalom in Antique—declared a state of calamity. Posadas said this number could still rise.
Damage and losses to agriculture, meanwhile, stood at P421.19 million. 5,721. The damage to infrastructure amounted to
A total of P20.90 million worth of assistance has been provided to Regions I, II, III,IV-A. IVB, VI, CAR, and the National Capital Region.
Typhoon Goring, which first brought major flooding and heavy rainfall in Luzon, exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday.
Southwest monsoon or habagat enhanced by Typhoon Hanna will bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila, the western portion of Luzon and Antique in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sunday.
Typhoon Hanna (international name: Haikui) maintained its strength as it made landfall over southern Taiwan, the state weather bureau said
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Hanna was last located 245 kilometers north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts of up to 255 kph.
Tropical wind cyclone Signal No. 1 remaiend raised over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. With Rio Araja
THE chief of the Quezon City Police District resigned from his job, after deeply regretting that he allowed an abusive ex-policeman who figured in a road rage incident to hold a press briefing in his office.
At last we have seen a rare act of delicadeza from an officer of the law, and for this, we salute Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
“I apologize to the Filipino people for those actions because those are decisions made in a very short span of time. In hindsight, we have 20/20 vision. I could have done it better with the same result, but it already happened,” the general explained.
Many other officers of the law, and indeed so many officials higher in rank in the whole of government would have stayed put, “morir antes de dimitir” as the language of our forefathers described, and would go to great lengths to the point of lying, in vain justification for lapses and actions far graver than what Gen. Torre was taken to task for.
Though I too sympathize with the cyclist, and condemn the harsh action taken by that ex-policeman-turned SC employee (don’t they check the background of those they hire, being the highest tribunal at that?), the brouhaha the incident elicited from the public via social media showed public propensity to be riled by day-to-day, micro-abuses while glossing over, even resigning themselves to the evils of official corruption and inefficiency in public service.
Which is why General Torres rare act of delicadeza is to be admired all the more.
This guy should go places up the police hierarchy in the near future.
At last we have seen a rare act of delicadeza from an officer of the law, and for this, we salute Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III
***
Singaporeans just elected Tharman Shanmugaratnam as president, by an overwhelming 70 percent of the vote, over two other candidates with equally outstanding qualifications.
The 66-yearold economist was a former deputy prime minister, and beat a former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund and a former top executive of a huge insurance firm.
While their presidency is largely ceremonial, and the head of government is the prime minister, soon to retire Lee Hsien Loong, very stringent requirements are needed to qualify to run for president. Singapore requires candidates to have served either as a senior civil servant or the chief executive of a company with shareholder equity of at least 500 million Singaporean dollars (US $370 million).
That’s P21 billion, folks.
Here all you need to be a senator is good looks, song-and-dance abilities, or be a charlatan, and failing these, have half a billion pesos to throw away, because our Constitution requires candidates, even a president, to be a natural-born citizen, of age, and able to read and write.
Look at the present composition of our Senate, what once was called the training ground of presidents, and weep when you read about countries like Singapore, not as free-wheeling as our democracy, but where citizens, who incidentally are required by law to vote, and where no candidate dares to buy votes, and you conclude that, indeed, our democracy pays us no dividends. ***
So now the president, in what one might call as an act of desperation, has ordered price ceilings for the retail of rice.
Starting tomorrow, together with yet another increase in the pump price of oil and that of LPG, retail prices must not exceed P41 for regularmilled and P45 for well-milled rice.
This was done after the Speaker and some members of the HoR, along with customs officials, inspected a few warehouses in the Inter-city trading center in Bulacan.
What are the net effects of these two actions?
First, the supposed mountains of rice seen in the bodegas “raided” do not really amount to much. They are normal inventories in the rice business.
passage of a wage hike bill in clear terms:
SOLICITOR General Menardo Guevarra wants an additional P10-million added to his office’s annual budget for 2024.
That additional burden to the taxpayers is just for one simple task the Office of the Solicitor General is already expected to do so for free anyway.
Guevarra claims he formed a panel of experts who will study the legal options available to the Philippine government regarding the country’s on-going maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The communist government in Beijing claims numerous islets, shoals and reefs in the West Philippine Sea. Pursuant to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), those islets, shoals and reefs are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, and are, therefore, Philippine territory.
China’s purported basis for its illegal seizure and occupation of Philippine territory in the disputed area is a self-serving nine-dash-line delineation system which China made available to the world only after the United States closed its military and naval bases in the Philippines in 1992.
Assuming they were all imported, they constitute about the usual volume of an import permit, around 10,000 tons, even less. Vessels carry twice, even more than that amount.
Incidentally, the nation’s daily consumption of rice is 32,000 tons, and for the last four years, we have been importing an average of 3 million tons of the staple.
Try using your computers and see if the volumes inspected can classify as hoarding.
The inter-city trading post is where truckloads upon truckloads of rice are transported to different other warehouses of wholesalers and retailers.
But, admittedly the inspections constitute good optics, and the usual suspects when rice prices are on the upsurge are condemned by media and a public whose arithmetic ability is woefully low.
Now, go figure.
If you raid bodegas and padlock them for 15 days or so, what happens to the natural flow of supply to our markets?
Clearly, the supply shortage constricts further.
And by the way, why must Customs officials give these suspected hoarders 15 days to produce proofs?
Why not just ask the BPI, which replaced the NFA in granting import permits?
Or doesn’t the BoC have computerized records?
With rice prices still rising, the chief executive cum agriculture secretary, upon advice of DTI and DA table planners who refuse to acknowledge bad harvests and admit their inability to forecast needs versus supply early on, imposes price ceilings.
The facts are simple: when the private traders and millers were buying palay at P23 upwards (now as high as P35), while state-owned and state-castrated NFA could only buy at P19, then obviously there is a supply problem.
As we keep writing in this space, its Econ 101.
Now that India has closed its export doors, followed by Myanmar, then Thailand and Vietnam have increased their prices such that private importers refuse to buy, while those the DA asked to buy last month and bought high, are now facing price controls for their staple.
We always make the private sector the scapegoats, villains even, and yet we are not willing to allow the State, through the moribund NFA to import to fill up the slack, and subsidize the price.
What happens to the middle class retailers who bought high, and now must sell low?
What happens to the importers who bought high and must now sell low? Or the millers who bought at P25 per kilo of palay, and must now sell at a P5 to P10 loss per kilo?
Of course they will not release their stocks, and retailers will refuse to sell.
Likelier than not, they will fill even their houses with tons of rice to beat the price control inspectors instead of losing money.
I heard one official appealing to retailers, “for the sake of the public” to sacrifice profits.
But look, they will not just break even; they will lose.
Will the market master free them from rent?
Will government pay them daily wages, and refund their losses?
Next time around, with harvests forthcoming later this month and October, what will happen to the farmers who for once in several harvest times made a tidy profit last May?
Now here comes the other shocker: If DA thinks the September-October harvest will be sufficient, and that is what they keep assuring the president cum DA Secretary, surely they know that with all these weeks of rain during germination time, the dearth of sunlight means an awful lack of photosynthesis, producing palay grains with chalky, inferior grains and lower production volume.
And additionally worrisome, what happens when strong typhoons lash the rice producing areas this month and next?
Will price ceilings be like a cork in the genie bottle, that will defy the law of supply and demand?
Or will the cork pop up like a champagne bottle explosion?
In July last year, when I resumed column writing after the elections and President Marcos Junior had been inaugurated, I titled my article “From electoral tsunami to a perfect storm”.
I pray that “perfect storm” does not come upon us.
LABOR unions and federations have found an ally in Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
That’s because he is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 2002, which calls for a national minimum wage hike of P150 for all private sector workers, including those in the agricultural industry, by December this year.
There’s another senator, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who is seeking a P12,00 increase in the minimum wage, this time for those working in government. This should also put him in the good graces of those sweating it out in frontline public agencies.
That’s all well and good, except that there’s a big obstacle in the double-barreled move in the upper chamber of Congress to give workers in both the private and public sectors a reprieve from galloping inflation.
The problem is this: A wage hike bill is not among the priority measures of Congress.
But Zubiri believes the Senate should take up the cudgels for the working class, even if the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) is similarly not inclined to support a wage hike bill.
Zubiri justifies his move to speed up the
“The cost of living has increased all over the country and they need that decent wage so they can have a decent life.”
And more: “We need it. Our countrymen are really struggling.”
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines wants lawmakers to consult with economic managers first before passing the measure and to consider the situation of workers in less formal types of employment
That may sound like music to the ears of our labor force, but Zubiri’s exuberant endorsement of a legislated wage hike by the
end of this year may not be shared at all by his fellow lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
Zubiri appears undeterred, however, and even vowed to appeal to no less than President Marcos Jr. himself to consider his proposal.
The Senate honcho would also have to deal with existing law that created the regional wage boards with tripartite representation –labor, employers and government – where they consider the stand of every member of the committee before making a decision, which, as experience shows, is lopsided in favor of employers.
And then there’s the persistent lobbying from employers’ groups every time there’s a clamor from workers for a bigger wage increase: “We cannot afford it” and “We shall be forced to close shop if wages are adjusted upward at this time.”
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines wants lawmakers to consult with economic managers first before passing the measure and to consider the situation of workers in less formal types of employment.
Zubiri believes the Senate wage hike bill it is poised to approve by December this year “will be a great Christmas gift for the Filipino people for 2024.”
We really hope so, as fair and decent wages is a crucial factor in driving sustainable growth, but will the employers think so as well?
E-COMMERCE has become the default mode of transaction of Filipino consumers and for MSMEs.
Now that the pandemic is over and the economy has opened up, consumers and businesses have embraced the benefits and convenience of online and e-Commerce platforms using cashless payment methods, thus creating an opportunity for the country to evolve into a thriving digital economy.
As internet penetration improves with more investments in digital infrastructures, the borderless nature of e-commerce presents great opportunities to tap into a global market that is open to all e-commerce merchants whether big or small.
However, the ease and speed of e-commerce transactions also creates issues and challenges.
The Department of Trade and Industry has recorded increasing complaints from consumers of bad transactions because of defective products, and deceptive, unfair, or unconscionable sales acts or practices by some online sellers.
The Philippines has seen a significant growth in its e-commerce sector, with total market sales reaching $17 billion in 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The US Department of Commerce estimates by 2025, total sales will reach $24 billion.
This rapid growth has prompted the need for a regulatory framework to govern the sector.
In December 2022, the proposed Internet Transactions Act passed the lower house and is now pending in the Senate. The goal of the ITA is to regulate the sector, protect consumer rights, promote intellectual property, and more. E-commerce has provided opportunities for growth and broader participation of MSMEs in the market.
With lower fixed capital requirements, the barriers to market entry are low, encouraging many smaller local entrepreneurs to participate. MSMEs have found platforms not only in e-commerce giants such as Shopee and Lazada but also in social media.
However, both large e-commerce platforms and MSMEs have expressed concerns about the current version of the proposed ITA, which is now pending in the Senate.
While the bill aims to empower consumers, there are provisions in the current proposal that not only create barriers to entry but also include penalty provisions that could put MSMEs at a disadvantage.
The establishment of an online dispute resolution system where civil and administrative complaints can be filed by online consumers has both advantages and disadvantages.
On the one hand, it can help prevent scams.
On the other hand, an all-encompassing regulation may harm small players, as the definitions of violations, liabilities, and other terms are currently so broadly defined that MSMEs may face numerous legal cases and high fines that they cannot afford.
The proposed regulations could potentially act as a barrier to market entry, rather than fostering growth in the sector, which could put MSMEs at a disadvantage.
Over-regulation may even lead to many MSMEs exiting the market.
This sentiment was echoed by MSME participants in a roundtable held by Bayan Academy in December 2020, who noted if the implementation of registration, added costs, and more regulation were required to participate in e-commerce, they would be less likely to engage in the sector.
It’s clear these potential changes could have a significant impact on the willingness and ability of MSMEs to participate in ecommerce, which is a concern for both the businesses themselves and the consumers who benefit from their services.
As the rights of both buyers and sellers in the online marketplace must be protected, a legal framework is needed to govern the ecommerce space, but it must balance regulation with market growth and innovation.
A good model is how Singapore has approached e-commerce regulation.
Large platforms like Shopee and Lazada have their own legal departments to handle and resolve such cases, while e-commercebased MSMEs may not have the legal capacity or resources to do so.
The proposed bill will create more bureaucracy, requiring both platforms and merchants to register with the e-commerce bureau for transparency and legitimacy purposes.
The information required for registration will be made public, potentially raising data privacy concerns. Additionally, the current bill imposes an extensive range of “obligations of e-retailers and online merchants,” including detailed guidelines on marketing, selling, issuing receipts and invoices, and more.
MSMEs may not have the manpower capacity to comply with these extensive guidelines, as most e-commerce small businesses operate with a small number of workers.
They have issued their first national standard, TR 76, to increase transparency and consumer confidence in online transactions. E-marketplaces must show their legal identity and contact details and have mechanisms to handle disputes.
The guidelines aim to improve consumer awareness and self-regulation in avoiding scams.
Desmond Tan, Chairman of the InterMinistry Committee of Scams and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore, stated the E-commerce Marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings build on these guidelines by raising consumer awareness on anti-scam measures on major e-commerce marketplaces in Singapore.
While the proposed Internet Transactions Act can provide consumer protection, the government must balance regulation with the growth of MSMEs and barriers to entry into the e-commerce space.
In 2016, the International Arbitral Tribunal in the Netherlands rejected Beijing’s nine-dash-line delineation system as contrary to international law. The Tribunal also upheld the rights of the Philippines in the disputed area.
As expected of the communist bully, China does not recognize the Tribunal’s pronouncement, despite Beijing being a signatory to the UNCLOS.
Despite the Tribunal’s ruling, Chinese naval vessels harass Philippine ships patrolling the West Philippine Sea.
Manila’s resort to diplomacy with Beijing has been responded to by the communists with empty rhetoric and breached agreements.
Being the law firm of the national government, the OSG has been tasked to study the legal options available to the Philippines in line with Manila’s legal victory in the international arbitral tribunal.
The OSG has enough materials on public international law, particularly the UNCLOS, as well as pertinent treaties Manila has signed with other countries, including the country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.
It also has the full cooperation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense in terms of accessing legal experts and research materials on the maritime dispute with Beijing.
Congress should also take a second look at the budget of the Supreme Court used in maintaining the costly and luxurious vacation villas in Baguio City
Undoubtedly, the lawyers in the OSG are among the highest paid legal minds working in the government bureaucracy today.
While the compensation of OSG lawyers is not as gargantuan as what Secretary of Finance Benjamin Diokno gets (as one of the highest paid government officials in the land enjoying a compensation package higher than that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.), the compensa-
tion arrangement for OSG lawyers is enough to retain some competent lawyers within that office’s payroll.
Pursuant to the law creating it, the OSG has the duty to provide the national government with the legal advisory it needs regarding the maritime dispute with China.
Why then does Guevarra want an addtional P10-million for work his office is legally expected to render to the government at no additional cost in the first place?
In short, even without the additional P10-million Guevarra wants, the OSG is well equipped and funded enough to prepare a thorough study on the legal options of the Philippine government in light of the arbitral ruling in Manila’s favor.
Why then does Guevarra want P10-million more of the taxpayers’ money just to study the government’s legal options regarding the situation in the West Philippine Sea?
Speaking of budgetary allocations for government offices, the Supreme Court, speaking through its court administrator, wants the Senate to give it at least P150-million more for its 2024 annual budget costing P71.97-million.
That amount, the court administrator said, is for maintaining “judiciary marshals” to protect judges, justices and other court personnel as con-
templated under Republic Act 11691.
Taxpayers believe that “judiciary marshals” is a euphemism for a “private army,” so to speak, within the judicial department of government.
The constitutionality of that arrangement is suspect because the task of ensuring the safety of government officials is a matter of law enforcement, and is thus within the exclusive realm of the executive department of the government.
Congress should consider repealing Republic Act 11691 because law enforcement should be the exclusive concern of police personnel, and not by a “private army” paid for by taxpayers’ hardearned money.
In lieu of “judiciary marshals,” Congress should instead add more to the budget of the Philippine National Police so the latter can assign more police personnel to secure the safety of judicial officials and court personnel.
Congress should also take a second look at the budget of the Supreme Court used in maintaining the costly and luxurious vacation villas in Baguio City.
Those “cottages” are used exclusively by the justices of the Supreme Court at huge taxpayers’ expense.
What is it that the Supreme Court must do in Baguio that it can’t do in Manila in the first place?
The government must balance regulation with the growth of MSMEs and barriers to entry into the e-commerce space
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disclosed that more than 1.3 million people fi led their certifi cate of candidacy (COCs) in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled this October.
At least 216 were apprehended while 130 firearms were confiscated during a weeklong operation following the implementation of the gun ban related to the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections (BSKE).
Meanwhile, at least 216 were apprehended while 130 firearms were confiscated during a weeklong operation following the implementation of the gun
Secretary Ivan John Uy reported that Japan’s telecom giant IPS Inc. has earmarked an additional $100 million (P5.6 billion) in new investments into the Philippines for 2023 to 2024.
Uy and IPS chief executive officer Koji Miyashita signed a memorandum of support in a ceremony held in Tokyo on Aug. 25 to expand the capacity of a modern and secure gateway for the Philippines to the rest of the world via Japan.
“This will likewise ensure unhampered data connectivity via the Eastern Seaboard away from the highly contested South China Sea,” Uy said.
In another development, InfiniVAN Inc., an IPS affiliate in the Philippines, offered another estimated investment of P4 billion under a public-private partnership arrangement that would fast track the deployment and connectivity of the National Broadband Plan, also known as Broadband ng Masa Program (BBMP).
The proposal is now being considered by the DICT.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center executive director Alexander Ramos welcomed the partnership with IPS and InfiniVAN as a testament to the nation’s growing importance in the global digital landscape.
“The investment aligns seamlessly with the country’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which seeks to leverage technology for inclusive growth and progress,” said Ramos, who was also at the Tokyo signing.
During the exploratory talks, InfiniVAN proposed the acquisition of dark fiber pairs on the InfiniVAN-led Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network to complete the backbone of the BBMP.
Securing dark fiber-based capacities on international submarine cable systems that have touch points in major hubs such as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, the United States and Europe with landing points in the Philippines was also discussed during the exploratory talks in Tokyo.
InfiniVAN’s proposal covers a distance of 2,700 kilometers of fiber optic cable linking Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and covering 26 new landing points.
AMID the country’s achievements in the coconut industry, Sen. Cynthia Villar gave assurance she will continuous to do what is necessary to protect and expand the industry.
“We are aware that our work doesn’t stop here as we continually monitor the implementation of relevant laws (in the industry),” said Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on agriculture and food.
Speaking during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd World Coconut Congress 2023 with the theme “Sustain the Source,” Villar noted that in line with her advocacy to lift the coconut industry, she fought for the passage of the Republic Act No. 11524 or “The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act” which lapsed into law in 2021.
“This law aims to consolidate the benefits due to coconut farmers, especially the poor and marginalized, under various statutes and to expedite the delivery thereof to attain increased income for coconut farmers, alleviate poverty and achieve social equality, “ stressed Villar.
The law also mandates the preparation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which shall set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry within 50 years.
Despite the continued boom of exports, she pointed out that the coconut industry still confronts challenges.
ban related to the Oct. 30 BSKE.
Over 1.3 million people filed their certificate of candidacy for positions under the BSKE polls, scheduled later this year, according to the latest data released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Based on a partial report as of 11:30 a.m. on Sunday-September 3, 2023,
1,316,265 aspirants filed their certificates
of candidacy — 92,173 for punong barangay positions, 690,531 for sangguniang barangay members, 85,816 for SK chairperson, and 447,745 for SK members. There were 115,483 candidates who filed on Sunday, the sixth day for filing: 5,158 for punong barangay, 42,198 for sangguniang barangay members, 9,009 for SK chairperson, and 59,118 for SK members. Broken down, 65.43 percent of the applicants were male, while the remaining 34.57 percent were female.
The candidates will compete for a total of 672,016 seats — 42,001 punong barangay, 294,007 sangguniang barangay, 42,001 SK chairpersons, and 294,007 SK members.
There were some 2,085,142 voter registrants for the BSKE elections as of Janu-
ary 28, 2023, including 2.076 million who went through the regular process, while 8,651 were processed through the Registration Anywhere Project.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the violators were apprehended at the Comelec checkpoints from Aug. 28, when the election period officially began, to Sept. 2.
Fajardo said the violators were mostly civilians, including two security guards and two military personnel.
The checkpoints have been strategically set up based on Comelec Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period that will last until Nov. 29.
A PRIVATE lawyer has filed a case with the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) against a gun-toting former policeman and two others who figured in a viral video that happened new the Quezon City Rotonda last August 8.
Lawyer Raymund Fortun filed charges against police SSgt. Darwin Peralta, SSgt. Joel Aviso, and Pvte. Armando Carr, all from the QCPD Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning. Fortun lodged the complaints of oppression, irregularities in the performance of duties, and incompetence under a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) circular.
It appears that a cyclist and expoliceman Wilfredo Gonzales were first brought to the QCPD Kamuning Police Station 11, since this was first considered a mere traffic incident by the first responders of QCPD Galas Police Station. Eventually, no charges were filed and the parties were instead referred to the Galas Police Station late in the evening.
CYCLISTS’ SHOW OF FORCE. More than 300 cyclists took part in a “Safe Cyclists on Every Road” campaign over the weekend to dramatize their strong condemnation of the recent road-rage incident in Quezon City involving a former police o cer.
Members of the group Siklista Bayan ng Pilipinas and the Kilusang ng Siklistang Pilipino pedaled along an 8.2-kilometer stretch kilometers from Welcome Rotunda to the Quezon City Hall. Teddy Brul Jr.
A DOG AND HIS HUMAN ARE ALL DOLLED UP. A dog and its owner wear costumes while roving around a mall in Quezon City, even as a bill led by Paranaque Rep. Olivarez has yet to pass establishing dog stations in shopping centers. Manny Palmero
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin
Romualdez on Sunday said the recently enacted One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act is a “perfect postpandemic law” that would go a long way in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The OTOP Philippines Act is the true embodiment of the Filipino first policy. This is exactly the kind of attitude we need to aid in the recovery of MSMEs, which make up 90 percent of all local business, following the pandemic,» Romualdez said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 11960 or the Act Institutionalizing the OTOP Philippines Program on August 25 meant to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos through
policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost economic growth.
The OTOP Philippines Program covers products and skillsbased services known to an area or locality, including processed food, agricultural-based products, home and fashion products, arts and crafts, and skills-based services.
Romualdez expressed confidence that «the OTOP Program will redound not just to the individual localities or regions, but the entire country itself in an expedited manner.»
“It also aims to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and being more market-oriented and innovation-driven; as well as promote convergence of initiatives from local government units, national government agencies and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products, whether for export of the domestic market,” he said.
“Despite the clear and imbalanced status of the parties, the same police officers failed to protect the rights of the cyclist when they failed to provide a legal counsel for him so that the latter would be duly appraised of his rights. Further, they failed to secure the CCTV footages in the area in order to ferret out the real facts in the conflicting statements made by the parties. Finally, and for reasons known only to them, and despite there being sufficient basis to do so, the same police officers failed to file the appropriate charges,” Fortun explained.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded Fortun’s move. “What we need now are little acts of heroism from ordinary Filipinos to stand up for what is right to exact accountability from those in power. This move of Atty. Fortun in filing a case with our PLEB is a vote of confidence that here in Quezon City, we will get things done. The proper process in the proper forum, which is the PLEB, will now take its course, Belmonte,” said.
“This incident also highlights the need to institutionalize the presence of PLEB in other cities and municipalities to hear and decide the complaints filed against erring policemen. I am confident that the case filed in the PLEB will be handled without fear or favor,” Belmonte added.
Meanwhile, PLEB chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said, the institutions, particularly the PLEB, “are in place so that the community will feel safe and secure in their homes. We commit to serve as an effective watchdog against abusive cops, and at the same time serve as partners to our men in uniform towards nation-building.”
“As far as the case filed by Atty. Fortun is concerned, we promise to act on this case with absolute dispatch,” Calinisan noted.
The PLEB can summarily dismiss, demote, suspend and reprimand abusive policemen.
THE think-tank Infrawatch PH has expressed confidence that Ombudsman
Samuel Martires will not likely change its stance on former Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong despite petitions by certain business organizations.
Infrawatch convenor lawyer Terry Ridon said Martires has shown his independence in the anti-graft court’s previous rulings on other controversial cases,
notably the laptop mess at the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Pharmally scandal on the government’s procure of anti-COVID-19 drugs.
“What is important here is the available evidence that served as basis to dismiss Mr. Chiong and if the basis for that is clear, there is no reason to revoke the Ombudsman decision,” Ridon said.
“The Ombudsman had a clear sense of the political impact of all these de-
cisions, including this Chiong decision, so I am quite certain that he made that decision, it was based on law, it was based on the fact, it was based on evidence,” he added.
Earlier, several business groups have issued a statement urging the Ombudsman to reverse its decision, stressing Chiong’s “exemplary” work as MIAA manager.
“Nothing is stopping them in raising
THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has welcomed the reaffirmation of the Supreme Court that PAO may file a petition preventing the removal of cases involving children whose deaths are Dengvaxiarelated at a Quezon City family court. The High Court earlier denied the motions for reconsideration of the Aug. 27, 2020 of those accused in the criminal complaint including exHealth Secretary Janette Garin. Garin and the other respondents’ motion were “bereft of merit as they failed to present substantial grounds,” it said, citing their arguments on the jurisdiction over the subject cases lies with a regular court, and with a family court in Quezon City, and that a metropolitan trial court, not a regional trial court, has the jurisdiction over the reckless
imprudence resulting in homicide.
Moreover, the accused argued that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court has no jurisdiction over the cases, and that PAO has no personality to file instant petitions.
But the Supreme Court Second Division said “Quezon City may still be the proper venue,” of all Dengvaxia cases, and that PAO may act as counsel of the petitioners or the private complainants.
In 2016 until 2017, DOH implemented a widespread vaccination of students in public schools against dengue infection.
In November 2017, the vaccine manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., said those who have received the Dengvaxia vaccine without prior dengue infection could be vulnerable to more severe infections. Rio N. Araja
the profile of Mr. Chiong and going to his defense, but I am quite certain that the Ombudsman will not be dissuaded and, more importantly, the real remedy for Mr. Chiong is to file a motion for reconsideration,” Ridon said.
“And if he fails to file an MR, go to higher authority, to the Court of Appeals, to plead his case. If he feels wronged by that decision, he still has the remedy up until the Supreme Court,” he added.
SEVERAL advocacy groups have expressed support for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) plan to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and to develop other airports in Sangley Point, Cavite; and in Bulakan, Bulacan.
Think tank Stratbase ADR Institute and citizen advocacy groups CitizenWatch Philippines and Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) also expressed support for the DOTr’s decision to undertake public bidding scheme under the amended Build-Operate-Transfer Law.
The groups said the upgrade and expansion of airports have been long overdue, and that subjecting the project under a solicited bidding process is consistent with the President’s good governance directive.
Professor Victor Andres Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute, said the long-term strategy for the airport will be a great legacy for the administration.
“Longstanding problems have hounded our primary gateway to the world, much to the disenfranchisement of local and foreign travelers alike. With the approval of the solicited proposal to rehabilitate the NAIA, finally, the work can begin and the country’s issues of low traffic capacity and inadequate facilities, among others, can be addressed,” he said. Manhit said the qualities of a solicit-
ed proposal could be a key factor in the project’s success. “The government’s decision to go for the solicited bid is consistent with its priority of effecting good governance through transparency and equal opportunity,” he said in the statement.
“Qualified bidders are able to present their proposals competitively, where the bid most advantageous to the government, addressing the needs it itself specified, eventually wins.”
Former Rep. Christopher Belmonte, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said the current state of the airport affects citizens in several ways: “... directly, when we and our loved ones travel and are hampered by various choke points and burdened by delays, and indirectly, because of the numerous economic opportunities missed when investors get discouraged and bring their business somewhere else.”
“Our facilities at present are only able to serve 35 million passengers a year; we need to expand this capacity and make it accommodate at least 62 million passengers in the immediate future if we are to compete in the global economy,” he added.
THE government is investing another P14 billion to develop access roads and bridges to tourist destinations across the country, according to Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo.
The P14-billion budget is itemized in the national spending plan for 2024 and is on top of the P17.7 billion already earmarked for the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) this year, he said.
Rillo is a member of the committee on appropriations and vice chairperson of the committee on tourism.
“We expect the incremental spending for the TRIP to create a multitude of construction-related jobs that effectively redistribute income to poorer households,” he said.
“The improved infrastructure will also help drive tourist traffic and employment growth in accommodation, transport, food and beverage services, entertainment, and other activities in the (tourism) value chain,” he added.
The TRIP bankrolls the construction and upgrading of roads and bridges leading to declared tourist sites that are not yet covered by other funding sources.
The Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways have jointly identified the projects under the TRIP in support of the National Tourism Development Plan.
Based on DOT data submitted to Congress, a total of 2,938,717 foreign tourists and 279,668 Filipinos who are permanent residents abroad visited the Philippines from January to July this year, Rillo said.
THE bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) is set to deliberate on Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s designation as the Department of National Defense (DND) chief on Sept. 13.
“The CA’s committee on national defense chaired by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo will hold its confirmation hearing on Secretary Teodoro’s ad interim appointment on the second Wednesday of September,” CA assistant minority leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said.
The Constitution empowers the 25-member CA to pore over the competence, fitness and integrity of key presidential appointees, including Cabinet members, and to approve or disapprove them.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Teodoro as head of the DND on June 6. Teodoro, 59, graduated at the top of his class at the University of the Philippines College of Law and topped the 1989 Bar exams.
A week ago, CA confirmed the appointments of 30 senior military officers, led by Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“The CA’s committee on foreign affairs chaired by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada will also hold confirmation hearings on Sept. 13 on the nominations of Charlie Manangan as ambassador to Iraq, and Kira Azucena, as resident ambassador to Niue, in addition to being ambassador to New Zealand,” Pimentel said. Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will revert to the previous guidelines on immigration protocols.
The government earlier suspended the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities.
“We revert back to the 2015 guidelines while the 2023 revised guidelines are suspended,” Justice Assistant Secretary Dominic Clavano said, in a text message to reporters.
Clavano made the statement as the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) vowed to review the travel guidelines for international-bound Filipinos, whose implementation was temporarily suspended amid concerns from several quarters.
The IACAT said it passed a resolution during a special meeting on Saturday formally suspending the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities.
‘’It was further resolved that the IACAT shall revisit the 2023 Guidelines and shall further strengthen its information and education campaign to convey to the public the essential purpose and grave concerns that the 2023 Guidelines seek to address, the IACAT said.
The revised guidelines were supposed to be implemented on Sunday, September 3, but lawmakers and some outbound Filipino travelers raised howls over against possible infringement on their right to travel.Rey E. Requejo
—The Nobel Foundation said it was reversing its decision to invite ambassadors from Russia and Belarus to this year’s Nobel award ceremony in Stockholm, after the move sparked a backlash.
In 2022, the Nobel Foundation, which organizes the annual Nobel prize ceremony and banquet in Stockholm, decided not to invite the Russian and Belarusian ambassadors to the Stockholm award event because of the war in Ukraine.
They made the same decision regarding the Iranian envoy over the country’s crackdown on a wave of protests.
right to reach out as widely as possible with the values and messages that the Nobel Prize stands for.”
It noted however that the strong reactions “completely overshadowed this message.”
“We, therefore, choose to repeat last year’s exception to regular practice -- that is, to not invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm,” the foundation said in a statement.
Last year, the Norwegian Nobel Institute still invited all ambassadors to the Peace Prize ceremony it organizes in Oslo, and the foundation said this would be the case again.
“As before, all ambassadors will be invited to the ceremony in Oslo,” it noted.
The decision to once again invite the Russian and Belarusian representatives sparked ire in Sweden and abroad.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE. Pope Francis arrives for an Ecumenical and inter-religious meeting in Ulaanbaatar on Sinday. He will show support for interfaith dialogue during his final full day in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, a visit that has seen him seek to build bridges with China. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC—Thousands of people were ordered to shelter in place at the Burning Man festival in the western state of Nevada on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) after heavy rains turned the desert site into a mud pit and forced organizers to close the gates.
“Do not travel to Black Rock City!” Burning Man organizers tweeted, referring to the desert area where the alternative festival takes place.
“Access to the city is closed for the remainder of the event, and you will be turned away.”
Organizers urged festival goers already on site to “conserve food, water and fuel, and shelter in a warm, safe space.”
They said rain was unlikely to stop until Sunday night. The festival was scheduled to conclude on Monday.
Due to downpours, the “playa,” the
huge open-air esplanade where the event unfolds, was rendered impassable.
Last year, the festival contended with an intense heat wave and strong winds, which made the experience difficult for the “burners,” as festival goers are known.
Launched in 1986 in San Francisco, Burning Man aims to be an undefinable event, somewhere between a celebration of counterculture and a spiritual retreat.
Initially organized on a San Francisco beach, Burning Man has become a structured festival, with a budget of nearly $45 million (2018 figures) and over 75,000 participants at the last edition, down from the previous one in 2019.
The festival culminates each year with the ceremonial burning of a 40foot (12-meter) effigy. AFP
The Swedish foundation however said Thursday it was returning to its previous practice of inviting ambassadors from all countries represented in Sweden, sparking a wave of angry reactions.
The foundation said Saturday the decision was based on its belief “that it is important and
Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko wrote on Facebook that the foundation should support efforts to isolate Russia and Belarus as “millions of Ukrainians suffer from an unprovoked war and the Russian regime is not punished for its crimes”.
On Saturday, Nikolenko called the reversal a “victory for humanism.” AFP
LONDON, United Kingdom—The UK government announced on Sunday early stage plans to erect a permanent memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth II, alongside a national legacy program in her honor, in 2026.
The “fitting tribute” to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who died in September last year aged 96 after 70
years on the throne, will be unveiled
to coincide with what would have been her 100th birthday.
A newly-formed entity—the Queen Elizabeth memorial committee—will consider and recommend proposals for the memorial and legacy program, government department the Cabinet Office said.
POST TYPHOON.
People make their way past fallen trees in the aftermath of Typhoon Saola in Tseung Kwan O in Hong Kong last Saturday. Saola swept across southern China last weekend after tearing down trees and smashing windows in Hong Kong, although the megacity avoided a feared direct hit from one of the region’s strongest storms in decades. AFP
The independent body—to be headed by Robin Janvrin, the late sovereign’s former private secretary—will consider her life, decades of public service and the causes she supported, it added.
Janvrin, a member of parliament’s unelected House of Lords chamber, called his appointment “an honour.”
“It will be a unique challenge to try to capture for future generations Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary contribution to our national life throughout her very long reign,” he added.
Senior royal, political and other figures and experts are set to be appointed to the committee to develop ideas and bring their recommendations to her heir, King Charles III, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The committee will also seek suggestions from the public during the preparatory process. AFP
THE government unveiled a plan to drill more oil and natural gas wells to boost local production and reduce reliance on imported commodities.
More oil and gas drillings are expected under the Department of Energy’s proposed Philippine Energy Plan for 2023 to 2050 that would bring local production to 4.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 42.14 million barrels of crude oil by 2050.
The oil and gas industry roadmap covers short term (2023 to 2024), medium term
ANGKAS
ANNIVERSARY.
Angkas rewards at least 50 of its bikers with life-changing packages that include a house and lot and brand-new motorcycles in recognition of their loyalty and invaluable contributions to the success of the motorcycle taxi company’s operations in the Philippines.
Dubbed as Tagumpay
Night: Gabi ng Parangal Para sa mga Liga ng Lodi, the event was held at the Blue Leaf Event Pavilion in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Sept. 2, 2023.
With the Angkas bikers are CEO George Royeca (right) and co-founder Angeline Tham (center).
(2025 to 2028) and long-term (2029 to 2050) goals.
It calls for the drilling of at least two oil and one gas field prospects in the short term that would expand the country’s potential resources by 4.5 million to 15 million barrels of oil and 217 billion cubic feet of gas.
The DOE specifically aims to produce 1.2 MMB of crude oil and 220 billion cubic feet of natural gas during the period.
The DOE said that for the medium term, it is looking at increasing potential resources with additional 8.77 to 19.23 MMB of oil and 2.6 TCF of gas prospects from the development of two oil and four gas fields. This is expected to lead to actual production of around 15.9 MMB of oil and 522.4 BCF of natural gas in the medium term.
It said for the long term, the government
LMG owners end talks to sell
P402-m stake to Maxwealth
By Jenniffer B. Austria
plans to drill six oil and six gas prospects to unlock an additional resources of 1,436 to 4,039 MMB of oil and 11.7 to 24.3 TCF of gas.
The drillings are estimated to produce 42.14 MMB of crude oil and 4.6 TCF of natural gas in the long term.
DOE director for energy policy and planning bureau Michael Sinocruz said the agency was planning to conduct the Philippine Gradiometry and Seismic Geophysical Survey Project where new data would be used “to provide a comprehensive analysis on unexplored basins”. Data from the DOE show there are 17 active petroleum service contracts in the Philippines, including 11 in the exploration phase and six in the production phase.
LMG Corp. said its major shareholders terminated talks to sell a controlling stake in the company to financial technology firm Maxwealth Infinity Holdings Corp.
LMG said in a disclosure to the stock exchange said it received information from principal shareholders Ann Marrieta Sytin, Robinson Siao and Value Quest Securities Corp. that they terminated the share purchase agreement over the failure of both parties to close the transaction before the Aug. 31, 2023 deadline.
Under the agreement signed in June, MIHC agreed to purchase 129.674 million shares in LMG owned by the Sytin and Siao families equivalent to 67-percent stake at P3.10 apiece for a total of P402 million.
The parties agreed that the completion and closing of the transaction should be on Aug. 31 2023, or such later date as may be agreed by the parties. The failure to close the transaction is a ground for termination of the agreement, it said.
“As of 31 August 2023, the closing contemplated in the agreement has not occurred and the parties did not reach an agreement for the extension,” LMG said.
Following the termination of the agreement, LMG asked the Philippine Stock Exchange to lift the trading suspension on the company’s shares.
MIHC in 2022 ventured into financial technology with the goal of making the said industry more inclusive by promoting finance, remittances, loans and other economic activities. The group has been working on providing agricultural financial services and an e-wallet project that includes an online payment system.
MIHC also planned to diversify its portfolio by investing in the hospitality industry such as leisure and resort businesses, hotels and restaurants as well as the construction industry.
The Sytin and Siao families acquired majority interests in LMG from Garcia-led Chemical Industries of the Philippines Inc. in 2017.
LMG, however, remains a shell company.
THE information and communications technology subsidiary of PLDT Inc. signed a strategic partnership with Singapore-based WIZ.AI to offer next-generation conversation voice AIpowered customer engagement solution.
The collaboration would bring customer service in the Philippines to another level with enterprises across different industries benefiting from improved client engagement, while optimizing cost-efficiency and fostering profit growth.
“It is our goal to help enterprises accelerate
digital transformation. Our partnership with WIZ.AI will help make Conversational AI accessible to enterprises in the Philippines, essentially enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experience to their end users,” ePLDT president and chief executive Victor Genuino, said. He said ePLDT initially deployed the WIZ. AI TalkBot solution to PLDT and Smart to do payment reminder calls to PLDT Home and Smart postpaid customers. After six months, the companies reported an 82-percent increase in average productive calls per day and sub-
stantial savings in operational expenditures. WIZ.AI Talkbot provides humanized and hyper-localized conversational AI solution, which understands and intelligently responds to 11 languages and accents including Tagalog/Taglish and English. It provides roundthe-clock automated customer service, the two parties said in a joint statement. Its ability to automate basic routine tasks effectively reduces the call load of human agents and enables employees to concentrate on more complex tasks where they can add the most value, WIZ.AI said.
LOCAL stocks are expected move with a downward bias this week because of economic headwinds that could dampen investor confidence, analysts said over the weekend.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said investors were expected to take cues from the upcoming August inflation data which may settle within a range of 4.8 percent to 5.6 percent. “Worries that inflation will raise again amid food and fuel price pressures could pull the market lower,” he said.
Analysts said while the August inflation might be higher than 4.7 percent in July, a steep rise could lead to fresh volatility in the market. Tantiangco said as investors were still cautious, bringing back confidence in the local economy remained challenging over the short term.
China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said market direction would also be dictated by investors’ reaction on US jobs report, China’s efforts to prop up its economy and the Philippine inflation print. “Traders may bet on ‘bad news is good news’ as a softening US labor market, which saw a rise in unemployment to its highest since February 2022, makes the case for the US Federal Reserve to hold policy rates steady this month,” Colet said. Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Bureau of Customs said over the weekend it exceeded its August 2023 collection target through efficient operations, enhanced trade activities and robust revenue collection measures.
It said in a statement it collected P75.642 billion in August, surpassing the P72.275-billion target of the interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee by 4.7 percent or P3.367 billion.
This brought the agency’s total collection in the first eight months to P582.133 billion, also exceeding the target of P567.740 billion by 2.54 percent or equivalent to P14.393 billion. It was also 4.24 percent higher than the collection of P558.455 billion in the same period last year.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended the dedicated men and women of the bureau for their exceptional performance, which are instrumental in achieving the revenue milestone.
Rubio said the Customs’ performance above revenue targets demonstrated its commitment to fiscal responsibility and its role in contributing to economic growth and stability.
Julito G. RadaAmaia
‘Company of the Year’
AMAIA Land, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, was awarded a Gold Stevie Award for “Company of the Year” in the real estate (large) category at the prestigious International Business Awards.
Besting entries from countries around the globe, Amaia said this is truly a proud moment given that it is an affordable housing developer catering to the middleincome segment of the Philippine market.
Amaia established itself as a true industry innovator over the course of the past 13 years by setting new benchmarks in design, quality and sustainability for the market that it serves. The company revolutionized the affordable real estate market since its inception more than a decade ago with its commitment to developing homes that respond to the needs of the Filipino people.
The company has launched over 35,000 residential units in 40 projects across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, with over 20,000 units delivered to buyers.
Amaia also incorporated various eco-friendly features in its developments. It also introduced new and innovative offers to make homeownership easier and within reach of its market.
Various digital platforms, including online interactive digital tours, are available to facilitate the selection process for property seekers. Value-for-money packages with easy-on-the-pocket payment terms aim to make Amaia’s quality and secure homes accessible to an even greater number of hard-working Filipinos.
IT HAS been another season of extreme weather, with everything from record temperatures to devastating floods hammering countries around the world. But one of the most worrying trends has been what scientists have called an unprecedented planet-wide ocean heatwave.
June saw the highest ever average global ocean surface temperatures, with local records being set from Ireland to Antarctica. In Florida, waters reached 38°C. The North Atlantic recorded its hottest ever temperature in July. And the Mediterranean Sea hit 28.7°C, an alltime high.
So, why are marine temperatures reaching unprecedented levels? Experts say it is a combination of factors, from the climate crisis to flagging winds over the Sahara Desert. They also say the record temperatures have deep implications for both ocean life and humanity.
“The effects of ocean heatwaves are varied and extremely damaging,” said Leticia Carvalho, the head of Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “We know severe temperature rises can lead to mass mortalities of sea life, increase ocean acidification and disrupt the currents that influence our weather patterns, potentially causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses and posing a severe risk to global food security.”
Marine heatwaves doubled in frequency between 1982 and 2016 and have become longer and more intense since the 1980s, found a 2021 study by
the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The latest heatwave is being driven by climate change, said Carvalho. As humanity burns fossil fuels, massive amounts of planet-warming greenhouse gasses are flooding into the atmosphere. Much of that heat is being absorbed by the ocean.
This not only results in higher marine temperatures, it also makes the ocean less effective at absorbing carbon dioxide, leaving more of the greenhouse gas to percolate in the atmosphere.
The climate crisis is being compounded by the natural El Niño climate pattern now underway, which is driving up sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
There are other causes of the ocean heatwave, too. Weaker-than-average winds have reduced the amount of Saharan dust in the atmosphere, which usually reduces sea temperatures by blocking some of the sun’s energy.
Hotter marine temperatures can have a devastating effect on marine life, and there have been multiple mass mortalities of marine animals and plants due to ocean heatwaves.
One example is the mass die off of Alaskan Snow Crabs in the Bering Sea, where the population dropped from approximately 11 billion to less than 2 billion in four years. As a result, the American state of Alaska closed the snow crab season for the first time in October 2022.
Heatwaves can also cause damaging algal blooms, coral bleaching, the displacement of marine species—as they search for colder water—and the disruption of food chains. UNEP estimates that 25 to 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed, and that all coral reefs will be dead by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically cut.
Increased marine temperatures can be harmful on land too, causing extreme weather, such as storms and hurricanes.
As water temperatures rise—and average ocean temperatures have risen 1.5°C in the past century—marine ecosystems’ ability to absorb local temperature rises is reduced, further increasing the likelihood of more marine heatwaves.
“The ocean is a vital carbon sink,” Carvalho says. “It absorbs 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by carbon dioxide emissions and generates 50 per cent of the oxygen we need. It is the lungs of the planet, and regulates our climate. However, it is in serious peril and we need to immediately prioritize protection and restoration efforts.”
The worst may not be over, with America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warning that half of the world’s oceans may experience marine heatwaves by September. And with no sign of global emissions reducing, these often catastrophic events may become far more common in the years to come.
One part of the world increasingly vulnerable to marine heatwaves is Antarctica, which plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate system.
Since 1992, the Antarctic has been losing around 100 billion tons of ice per year, and this year saw the lowest winter ice extent on record, about 2.6 million square kilometers below the 1981-2010 average.
Less sea ice not only means possible future sea level rises, it means that there’s less ice to reflect the sun’s energy, resulting in higher sea temperatures and more frequent marine heatwaves, a vicious cycle that could have global ramifications.
“This summer really needs to be a wake-up call that the effects of climate change are being seen in all ecosystems in every part of the world,” says Carvalho. “There needs to be a reduction in emissions, but also more investment in nature-based solutions as well as more research into monitoring marine heatwaves.” UNEP News
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for collaborations with infrastructure and public works agencies for a program that uses bamboo to fight massive flooding nationwide even as climate experts have been acknowledging the plant’s climate-smart superiority.
DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor
B. Savellano is standing his ground in asserting how bamboo is now globally positioned as a flood-control device. This has been proven effective, and Philippines should similarly adopt best practices and technologies. “Bamboo’s number one characteristic is it is fast-growing. Second is it fights soil erosion. When it comes to costeffectiveness, bamboo will be our excellent ally, second to none,” said Savellano. He stresses Philippines’ thrust toward bamboo propagation is an urgent imperative with the perennial floods, as President
Bamboo matters
• Bamboo produces 35 percent more oxygen than other stand of trees. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol recognized that carbon sequestration is one of the most practical ways to fight climate change. Bamboo sequesters up to 15 times carbon dioxide compared to other trees.
“A recently documented case in Allahabad, India, tells of the rebuilding of rural livelihoods where 80,000 hectares of degraded land were brought back into productivity using bamboo as a pioneer species. In 2018, INBAR released a report about the benefits of bamboo for land restoration in eight countries: China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand,” IFAD reported. INBAR stands for International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
• Bamboo forests are a habitat for fauna and flora. Bamboo is an important part of a biodiverse ecosystem. Many animals and human rely on bamboo for food and shelter.
• With its biomass for renewable energy, bamboo is a sustainable source to replace fossil fuel. Its pellets has high calorific or heating value like coal, without polluting emissions. Calorific heating value of bamboo pellets equals that of coal with 4,500 Kcal/kilo to 5,000 Kcal/kilo.
• Bamboo can replace hardwood for any application.
• There are 10,000 documented uses of bamboo products from paper and pulp products, flooring, musical instruments, furniture, construction materials
• Bamboo reduces poverty and provides livelihoods for local farmers.
“Bamboo’s rapid establishment and growth allow for frequent harvesting. This allows farmers to flexibly adapt their management and harvesting practices to new growing conditions as they emerge under climate change. Bamboo provides a year-round source of income, and can be converted into an increasingly wide variety of value-added products for sale,” reported IFAD.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself committed to abiding by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Even with its own effort, the Kilusang 5K (Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kinabukasan) Foundation Inc., Savelleno’s own founded firm, is participating in as much as 26,000 hectares of bamboo planting in the Marikina Watershed. It is a private-public partnership.
Kilusang 5K piloted since 2021 with 30 hectares of bamboo planting in Karugo and Puray, Montalban. It is a part of the Marikina watershed to whose denudation is blamed in Metro Manila’s destructive flooding. Bamboo plays these important roles in solving flooding—rehabilitation of degraded land, reforestation, carbon sequestration and poverty alleviation.
With some bamboo species growing by more than one meter per day, bamboo must be the fastest growing plant on earth.
Guada Bamboo in Latin America, exporter of giant tropical bamboo, reported that “one hectare of Guada Bamboo forest can store more than 30,000 liters of water in its culms during rainy season, which it gradually deposits back in the soil during dry season.”
ANOTHER venture to preserve the majestic sea turtle species in Bataan succeeded, with the local government unit teaming up with La Union last week under the sponsorship of GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD).
Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA), about their methods in rehabilitating injured pawikans, and inspiring volunteerism in the province.
CURMA, one of La Union’s flagship associations in preserving marine life, is restoring a malnourished sea turtle in the facility. The efforts were also initiated by volunteers, much like the Sitio Fuerte Sagip Pawikan Association, which is why the group truly made the most of the visit by sharing practices from all organizations to get inspiration on which one they could implement.
The group, consisting of representatives from Bataan’s Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Bataan Peninsula State University, Sitio Fuerte Sagip Pawikan Association, and GNPD’s Community Relations Department, were welcomed into the province of La Union by Governor Rafy Ortega-David. The courtesy call turned out to be one of the wins of the benchmarking program, as Gov. Ortega stressed the fruitful partnership between the Bataan LGU and La Union LGU, which helped make the visit possible.
“Naniniwala kami na walang tourism kung hindi maayos ang ating environment dito sa La Union,” Ortega said.
“We value our commitment to our environment and allotted 60 percent of the department’s budget to environment-related projects to foster our corporate social responsibility,” said Arcel Madrid, assistant vice president for community relations of GNPD.
To further introduce the Bataenos to their pawikan conservation efforts, the team proceeded to meet and discuss with Carlos Tamayo, president of
A NEW global environmental fund marks a major step towards securing the wellbeing of biodiversity in developing countries and will help to ensure sustainable utilization of their natural resources, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said.
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, launched at the Global Environmental Facility Assembly in Vancouver, Canada, will support the implementation of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and guide nature towards recovery by 2050.
Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, recently stressed the importance of the Kunming-Montreal Framework and the role of agriculture and food systems in addressing global challenges.
“The Framework places agrifood systems at the forefront of an enormous challenge that will require important financial resources, coordination, and commitment to implement win-win solutions for people and the planet.”
She added that the new fund is a critical part of climate action, and a vital step in making these solutions a reality.
The significance of biodiversity in agrifood systems cannot be understated.
Biodiversity is the variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels, and it is an indispensable component of food
La Union is not only passionate about saving pawikans—it also aims to enrich all kinds of life, as introduced by Toby Tamayo of Beekeeper’s La Union Farm. Amid the tall bamboo trees and vivid forests of the farm were innovative practices on how bamboo species that may not survive in Philippine weather can thrive in the right hands. Indeed, this initiative is not wasted in vain, seeing as how La Union’s alluring scenery goes beyond that of its beaches and sunny sights.
After a very productive visit at CURMA, the team was awed by the sprawling corals of Immuki Island and the mangroves of Bauang Bakawan Eco-tourism Park, which furthers the environmental ties of the province to GNPD. The group had a chance to witness the corals and mangroves in the area, which are also part of GNPD’s prospects back home in Bataan.
The benchmarking program concluded with a courtesy call from Bauang Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. de Guzman III, who also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership between the LGUs. GNPD is dedicated to developing long-term, dependable environmental and social development initiatives relevant to nurturing and supporting its community and environment to cocreate positive change and empower progress.
FAO deputy director-general Maria Helena Semedo security, sustainable development and agricultural stability.
It encompasses domesticated plants and animals that are part of crop, livestock, forest or aquaculture systems, harvested forest and aquatic species, the wild relatives of domesticated species, and other wild species harvested for food and other products.
More than half of the targets in the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework directly pertain to agrifood sectors, and FAO is entrusted with overseeing four key indicators: ecosystem restoration, fish stocks, sustainable agriculture areas, and responsible forest management.
According to FAO, transforming agrifood systems to make them more sustainable can yield multiple benefits, including the preservation of biodiversity.
Such actions involve diversifying production by integrating multiple species, breeds, or varieties, and promoting habitat diversity within local landscapes and seascapes. These initiatives support climate action, enhance resilience, uplift livelihoods and improve food security and nutrition. UN News
EMILIO Aguinaldo
College battled back from two sets down then wore down San Beda U in the decider to snatch a 14-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 15-11 victory and keep its slims semifinal hopes alive in the VLeague Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Frelwin Taculog came up big from the bench, scoring 17 points, including a crucial ace in the fifth that gave the Generals a 1310 cushion. He also came through with 10 excellent receptions that helped fuel the team’s late surge in the third that had them striking back from 22-23 down to extend the match.
EAC built on that escape to dominate the fourth then went on to complete the victory in a duel of unbeaten teams.
The Generals thus snapped a fourgame skid while inflicting the Red Spikers their fourth straight defeat in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
But you knew that already.
And so his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 was just an affirmation of his vast talents. He, together with Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and Dwight Ramos are the future of Philippine basketball.
This early, the Gilas Pilipinas guard has already been drawing praises from South Sudan’s Carlik Jones and China’s Kyle Anderson on how he played and defended against them.
But for Abando, it was the crowd support that energized him when Gilas posted a 96-75 win over China in the World Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
“We’re very happy with the win, but I can only wish we played this way in our previous games. It’s unfortunate. Us teammates just believed in each other. Coach [Chot Reyes] always tells us to lean on
each other,” said Abando.
The 25-year-old Abando had his best game in the tournament as he finished with 14 points and five rebounds, but his moment to shine came during the third quarter.
Abando helped turn things around with birthday celebrant Dwight Ramos with the count tied at 48-all.
After Ramos blocked a shot by Jinqui Ju in the final 5:26, Abando grabbed the rebound in the next play.
From there, Jordan Clarkson unloaded 24 points of his total of 34 points in the third period as Gilas went on to post the 21-point win over the Chinese.
“Marami akong lapses. Nakita niyo naman iyung decision-making ko. Buti na lang, bumawi ako sa mga turnovers du’n sa mga baskets na nai-score,” said Abando. Reyes, before stepping down, said that Abando will be among the young players
he expects to shine for Gilas in the future.
“The future with these guys, the core that we have right now, that’s a very young core,” said Reyes.
Anderson was impressed by the performances not only of Clarkson, but of Abando as well.
Anderson, a forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, experienced how good Abando was on the defensive end.
A block from Abando on Anderson touched off a wild roar from the crowd.
“I’m not sure what’s his name or number, he got the block on me in my euro step, he turned the game around, him [Abando] and Jordan Clarkson turned the game around,” Anderson said.
Jones, seeing action for the Chicago Bulls in the coming NBA season, also had much respect for Abando for his great plays on the defensive end during the Philippines’ clash with South Sudan.
“It’s ball pressure the whole game. Big shoutout to him (Abando), man. I think he played well, he defended well. I tried to put him in as many ball screens as he could to relieve some of that pressure and so to get other guys open. I think he played well,” added Jones.
ALETHEA Gaccion drew strength from her 18-hole stroke play win as she held off Velinda Castil’s strong showing in two skills sets in the drive, chip and putt challenge to clinch the overall girls’ 15-18 championship in the ICTSI JPGT VisMin Classic at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro over the weekend.
Zeus Sara, who placed third in 18-hole play Friday, took the boys’ 15-18 overall trophy with 17 points, foiling Simon Wahing and stroke play topnotcher Ken Zonio, who finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the two-day tournament that drew 123 players from the 9-to-18 age group classes and 15 kids in the 8-and-under category.
Other division winners were Clement Ordeneza of Del Monte and Isabella Tabanas of Pueblo (13-14), Pueblo’s Ralph Batican and Johanna Uyking of Apo Golf (11-12), and Jared Saban of Brittanika and Cebu’s Zuri Bagaloyos (9-10).
Gaccion and Castil actually finished tied for first with combined 19 points after the 18-hole and DCP (drive, chip and
By Riera U. MallariAge-group winners in the ICTSI JPGT VisMin Classic hold their trophies as they pose during awards rites at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club over the weekend. They are (from left) Zuri Bagaloyos and Jared Saban (9-10); Johanna Uyking and Ralph Batican (11-12); Isabella Tabanas and Clement Ordeneza (13-14); and Alethea Gaccion and Zeus Sara (15-18).
OUTSIDE the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the heavens cried as monsoon rains battered the metro. Inside the Big Dome, however, was jubilation as Gilas Pilipinas whipped up a storm to pound a hapless Chinese team in a game of basketball in front of an exuberant crowd of 11 thousand.
A face among the ecstatic crowd was Ernie ‘Nini’ Nisperos, a water delivery boy in Malibay, Pasay. He used up his day’s earnings and some savings to purchase a P499-worth general admission ticket to watch his team live, for the last time in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Nini watched Gilas’ first four games in his almost wornout OPPO phone, using the wifi password of his neighbor. He had no subscription to the Pilipinas Live app licensed to stream the games of the World Cup, but there was always the “colorum” streaming service that gives shout-outs to top GCash donors.
Never mind that Gilas had suffered four straight losses and was in danger of matching a dubious
record by Colombia of a host country to have never won a game in the World Cup.
But tonight, he decided he had to see his idol and doppelganger Rhenz Abando play. His girlfriend wanted to come along, but raising a thousand bucks was a challenge. And so she decided to stay home to watch the game on her phone using the neighbor’s wifi.
“Support pa din tayo bai, laban lang,” said Nini, wearing the unlicensed Gilas Pilipinas jacket he brought from Cartimar. Inside its pockets were two Skyflakes biscuits to tide him on, as he couldn’t afford the P80 hotdog sandwhich at SNAXX.
Nini, in a way, represented thousands, perhaps millions of other Filipino fans, frustrated at Gilas’ winless campaign in this year’s biggest basketball stage – they’re hurt, but they plod on.
You see, basketball in the Philippines is like religion. They call their teams San Miguel and Sta. Lucia. They even christened one player Saint Dwight. Thousands more pray for their PBA teams to win, than to wish for better officials.
“Mananalo din ‘yan ngayon. Si (Jordan) Clarkson,
putt) competitions. But the former took the overall championship with the higher 18-hole points to lead 23 others to the national finals of the pioneering Junior PGT Series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
The top three placers in four age divisions will thus join the top Luzon JPGT finishers in the national finals set next month at The Country Club.
Abby Abarcas placed third overall in the girls’ 15-18 with 16 points she earned from two formats.
Gaccion, from Pueblo de Oro, scored 51 Molave points to edge Del Monte’s Castil by two points to top the 18-hole tournament last Friday with Abarcas, also from Del Monte, ending up third with 45 points.
But Castil shone in the skills challenge, topping the putting side ahead of Princess Babia and Gaccion, while placing second in chipping ruled by Abarcas with Gaccion winding up third.
Abarcas also topped the driving test over Therese Miñoza and Gaccion, respectively.
hindi pa pumuputok. Si Kai din,” said Nini, who knows his basketball like the palm of his callused hands.
He also had a mouthful for coach Chot Reyes, words that will never see print.
Nini wasn’t aware that the Philippines-China game had an underlying political undertone involving the two countries’ tug-of-war for the West Philippine Sea.
All he wanted was a good game, just like the one against the Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dominican Republic.
Just one good game, and Nini can call it a World Cup.
Nini didn’t get one. He got a fantastic one.
NBA star Clarkson transformed into a mad man with 24 third-quarter points highlighted by four straight triples in a spectacular run that turned a 39-40 halftime deficit into a 73-50 lead. The rest of the pack played their roles to the hilt, Rhenz, Kai, AJ, JuneMar, Scottie and of course, birthday boy Saint Dwight.
The fans, Nini included, played theirs to perfection, too – scream until their lungs burst.
The screaming continued even after Gilas pulled off a 96-75 win, which Reyes, who stepped down as coach
Middle Jester Bormel likewise shone in a change of role, coming away with 15 points, including 13 on attacks, and providing the needed backup for Taculog.
“Magandang halimbawa sila na kahit naghahanap pa kami ng tao na p’wedeng pumosisyon na p’wede naming madala sa NCAA. Maganda na makita na meron silang potensyal,” said EAC coach Rod Palmero.
The power-hitting Kevin Montemayor top-scored with 20 points while Andrei Bakil added 15 markers for San Beda, whose 37 errors took their toll on the Red Spikers’ bid.
Games
NICOL Canlas emerged as one of the winningest medallists of the recently concluded Allstar Hong Kong (U17) Fencing Championships 2023 in Kawloon Bay.
The 12-year-old Canlas, one of nine high school freshmen in the University of the East fencing team, finished with a four-medal haul to lead the Philippines to six gold medals, eight silvers and 12 bronzes for a second-place finish in their foil events.
In the separate event of the sabre and foil championships, Filipino fencers grabbed 12 golds, 17 silvers and 18 bronzes to carry the Philippines to the top spot with Hong Kong in second (11-9-24).
Overall, the performances earned Filipino fencers a total of 18 gold medals, 25 silvers and 30 bronzes.
A seventh grade student-athlete, Canlas conquered the under-12 girls’ sabre and then earned two silver medals in the under-12 mixed team and in the under-14 girl’s sabre team.
“It’s always a proud moment every time we get a medal. We’re just happy to win medals for our country, for the school and for our respective families,” said Canlas, the daughter of former national coach Rolando Canlas Jr.
In taking the under-12 crown, Canlas turned back Ma. Elise Acuzar, 15-8, for the girls’ sabre gold. Also winning gold medals were Louis Shoemaker in the boys’ under-17 foil and Allison Sophia Santiago in the girls’ under-17 sabre events.
Teammates Mika Ragot and Willa Galvez all made podium finishes to share the top honors with Canlas. Ragot, also a Grade 7 student at the Recto-based school and daughter of former UE fencer Alex Ragot, placed second in the under-12 girls’ epee to get a silver medal in the three-day meet. Galvez, on the other hand, went home with a triple bronze medal haul, when she placed tied for fourth with Canlas Fencing teammate Yuna Canlas in the under-12 girls’ foil division of the tournament organized by the Hong Kong Fencing School.
The young Galvez also powered her CF Team A with Marian Castro, Hagia del Castillo and Lily Juico to
Gilas’ triumph. FIBA
later, said was their peace offering to Filipinos.
Peace be with you, too, coach Chot, Gilas.
As Nini boarded the Baclaran bus on his way home, there was a smile on his face. For two hours, he completely forgot about the biscuits that he brought to the game, the misery of life, the rising price of rice and his girlfriend, who may have been messaging him on his data-starved and beaten phone. Nini’s stomach was empty, but his mind was filled with happy memories and his heart, full of hope—for Gilas, for himself and for his country. Laban lang, Bai.
RHENZ Abando has always been a terrific basketball player for the University of Santo Tomas, Letran and then the Anyang KGC in the Korean Basketball League.
BRADLEY Cooper transforms into legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, which got its world premiere in Venice Saturday ahead of a disastrous screening for Roman Polanski’s latest and possibly final film.
Cooper’s metamorphosis into Bernstein was described as “eerily exact” by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while many said Carey Mulligan matched him beat-for-beat as Bernstein’s wife Felicia. There has been some internet-driven controversy over the size of Cooper’s prosthetic nose – seen by some as perpetuating stereotypes
about Jews. But Variety felt the “tempest-in-a-teapot” was misplaced and that the nose, already defended by Bernstein’s family, “works terrifically well.”
Maestro, which Cooper also directed, is a classical slow-burn drama that focuses less on the West Side Story composer’s music than his complex love life, torn between the deep attachment to his wife and his bisexuality.
Neither star was present for the premiere due to the Hollywood actors strike, foregoing the splashy red carpet launch Cooper gave his previous hit, A Star is Born, in Venice.
By Angelica Villanueva
YOUNG actress Andrea Brillantes revealed that she asked her “godparent” Carlo Aquino for some love advice. The young star shared that this happened while she and Carlo were spending their free time with their co-stars from Comedy
Meanwhile, Polanski’s out-of-competition premiere of The Palace turned into a fiasco that had nothing to do with the controversy around the director’s historic child sex conviction. The broad, old-fashioned farce, set in Swiss hotel on New Year’s Eve 1999 and starring Mickey Rourke and John Cleese, was pummelled with one-star reviews. Variety called it a “laughless debacle”.
Several critics pre-empted claims they were being harsh on the director for political reasons, insisting it was easily the worst film he had ever made. AFP
with
“We were inside a bahay kubo (traditional Filipino hut), and I was ninong, Kuya Carlo, and co-stars Ate Cai and Kuya Je. Suddenly, we had the opportunity to talk about love,” Andrea recounted.
Both of them were among the lead stars of Prime Video’s Comedy Island Philippines, along Awra Briguela, Rufa Mae Quinto, Jerald Napoles, Cai Cortez, Justine Luzares, and Drew Arellano
“Since I knew they had more experience in relationships, and Kuya Carlo is my ninong, I asked for some love advice, and it got emotional to the point where I started crying,” she continued. “They gave me a lot of advice, even Sir Drew. I asked each one of them for pointers. In fact, I still have them in my notes,” she added. Comedy actress Cai Cortez then asked Andrea if she had followed their advice, to which Andrea quickly replied, “At that time, During that period, Andrea was still in a relationship with basketball player and model Ricci Rivero until their breakup in June of the current year.
In her defense, the Senior High star stated that she has since been able to apply their advice to her current relation-
“But I must say, I’ve applied it now,” she added. When asked about her current life mantra during Comedy Island Philpress conference, Andrea emphasized the importance of prioritizing self-love.
“You should love yourself before loving someone else,” said the 20-year-old actress.
The six-part show is a hybrid of reality, adventure, scripted and unscripted comedy acts, and planned and impro-
visational scenes involving seven comedians and actors from the country.
Differing from their usual dramatic roles in television series and films, with Carlo currently starring in Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko and Andrea leading the mystery-thriller series Senior High, the two expressed their surprise when Prime Video invited them to be part of the comedy-reality show.
“My question was, ‘Why did they think of me for comedy?’ Of course, I’m still thankful and excited because it involves improvisation, which I haven’t done in comedy. I was nervous, but I accepted,” Carlo said.
On the other hand, Andrea expressed her excitement about working with comedy experts. “I thought maybe I could bring something here. They’re all good at making people laugh, so I thought I could balance it by adding some cuteness,” Andrea quipped.
Helmed by Randolph Longjas, the first three episodes of Comedy Island Philippines are now streaming on Prime Video, with the remaining three episodes set to be available next week.
AS the days get shorter and more relaxed, find your perfect stay-at-home companion in Lionsgate Play. Into heart-stopping thrillers? Or are you in the mood for a thought-provoking drama or laugh-out-loud comedy?
Whatever your preference, Lionsgate Play is your ultimate destination for all your entertainment cravings this September. Make sure to save the dates, stock up on your favorite snacks, and lose yourself in these engrossing stories.
Starstruck S3 (now streaming)
Starring Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo (who is also the show’s creator and co-writer), Starstruck is a refreshing and relatable romantic comedy series set in London, following a millennial navigating two dead-end jobs and the awkward aftermath of a one-night stand. Things take an unexpected turn when she discovers that her fling is actually a famous film star, adding a hilarious layer of complications to her already chaotic life.
Heels S2 (September 22)
A compelling and character-driven drama series, Heels explores the intense rivalry between two brothers in the world of professional wrestling.
Set in small-town Georgia, brothers Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig) clash as Jack assumes the role of the villain, or “heel,” while Ace embraces the hero persona, known as the “face.” Their battle extends beyond the ring as they vie for control of their late father’s wrestling promotion, yearning for national recognition.
The Swing of Things (now streaming)
In this comedy film, Tom (Chord Overstreet) and Laura Jane’s (Olivia Culpo) dream wedding turns unexpectedly when bad weather diverts them to a swinger’s resort in Jamaica instead of their intended Bahamas destination. With their friends, parents, and Laura’s overprotective brother in tow, the couple must contend with booze, weed, naked bodies, and even lusty dolphins on their way to the altar.
The Bank Job (September 8)
Starring Jason Statham and Saffron Burrows, this gripping heist film is inspired by the 1971 Lloyds Bank burglary. London car dealer Terry Leather and former model Martine team up for a daring bank robbery on Baker Street, targeting valuable safe deposit boxes filled with cash, jewelry, and scandals. With an inexperienced team, they face powerful adversaries, including a Trinidadian thug, a bordello owner, and a pornographer, all tied to the bank’s vault.
Howards End (September 8)
Adapted from E.M. Forster’s acclaimed 1910 novel, Howards End is a captivating British-American television drama that delves into the social and class divisions prevalent in early 20th century England. The story revolves around three families: the wealthy Wilcoxes, the gentle and idealistic Schlegels, and the lower-middle-class Basts. As their lives intersect, the series explores the complexities and tensions arising from their disparate backgrounds. Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell, and Philippa Coulthard, Howards End offers a compelling portrayal of societal dynamics, personal relationships, and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing era.
Mr. Robot (September 15)
This gripping and psychologically intense series follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a brilliant yet mentally unstable cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker. Battling social anxiety, dissociative identity disorder, depression, and drug addiction, Elliot finds solace in hacking people and exposing their secrets. His life takes a dramatic turn when he joins forces with the mysterious Mr. Robot and his hacktivist group, society, on a mission to bring down the corrupt corporation he works for and erase all consumer debt.
Antebellum (September 29)
The thriller film stars Janelle Monáe, who plays Veronica Henley, a successful author living in the 21st century. She awakens to a shocking and unimaginable reality, mysteriously transported back in time to a Southern slave plantation, where she is forced into a life of captivity and oppression. As Veronica fights to escape the horrors of her new existence, she becomes determined to unravel the mind-bending mystery behind her predicament before it’s too late.
ONCE upon a time, a pubescent boy of fifteen summers from Navotas started his musical journey as a contestant in the second season of Pinoy Pop Superstar
With his captivating voice, Gerald Santos won the competition and entered the entertainment world. He became a fixture on TV, in concerts, and released albums, facing both success and challenges. Throughout it all, his voice, charisma, talent, and humility propelled him forward.
Fast forward to the present, Santos is now considered as the Philippine National Balladeer and a world-class musical theater artist. He is one of the major performers of the 64th Anniversary Gala of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, billed Anywhere We Sing is Home. He shares the CCP stage with Reb Atadero, Arman Ferrer, Sheila Francisco, Gab Pangilinan, Aicelle Santos-Zembrano, and Joana Ampil. National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab serves as the musical director. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra conductor is Toma Cayabyab
The CCP 64th Anniversary Gala, is a reunion of sorts for Santos and director Floy Quintos who admits that this is the first time for them to work together. He is tickled pink with this artistic collaboration. Quintos has been a believer in his talent since his PPS days and declares that he is a fan of Gerald’s gifts as an artist and performer.
“It is heartwarming, overwhelming, and surreal even, to be part of this gala show,” says the Philippine National balladeer. The concert celebrates all Filipino artists who embody grit, perseverance, adaptability, and resilience that enabled Gerald, and the rest of the performers of the Gala, to excel on whatever stage they conquer and make their own home. For Santos, it brings him joy and pride to be with the Philippines’s crème
dela crème of musical theater artists. He shares a special story about Joana Ampil: “When the Miss Saigon touring production was in Switzerland, she watched the show. I was Thuy and Aicelle was playing Gigi. It was nerve-wracking to know that one of the original Kims watched. There were butterflies in my stomach. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam when one of our growing up icons is in the theater to watch.”
Gerald recollects that after their curtain call, together with Aicelle, they had a night out, movie time, and bonding with the one and only Ampil.
For the CCP gala, Gerald will perform duets with Santos-Zembrano from Miss Saigon and classic original Filipino pop songs.
The international musical theater artist is living proof that dreams do come true. To the dreamers, he says: “Huwag kayong panghihinaan ng loob. What you feel right now is valid. Keep the faith and hold on to the dream. Hone your talent. Always believe that breaks and opportunities will happen, it will come with hard work, discipline, improving and growth, professionalism, listening, and trusting your mentors, and definitely pray, trust, and give thanks to God.”
Gerald recognizes that his value is tied to his recent performances, understanding the fleeting nature of fame and adulation. He stays grounded by recalling his humble beginnings and the advice of his family to remain humble and grateful. As for his future musical endeavors, he hints at exciting prospects without revealing details.
Catch Gerald and other top Filipino artists in Anywhere We Sing Is
are available on Ticketworld.
MY daughter, who lives in a Seattle suburb, surprised me one morning with a ticket to a Harbor Cruise that, she said, would show me another view of the city. Of course, who was I to say no to another chance to feed my insatiable craving for tourist attractions and, at the same time, create treasured delightful moments with my family?
So, with her and my two grandsons in tow, we hopped on an Argosy Cruise vessel named Goodtime III which, true to its name, gave us a very interesting and leisurely two-hour tour of Seattle’s waterfront fringes, while comfortably settled in our top-deck seats on the boat’s bow.
I learned a lot from the live narration on board, as our guide described in detail every nook and cranny of Seattle’s harbor. We started out in Lake Union which is a freshwater lake located entirely within Seattle’s city limits. Just as we started the cruise, we were shown the many houseboats along the eastern and western sides of the lake, one of which was the one used by Tom Hanks in the movie Sleepless in Seattle.
Lake Union is primarily used as a drydock for fishing vessels. In fact, as we sailed, we saw on the waterfront a fleet of large commercial vessels being prepared for their fishing expeditions to the northern Pacific, like those ones we see on cable TV braving humongous waves caused by stormy weather.
What I also found very interesting was when we passed through the Ballard Locks which has a complex system of transporting the cruise vessel from the freshwater of Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound, a body of water a little bit at a lower level than that of the lake. It works the same way as the Panama Canal, when ships sail from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean or vice versa.
A “sound” is a small body of water connected to an ocean. Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, partially enclosed but with a free connection to the open sea. Major cities of Washington state, like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia (the capital), and Everett, are on Puget Sound. The natural resources and scenic vistas of the Puget Sound area have helped shape the prominence of Washington state.
While cruising along the sound, we saw a large Norwegian Cruise Lines ship on its way to Alaska, and our narrator said that dozens of these mega cruise vessels can be seen daily on their way to and from the Northern Pacific.
What got me excited when we sailed along Shilshole Bay was when our narrator told us to look around for Orcas as they would show themselves when a vessel passed by. Orcas are killer whales that actually belong to the dolphin family. I was ready with my camera in case any of these black-and-white sea creatures would show itself. Unfortunately, none surfaced.
A beautiful view we saw was that of the majestic and perennially
snow-capped Mount Rainier which is actually a large active volcano. Located about 95 kilometers south of Seattle, it is the highest mountain in the state of Washington. However, I found out that its beguiling look hides the danger it poses to the state as it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Its large amount of glacial ice could result in massive lahars when it erupts in the future. Nevertheless, this natural attraction is a sight to behold.
On our way back to the Seattle Pier, we passed by the iconic Edgewater Hotel along Elliott Bay. Its claim to fame is that it was the only hotel willing to accommodate he Beatles during their 1964 visit to the city. No other hotel wanted the mop-haired quad because it would mean having to deal with thousands of screaming fans.
Since the Edgewater is on the waterfront, only one side of the hotel was facing land. Hoping to keep the fans at bay, the hotel installed at its frontage a tall barbed wire fence, and for safety, placed the singing quad in a suite facing the bay. However, a horde of clever fans was still able to swim along the bay just to watch their idols peek out of their suite’s window, especially when they fished, as shown in this iconic photo that caused massive hysteria among the Seattle fans afloat on the bay!
Of course, the best sight from Elliott Bay is the city’s main attraction and landmark, the Space Needle. This towering 605-foot observation tower was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and can withstand a 320 kilometer/hour hurricane or a 9-magnitude earthquake. I’ve been up the Space Needle before and I enjoyed being on the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. As I looked down 600 feet below, I could feel my knees wobbling and my spine tingling. Good thing I was able to endure such an overwhelming thrill as I was still much younger then.
It was a beautiful day as, just like what my daughter told me, I enjoyed seeing another pleasurable and delightful angle of Seattle. I’ve always liked cruises. So far, I have already taken close to a dozen to different parts of the world. “Dance with the water, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free!”
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
perience the feeling of traveling across the country through the booths prepared by the Regional Offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Also, the 34th Philippine Travel Mart promotes hidden tourist gems in the country.
“What we are doing is continuously enhancing the already established destinaHindi naman namin inaalis ‘yon. Pero they [emerging tourist destinations] really need us, the way we really need them,” said the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu
One hidden tourist gem Abling-Yu mentioned is the Spratly Islands, a significant topic of debate years ago. Now, she wants to shift the public’s perception of the location so they can recognize the spot’s beautiful beaches, thriving marine ecosystem, and other unique experiences. At the 34th Philippine Travel Mart, guests can talk with tour operators of the Great Kalayaan Expedition, organized by the Kalayaan Tourism Development Center, which offers a seven-day/sixnight package in the West Philippine Sea to open the area to various tourism opportunities.
The expedition is set to start in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and will have five destinations, which include Lawak Island, Patag Island, and the famous Pag-asa Island. The expedition cost includes full board meals, an internet connection, water sports and recreational activities gear, and a massage.
Meanwhile, those looking to broaden their horizons and catch a glimpse of the beauty of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, and Maguindanao del Norte can drop by the region’s exclusive pavilion—a definite standout in the large convention hall with its beautiful mosque design—which gives one access to tour packages of their
unspoiled beaches, exotic food, and dis tinct architecture.
Last year, the Philippine Travel Mart featured the colors of Mindan ao and will continue doing so, as per Abling-Yu. She believes that the nega tive perception of the region has kept travelers from genuinely immersing them selves in the rich culture its provinces of fer to eager visitors. “Gusto ko iparating sa aming mga pasahero na gustong pumunta ng Mindanao na maganda ang perience. We started from Zam boanga, Tawi-Tawi, and now, Isabela de Basilan.
By Patricia Taculao