Manila Standard - 2023 September 6 - Wednesday

INFLATION RISES TO 5.3% ON HIGHER RICE, FOOD, BEVERAGE PRICES—PSA

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

THE rate of inflation rose to a twomonth high of 5.3 percent in August after dropping for the last six months, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Tuesday, blaming higher prices of food -- particularly rice -- and non-alcoholic beverages for the increase.

National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing that this was still sig-

nificantly slower than the 6.3 percent a year ago, and brought average inflation in the first eight months to 6.6 percent, which is well over the government’s target range of 2 to 4 percent.

Mapa said food and non-alcoholic beverages, a large component in the inflation index, rose to 8.1 percent during August, up from 6.3 percent in the previous month.

Increases in transport; recreation; housing, water, electricity, gas, and

Small rice retailers to get P15k

PBBM tells DSWD to use P5.5b-fund to mitigate vendors’ losses

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SMALL rice retailers may receive a one-time financial aid of up to P15,000 to mitigate their losses from buying more expensive sto cks as Executive Order 39, which sets a price ceiling on regular an d wellmilled rice, took effect Tuesday.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it is ready to provide this cash assistance to qualified recipients once the list is built with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a radio interview that he was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday to use the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help small rice retailers who incur losses because of the temporary price cap.

To date, the DTI and the DA are compiling a list of the affected rice traders and retailers who will receive the government’s assistance.

Marcos: ASEAN poised to grow on mutual trade

By Charles Dantes

JAKARTA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday hailed the economic growth of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations, citing the steady rise of intra-ASEAN trade and foreign direct investment inflows.

“With a projected growth rate of 4.9 percent next year and a steady rise in intra-ASEAN trade and foreign direct investment inflows, ASEAN is poised to improve its macroeconomic fundamentals in the face of a prolonged geopolitical and socio-economic challenge that impacts our region and the world,”

Speaker: Summit opportune venue for PH investment

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia presents an opportune venue for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to boost trade and investment between the Philippines and ASEAN member countries.

“The ASEAN summit provides an excellent venue for President Marcos to

Gatchalian said the SLP currently has a P5.5billion budget that can be immediately used to help cushion the impact of the price cap on rice, particularly among small retailers who bought rice from traders at a price higher than the price ceiling.

He said the DSWD is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture.

“We hope that by next week, we can already start the payout under the sustainable livelihood grant for our affected rice retailers,” Gatchalian said in a mix

DepEd: Intel agency vetted list of schools targeted by NPA recruiters

“We

Manila court orders Teves, others arrested for Negros governor slay

By Rey E. Requejo

A MANILA City regional trial court on Tuesday ordered the arrest of expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. and his co-accused in connection with the March 4, 2023 killings of Gov. Roel R. Degamo and several other persons in Pamplona town. Judge Merianthe Pacita M. Zuraek of RTC Branch 51 issued the ar

rest order on the murder, frustrated

P1.42 trillion eyed for infrastructure

‘China must pay for sea incursions’

‘Ineng’ steady, more rain seen

Tuesday.

Speaker Martin Romualdez (second from right) flanks President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (seated) as he stands beside (from left) Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on

‘Ineng’ steady; Storms cost PH P1.3b

By Rio N. Araja and Vince Lopez

TROPICAL depression “Ineng” continued to enhance the southwest monsoon (“habagat”) as it maintained its strength while moving northeastward.

The enhanced habagat will bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon in the next three days, the state weather bureau said.

As this developed, the combined amount of damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by the

CHED: Equity must be focus of college tests

THE proposed nationwide entrance test for higher education should focus more on equity to ensure that poor students would have better chances of admission to state universities and colleges (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education chairman Prospero de Vera III said.

De Vera made the statement in response to the proposal of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno to review the free college education system in SUCs to “filter, through a nationwide test, those who should be entitled to free education.”

De Vera said it would be “disastrous” if the proposed nationwide test would be like the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT).

“Those who pass the UPCAT are students coming from relatively richer families from urban areas who have the money to do review classes, who are more prepared to pass the admission test. Is that the admission test we want in this country?” De Vera said in a television interview.

De Vera said it is the government’s responsibility to help poor families, those who are coming from public schools, the children of indigenous communities, and the children of rebel returnees.

“We have a responsibility as a country to take steps to make sure that we bring them to the mainstream. We bring them to get educated. We give them hope so that they will not fight the government so that insurgency will be reduced,” he said.

southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Goring and Hanna has exceeded the P1.3-billion mark, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

In its latest disaster bulletin, the

agency said agricultural damage was estimated at P623.8 million in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Some 17,801 farmers and fisherfolks were affected.

Meanwhile, infrastructure damage was estimated at P727.2 million in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and Cordillera.

A total of 1,378 houses were reported damaged in seven regions. Meanwhile, affected families are at

140,095 which is equivalent to 514,016 persons residing in 1,757 barangays in eight regions. One death has been confirmed in Western Visayas while report of another fatality in Cordillera and one missing person in Western Visayas is being validated.

Power interruptions were still being experienced in three of the 48 affected areas in Western Visayas.

Water supply problems were also still reported in one of the three affected areas in the same region.

CHR: Over 2k cases involving cops in docket

THE Commission on Human Rights has almost 2,000 cases against policemen in its docket, its chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc told the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

“Involving Philippine National Police personnel as respondents, we have a total of 1,966

P1.42 trillion eyed for infrastructure under ‘24 budget

By Julito G. Rada

THE government is allocating a bigger P1.42-trillion budget for infrastructure development under the 2024 National Expenditure Program in a bid to spur higher economic growth, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandman said.

In a statement Tuesday, she said the amount is 6.6 percent higher than the P1.33 trillion allotted for this year.

much info as we can,” Poa said.

“We are addressing the issue with the relevant law enforcement agencies and crafting awareness programs for our learners,” he added.

During Monday’s Senate hearing on DepEd’s proposed budget for 2024, Poa cited the alleged NPA recruitment in 16 Metro Manila schools to justify the department’s P150 million confidential fund request.

Poa said 12 percent of the rebels who surrendered from 2016 to 2022 were minors, aged 12 to 17 years old.

Aside from the insurgency problem, Poa also told the Senate that over 5,000 minors were also discovered to have been involved in drug-related activities from July 2022 to July 2023.

For his part, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday said the

of English and Filipino.

Gatchalian also had a meeting Monday with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who vowed to raise P2 billion to help augment the SLP budget for the benefit of more small rice traders and retailers.

“I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s P5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP,” Gatchalian said.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, emphasized that only small rice retailers would receive part of the P2 billion aid being sought by the House.

Co said he believes bigger retailers can absorb the impact of the price caps on rice grains.

Under EO 39 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 31, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is PHP41 per kilo while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is PHP45 per kilo.

EO 39 also mandates a coordinated

cases and [those cases involve] a total of 2,208 victims of human rights violations,” the CHR chief said during the budget briefing.

“We are monitoring a total of 202 cases filed in different fora, [or] cases filed in the regional trial court, the Office of the Ombudsman, the prosecu-

effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings; intensify the fight against hoarding and illegal importation of rice; and take measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual has ordered the creation of a special task force to ensure that the mandated price ceilings on rice are enforced.

Member agencies of the task force will also validate a list of rice retailers who can receive assistance from the government in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, local government units, and the local price coordinating councils.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said the imposition or price cap on rice is not the solution to the problem of the high cost of rice.

“And if there is a promise to give assistance to rice retailers, the question is, when will this be given?” Hontiveros said.

She also wanted to know if rice retailers would be held liable if they stop selling their rice inventory while they have not yet received the government assistance.

Hontiveros said if the DSWD wants rice to be within the reach of the poor, the assistance should be given straight

tor’s office, and in admin cases filed in the internal affairs office also with the Ombudsman and Napolcom (National Police Commission),” he added.

At least two recent police operations led to the killing of two minors, one in Navotas and another in Rizal province.

to consumers.

“And if they want to eradicate rice hoarding, focus on the importers, traders, and wholesalers, and not at the retailers,” she said.

She noted that studies by the Philippine Competition Commission in 2020 showed that the earnings of importers, traders, and wholesalers from rice sold were excessive.

In the House, Rep. Erwin Tulfo of the ACT-CIS party-list group proposed a one-peso budget for the Bureau of Plant and Industry for “neglect of duty: because it failed to prevent hoarding and price manipulation of onions

At the resumption of the hearing of the House committee on agriculture and food on the overpricing and price manipulation of onions in the market, Tulfo insisted that some government agencies, particularly the BPI, were not doing their job, which resulted in skyrocketing prices for onions.

“The BPI is useless. Let’s not give it a budget. You guys are not doing your job,” Tulfo said in a mix of English and Filipino. “We might as well just give you a one-peso budget.”

At the same time, Tulfo urged the committee chairman, Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, to issue subpoenas to supermarket officials who ignored an invitation to attend the hearing.

“To create more jobs and promote investments over the medium term, infrastructure development will foster an environment conducive for businesses and investments through enhanced connectivity and reduced costs of logistics and transport,” Pangandaman said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has earlier identified infrastructure development as a key factor in achieving the administration’s goals.

Almost half of the proposed infrastructure budget, or 43.5 percent, will go to transport-related facilities, such as road networks. This has an allocation of P463.25 billion or 32.68 percent of the proposed total budget for infrastructure.

The funding for railway systems of P153.5 billion is also bigger by P113.4 billion or 283 percent compared to its P40.1 billion allotment in the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

As a proactive measure to mitigate damages during calamities, the allocation for flood control systems is at P255 billion or 18 percent of the Build Better More program.

In addition, investments in social infrastructure include provisions for school buildings at P40.6 billion; hospitals and health centers, at P15.31 billion; and housing and community facilities, at P2.12 billion.

Speaker:...

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showcase the distinct advantages the Philippines has as a trade and investment hub so as to create more jobs and business opportunities for the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.

murder, and attempted murder cases filed against them by a panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice last Aug. 18.

The magistrate also ordered that the detained accused Nigel Electona be transferred “from the custody of the Manila City Jail to the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ)-Annex 2, BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) Compound, Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.”

Zuraek then set the arraignment of Teves and his co-accused and the pretrial conference on Oct. 4.

other fuel costs during the month also contributed to the rise in inflation.

Food inflation at the national level rose to 8.1 percent in August 2023 from 6.3 percent in July 2023. In August 2022, food inflation was lower at 6.5 percent.

Mapa said that the overall inflation usually goes up if the price of rice increases, as rice accounts for 9 percent of the consumer basket.

He said the bottom 30 percent of households feel the impact of higher rice prices most acutely.

Mapa said in August 2023, regular milled rice averaged P43.34 nationwide, up 8.9 percent year on year, while wellmilled rice averaged P47.63, higher by 8.1 percent.

Mapa also said higher prices of vegetables during the month as a result of losses due to typhoons also contributed

to higher inflation. Mapa could not say what the impact of recent price ceilings on rice would be, saying any differences in price would be seen in the middle of September at the earliest. While the average rate of inflation is above government targets, the August rate of 5.3 percent is within the central bank’s forecast range of 4.8 percent to 5.6 percent for the month.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said inflation could be expected to remain high in the coming months due to the impact of supply shocks on food prices and rising oil prices in the world market. It expected inflation to drop within the target range by the fourth quarter, however.

The National Economic and Development Authority assured the public that the government will strengthen its measures to ensure food security, protect consumers, and provide assistance to farmers.

“Despite the ongoing challenges we

cluding establishing a regional scope of the creative economy, closing financing gaps, and managing digital readiness capacities,” the President said.

encounter, such as severe weather conditions and trade limitations imposed by other nations, our objective remains to achieve an inflation rate between 2 and 4 percent by the year’s end,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

Rice inflation increased to 8.7 percent in August from 4.2 percent in July 2023. The expected reduction in rice production due to El Niño and the export ban recently imposed by major rice exporters such as India and Myanmar led to higher international rice prices, Balisacan said.

“In addition, the alleged hoarding incidents, artificial shortage, and speculative business decisions of market players may have put further upward pressure on the domestic retail price of rice,” he said.

Vegetable inflation, on the other hand, rose to 31.9 percent from 21.8 percent due to production losses from the enhanced monsoon rains and Super Typhoon Egay.

of the bloc’s community-building and lead it towards a new chapter.

Among others, Romualdez cited legislative reforms such as the amendment to the Public Service Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act aimed at further opening up the Philippines to the entry of foreign investments as well as incentives for investors under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE).

Romualdez said with a projected growth rate of 4.9 percent in 2024, the region continues to see increased intra-ASEAN trade and an influx of foreign direct investments.

“The steady recovery of the region from the pandemic and its improving macro-economic fundamentals amid geo-political headwinds makes ASEAN a favored destination of foreign investments and the Philippines can capitalize on this trend for the benefit of our people,” he said.

In addition to the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Romualdez said the Jakarta gathering of regional leaders would also include related summits of ASEAN with dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, as well as with the United Nations.

These include:

the President said during a speech at the 43rd ASEAN Summit Plenary. The President vowed to further heighten the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining ASEAN as a competitive and integrated regional economy.

He said that to build stronger mutual trade between the ASEAN members, a rules-based multilateral trading system must be open, free, and fair.

Mr. Marcos also asked for a more inclusive economic system, which includes the integration of digital transformation, and increased participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in digital and creative businesses.

“Creativity and innovation are the way to the future. Let us strengthen collaboration and align our policies, in-

At the same time, the President said the ongoing impact of climate change is the biggest hurdle to the progress of ASEAN.

He said ASEAN must pressure developed countries to hasten the implementation of their commitments to adapting to climate change at the upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference.

As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, the Philippines would continue to prioritize international cooperation that would make ASEAN climate-smart and disasterready, through the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, he said.

Marcos called on his fellow leaders to further boost “ASEAN Centrality” and peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region to fortify the foundations

The President hailed Indonesian President and current ASEAN chairman Joko Widodo for his leadership and the warm hospitality shown to visiting world leaders.

He also declared that the Philippines was ready to host the 2026 Summit.

Laos will hold the 2024 ASEAN Summit, followed by Malaysia in 2025.

The President reiterated the country’s support for Timor Leste’s full membership in the ASEAN.

Timor Leste, also known as East Timor, gained its independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002. Before Indonesia took over, East Timor was a colony of Portugal for centuries until November 1975.

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said more than 90 documents are targeted to be issued, adopted, or noted during the summit.

* ASEAN leaders’ declaration on strengthening food security and nutrition in response to crisis;

* individual joint statements on strengthening cooperation on food security between ASEAN, Australia, Canada, and India;

* ASEAN guidelines on the protection of migrant workers and family members in crisis situations;

* ASEAN leaders’ statement on the development of the digital economy framework agreement; and

* ASEAN joint statement on climate change to the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 43rd ASEAN Summit will conclude on Sept. 7 with a handover ceremony of the ASEAN chairmanship from Indonesia to Laos.

IN BRIEF

and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), taking into consideration the prevailing minimum wage and rental rates per region. Maricel V. Cruz

DPWH continues work on major Metro Iloilo road

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is rushing the works on the ongoing road widening activities along the Metro Iloilo Radial Road (R-4) in Iloilo that will relieve traffic congestion and facilitate easier travel for motorists and communities.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that the

DPWH is currently undertaking the widening of the existing 1.7-kilometer, two-lane road section from Barangay San Vicente to Barangay Guihaman in Iloilo.

According to DPWH Region 6 OIC-Director

Sanny Boy Oropel, the project involves the construction of additional one-lane portland concrete cement pavement on both sides of the road.

“When completed, the widened road section will help decongest traffic along the town proper of Leganes and Zarraga, providing a more convenient alternate route from Iloilo City going north and vice versa,” Oropel said.

“Since the road is connected to the four-lane Iloilo Circumferential Road, this road improvement will ensure smoother flow of traffic from the southern part of Iloilo and the neighboring province of Antique going to northern Iloilo and the provinces of Capiz and Aklan,” Oropel added.. Other works on the P95.3-million project include provision of slope protection structures and drainage systems in specific locations.

Vito Barcelo

Maranan formally takes over QCPD

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen. Jose Meleciano

Nartatez Jr. presided over the turnover and change of command ceremony for Quezon City Police District, where outgoing chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III was replaced by Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan.

Torre stepped down days after he presented to members of the media the dismissed policeman who pulled out a gun and threatened a cyclist following a heated argument in Quezon City that was caught on video and went viral. Torre came under fire from netizens who accused him of giving special treatment to the excop. He denied the allegation. In the turnover ceremony, Nartatez commended the accomplishments of Torre during his stint as QCPD chief and for exemplary performance and various innovations proven by the district’s successes and accomplishments that contributed to the achievements of the National Police.

“I would like to thank you for your dedication and service to the residents of Quezon City. The 3-minute response time and improvement of two Integrated Command and Control Centers (IC3) under your stint greatly contributed to the crime prevention and crime solution of the city”, said Nartatez.

The NCRPO chief, meanwhile, welcomed Maranan and expected him to “continue the devotion to actively adhere and align your decisions to the government’s program and the 5-Focused Agenda of the Chief PNP.”Joel E. Zurbano

Gov’t urged to seek damages from China for WPS intrusions

By Rey E. Requejo

THE government should seek damages from China for its harassment and illegal actions in Philippine waters, former Solicitor General and Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza on Tuesday said.

Jardeleza also said the government can do this by filing a case backed by Manila’s previous arbitral ruling victory.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel news forum, Jardeleza suggested to the government, through the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen), to immediately initiate the filing of the case before the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) while cases of harassment against Philippine

personnel in the West Philippine Sea are still fresh.

“It must be done now,” the former chief state lawyer said, adding that it would warn China that the Philippines is on guard against every illegal action it is making in the West Philippine Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should be the one to decide on the filing of the new arbitration case being the country’s chief architect of foreign

policy, Jardeleza said.

Jardeleza served as a solicitor general during the administration of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III when the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China before the PCA.

Jardeleza said some of the cases in which damages could be sought were the laser pointing incident, the water cannon attack and the dangerous maneuvers.

Newly confirmed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen.

Romeo Brawner Jr. meanwhile said he sees last month’s quadrilateral naval exercises as the runup to regular and continuous joint patrols of these countries, and possibly with other allies as well.

The Philippines recently conducted naval exercises with the US, Australia

JV: Ex-cop in road rage event has 10 previous cases

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito revealed on Tuesday that the former police officer involved in the viral gun-toting incident had a history of 10 previous charges as well as incident reports from his barangay.

The cases include obstruction, perjury, robbery, frustrated homicide, grave and light threats, coercion, and firearmrelated cases.

During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday, Ejercito questioned how former police officer Wilfredo Gonzales acquired a permit to carry firearms from the Philippine National Police (PNP) despite having “anger management issues” and a history of multiple cases in his barangay.

Ejercito emphasized the role of the PNP Firearms and Explosive Office in evaluating anger management issues of individuals seeking firearm permits.

“When you’re granted a license to carry firearms or own firearms, especially a permit to carry firearms outside of residence, there should be a psychological test and neuro test.

They [PNP] should check for anger management,” he said.

Last week, Ejercito filed a resolution seeking to investigate the road rage incident that occurred in Quezon City last August involving a cyclist and the dismissed police officer, wherein the latter assaulted and held the former at gunpoint.

The investigation aims to assess and review the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations in safeguarding and ensuring safe road usage for all, the resolution read.

Ejercito believes that it is imperative to determine the necessity of crafting legislation to prevent road rage as well as to protect civilians using public roads against violence.

He also reminded the public to be extra patient when riding or driving in the metropolis.

and Japan in the South China Sea, amid China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific waters that flouted the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Asked by Commission on Appointments (CA) majority leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte during the recent CA hearing on his ad interim appointment as AFP chief on whether he favors joint sails with country-allies to guard the WPS, Brawner replied: “We are very much in favor of having joint patrols and joint operations with our allies, partners and like-minded nations.”

In a related development, the Philippine Navy on Tuesday said it would christen and commission into service two USdonated Cyclone-class patrol vessels on September 11. With Maricel V. Cruz

British envoy cites benefits of recent UK-PH enhanced pact

THE enhanced partnership (EP) between the Philippines and the United Kingdom will boost the joint ambitions of the two countries in the areas of economy, trade, maritime security and climate change.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Laure Beaufils highlighted the significant achievements under the EP in an editorial she wrote for the British government’s website.

Beaufils wrote that she takes pride in the achievements of the partnership which was launched in 2021, but added that the two countries must not rest and draw inspiration from the goals that have already been delivered.

“There is much we can already celebrate but we will not rest on our laurels. We are drawing on the momentum already generated to scale up our joint ambitions,” the British envoy said.

“The Joint Statement of Intent is a vote of confidence in the power of partnerships and the strengthening ties between the UK and the Philippines,” she added, referring to the statement issued by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Cleverly was in the Philippines last week.

The statement set out the countries’ shared ambition to further bolster the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership.

“As he (Cleverly)and President Bongbong Marcos agreed, we share a common global outlook and enjoy strong partnerships,” Beaufils said.

“Indeed, the UK and the Philippines have a mature, long-lasting relationship, solidly grounded in mutual respect, a shared belief in openness, freedom and the rule of law, and a shared commitment to promoting a stable and peaceful rulesbased international order,” she added. Rey E.

Requejo

Court sets arraignment of Garin, others in Dengvaxia case

By Rio N. Araja

A QUEZON City court has set the arraignment of ex-health secretary Janette Garin, now Iloilo representative, and other co-respondents in the fresh 34 Dengvaxiarelated cases filed against them on Oct. 2. Branch 229 Judge Maria Luisa Lesle Gonzales-Betic gave the prosecutors to file a comment to the motion to quash information filed by the lawyers of the respondents.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) said the lower court is also giving the defense lawyers to reply in five days after the filing of the prosecution’s comment.

Prosecutor clears Quezon City treasurer accused of bribery

THE Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has cleared the city’s treasury office of any involvement in a supposed bribery incident.

Prosecutor IV Crisistomo Dario Jr., the city’s Inquest Division chief (NonDrug Cases), approved the resolution of prosecutor Criscelyn CabayuganLugo dismissing the complaint for direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code, and violation of Section 13 of Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) against the employees of city treasurer Edgar Villanueva, Ulysses Dela Cruz and Shaine Ann Marie Cabuang, for in-

sufficiency of evidence.

“The city government under Mayor Joy Belmonte will never tolerate any act of bribery as well as corruption,” Dario said.

He said he is determined to file an administrative complaint against some Quezon City Police District members who wrongfully charged and arrested Dela Cruz and Cabuang in an entrapment operation on May 25.

“The operation is meant to besmirch the good reputation of the Quezon City government,” he added.

Anthony Stephen Monteiro, the complainant, said that on April 18, he applied for a certificate of retire -

ment of business at the treasury office with a tax due of P75,000. Monteiro accused Dela Cruz of offering a reduced tax payment and demanding P50,000. The two city hall employees, both Civil Service eligibles, maintained their innocence, saying there was no corruption involved since they even prepared a business tax bill, and that they even used a counting machine to count the money from Monteiro in front of the other employees.

“The machine malfunctioned because the P50,000 money in P1,000 denomination was in fake bills,” Villanueva said. Rio N. Araja

Court sources said Garin was at the courtroom last Sept. 4 supposedly for an arraignment, but the court had to reset the date to October 2.

The new 34 cases were earlier filed with the different metropolitan trial courts that had been dismissed lack of jurisdiction.

The Supreme Court, in a previous resolution, directed the filing of all Dengvaxia-related cases with the Quezon City family court.

Gonzales-Betic’s court is the same venue handling the first batch of Dengvaxia cases filed by eight parents of schoolchildren whose deaths were

linked to the anti-dengue vaccine in 2016 until 2017.

PAO chief Persida Acosta, along with Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO forensics chief, clarified that the new cases were separate from the over 160 Dengvaxia cases filed by against Garin and the other accused.

Garin and her co-accused argued that Quezon City had no jurisdiction over the reckless imprudence resulting in homicide filed against them.

But the High Court maintained its decision, ordering the transfer of the Dengvaxia cases from the municipal trial courts to the Quezon City court.

SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH FORUM.

Dr. Francis Mark Quimba, Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies is the guest speaker of the 21st Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) press conference held at Park Inn Radisson in North Edsa, Quezon City which focused on sustainability and technology.

Manny Palmero

‘FILE A CASE AGAINST CHINA.’ Former Solicitor General and Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza speaks at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Hotel. He urged the government to file a case and seek damages from China for harassment in the West Philippine Sea. Norman Cruz

BALIK-ESKWELA SELFIE. Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon takes a selfie with pupils of Sucat Elementary School, as he leads the distribution of Balik-Eskwela Kits that are expected to benefit more than 90,007 Muntinlupa public school students. Joseph Muego

Ejercito

Catholic bishop: Leave polls to the laity

RICE PRICE CHECK. Ranking government

o cials have joined forces with Metro Manila Mayors to check on the implementation of the “mandating price ceilings” on rice which pegged the rates at P41 for regular milled and P45 for well-milled. Those in photo include Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Trade Asst. Secretary Agaton Uvero, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. DTI and PRISM photo

IN BRIEF

Lotto bettor pockets

P111m in 6/55 draw

A LONE bettor from Metro Manila is the latest to join the ranks of the new rich after winning P111-million jackpot of the Grand Lotto 6/55 on Monday night.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the bettor guessed the winning combination 55-50-06-4512-40 which offered the total jackpot prize of P111,039,686.

The winning ticket was traced to an outlet at the BF Resort Village at Las Piñas City.

Meanwhile, 16 others won P100,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits; 970 bettors will get P1,500 each for four correct digits; and 18,658 will settle for P60 each for three correct digits.

The winners have one year from the date of the draw to claim the prize, as specified in Republic Act 1169 or the law on PCSO lotteries.

PCG man dies amid rescue try in La Union

A MEMBER of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) died a hero while engaged in a search and rescue operation in Tubao, La Union last Tuesday.

PCG Petty Officer Third Class (PO3)

Ponciano Nesperos was a member of the Special Operations Group-North Western Luzon (SOG-NWLZN) that responded to the drowning incident in Sitio Daeng. Barangay Halog East in Tubao amid inclement weather.

Upon arrival at the site, Nesperos volunteered to cross the raging river to secure the safety line on the other side, but lost his balance and was swept away by the current Attempts were made to save him, but he was already unconscious when recovered by his teammates.

Nesperos was taken to the La Union Medical Center but was declared “dead on arrival.” Vince Lopez

SPD bares weeklong scores vs. criminality

THE Southern Police District chief has announced several accomplishments in crime prevention and control, including arrests, drug seizures, and crackdowns on illegal gambling.

In a single week, SPD operatives reportedly arrested 63 suspects involved in drug-related activities, resulting in the seizure of 690 grams of marijuana and 121.14 grams of shabu.

“Our men also arrested 52 individuals involved in illegal gambling, while dedication to firearm control was evident, with eight other individuals apprehended with loose firearms and an additional eight firearms successfully recovered,” said SPD director Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano.

He said the SPD also made significant progress in the arrest of wanted persons, with four of the most wanted individuals apprehended and 19 others on the wanted list, totaling 23 arrests. Joel E. Zurbano

LAST MEASURE OF PUBLIC SERVICE.

Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) look at the unconscious body of one of their comrades, PO3 Ponciano Nesperos, who died of apparent drowning while engaged in a search and rescue operation in a raging river in Sitio Daeng, Barangay Halog East, Tubao, La Union on Tuesday. Nesperos was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. PCG photo

‘No volunteer work for teachers during 30-day break’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

VICE President and Education Secretary

Sara Duterte on Tuesday gave assurance that teachers will not be asked to do volunteer work during their 30-day break after school year 2023-2024 ends.

Duterte made the pledge during the National Teachers’ Month kick-off program at the Bohol Wisdom School, saying the teachers’ end of school year (EOSY) rights wer already included in the official school calendar.

End of school year for the current academic year was set June 17 to August 25, 2024.

“We made sure that in this year’s school calendar, teachers will have 30 straight days of rest during the break without any DepEd activity that requires volunteer work,” Duterte said.

“All activities with voluntary participation is scheduled after the said 30-day break,” ashe added.

Duterte said the Department of Education (DepEd) intends to release a memorandum to school heads and regional directors, urging them to answer the teachers’ complaints that they were being asked to report within the 30-day break.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier approved the creation of 5,000 non-teaching positions for public schools all over the country to provide “adequate manpower and support to educators in giving quality instruction to learners.”

Broken down, the created 5,000 nonteaching positions are mostly 3,500 Administrative Officer (AO) II positions intended to relieve teachers of adminis-

THE Catholic Church has reiterated its call to all officers and members of any organization of the congregation to vacate their posts if they are running for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on October 30.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned candidates

who have already filed their certificate of candidacy (COC) for the BSKE against launching premature campaigns.

In another development, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has so far logged eight suspected incidents related to the forthcoming BSKE..

“All incumbent officers and members of different Church organizations who wish to be elected as public officials should file a leave of absence addressed to their respective parish priests. Failure to do so, they will be automatically resigned from their posts effective upon their filing of certificate of candidacy,” according to a circular issued by Catholic Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

While the Church strongly encourages lay participation in politics, he said they are aware “of the potential for confusion when it comes to exercising power both in the Church and in public office”.

trative tasks that support operations.

The remaining 1,500 are Project Development Officer (PDO) I positions, which shall complement the AO II and other non-teaching personnel in schools by facilitating the implementation of various programs, projects, and activities initiated by schools or mandated by the DepEd Central Office.

Duterte also said the DepEd was about to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to provide an exclusive lane that will handle the teachers’ concerns.

A website will also be launched soon to provide free legal assistance to teachers regarding their loan contracts.

The Education chief also said that DepEd is developing an automated system for an objective selection in the hiring and promotion of teachers.

“In this regard, we wish to guard our faithful against possible accusations of using the Church for partisan exercise,” he explained

The prelate said individuals who lose in the election may resume their service in the Church, subject to the approval of the parish priest.

The diocese also discouraged the use of any church facilities and affiliations during the campaign, including wearing church organization shirts.

“We hope that our brothers and sisters who seek to be elected as public officials will bring with them the values of Christ in thiswonderful venture, prioritizing the common good, justice, peace, witha love of preference for the poor and in the spirit of Christian service,” Villarojo said.

Gov’t extends Lifeline Rate deadline due to slow list-up

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE government has extended the deadline of the full implementation of the new Lifeline Rate Program to January 2024 from September 2023 due to the low number of registrants.

The Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Energy Regulatory Commission issued an advisory resetting the deadline to give more time for qualified marginalized endusers (QMEs) to participate.

“In spite of the significant increase in the number of registrants, there remains a considerable number of QMEs who have yet to avail of the benefits if registering under the Lifeline Rate Program,” the advisory stated. There are around 47,171 regis-

tered QMEs as of August 30, 2023.

The parties directed all distribution utilities (DUs) to exert more aggressive promotion efforts to disseminate information on the Lifeline Rate Program and to continue accepting and processing applications.

“To allow for the roll-out of more aggressive promotion and registration efforts from DUs, consumers and the government, as well as for the review of the registration requirements, the full implementation of the new Lifeline Rate Program is hereby moved to January 2024,” the advisory read.

It said starting January 1, 2024, only those who have approved applications would be entitled to avail of the subsidy provided under the Lifeline Rate Program.

Salceda panel approves PH stock market promo bill

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday approved the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 8958, also known as the Capital Market Efficiency Promotion Act, which aims to boost stock market volumes to benefit the funds of the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System, and Philhealth, as well as corporate pension plans provided to employees.

“The measure will help boost the Philippine stock market, which has stagnated at the expense of pension-

ers, small investors, and others whose incomes rely on these passive investments,” the panel’s chairman, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said.

The approved proposal includes the following features:

1. Outright reduction of the stock transaction tax (STT) from 0.6 percent to 0.1 percent;

2. Expansion of the definition of shares of stock to include options, derivatives, and short-selling, and the removal of the gross receipts tax of 7 percent on net trading gains by banks and financial institutions; and

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is looking into stamping the official receipt/certificate of registration (OR/CR) of vehicle owners as an alternative solution to the shortage of plastic driver’s license cards.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said they are exploring all options to overcome the current shortage of plastic cards in case the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the LTO’s release of the license cards was not lifted.

“We are looking at all possibilities

3. Reduction of the tax on dividends to non-resident aliens from 25 percent to 10 percent.

The expansion of the definition of shares of stocks was made upon the proposal of the Philippine Stock Exchange. (PSE).

During the hearing, Salceda said the PSE also assured the committee that the increase in transaction volumes needed to make the stock transaction tax reduction neutral was “achievable.”

The substitute bill also removed the debt transaction tax originally proposed in HB 8958, at the suggestion of a posi-

in case the TRO against our distribution of license cards is not lifted. All suggestions are welcomed by the agency),” Mendoza said in a statement Tuesday.

In addition to stamping of OR/CRs, shifting to electronic or digital driver’s licenses or extending the validity of existing licenses are also being eyed.

“We will consult with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on what’s the best measure so that we will no longer add burden to our drivers and motorists,” he said.

tion by the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

“This proposal will also help potential listings in the market, including the Maharlika Investment Fund and the proposed listing of shares of the Landbank of the Philippines. Once offered to the public, shares of these GFIs will create new resources for national development,” Salceda, the House resident economist, said. Salceda also pushed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake measures to protect small retail investors in the stock market.

He expressed confidence however that the TRO would be lifted and the backlog for driver’s licenses immediately addressed.

Earlier, Agri party-list Representative Wilbert Lee suggested stamping the OR/CR of vehicle owners as a stopgap measure to the LTO’s backlog of new driver’s license cards.

In August, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 125 issued a TRO against the LTO’s release of new plastic cards due to a petition from its previous card supplier, Allcard Inc. (Allcard).

INFLATION STRIKES CONSUMERS ANEW. Buyers of consumer goods could only grin and bear it as they grapple with higher prices at the wet section, in particular, of the Pasay City Public Market. In ation hit 5.3 percent in August, higher than the 4.7 percent posted in July, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Danny Pata

Beyond rice price populism

By Sonny Africa

THE knee-jerk price control on rice through President Bongbong Marcos’ Executive Order 39 is a bad idea.

Which is not to say that some kind of intervention isn’t urgent.

The uptick in inflation to 5.3 percent in August 2023 is most of all driven by rising food prices including, especially, of rice.

The heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages spiked to 8.1 percent inflation in August from 6.3 percent in July. The problem is that the EO doesn’t really seem well-thought out.

Price controls are a vital tool for managing the price of rice and other basic commodities especially when, as often happens in an overly market-oriented economy, there are unjustifiable increases by major market players. Consumers should have all protections possible against self-interested profit-seeking behavior.

Yet while price controls are a vital tool, one can’t really build anything with just one tool.

A house isn’t built with just a hammer.

Builders also need nails and saws, levels and tape measures, sanders and screwdrivers, and more.

It’s the same with making rice cheaper for consumers.

Real rice support

Even if the price caps are properly enforced these are short-term measures at best and, even then, mainly just against hoarders and speculators.

There are many other ways to make food more affordable. There should also be producer support prices to help protect rice farmers from the relentless downward pressure on their palay from traders abusing their local monopsony (a market condition where there are many sellers and one buyer) power.

The President may need to understand this isn’t

Watching the Jakarta Summit

Rice farmers are moreover forced to accept whatever traders with monopsony (buying) power offer them.

Consumers are also at the receiving end of neglect.

They pay for rice that shouldn’t be so expensive to produce and that’s made even more pricey by a rice cartel with, in effect, monopoly (selling) power.

Government intervention has to be substantial to develop the rice sector in ways favorable both to rice farmers and the consuming public.

Indeed, among President Marcos Jr’s justifications for his self-appointment as agriculture secretary is being able to give the position presidential momentum and decisiveness including ensuring ample resources for all the country’s agricultural needs.

These remain unseen.

The increased prioritization of agriculture in the national budget was marginal to begin with and only increased slightly from 2.9 percent of the budget in 2022 to 3.5 percent in 2023 – still far below the historical average of 5.2 percent of the budget in the last 40 years.

But even that effort is short-lived and agriculture’s share starts to fall again to only 3.4 percent in the proposed 2024 budget. Specifically on rice sector development, the allocations for the National Rice Program only go up an incremental 1.9 percent or P573 million to P30.9 billion, which does not even keep up with inflation.

Most irrigated land in the country is used for rice farming.

Yet despite over a million hectares of irrigable land still not irrigated—or about a third of total estimated irrigable area—only a tiny 2.2 percent or P31.2 billion of the massive P1.4 trillion infrastructure budget for next year goes to the National Irrigation Administration.

The administration is in a quandary about what to do because its free market dogma prevents it from giving rice and all the public support and trade protection it needs to be affordable for all.

Unable to take the long view of making rice cultivation more viable and remunerative, it chronically resorts to short-term damage control like the price cap and importation.

Domestic rice production hasn’t substantially improved since rice liberalization four years ago and, if anything, our rice import dependence is getting worse.

We may be forced to import more if supplies remain low in the coming harvest season but this should be a temporary stop-gap measure at best.

Rice self-sufficiency should be a goal – exactly as it is for all the countries that we’re importing our rice from.

EYES and ears will be focused on the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits this week, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is participating.

The 65-year-old leader said in his departure speech Monday he would tackle the South China Sea and other matters important to the region during the three-day gathering ending tomorrow.

His statement gains relevance after the governments of the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan all rejected China’s new national map, accusing Beijing of claiming their respective territories.

China published the map to correct what it claims are “problematic maps” that misrepresent its territorial borders.

India immediately protested against the map, declaring it only complicates the resolution of the boundary question With all speed the governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan joined India in rejecting China’s new national map, separately issuing strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said aptly, reacting to the Chinese move, “Just making absurd claims does not make other people’s territories yours.”

The Marcos government itself banged with force China’s 2023 edition of its so-

The Philippines called on China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award

called “standard map” that still shows swaths of Philippine features in the West Philippine Sea.

“This latest attempt to legitimize China’s purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma.

Teresita Daza said in a statement.

The Philippines called on China to act

responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

The Philippines also underscored its nonrecognition of China’s fishing ban in parts of the West Philippine Sea where Filipino fisher folk have been earning their livelihood for scores.

We agree with Philippine officials who said the fishing ban is an illegal exercise of state authority in so far as it covers the Philippines’ maritime zones.

Now eyes and ears will knuckle down to the meeting in Jakarta where Asean leaders will have a chance to discuss issues affecting the critical South China Sea.

We hear yet again President Marcos during his departure: “I will use this opportunity to advance Philippine priorities in Asean and work with our other Asean member states not only in addressing the complex challenges facing the region but also in pursuing opportunities for (the bloc) Asean as an ‘epicentrum of growth.’” Much is expected from the President’s participation in the meeting of the 10-nation bloc which we expect will highlight Manila’s advocacies in promoting a rules-based international order.

The President said this was an opportunity for Asean to strengthen its partnerships with other states in the region—Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States—as well as with the United Nations. Hopeful for positive results.

Defending WPS from interlopers

EARLY on, the Marcos Jr. administration defined our foreign policy in general terms as “friend to all, enemy to none.”

It’s a tenable position in an ideal geopolitical situation where most nations adhere to the internationally accepted principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual trust and respect.

other countries, namely Australia, Japan and the United States.

Last month, the Philippines conducted joint military exercises with Australia amid renewed tension in the WPS.

done by mere executive decree either – the National Food Authority needs to be greatly improved and strengthened to have real influence over the palaybuying market.

But even these won’t be enough.

The government has to provide broad-based support across the whole process from farmers to consumers. There has to be substantial public investment in irrigation, in research and extension services, and in fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs to make these more affordable.

The increased harvests also have to be handled, stored and transported properly.

Likewise, there has to be meaningful public investment in post-harvest facilities.

Farm-to-market roads are also needed even if political pork too often distorts what should be rational use of resources.

And, still, this isn’t enough.

Filipino rice farmers have to be given the space and opportunity to make their productivity gains.

Trade protections against rice imports from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, India and others will be needed until improvements in the efficiency of Filipino farmers have traction.

Food security especially of the most essential staple of rice in any case should also stop being anchored on the risky assumption of unli imported rice always and for all time.

Rice exporting countries will always prioritize their own consumers and stop exporting when they see the need to.

Price controls are useful and have a role to play but only as part of an array of tools.

This EO 39, unfortunately, appears to merely be a populist gimmick to give the impression of action. Government statements this is not a standalone initiative are unconvincing because little else is being done to substantially improve rice production and productivity.

Real rice neglect

The rice sector landscape is expansive.

The 2.5-3 million rice farmers are its foundation.

Their produce goes through some 15,000 warehouses, 8,000 mills, 4,000 wholesalers and 54,000 retailers (aside from some 9,500 wholesalersretailers) to reach the almost 113 million riceconsuming population.

There are also some 300 rice importers.

The government has unfortunately largely abandoned the sector to market forces.

To begin with, rice farmers are given scant support to produce rice cheaply and with decent remuneration—and, if anything, are even made to compete with cheap rice from abroad.

NEW YORK—For most people, a police mug shot would be a badge of dishonor they would do anything to erase.

For Donald Trump, it’s a branding opportunity and political weapon.

The scowling, vengeful stare captured at a Georgia jail recently after Trump was booked on racketeering and conspiracy charges has quickly become his 2024 campaign symbol. T-shirts, mugs, stickers and beverage coolers bearing the first mug shot of a serving or former US president were put out by his team within hours of the photo’s release.

The image of the 77-year-old—head tilted slightly down, his eyes glowering into the camera—is accompanied on the official merchandise by the words “Never Surrender” in uppercase letters.

Notably absent from the merchandise is the local sheriff’s badge watermark that appeared in the image released by authorities.

While such a photo would surely sink any other political candidate, for Trump it plays into his narrative of a defiant, heroic victim.

They all achieved this with support from their governments. Real rice problem

Expensive rice – and expensive food in general —is a real problem that’s only getting worse as household incomes falter among the poor and middle-class.

The president’s EO 39 is a bit of a desperate move though and doesn’t indicate a real understanding of the problem.

It seems most of all driven by a need to explain away why P20 per kilogram rice really won’t happen.

Shifting the blame of rising rice prices mainly to hoarders and speculators is also somewhat diversionary considering the much deeper problems of scarce support to rice producers made worse by reckless liberalization.

To be sure, evil traders are a more visual and convenient target than ‘respectable’ economists implementing free market policies in agriculture.

But the standalone rice price caps will not just be ultimately ineffective but might even backfire. The price controls may momentarily lower retail prices and benefit consumers fortunate enough to be reached.

Compliant large retailers operating at scale will still have a comfortable margin but many small retailers who bought their rice dear may become troubled—at the very least making painful losses and, at worst if the price cap persists, may be even shutting down.

Traders may also abuse their monopsony buying power and drive palay farmgate prices down to protect their margins. A protracted price cap without minimum farmgate prices and support for small traders may just end up disrupting rice supplies which would only drive up the underlying price of rice even more.

The price ceiling also doesn’t make the underlying price of rice any cheaper.

Substantial public investments in rice and agriculture astride rational trade protection are the only way to achieve this.

So, the president and concurrent agricultural secretary’s rice price cap may be like trying to build a house with just a hammer. With no other tool and unable to do anything else, one might just end up smashing everything.

(The author is executive director of IBON Foundation, Inc., an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues).

It is now clear, however, that being friend to all and enemy to none is a difficult policy to observe when you have to deal with a close-door neighbor who claims to be a friend, yet considers us, at the same time, an enemy who must be kept at arm’s length and even taught lessons on proper behavior through outright bullying and intimidation.

The Marcos administration is therefore absolutely correct in asserting our sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea where we have our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as delineated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Here, we must deal with China’s dogged insistence on the fictional ‘nine-dash line’ –updated now to a ‘ten-dash line’ to include Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary – that lies at the core of its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

China has been equally obstinate in its refusal to acknowledge the ruling of the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague recognizing our sovereignty over our EEZ, which also underpins its deployment of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels to harass and intimidate our own Coast Guard from patrolling what is rightfully ours and keeping our fishermen from going to their traditional fishing grounds in the WPS for their livelihood.

Given China’s growing military might and what appears to be its readiness to impose its will on the Philippines at every opportunity through gunboat diplomacy in the high seas, the Marcos administration is on the right track in urging our friends and allies in the international community to assist us in asserting our sovereignty over our own EEZ.

Ample proof that the Marcos Jr. administration is determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea is the recent move to strengthen security cooperation with three

The amphibious drills held for the first time with Australia involved some 2,000 personnel – 700 from the AFP, 1,200 from the Australian Defense Forces and 150 from the US Marine Corps.

Apart from joint military exercises with Australia, Japan and the United States, the Marcos administration is stepping up efforts to build a credible defense posture amid brewing tensions in the South China Sea

The drills, dubbed ‘Alon’ or Wave, are part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor, Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions, which aims to enhance security, stability and stronger partnerships.

Australia is the only other country that has a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the Philippines aside from the United States.

Alon was held to strengthen interoperability and to share tactics, techniques and procedures and best practices in the conduct of amphibious operations.

The exercise took place more than a week after the China Coast Guard blocked and used water cannons on Filipino vessels on a resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea, prompting a strong condemnation and protest from the Philippines and a number of European countries.

Aside from Australia, the Philippines has also engaged in joint military exercises with Japan to check China’s aggression.

Japan’s aircraft carrier JS Izumo and

Owning it: Trump embraces historic mug shot

“This mug shot will forever go down in history as a symbol of America’s defiance of tyranny,” screamed a fundraising email sent out by Trump 2024, asking supporters to pledge $47 in return for a T-shirt with the image.

New York-based marketing guru Daniel Binns said the photo could be a “hugely powerful” branding tool for Trump.

“As a marketer, this is his genius -- that he can reclaim whatever is said, or whatever is accused, or whatever imagery is created, and turn it into something which stands for the story he wants to tell,” the CEO of marketing consultancy Interbrand North America told AFP.

Binns even likened it to the “Hope” poster from Barack Obama’s 2008 successful presidential campaign.

“It couldn’t be more different in terms of what it stands for, but that was an equally iconic piece of imagery,” he said.

The picture of Trump dressed in his trademark dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie against a gray backdrop is now arguably the most famous mug shot ever taken, joining a rogues’ gallery that

Whatever their outcome, the mug shot will be around forever. Could that hurt the Trump business brand in the long term?

includes OJ Simpson and Tiger Woods.

Trump’s embrace of the image was clear when he quickly used it to post his first message in more than two and a half years on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. He included the “never surrender” slogan and added “election interference”—his common

refrain that the four criminal cases against him are a Democratic plot to derail his bid to regain the White House in next year’s election.

Vote-winner?

Some of his most prominent backers are also weaponizing the image as the Republican Party seeks to take back the presidency from Joe Biden.

“Not all heroes wear capes,” Congresswoman Lauren Boebert wrote on X, alongside the mug shot.

Far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also posted the picture, adding the words: “This is the photo that will win the 2024 Presidential election.”

But Trump’s Democratic opponents sought to use it for their own ends.

“No one is above the law,” the Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee wrote on X alongside the image.

Biden himself finally offered his thoughts on Friday while on vacation in Lake Tahoe: “I did see it on television. Handsome guy.”

Memes mocking Trump also circulated online, with some social media users likening Trump’s

destroyer JS Samidare docked in Manila after holding the first quadrilateral joint exercises with the Philippines, US and Australia aimed at strengthening security cooperation.

The 19,500-ton JS Izumo is Japan’s largest warship since World War II and is capable of landing helicopters and carries advanced command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.

According to Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa, the presence of the warships here is part of “our shared goal of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and that “we, as like-minded nations, can work together and deepen our ties to safeguard the freedom of navigation at the seas and uphold a rulesbased maritime order in the region.”

Meantime, the US has given assurances to the Marcos administration that it is ready if so requested to provide support for supply missions by our Navy and Coast Guard to a grounded World war II-era warship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal that serves as an outpost of the AFP in the vital sea lane.

Apart from joint military exercises with Australia, Japan and the United States, the Marcos administration is stepping up efforts to build a credible defense posture amid brewing tensions in the South China Sea.

Among these is strengthening our naval defense capabilities.

One option is to acquire from Navantia, a state-owned Spanish company with a long history in military shipbuilding, a $1.7-billion submarine force for the Philippine Navy.

The comprehensive offer covers the delivery to the country of two of Spain’s latest submarines, extensive training of the crew and staff of our Navy, and transfer of technology in submarine operation and maintenance to support our efforts at modernizing the military to serve the primary purpose of deterrence.

Could this well be the game-changer that could turn the tide in our favor in our EEZ?

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

stare to the crazed look of the protagonist in Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 dystopian movie “A Clockwork Orange.”

Trump rose from real estate billionaire to reality TV star to president off marketing of his name.

From his hometown of New York to cities in the Gulf and Asia, “Trump” has appeared on everything from hotels and luxury residential towers to golf courses and ice rinks.

“So much of the imagery has been of success, and achievement, everything in gold. This is very different,” noted Binns.

The Georgia trial on charges that he tried to overturn the 2020 election is one of four criminal trials Trump is due to face next year.

Whatever their outcome, the mug shot will be around forever. Could that hurt the Trump business brand in the long term?

“The brand does not want to be about anger and defiance. That is sort of his political brand and it will work for him in the short term but the Trump brand overall is not about that,” said Binns. AFP

Rice farmers are moreover forced to accept whatever traders with monopsony (buying) power offer them

B2 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Exodus begins at drenched Burning Man

BLACK Rock City, Nevada—Revelers

stuck in the mud for days at the Burning Man festival in Nevada finally began heading home on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) after Mother Nature rained on their big party.

With the sun now shining on the colorful makeshift community of 70,000 people called Black Rock City, the roads opened Monday afternoon, kicking off the official exit process known as the “Exodus.”

“Exodus operations have officially begun in Black Rock City,” the festival said in a statement on its website. “The driving ban has been lifted.”

However, organizers called on visitors to delay their departures from the site -- a dried-up lake bed in a remote patch of the Nevada desert -- until Tuesday to avoid massive congestion on the way out.

Festival-goers had been stranded since torrential rains, described as two to three months’ worth in the space of hours, came down Friday night and Saturday, turning the venue into a quagmire.

It has been held since the 1990s in the Black Rock Desert, a protected area in

STUCK IN MUD.

This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technology shows an overview of the center camp of Burning Man festival in Nevada’s Black Rock desert on Tuesday. Revelers stuck in the mud for days at the Burning Man festival in Nevada finally began heading home after Mother Nature rained on their big party. With the sun now shining on the colorful makeshift community of 70,000 people called Black Rock City, the roads opened, kicking off the official exit process known as the ‘Exodus.’ AFP

northwest Nevada, which the organizers are committed to preserving.

As of midday Monday, there were about 64,000 people remaining at the festival.

So-called “Burners” wearing trademark outlandish outfits trudged through

The festival—for which tickets cost hundreds of dollars—culminates each year with the ceremonial burning of a 12-meter effigy.

That had been postponed until Monday evening and was set to take place at 9 pm local time.

But for many attendees, even the rain and mud were not enough to spoil the party.

David Packard from the city of South Portland in Maine said other campers let him and his friends into their trailers when it started pouring.

“There was a brief double rainbow that provided us with a lot of energy,” Packard said.

“My feet are dry and I’m warm. So I’m happy.”

Packard also said Burning Man gave him precious time with his brother.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“I had an amazing burn. I got to spend an amazing amount of quality time with my brother,” he added. “It was nice to be very close and to get closer this week.”

the thick, sticky mud with plastic bags as boots or in bare feet.

Some left on foot, hiking for hours in the middle of the night to make it to the nearest road and hitch a ride back to civilization. The closest airport is a three-hour drive away in Reno.

But David Date, one participant, complained Monday on CNN about people fleeing and leaving gear and trash behind—breaking the festival’s core principle of “no-trace” sustainability. AFP

N. Korea’s Kim set for arms talks with Putin in Russia—US

WASHINGTON, DC—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expects to make a rare trip abroad to meet with President Vladimir Putin in Russia to discuss providing arms to Moscow for its war in Ukraine, the United States said Monday (Tuesday in Manila). Ukraine is pushing a highly-scrutinized counteroffensive in both the south and east that Putin on Monday dismissed as a failure, though Moscow appears eager to urgently secure more military supplies to bolster its forces.

and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency, must also be submitted.  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested witnesses who must be Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no criminal record (Note submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of character witnesses; also submit a copy of the ID which the character witness used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest in the affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or more (must also indicate how he/she got acquainted with the petitioner); (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/her own opinion, petitioner has all the qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the disqualifications provided for by law);

 Medical Certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a

“We have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia,” she added.

The United States last week warned that Russia was already in secret talks with the North to acquire a range of munitions and supplies for Moscow’s war effort.

Kim is reported to be seeking advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines as well as food aid for his impoverished nation.

An official at Seoul’s unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, said various developments “indicated” the growing possibility of an arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The White House’s National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said that “arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing,” using an acronym for North Korea.

Kim is likely to head by armored train later this month to Vladivostok, on Russia’s Pacific coast not far from North Korea, to meet with Putin, according to The New York Times.

The paper said Putin wanted artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, and Kim could even travel to Moscow, but that was uncertain.

Hong Kong’s top court rules in favor of same-sex partnerships, civil unions

HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s top court ruled Tuesday in favor of samesex partnerships including civil unions but stopped short of granting full marriage rights in a partial win for the city’s LGBTQ community.

Over the past decade, LGBTQ activists in the former British colony have won piecemeal victories in court, striking down discriminatory government policies on visas, taxes and housing benefits.

But the case brought by jailed pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham is the first time Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal has directly addressed the issue of same-sex marriage.

In its ruling, the court declared that the Hong Kong government “is in violation of its positive obligation... to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships”, such as civil unions.

But it stopped short of making a decision of full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The court “unanimously dismisses the appeal in relation” to samesex marriage and recognition of foreign same-sex marriage, it said in its judgment.

While LGBTQ activism faces political challenges in mainland China, semi-autonomous Hong Kong has seen increasing support among its population for same-sex marriage. AFP

“Any form of cooperation between North Korea and neighboring countries must be conducted in a way that does not undermine international norms and peace,” he told reporters.

Washington said last week that despite its denials, North Korea supplied infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in 2022 for use by the privately controlled Wagner military group. AFP

Cuba uncovers human trafficking for Russia’s war

HAVANA—Cuba has identified an alleged human trafficking ring aimed at recruiting its citizens to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the foreign ministry said Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow.

The government was working to dismantle a “trafficking network that operates from Russia to incorporate Cuban citizens living there, and even some from Cuba, into the military forces involved in military operations in Ukraine”, the ministry said in a statement.

The Cuban government had initiated criminal proceedings against those carrying out the trafficking, it added.

Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the government was “acting with the full force of the law” against trafficking operations.

“Cuba is not part of the war in Ukraine,” the ministry said, adding it would take action against anyone “who participates in any form of human trafficking for the purpose of recruitment or mercenarism for Cuban citizens to use arms against any country.”

Moscow and Havana have boosted ties recently, with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel meeting his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow at the end of last year.

In June, Cuban Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera was received by his counterpart Sergei Shugu. AFP

Japanese man admits starting deadly anime studio fire—reports

TOKYO—A Japanese man allegedly angry his ideas had been stolen admitted Tuesday to starting a fire that killed 36 people in an animation studio in 2019, local media said.

The blaze that ripped through the studios of Kyoto Animation in July 2019 shocked Japan as well as the huge anime industry and its fans around the world.

“It’s correct I’ve done” what is in the charges, Shinji Aoba said at the Kyoto District Court as the trial

opened, according to the Jiji Press news agency. “I didn’t think so many people would die and now I think I went too far,” said the 45-year-old.

Aoba, who nearly died from burns he sustained and appeared in court in a wheelchair, faces five charges including murder, attempted murder and arson.

He is accused of breaking into the studio’s building, spreading gasoline around the ground floor and setting

it alight before reportedly shouting “drop dead”.

Many of those killed in the blaze were young staff, including a 21-year-old woman. More than 30 others were injured.

Aoba’s lawyers on Tuesday entered a plea of not guilty, saying he “did not have the capacity to distinguish between good and bad and to stop committing the crime due to mental disorder,” public broadcaster NHK said. AFP

Stocks rise on rice price cap, China stimulus

5, 2023

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL stocks advanced for the third day even as the government reported inflation rate quickened to 5.3 percent in August 2023.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 10.32 points, or 0.17 percent, to close at 6,225 on Tuesday, while the broader all-shares index inched up 3.7 points to settle at 3,360.14.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said

TOP

MOST ACTIVE

Xi’s G20 no-show hints at China’s shifting priorities

BEIJING, China—President Xi

Jinping’s unexplained decision to snub the G20 summit underlines Beijing’s frayed ties with other major powers as well as growing secrecy at the top of the ruling Communist Party, China analysts told AFP.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said Monday that Premier Li Qiang would join the leaders of the world’s biggest economies in New Delhi this weekend, effectively confirming Xi’s absence.

No reason was given why Xi will not attend the summit, which he has not skipped since coming to power, except Rome in 2021 when he participated by video link owing to Covid pandemic restrictions.

His probable absence draws a sharp contrast with his appearance at the BRICS summit of emerging economies in South Africa last month.

There, Xi was front and center as the bloc agreed to admit six new members in what he called a “historic” achievement.

The emphasis on ties with the developing world reflects Beijing’s efforts to “create an alternative... to the liberal international order dominated by the US since the end of World War

Two”, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

The realignment “is China-friendly if not Sino-centric, with support being gathered and consolidated in the Global South”, Tsang told AFP.

“The G20... is not (something) that China can dominate, so it is given lower priority. I am not saying that Xi is anti-G20, just (that he does) not put it on par in importance to BRICS.”

This year’s apparent G20 no-show also dampens hopes of renewed engagement with Western powers following Xi’s magnanimous—though carefully choreographed—centerstage appearance at the last edition in November in Bali.

Experts said long-running tensions with hosts India may have driven the decision.

“Xi skipping the G20 came as a disappointment, but not really a surprise,” said Yun Sun, China program director at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank. AFP

the market welcomed the government’s implementation of a temporary price ceiling on rice which took effect Tuesday, as this would curb inflationary pressures. Investors also cheered the recent stimulus measures implemented by China to boost its fragile economy.

Meanwhile, global equities were mixed Tuesday. There was little reaction to reports that struggling developer Country Garden had paid interest on its dollar-denominated bonds, avoiding a messy default, but with the firm’s cash woes showing no sign of ending as more loans must be serviced in coming weeks.

A series of announcements out of Beijing recently has helped lighten the

mood on trading floors after months of dour data indicating the country’s postCovid recovery has hit a wall.

Sentiment was also helped by a positive US jobs report on Friday, which was seen as giving the Federal Reserve room to stand pat on monetary policy after more than a year of interest rate hikes.

However, with Wall Street closed Monday for a holiday and providing no catalyst, there was little desire in Asia to continue the buying.

Investors are hoping Chinese authorities push ahead with more help for the property industry, having introduced in the past week a number of measures including reducing mortgage down payments and providing tax incentives.

CHARITY BRIEFING.

the

Russia upends global grain trade as world’s top exporter

PARIS, France—Russia has cemented its position as the world’s top grain exporter with the help of a bumper harvest and cut-rate prices while its war in Ukraine has upended the market.

Ukraine was a major exporter of wheat and other food commodities to developing nations before Russia’s invasion in February last year, but it has lost access to the crucial Black Sea route for its shipments.

Moscow initially imposed a blockade on Ukraine shipments via the Black Sea but later agreed to reopen the route in a deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey that included inspections of ships to ensure they were not carrying weapons.

The agreement enabled Ukraine to export more than 30 million tons of grain from three Black Sea ports, but Russia withdrew from the initiative in July.

The corridor “didn’t help Ukraine rebound in terms of their agricultural production” as the invasion deprived it of a quarter of its exploitable grain fields,

said Joseph Glauber, senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday in an effort to revive the grain deal.

Putin warned that Moscow would only return to the arrangement when Western nations fully implement agreements to lift restrictions on Russian agricultural exports.

Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey and the United Nations had prepared new proposals aimed at addressing Russia’s problems with the deal.

The Black Sea disruptions have prompted Ukraine divert its grain exports through other routes including the Danube river, trucks and train.

But the river route is not completely safe, either, with infrastructure coming under attack, the latest being a drone strike on a grain export hub on the Danube on Monday.

‘Russified’ wheat diplomacy

Global wheat production is also expected to be smaller in 2023-2024 than in the previous year due to the effects of climate change on harvests in Canada and Australia and consumption forecasts exceeding production by 20 million tons.

With that in mind, “the world hopes that 45 million tons of Russia wheat will reach the market,” said David Laborde, director of agrifood economics division at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

Sebastien Abis, author of the book “Geopolitics of Wheat” and associate researcher at the French Institute of International and Strategic Relations think tank, noted that Russia alone provides a quarter of world wheat exports.

The country has also built up a “significant” stock of grain, he added.

Russia, which imported more wheat than it exported 25 years ago at the end of Soviet rule, became the top exporter in 2016. AFP

“Although individual regulatory changes may not cause significant market shifts, the combined impact of several rapid adjustments sends strong signals,” said Redmond Wong at Saxo.

“This suggests the potential for a sustained rally in both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese equity markets in the near term.”

Country Garden, which has liabilities worth around $200 billion, was once again in focus as it said it met its interest payments of more than $20 million.

The reports come after the firm won approval from creditors last week to extend a deadline for a key repayment, narrowly avoiding a potential default. With AFP

Billions pledged for Africa’s clean energy at summit

NAIROBI, Kenya—The UAE pledged $4.5 billion in clean energy investments in Africa on Tuesday at a landmark climate summit aimed to showcase the continent’s potential as a green powerhouse.

Kenyan President William Ruto has sought to use the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi to shift the narrative on the region, presenting the clean energy transition as a unique opportunity for Africa -- if it can attract the financing to realize its potential.

And on Tuesday, the conference saw its most significant pledge so far, with $4.5 billion announced by the United Arab Emirates, which will also host the COP28 summit in Dubai in November-December.

Sultan Al Jaber, who heads the UAE’s national oil company ADNOC and government-owned renewable energy company Masdar, said the investment would “jumpstart a pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in this very important continent”.

Jaber, who is also president of the COP28 climate summit, said a consortium including Masdar would help develop 15 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.

Africa’s renewable generation capacity was 56 GW in 2022, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

The three-day Nairobi summit, which began Monday, has attracted heads of state, government and industry, including leaders from Mozambique and Tanzania, as well as United Nations head Antonio Guterres, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and US climate envoy John Kerry.

It is billed as bringing together African leaders to define a shared vision for green development on the diverse continent of 1.4 billion and set the tone for a flurry of international diplomacy leading up to the COP28 meeting.

A front-page headline in the Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation on Tuesday proclaimed the summit marked “Africa’s moment”.

But the continent faces steep challenges, particularly in the form of mounting debt costs and a dearth of finance. AFP

OpenAI chief Altman granted Indonesia’s first golden visa

JAKARTA, Indonesia—OpenAI

chief executive Sam Altman has been granted Indonesia’s first golden visa, officials said, as Southeast Asia’s biggest economy looks to attract wealthy foreign investors

The co-founder of the ChatGPT bot sensation was granted a 10-year visa for his potential contributions to the development of artificial intelligence in Indonesia, director-general of immigration Silmy Karim said in a statement late Monday.

“Once the holders of Golden Visa arrive in Indonesia, they no longer need to apply for a temporary stay permit at the immigration office,” he said.

“We are rolling out the red carpet in return for the resources they provide to Indonesia.”

The US-based tech entrepreneur was also granted a special visa because of his international reputation as the head of the artificial intelligence research and development company, the official said.

With the golden visa the 38-year-old would be able to bypass immigration queues at Indonesia’s airports and more easily enter and exit the country,

according to the statement. Indonesia has rolled out golden visas for investors who will get a five-year stay if they invest $2.5 million in the country and 10 years if they spend double that amount.

The country is looking to develop an artificial intelligence ecosystem and community in the country as the industry booms worldwide, officials have said.

Altman visited Indonesia in

AFP

June to speak about artificial intelligence.

It was unclear if he requested the visa through an application to authorities or if he was granted it unilaterally by officials in Jakarta. AFP

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addresses a speech during a meeting, at the Station F in Paris on May 26, 2023. Altman, the boss of OpenAI, the firm behind the massively popular ChatGPT bot, said on May 26, 2023, in Paris that his firm’s technology would not destroy the job market as he sought to calm fears about the march of artificial intelligence (AI).

(From left) President of the Restos du Coeur organization, Patrice Douret, French Minister for Solidarity, Aurore Berge, CEO of LVMH Holding Company, Antoine Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer, Frederic Arnault speak to the press during a visit of the Restos du Coeur charity organization headquarters, in Paris, on September 5, 2023. Anti-poverty associations are warning of the sharp rise in requests for help, as is the case with Restos du Coeur, which can no longer cope with the influx and has decided to reduce

number of people it accepts. AFP

BUSINESS

By Jenniffer B. Austria

STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System

increased its stake in infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to nearly 12 percent.

GSIS said in a letter to MPIC it purchased 2.49 billion MPIC shares from the market from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4, 2023. The

PAL announces sale for 7m international, local seats

PHILIPPINE Airlines brought back its ultimate seat sale, offering seven million seats across its domestic and international routes.

The flag carrier said round-trip international flights are on sale for as low as $99 base fare, while one-way domestic flights are available for as low as PP298 base fare. Selling period is from Sept. 4 to 24. The seat sale’s domestic travel period is up to Dec. 15, 2023 while international travel period is up to January 2024. The quoted all-in fares include the base fare and applicable government taxes, fees and surcharges.

“With the start of the BER months, visit our booking portals and book your flights to avail of the best deals. Experience our trademark Philippine Airlines brand of service on our domestic and international flights,” said PAL vice president for sales Salvador Britanico Jr.

“The Ultimate Seat Sale is our way of giving back to all of you, our loyal customers who have supported us through the years,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

URC lands in list of best managed PH companies

UNIVERSAL Robina Corp. was named one of the Philippines’ best-managed companies in a survey of hundreds of investors, brokers and analysts across Southeast Asia.

The company was cited for its “strongest adherence to corporate governance” in a six-month poll conducted by institutional investment magazine Alpha Southeast Asia.

It was also recognized for having the “most consistent dividend policy”. Its senior management investor relations support, meanwhile, was named one of the country’s best.

“These accolades affirm URC’s place in a rarefied field of Philippine companies that have been delivering exemplary products and services while consistently contributing to national prosperity,” said URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee.

“For decades, URC has been delighting consumers in the Philippines and around the world with good food choices, while playing a steady role in driving economic growth,” said Lee.

Report calls for review of PCIC’s requirements

AN EVALUATION report on the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund calls for a review of Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.’s minimum land use requirement to insure loans to allow more farmers to have access to formal lending institutions.

The report highlighted how smallholder farmers were being ruled out for insurance by PCIC, which requires the land to be at least a fourth of a hectare.

PCIC’s corporate mandate is to provide insurance protection to the agricultural stakeholders particularly the subsistence farmers against loss of their crops and/ or non-crop agricultural assets from natural calamities such as typhoons, floods, droughts, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, plant pests and diseases.

According to the latest RCEF evaluation, credit issues could be solved if microfinance institutions are integrated into the program as conduit, so as to move away from retail lending and reach more poor rice farmers.

Only a small percentage of the interviewed farmers received credit from RCEF, possibly reflecting the somewhat limited reach of the RCEF credit program. The analysis focuses on a comparison of farmers who availed of credit from any source compared with those who did not receive credit. Othel V. Campos

fund is now the beneficial owner of 3.43 billion MPIC shares, representing about 11.98 percent of the total outstanding common shares of the company.

GSIS purchased the MPIC shares when a consortium consisting of Metro Pacific Holdings Inc., GT Capital, MitPacific Infrastructure Holdings Inc. and MIG Holdings Inc. was conducting a P55-billion tender offer to acquire all shares held by minority investors.

COL Financial research head April Lynn Tan said that with the latest development, the consortium bidders would not attain its target to acquire 95 percent of MPIC. She said this also reduced the

likelihood that the conglomerate would be able to push through with the delisting from the local bourse. MPIC chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan on Monday expressed hope the consortium would secure enough shares to qualify for delisting.

“The tender period will expire on Sept. 7, so let’s wait. We are hopeful that the amount of shares will translate to qualification for delisting,” Pangilinan said when asked about the update on the tender offer.

“But we have told the government that we will not stop there because we

will be listing our subsidiaries to take over the privatization of MPIC. The first will be tollways that will be a significant listing,” Pangilinan said.

MPIC in August this year obtained shareholders’ approval on the planned voluntary delisting after 77.72 percent of the total outstanding common shares voted in favor of the proposal.

The voluntary delisting rules of the Philippine Stock Exchange provide that the common shares up for tender offer, together with the common shares owned by the bidders and the qualifying common shares of MPIC’s directors, should constitute at least 95 percent of the total

GSIS raises stake in Metro Pacific to 12% IN BRIEF

outstanding common capital stock of MPIC.

MPIC reported that first-half attributable income reached P10.22 billion, up 7.6 percent from P9.5 billion a year ago led by gains from the acquisition of Landco Pacific Corp.

Six-month revenues grew 20.9 percent to P29.37 billion from P24.29 billion in the same period last year.

MPIC has stakes in Manila Electric Co., Maynilad Water Services Inc., Metro Pacific Health Corp., Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Light Rail Manila Corp., Global Business Power, Metropac Movers Inc. and Landco Pacific.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology said Tuesday it plans to put a cap on the number of SIM cards a prepaid subscriber can register to resolve the “alarming” cases of text scams.

“It’s alarming in a sense that every day we experience it. Our estimate based on our study since November shows that for every one hi-jacked account, there are at least 10 successful online financial crimes,” Alexander Ramos, executive director of DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center, said on the sidelines of the Cyberphere Philippines Forum 2023. Ramos estimated that potential losses to cybercrime amounted to about

P50,000 to P500,000 per account.

He said to address the rising complaints of text scams amid SIM registration, the agency was working with the National Telecommunications Commission to craft guidelines to limit the number of registered SIMs per subscriber.

“We detected 600 registered SIMs under one name. So, its abnormal for a prepaid subscriber to have more than 10 SIM cards being registered under one name,” Ramos said.

He said the government was looking to limit the number of registered SIM cards to 10.

“They [telcos] find 10 is reasonable, but for us, it’s only four to five because that’s the average number of SIMs of the prepaid market,” he said.

FOUNDEVER’S AWARD.

Foundever, a global leader in the customer experience industry, is recognized as one of the ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ for 2023 by HR Asia, a known publication for HR professionals. The award recognizes top employers of choice in Asia as determined by their workforce based on HR practices, levels of employee engagement and workplace cultures. Receiving the award is Foundever chief operating officer for Asia Pacific Ravi Iyengar. He says the recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team to ensure that Foundever is a community where each individual is empowered to excel and contribute.

Foundever has 170,000 associates across the globe.

SEC to amend guidelines on listed firms’ sustainability reports

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday it is revising the disclosure rules on sustainability measures of publicly listed companies to enhance the quality and ensure consistency in reporting.

It said in a statement it would soon issue the revised guidelines for PLCs that would include the sustainability reporting (SuRe) form to guide them on their reports.

The SEC said the revised guidelines would serve as an effective and proportionate global framework of investor-focused disclosures on sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities.

“This is a significant step towards consistent, comparable and reliable sustainability information, ending the

so-called alphabet soup of voluntary adoption of various standards,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

Aquino said the adoption of global sustainability standards would also complement the SEC’s adoption of frameworks under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development -International Standards of Accounting and Reporting Guidance on Core Indicators. The regulator said that since the issuance of the sustainability reporting guidelines in 2019, it saw a steady increase in the submission of sustainability reports by PLCs.

Compliance rate reached 95 percent in 2021 from around 22 percent prior to the release of the guidelines in 2017.

The SEC early this year adopted the ASEAN Sustainable and Responsible Fund Standards which will allow both local and ASEAN-member investment companies and collective investment scheme operators to offer sustainable and responsible funds locally and across the region.

The SEC bagged the Global Good Governance (3G) Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award 2023 conferred by London-based Cambridge International Finance Advisory, marking the third straight year of receiving the award. Jenniffer B. Austria

Data from the NTC showed that a total of 113,969,014 SIM cards were registered as of July 30, the end of the SIM card registration period.

“It’s crucial to recognize that the fight against scams in the Philippines is not just a legislative or governmental issue, it’s a community concern that affects us all,” said Jocel de Guzman, co-founder and co-lead convenor of Scam Watch Pilipinas.

“The SIM registration law has laid the groundwork, but more is needed. Scams are a fast-evolving menace, exploiting loopholes and adapting to countermeasures with alarming speed. The ongoing prevalence of scam messages exposes a gap in our collective shield, a vulnerability that scammers are too eager to exploit,” he said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. announced Tuesday the appointment of Anna Ma. Margarita “Meean” Dy as the company’s first female president and chief executive.

Dy will succeed Bernard Vincent Dy, who will retire by the end of the month, after nine years as president and CEO and 26 years in the company. He will take a new role as senior advisor to ALI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

Prior her appointment, Dy served as executive vice president since Jan. 1, 2023 and chief operating officer since April 26, 2023.

Zobel said in a letter sent to employees

Bobby helped ALI maintain a strong balance sheet that enabled the company to recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic.

“During the pandemic years, Bobby guaranteed the health and safety of our employees and supported our merchants, suppliers and the local communities we operated in. He was at the forefront of our sustainability initiatives as he boldly implemented a fiveyear plan to achieve carbon neutrality for our commercial properties, which we achieved 1 year ahead of the target,” he said.

Zobel also expressed trust and confidence in ALI’s newly-appointed CEO and acknowledged her extensive experience and leadership roles within the strategic land bank management group where she played a role in launching large estates such as Bonifacio Global City, Nuvali, Vertis and Arca South.

Dy also led the group’s residential business group and, more recently, assumed leadership over the malls, offices and the hotels and resorts group.

Dy has been included in the regular meetings of the Ayala Group management committee upon her appointment as executive vice president and COO and was involved in key decisions concerning the entire group.

“With Meean at the helm, I am confident that Ayala Land will continue to have meaningful impact in all the lives and communities we touch,” Zobel said.

Dy graduated magna cum laude from Ateneo De Manila University’s Economics Honors Program in 1990. She earned her Master’s degree in Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science in 1991 and MBA at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1996. Jenniffer B. Austria

ACEN Corp. said Tuesday its board approved the investment in a 335 megawatt onshore wind power project in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.

ACEN’s wholly-owned subsidiary Giga Ace 6 Inc., a successful bidder in the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program 2 in July this year, would undertake the wind project. The board also approved the company’s procurement of a performance bond for Giga Ace 6 to enable its compliance with the requirements of GEAP-2. Giga Ace 6 is a special purpose ve-

hicle which will own and operate one of its development projects.

ACEN said last week it expected to reach its 5,000-megawatt goal within the year, two years ahead of its 2025 target.

“ACEN has around 4.5 GW of RE capacity across our global portfolio and we expect to cross the 5 GW mark within the next few months, two years head of our 2025 goal,” ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said during the listing ceremony of the company’s preferred shares series A and B at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. Alena Mae S. Flores

BEST CREDIT CARD. The Asian Banker, one of the most prestigious and transparent country-level award programs for consumer financial services and technology, names East West Banking Corp.’s JCB Credit Card as the Best Credit Card in the Philippines in the Excellence in Retail Financial Services and Technology Innovation Award for 2023. Receiving the award at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on Aug. 17, 2023 is EastWest president Jaqueline Fernandez (center), together with other bank executives.

FEU chessers place 1-2-3 in Malaysian tournament

FILIPINO Christina Marcelo Olaybal turned back Indonesian Simanjuntak Morado in the ninth and final round to complete a 1-2-3 finish by Far Eastern University standouts that also included Frank Loyd Andes and Ruelle Canino in the challenger division of the 16th IGB Malaysian Chess Challenge Monday night.

Olaybal, a National Master and UAAP MVP from Binangonan, Rizal, took the crown after finishing with eight points, half a point ahead of pack that included the 15-year-old Canino, Andes and two more Philippine bets Cedric Kahlel Abris and Mark James Marcellana with 7.5 points apiece.

But Andes, an Albay native, took the silver despite falling to his 15-yearold teammate and Cagayan de Oro lass Canino, who eventually claimed the bronze after tiebreaks were applied.

Abris was fourth while Marcellana fifth.

Interestingly, two more Filipinos made the top 10—former national junior girls champion Vic Glysen Derotas (eighth) and Lemmuel Jay Adena (10th).

And it wasn’t just the triumph delivered by FEU bets as Oscar Joseph Cantela and Arleah Cassandra Sapuan reigned supreme in the Open Under-16 rapid and Girls U16 in the Merdeka Day Age Group tilt, respectively.

It was a strong finish for the team coached by Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, who thanked FEU athletic director Mark Molina, FEU-Diliman executive directorDr. Armi Cunanan-Yabut as well as FEU chair Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola and president Juan Miguel Montinola.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of FEU’s chess program is its commitment to nurturing young talents, fostering a lifelong love for the game and instilling values such as discipline, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship,” said Gonzales. “Their success in Malaysia is not an isolated incident but the result of years of training, unwavering support, and a culture of excellence. FEU’s program is designed to inspire and develop the chess champions of the future,” he added.

PH Army Dragon Boat paddlers win gold in Korea

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine Army Dragon Warriors bagged the gold medal in the 300-meter open small boat category in the Korean Open Busan International Dragon Boat Festival at Suyeong River, APEC Naru Park, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea last September 2.

The Dragon Warriors finished the 300-meter race in 1 minute and 12.547 seconds, placing them in the top spot. Sixteen teams from 12 countries joined in this year’s category races.

The Army leadership lauded the Army Dragon Warriors for their dedication in giving their best effort to bag the gold medal for the second time.

This reflects the Army’s commitment to values of excellence and unyielding teamwork.

Brownlee leads Gilas’ Asiad team; Reyes listed as coach

By Randy Caluag

NATURALIZED Filipino cagers Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame will lead the Philippine basketball team, along with seven other FIBA World Cup campaigners, to the Hangzhou 12th Asian Games.

The initial men’s basketball team lineup, along with 39 other sports disciplines, has already been submitted to the Hangzhou Asian Games organizers, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.

“The deadline for the Entry by Names [EBN] was last July 25 and whatever list a national Olympic committee submitted is deemed official,” Tolentino said, although changes can still be made through an appeal.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas list had World Cup veterans Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Roger Pogoy, June Mar Fajardo, JR Perez, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo, plus and Chot Reyes, and Tim Cone as head coach and assistant coach, respectively. Joining them are Chris Newsome, Calvon Oftana, and Brandon Rosser. It was the list submitted by the SBP to the POC, even before the FIBA World Cup and before Reyes’ announcement that he would “step

aside” as Gilas Pilipinas coach. Unlike in the FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, the Asian Games requires only a valid passport, making Brownlee and Kouame eligible as both are Philippine passport holders.

Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial on Monday night said they are meeting with SBP officials as soon as possible to finalize the lineup. The POC said the final roster may be announced by the PBA and SBP on Thursday.

“Kung maarin nga ngayong gabi na kami mag-meeting. The PBA remains committed in supporting the Philippine team to Asian Games, kung anong kailangan nila, basta kaya ng PBA, ibibigay namin,” assured Marcial.

He said the PBA players will be loaned by their respective teams to the Philippine squad as the league has already adjusted its next PBA season to start on Oct. 15.

The Asian Games is slated from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

Meanwhile, World Cup campaigners like Dwight Ramos, Kiever Ravena, and AJ Edu will be going to Japan t o play for their respective Japan B.League teams.

Kai Sotto is also out although he might not be headed to Japan B.League’s Hiroshima team as originally planned. The center’s name was not included in the Hiroshima Dragonflies’ lineup posted on its website even as he already signed an extension with the team for the forthcoming 2023–2024 Japan B League season. There were rumors that he might be playing in the NBA G League, although his camp has not confirmed anything about his next plan.

Rhenz Abando, for his part, said it’s up to his Anyang KGC team of the Korean Basketball League if he will be allowed to play for Gilas in Asiad.

Serbian player loses kidney at World Cup

SERBIA’S Borisa Simanic has undergone surgery to remove a kidney after being injured at the Basketball World Cup.

Simanic haazd an operation in a Manila hospital after being hit by a South Sudan player’s elbow during a pool game on August 30.

Complications arising from the operation meant he had to have further surgery on September 3, when one of his kidneys was removed, the team said Monday.

Serbian team doctor Dragan Radovanovic said that they “expect and wish that after this operation,

Monte

BUKIDNON – A couple of local junior golfers trying to get the feel of tournament pro play got more than what they had hoped for as Velinda Castil carded a 73 to grab a one-stroke lead over Abby Abarcas and pro Florence Bisera at the start of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship at Del Monte Golf Club here on Tuesday.

While they did flash their familiarity with the tight, demanding layout on a hot, humid day on this mountain-top course, Castil and Abarcas simply sustained their fine showing in the Junior PGT VisMin Classic at Pueblo de Oro last Sunday where they finished Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, behind Alethea Gaccion to secure spots in the national finals of the series.

But seizing early control of the P750,000 championship against the big guns hardly crossed their minds.

“I practiced a lot with my short game since that is the key here,” said the 15-year-old Castil, who birdied two of the four long holes, including the 18th that shoved her past Abarcas.

The eighth leg of this year’s LPGT, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf, is actually Castil’s second pro tournament after finishing tied for 15th at Forest Hills last June and she vowed to soak up the moment in the next two days and hoped for the best.

“I’ll just enjoy it, fairways-greens and try to go for two-putts,” she added.

Abarcas, on the other hand, puts premium on driving, saying: “It’s very important off the tee because the fairways are narrow and if you get it straight, you’ll have more chances.”

The 16-year-old rising star, who also hails from Manolo Fortich like Castil, said she had no expectations in her first pro event but came in bristling with confidence and kept a positive mindset despite bogeying three of the first five holes at the back. That resulted to birdies on Nos. 15 and 18 then mixed two bogeys against a birdied at the front and missed catching Castil at the helm with a flubbed birdie try on the par-5 ninth. “I didn’t expect to be where I stood but

it’s exciting,” said Abarcas, who is also relishing her stint as a first-time member of the national pool.

While Bisera, who finished second to Daniella Uy at Forest Hills, bucked a couple o0f three-putt miscues to take the cudgels for the pros with a two-birdie, four-bogey card for joint second, Uy struggled trying to recover from a double-bogey start.

The former Junior World champion, who also won at Riviera in 2021, also bogeyed Nos. 7 and 8 although she bounced back with two birdies against another bogey in the next five holes and wound up with a 75 in a tie with Valley leg winner amateur Mafy Singson and Sarah Ababa at fourth.

the postoperative course will go smoothly”.

The incident occurred near the end of Serbia’s first-round game against South Sudan, when Simanic was defending opposition player Nuni Omot under the Serbia basket.

Omot caught Simanic with an elbow, causing Simanic to scream in pain and immediately wheel away.

The 25-year-old Simanic plays for Zaragoza in Spain.

Serbia play Lithuania in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. AFP

Junior golfers upstage pros, take 1-2 spots in Del

Officials of the SBP and the PBA hold a meeting on Monday at the Makati Diamond Residences to discuss the formation of the Philippine men’s basketball team for the 19th Asian Games from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China. Present at the gathering are (from left) PBA chairman and SBP vice president Ricky Vargas, SBP president Al Panlilio, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales and Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel governor and SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua. The meeting was hosted by SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

Borisa Simanic

Velinda Castil ashes the thumbs-up sign. Manny Marcelo

5150 Dapitan braces for fast triathlon race

THE 5150 Dapitan Philippines will be quick with a fast race course in place but the heat factor can make or break one’s title bid, including in the overall championship, when the inaugural endurance race is held Sunday (Sept. 10) in Zamboanga del Norte.

Hosting the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run event for the first time, the host city has set up a course that provides both the seasoned campaigners and upcoming bidders, including bets from 10 other countries, a new racing experience in pursuit of triathlon glory in various age-group categories.

“The race course is a fast one.

Zverev outduels Sinner, faces Alcaraz in quarters

NEW YORK—Alexander Zverev defeated Jannik Sinner in a late-night five-set US Open marathon to line up a quarter-final with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

German 12th seed Zverev outlasted

Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a gruelling 4hr 41min match which finished at 1.39am local time Tuesday on a muggy night in New York.

Zverev claimed his second win over the sixth-seeded Italian in three years at Flushing Meadows and advanced to a third quarter-final here after the longest US Open match of his career.

“I guess I can say I’m back. This

is what I live for, this is what I absolutely love to do,” Zverev said in an on-court interview.

“Last year when I wasn’t able to play this is exactly the kind of moments I missed.”

Zverev, the 2020 US Open runnerup, missed last year’s tournament after suffering a horror ankle injury at Roland Garros.

“I actually don’t know how I managed

that. I was completely done in the fourth set. I was extremely tired. In the fifth set I somehow found it again,” said Zverev.

“This is one of the best moments of my career, after my comeback and everything. I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

The 26-year-old Zverev has a 3-2 record against world number one Alcaraz, winning their only Grand Slam meeting in the 2022 French Open quarter-finals, and is regaining his best form.

“I’m here to play. That’s what I love doing. I don’t know how it’ll end up but I’ll give it my absolute best like I always do,” he said.

“I’ll fight till the last moment. I’ll be ready.”AFP

2 eagles propel Mondilla to 1-shot lead vs. Zaragosa

BUKIDNON—Clyde Mondilla lived up to the hype and he did it in style, coming through with two eagles, including a 14-foot putt on No. 18 that spiked an eight-under 64 for a one-stroke lead over an equally hot-starting Rupert Zaragosa after 18 holes of the ICTSi Del Monte Championship here on Tuesday.

While he expected to flourish on a course he calls home, Mondilla still needed to dish out a stellar play to hold off Zaragosa and a slew of others, including defending champion Jhonnel Ababa, Nilo Salahog and Justin Quiban, in their highly-charged chase for early control in the P2.5 million championship serving as the eighth leg of the Philippine Golf Tour.

“Actually, I didn’t expect the result, I was a bit nervous at the start due to lack of sleep. But I was able to control my game, especially my driving, after three holes,” said Mondilla, who gained strokes on Nos. 4 and 5 from short range then hit a solid 6-iron second shot from 230 yards on the par-5 sixth and drained a 10-foot eagle putt.

“Parang kitang-kita ang allowance kasi taga-dito,” he said in jest.

But he did admit to have had the edge in terms of local knowledge of Del Monte, saying: “I feel like I was just practicing since this is where I learned the game. Me

advantage talaga.”

“Yung sa 18th, I was okay to finish with a birdie but it went in, so it was a bonus,” he said, referring to his closing feat behind another superb 6-iron second shot from 220 yards that landed 14 feet off the cup.

He later added that he was just looking at a 4- or 5-under start “but it all fell into place,” said Mondilla, who is also spurred to do better in preparation for his Japan

Q-School stint in October.

But Zaragosa, Ababa, Salahog and Quiban, among others, banked on their sheer talent to stay in pursuit despite their limited knowledge of the quaint course.

“Driving was the key, I hit all the fairways. My putting also clicked that’s why I was able to score a 7-under,” said Zaragosa, who sizzled in a flight behind Mondilla’s with a solid seven-birdie assault in a start he hoped would lead to the same result in Iloilo.

He led the PGT’s second leg from start to finish to run away with a 9-shot romp over multi-titled Tony Lascuña and record his maiden win last March.

“I’ll just stick to my game plan and try to get better each round and learn more,” said Zaragosa, who placed ninth in Taiwan PGA Tour last week despite putting up a 12-under total.

Ababa likewise turned in a flawless card of 66 for joint third with Salahog as the former set in motion his drive for a repeat in this tournament he ruled by two over homegrown talent Reymon Jaraula in 2019.

“Maganda ang driving ko,” said Ababa, who also anchored his 34-32 round with solid iron play and superb wedge shots that set up birdie chances no farther than 10 feet.

The swim will be clear and easy to navigate, the bike leg is a 2-loop fast route with some hills at the far turnaround and the run part will be two loops and very fast that would also take runners in historic areas,” said race director Neville Manaois. He added that their meticulous planning ensures every athlete’s safety, enjoyment and a race course that is historic.

“It’s different from Subic since its less industrial and less busy. It’s a city course that passes through communities and offices. It will be fast like Bohol but Dapitan passes more in local communities, adding to the warmth and charm of the race,” said Manaois.

John Alcala top-bills the merry mix of bidders, both in the overall and in his age-group category (30-34), with the Dipolog City ace seeking to match

his stirring triumph in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan late last year.

He also won the 5150 Subic last June, thus making him the “hunted” from among the talent-laden cast that includes former Bohol 5150 champion Satar Salem, former SEA Games gold medalist Fernando Casares, Andrew Remolino, a two-time SEAG silver medal winner, Jailani Lamama and Jonathan Pagaura.

Manaois also expects the battle for top honors to be furious and exacting given the weather conditions in the Olympic-distance race.

“We expect it to be hot, which will add further challenge to the course,” said Manaois.

For details, log on to www.ironman.com/5150-dapitan-philippinesregister.

Also up for grabs are titles in the 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 35-39, 40-44, 4549, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65-69 in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the event organized by the IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. and backed by Lungsod ng Dapitan, Go for Gold, Active, Rudy Project, Santé, Manila Bulletin and Tempo.

Also expected to generate interest is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, set over the 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run distance. It features beginners and upcoming triathletes wanting to get a feel of tri-racing and designed for athletes looking to make a comeback in the sport.

The Noli Run, a 3km fun run, will the event on Saturday (Sept. 9).

EASL welcomes New Taipei Kings for next season

HONG KONG SAR—East Asia Super League and the P. LEAGUE+ announced that the New Taipei Kings will join the 2023-24 EASL season.

The New Taipei Kings will replace the Bay Area Dragons for the upcoming season.

EASL CEO Matt Beyer said, “EASL is ecstatic to welcome the New Taipei Kings to our inaugural home-and-away season and to grow our partnership with the P.LEAGUE+. We look forward to bringing top Japan B.LEAGUE, Korea Basketball League and Philippine Basketball Association teams to New Taipei in front of the Kings’ sellout crowds.”.

The New Taipei Kings took second place in the 2022-23 P.LEAGUE+ season, hosting a series of electrifying, sold-out games in the Finals series. They boast Joseph Lin and Byron Mullens among a stacked roster coached by Ryan Marchand.

New Taipei Kings owner Phil Chen said, “The New Taipei Kings are focused on building a tradition of excellence and part of that is playing in the toughest competition available to us. We’re very excited to join EASL in the upcoming season to face off against the top professional teams from around the region.”

Beyer, P. LEAGUE+ founder Charles Chen, and the entire EASL and P. LEAGUE+ upper management have been in long-term discussions about increasing the presence of P. LEAGUE+ in EASL. The addition of the New Taipei Kings in 2023-24 significantly expands EASL’s reach and market in Chinese Taipei.

With the 2023-24 season approaching fast, EASL has also taken a significant decision to increase its focus on its core competency, which is running a league and maximizing its use of resources to make the league as dynamic and as electrifying as possible, as well as commercially successful.

Following consultation with stakeholders regarding conflict-of-interest issues due to running both a league and owning a team, EASL management has decided to immediately cease the operations of the Bay Area Dragons team and has offered all players and coaches a generous termination package. Head Coach Brian Goorjian will stay with EASL as a league ambassador during the term of his contract.

Matt Beyer said, “We thank the Bay Area Dragons and the Philippine Basketball Association, and its leadership, for an excellent season during their 2022-23 campaign, which included reaching the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals game seven, played in front of a record-breaking 55,000 people, and taking third place in the first season of EASL at EASL Champions Week.”

Fil-Chinese cagers out to extend dominance in ASEAN veteran tilt

UNLIKE in past editions, Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association will be competing in only one age division this time but remains supremely confident it can extend its dominance and make another history in the ASEAN Veteran Basketball Tournament.

Having asserted their authority in all age categories of the annual event in the past, including the 40, 50, 60, and 65 in numerous occasions, the Fil-Chinese cagers are as determined and excited to become the first champion of the inaugural 70-and-above division that will be held in Semarang, Indonesia from Sept. 10 to 16.

Out to lead the FCVBA’s campaign Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que and Jimi Lim with former PBA player Pol Herrera as the team’s reinforcement.

Before the event took a break in 2020 due

to Covid pandemic, the team dominated the 65-and-above division after pulling off a 5450 come-from-behind win over Hatyai in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

“We hope to become the first champion of the 70-and-above just like what the association did in various categories in the past,” said the 73-year-old Que.

Other members of the Ching Ka Lee-mentored team are Alfonso Kaw, Macario Co, Alberto To, James Chua, Reynaldo Chua, Charles Ong, Amang Santos, Johnson Lao, and former MICAA player from Cebu Zotico Tan.

“Just like us, other players from various clubs in the region are happy with the return of the tournament,” added Que.

The team leaves for Semarang this Saturday.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev returns the ball to Italy’s Jannik Sinner during the US Open tennis tournament men’s singles round of 16 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

The New Taipei Kings

Clyde Mondilla blasts out of the bunker. Manny Marcelo

Lovi Poe back in the arms of Coco Martin

ACTRESS Lovi Poe has returned to Philippine shores after her much-talked-about wedding in the United Kingdom. And this hardworking actress is also back on set for her FPJ’s Batang Quiapo , where she stars alongside, Coco Martin

Since her return to the country, the actress has been continuously taping every day. This is due to the fact that the production

is running on a tight schedule these days, as Lovi and Coco, playing Tanggol in the series, are scheduled to leave tomorrow, September 7, to take part in the grand event of Asap Natin ‘To in Milan, Italy.

Back to Batang Quiapo , Tanggol is still the core of her heart, mind, and soul, even if she is all set to get married to Ramon,

veteran actor Christopher De Leon . Ramon is also the real father of Tanggol, but this fact still remains a secret to Tanggol and Mokang. Even Ramon is not aware of it yet. What will happen if the wedding pushes through? How will Tanggol, Mokang, and Ramon face each other? And what if the secret of Ramon is revealed? Will Olga succeed

‘Tradigital’ channel introduces

TV’s new gamemasters

PIE channel has undergone significant changes, promising an enhanced experience for viewers. These transformations include a fresh lineup of Game Masters and captivating gamified primetime programming, ensuring more opportunities for viewers to win instant prizes every night of the week.

One of the most exciting additions to the PIE family is Luis Manzano, who takes on the role of game master for the new weekend show, Tamang Hinala

Luis was introduced as part of the PIE Channel family during the Lucky PIE Time Media and Trade Conference at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City on August 30. The event was attended by members of the press, trade partners, and executives from KROMA Entertainment and ABS-CBN.

Joining Luis as fellow game masters are Robi Domingo from the upcoming show Watchawin and Eric Nicolas from the recently launched Mukhang Perya. Additionally, Jolina Magdangal and Bayani Agbayani, the dynamic Game Master duo of Sinong Manok Mo, and Negi also from Mukhang Perya conveyed their greetings through a video message.

These game masters, along with PIE Jocks, will be taking the helm at various programs within the Pindot PIEnalo Block, facilitating games for studio participants and creating interactive experiences for online “KaTroPIEs.”

PIE has revamped its daily primetime programming, now known as the Pindot PIEnalo Block, which kicks off at 6:00 p.m. every day. Each show in this block offers interactivity and gamification, ensuring entertainment and increased chances to win cash and

prizes for KaTroPIEs. The Pindot PIEnalo Block starts with the recently launched program Mukhang Perya from Monday to Friday, hosted by Nicolas and joined by PIE Jock Zendee, Freshe, and Angelica of BB Gurlz Studio players engage in classic perya games, with online KaTroPIEs having the opportunity to win up to P30,000 daily by participating through their devices.

Following Mukhang Perya, Ur Da Boss returns for a new season from Monday to Friday at 7:00 PM. Game master Melai Cantiveros and PIE Jock Jennica Garcia challenge online KaTroPIEs, affectionately referred to as “Mga Boss,” to win as much as P20,000 daily as the job orders become increasingly challenging for

studio players or “mga trabahador.”

Premiering on Monday, September 11, at 8:15 p.m. is Watchawin, a game show where viewers are encouraged to watch with precision. Game master Robi presents a series of “Watchables” or short videos to studio participants and online viewers, challenging them to recall details and elements of what they’ve just seen.

Watchawin tests one’s attention to detail and observation skills, with up to P60,000 available each week for eagle-eyed online KaTroPIEs who answer correctly using their devices.

Mukhang Perya returns at 9:00 p.m. with PIE Jocks Gillian Vicencio, Gello Marquez, Seham Daghlas, Rans Rifol, and Cianne Dominguez, joining BB Gurlz Freshe and Angelica in closing out the Pindot PIEnalo block.

The Pindot PIEnalo block continues on weekends, featuring the 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. editions of Mukhang Perya on Saturday and Sunday. Game master Negi, PIE Jocks Nicki Morena and Kevin Montillano, and BB Gurlz Freshe and Angelica ensure non-stop fun and opportunities to win cash and prizes for perya enthusiasts.

Starting Saturday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m., Game master Luis introduces the exciting mystery game Tamang Hinala. Together with PIE Jock Karina Bautista, they investigate and report from the scene of the crime, allowing viewers to examine evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of studio players. Online viewers can channel their inner detective and have a chance to win up to P30,000 by making their judgments through their devices. Sinong Manok Mo returns for another season, with game master Jolina with Bayani leading the competitive experience, alongside PIE Jocks Jackie Gonzaga, Patsy Reyes, Jeremy G, Anji Salvacion, and Nonong Ballinan This interactive game show encourages viewers to exercise their power to choose and offers a chance to win up to P15,000 as long as their chosen “manok” emerges victorious. PIE is a product of the partnership among innovative entertainment company KROMA, the country’s leading storyteller and content creator ABS-CBN, and the largest corporate venture builder in the Philippines, 917Ventures.

A heartfelt tale of friendship, dreams, and redemption

CAMERROL Entertainment Productions proudly presents Huling Sayaw, a heartfelt film that explores the trials and triumphs of friendship, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams. Starring talented young actors Bugoy Cariño and Belle Mariano, this film promises to captivate the hearts of audiences everywhere.

The story revolves around three childhood best friends, Danilo (Bugoy), Tiffany (Belle), and Stephanie (Andy Abellar), as they navigate their senior year at a prestigious school in Manila. However, the course of their lives takes an unexpected turn when Danilo makes a wrong decision that leads him astray, influenced by negative

company. As Danilo finds himself on the brink of losing everything he holds dear, he must summon the strength and resilience to reclaim his true path. Along the way, the characters undergo profound transformations, testing the bounds of friendship and inner resolve. Will Danilo be able to overcome his mistakes, chase his dream of becoming a renowned dancer, and endure the test of time?

During the media conference held on August 30 at Viva Cafe in Araneta City Cubao, Quezon City, the film’s cast members graced the event to share their insights and experiences. Lead actor Bugoy was joined

by co-stars Rob Sy, Ramon Christopher, Christian Vasquez, Emilio Garcia, Jeffrey Santos, Jao Mapa, Mark Herras, Zeus Collins, and Mickey Ferriols

Under the direction and written by Errol Ropero, Huling Sayaw promises to deliver a compelling narrative. Get ready to embark on a gripping journey filled with friendship, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams as Huling Sayaw makes its way onto the silver screen on September 13 nationwide.

Huling Sayaw is produced by Ropero, with Executive Producers Ronald Allan Guinto, Michael Endaya, Hon. Melvin Vergara Vidal, and Hon. Amado Carlos Bolilia IV

in her plans to kill Ramon and Mokang?

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo airs weeknights, Monday to Friday at 8:00 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, and TV 5. Meanwhile, for those based in Europe, catch Asap Natin ‘To Live in Milan on September 10 at the Mediolanum Forum, Assaga, Milan.

Teach me how to ‘digi’

GLOBE presents the “#SeniorDigizen: Teach Me How To ‘Digi’” TikTok contest, celebrating Grandparents Day and Elderly Week. It’s all about making technology enjoyable for seniors, forging stronger family ties, and guiding them into the digital age with their tech-savvy descendants’ assistance.

“We believe that technology should be accessible to everyone, whether you’re young or old. With this contest, we’re celebrating family, learning, and the joy of discovery as we push for digital inclusion. We’re here to prove that it’s never too late to go digital. We hope to transform our beloved senior citizens into senior digizens,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Participating in the contest is a breeze. To get started, create a TikTok video where someone from the younger generation, aged between 15 and 50, imparts tech knowledge to their senior parent or grandparent. Teach them anything from setting up a new app to using

depicting harmful actions or violence and try to incorporate Globe’s signature color blue while adhering to TikTok’s community guidelines promoting positivity and respect. Lastly, ensure your video is high-resolution, as lowresolution or shaky videos won’t be considered.

a mobile wallet or mastering the art of emojis. The key is to keep it creative, engaging, genuine, and heartwarming. Videos should fall between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, accompanied by a one-liner caption, and set to “public” access on TikTok. Make sure to tag @globeofgood and use the official hashtag #SeniorDigizen. Multiple entries are allowed, but participants can only win once. The video should be original, fun, and creative, following the trendy TikTok style where situations unfold in real-time from the viewer’s perspective, with both the senior citizen and younger participant in the frame. Use only available commercial sounds and maintain clean language without profanity or mentioning other brand names under patent. Avoid

“Through this initiative, we hope to send a message to our senior citizens: Madali ang digital. Kayang-kaya niyo ito. At nandito kami, kasama ang inyong mga anak at apo, para gabayan kayo. We call on everyone to take part in this exciting contest that bridges not just age gaps, but most especially, the digital gap,” said Liza Reyes, Public Relations and Communications Strategy Head at Globe Group Corporate Communications. Entries will be judged based on creativity, engagement, and overall content. The Top 25 will receive P25,000 worth of Globe products and other exciting prizes. Those who complete the #SeniorDigizen Ambassador program can receive up to P75,000 worth of Globe products.

Winning seniors must also be physically able to join an exclusive learning session to be hosted by Globe and complete the two-month #SeniorDigizen Ambassador program, which will be announced at a later date.

Submission of entries will open on September 10, 12. a.m., and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on September 30. Come October 2023, stay tuned to Globe’s Globe Of Good TikTok and Globe of Good Facebook page for the exciting announcement of winners.

For a detailed dive into the contest mechanics and more, swing by Globe’s official social media channels at Globe Of Good TikTok and Globe of Good Facebook page starting September 10, 2023.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

‘Batang Quiapo’ lead actress Lovi Poe

From left: ‘Tamang Hinala’ Game Masters Robi Domingo, Luis Manzano, and Eric Nicolas visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Award-winning host Luis Manzano leads PIE Channel’s new weekend game show, ‘Tamang Hinala’

Former child actor Bugoy Cariño plays the role of Danilo in the upcoming film, ‘Huling Sayaw’

Globe launches ‘#SeniorDigizen: Teach Me How To ‘Digi’ aiming to make technology enjoyable for seniors

the character being played by ‘Watchawin’ host Robi Domingo

Comedy actor Eric Nicolas

MUSICAL theater art has

rels even after nearly three decades in the entertainment industry. She keeps her calendar busy with proj ects and performances even in the last quarter of 2023.

She is now busy rehearsing for the staging of the acclaimed musical, Rama , the only work that features five of our National Artists together.

“To play the role of Sita is a dream of mine,” Shiela admitted. “Not only be cause of the role itself, but the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do this gorgeous masterpiece and get to rectly and

Juanito Torres honors

AS a tribute to the heroes of the country, Juanito Torres completed a 67” x 91” work of art presented in time as the nation celebrated the annual National Heroes Day on August 28. The artwork is titled La Solidaridad Coinciding with the spirit of National Heroes Day, the artwork paints a gathering of our prominent figures in one frame depicting patriotism and love of country. They are Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo. H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Jose Maria Panganiban, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Juan Luna, and Antonio Luna

The artwork is among the pieces in The Magnificent September Auction 2023 of Leon Gallery this coming September 9, celebrating the finest Filipino artists, and includes works by those who have paid homage to our national hero through their artworks.

Paying tribute to the noble soldiers in Philippine history is what Torres has also completed his masterful work Generals of the Philippine Revolution. In this piece, Torres paints key figures such as Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, Emilio Jacinto, Emilio Aguinaldo, Macario Sakay, Miguel Malvar, and Gregorio del Pilar, among others. It is a celebration of allegiance and nationalism with a testament to the value of independence.

Contemporary artist Juanito Torres attended the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling

in Los Banos, Laguna, where he was awarded for Outstanding Visual Arts in 1994. He took further studies at the University of the Philippines’ College of Fine Arts in Diliman, Quezon City.

The late art critic Alice Guillermo described him as one of the leading contemporary artists of his time, joining the ranks of Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, and Neil Doloricon, among others. Torres was a finalist at the Metrobank Foundation National Painting Competition in 2005 and was a fellow and designated artist for CANVAS Romeo Forbes Children’s Literature Initiative from 2009 to 2010. His works are part of the permanent collections of major museums in the country, such as the Museum of the Katipunan in San Juan City, Miguel Malvar Museum in Batangas, Pinto Museum in Antipolo City, and Luna Museum in Ilocos Sur, and the National Historical Commission among others.

Juanito Torres’ portfolio made the seminal artwork exhibit Icons and Superheroes. Among his other works are the recently sold monumental work The Grand Ball and the auctioned piece Parade of Heroes

Juanito Torres is represented by Galerie Joaquin. For more information, email info@galeriejoaquin.com.

personally with two National Artists – Alice Reyes and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.”

Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Salvador Bernal for production design, Bienvenido Lumbera for lyrics and libretto, Ryan Cayabyab for music, and Rolando Tinio for the English translation.

For this run of Rama Hari, Shiela will headline the opening night at The Metropolitan Theater on September 15 and the closing gala show at The Samsung Performing Arts Theater on September 24.

She will be joined by Arman Ferrer as Rama and from the original 2020 cast, Audie Gemora as Dasarata, and Poppert Bernadas as Ravana. They will be accompanied by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth led by Toma Cayabyab

Shiela was originally going to do Sita for the 2020 production of Rama Hari, but the staging got interrupted by the pandemic a week shy of the opening.

“So when they invited me to do the role of Sita again, I was ecstatic,” Shiela said.

She won best female host in the Aliw Awards 2022. She shortly joined 1LitCorp roster of hosts managed by Issa Litton

Shiela keeps her calendar busy as a talent of Stages Management, with David Cosico as her personal manager.

She was one of the main female lead vocalists in the Disney Orchestra live concert held in Kuala Lumpur last May and performed for the Mega Pride Ball on Independence Day.

Expanding possibilities for Filipino talent

FOR theater veterans Jaime del Mundo and Dennis Marasigan, theatre can be everything and more. Whether in the eyes of a performer, audience member, or the creative team behind the production, theatre opens up a world of possibilities only the human mind is capable of making.

After years in theater, he values collaboration with trusted individuals, allowing them to excel in their roles. Marasigan expressed this sentiment during an interview with writer Sophia Eugenio, emphasizing the inherent uncertainty in theater’s collaborative nature. They both worked together in the CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series: Figaro! Figaro!!

Marasigan perceived Figaro! Figaro!! as an opportunity for Filipino talents to perform in an opera, even if the production was just an abridged version of Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, staged back-to-back in one night.

“It’s simply because there are not enough opportunities for them to practice. Many of our better classical singers have to go abroad to perform in the operas because we don’t get them as often as we actually should,” lamented Marasigan.

Director Del Mundo explored different singing techniques to introduce possibilities to the cast, which brought apprehensions at first before it eventually led to excitement, willingness, and determination among the young singers.

* * * Speaking of theater, there is one place in Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) that I always visit whenever I’m watching a show there. It’s the tech area.

I know I’m not supposed to go there, especially when a show is ongoing. But I would just take a peek, say hello to the crew (shoutout to sir Danny who would always wave at me whenever I’m at TIG), and take a couple of pictures before going back to the lobby.

Most often, audiences perceive the hard work that the actors, musicians, and rest of the cast – the so-called front liners of any production – put into a successful performance. But little do they know that the backliners – the backstage and production crew – spent the same if not more amount

She did her first sarsuwela, Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, at the CCP Black Box Theater last June, directed by Dennis Marasigan She will be joining a new project by director Erik Matti that will start shooting in September and will be shown on Netflix.

Moreover, Shiela is scheduled to perform in upcoming live events in Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Shanghai (China), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Balandra, our interns.

Amado Bonifacio III agreed, saying:

“Even if we don’t want to, the nature of the work forces us to be workaholics. Things could get stressful and tiring, but we love what we are doing. That’s why we are still here.”

Both Ignacio and Bonifacio learned the trade from Francisco M. Galvero Jr., or Manong Junior to people he has worked with. For more than five decades until his retirement last year, Manong Junior remained the only scenic painter of the CCP.

After watching him create huge

of time and energy on the production. As the cast receives great adulation, the backstage crew often goes unnoticed. The costume designer who worked hard on the fittings and alterations, the technical staff who made sure that the lighting and sound system worked smoothly behind the scenes, the production people who made the artistic vision come alive with their hammers, paint brushes, and what have you. While it may be a thankless job, there are some who take great pride in their backstage work. Being a backstage crew has its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, several productions are scheduled simultaneously, with everything happening all at once. When these happen, the workload could become overwhelming for the crew.

“There was a time when work piled up. We didn’t know what we should do first. My mind went blank, and I just cried. But after that, I return to work as if nothing happened,” shared Annie Ignacio in an interview with Lynnzie Nadong, Yna Bagadiong, and Kyla

sets for different CCP productions, the mentees started shadowing this master. They would always see Manong Junior doing the scale models for the sets, and then bringing these miniatures into life-sized sets and sceneries.

At the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the people behind the scenes are just as important as the people performing on the stage.

The CCP pays homage to these unsung heroes through a series of mini-documentaries by filmmaker Joseph Mangat, titled Backstage Pass Launched during Cinemalaya 19, the second installment features Manong Junior. The first installment featured the technical theater crew in the lights and flying sections.

For more than five decades, Manong Junior is one of the essential people

The Backstage Pass series puts the spotlight on them; with more features planned covering the CCP film technicians, sound crew, and costume custodians, as well as venue booking and front-of-house operations. The series also gives viewers a glimpse of the lesser-known careers in cinema and theater work.

Annie

Francisco

behind

of the Philippine Revolution’ shows a celebration of allegiance and nationalism with