Manila Standard - 2023 September 13 - Wednesday

Speaker seeks dialog with oil firms as fuel subsidies handed out today

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Maricel V. Cruz, and Rio N. Araja

THE government will start distributing fuel subsidies to public transportation drivers and operators today (Wednesday) as Speaker Martin Romualdez said

he will seek a dialog with oil firms to find a possible compromise to give motorists a respite following nine straight weeks of oil price increases.

“The government is not insensitive to the sentiments of our people, especially

Sept. 14 deadline for rice aid

Gov’t wants to beat election ban on public fund disbursement

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the price ceiling he imposed on rice was “going as well as we can expect” as the government pushed to distribute all cash aid to small rice retailers affected by the move by Sept. 14.

The administration will also seek an exemption from poll authorities in case it doesn’t finish before Sept. 15, when an election ban on the disbursement of public funds for social services begins.

A Commission on Election (Comelec) resolution prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social services from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30 ahead of the barangay and youth elections.

FREEING FARMERS FROM DEBT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) displays the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11953 and his signed Executive Order extending the moratorium on payments of amortizations on agrarian debt at the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City on Tuesday. Witnessing (from left) are Senator Cynthia Villar, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Imee Marcos, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Rey Baniquet

New Agrarian Reform law benefits 610,000 farmers

By Charles Dantes

PH facilities in WPS lagging behind other nations—AFP

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

OTHER claimant countries in the Spratly Islands have far more modern facilities than the Philippines, a maritime domain patrol conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) shows.

GMA News, which was onboard the patrol aircraft, said it found Barque Canada or “Maskardo Reef” occupied by Vietnam, teeming with activities with ships and trucks in what appears to be a reclamation project. Fiery Cross, also known as Kagitingan Reef occupied by China, meanwhile,

Mr. Marcos noted that retailers have slowly adjusted to the price cap, even if some of them temporarily stopped selling the staple grain to avoid potential losses of up to P40,000 weekly, according to industry estimates.

“We just had a meeting about that this morning, so far the implementa tion and enforcement is going as well as we can expect,” the President said in

“Of course, some retailers are wary of the measure, and we can’t blame them because they are un sure of the aid we promised. We’ll see how it goes,” he added.

PH,

US officials to visit EDCA sites; Senate vows ‘billions’ for military

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

TOP Philippine and US military officials are set to visit today newly developed bases in Cagayan and Pampanga that American troops can use under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) be -

tween the two countries.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner will ac company US Am bassador MaryKay Carlson and the Commander of the US Indo-Pa cific Command, Admiral John Aqui lino, to Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base

Ressa cleared on 5th charge of tax evasion by Pasig court

NOBEL laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted Tuesday of her final tax evasion charge, the latest legal victory for the veteran journalist as she battles to stay out of prison.

Ressa smiled as the judge delivered the verdict in a case that has dragged

OPENING STATEMENT. As the new college school year began at the University of the Philippines, the UP-Manila Student Council hangs a banner on the Oblation statue calling for a halt to the reclamation projects in Manila Bay. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already ordered an indefinite suspension of 22 major land reclamation projects in the bay to allow a study of their environmental impact and legal compliance. Danny Pata

President spending 66th birthday in Singapore, speaks in Asian gab

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

will spend his 66th birthday today in Singapore, kicking off a five-day official trip to attend the 10th Asian Conference that will gather economic managers and business leaders in the region as well as the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Mr. Marcos will headline a 30-minute conversation at

3:30 p.m. today during the Asia Summit hosted by the Milken Institute.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is also scheduled to face the annual gathering from 12:30 to 2 p.m. today.

It will be the first time a sitting Philippine President will address the Asia Summit that focuses on public health, environmentalism, economic policy, and globalization.

The PCO said Mr. Marcos will stay in Singapore until Sept. 17, in time for the F1 finals which he will attend “upon the

Senate to tackle maritime zones

PH-AUS pact ‘assures peace in Indo-Pacific’

mst.daydesk@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 A2 NEWS

Senate to tackle maritime zones

THE Senate has created a special committee that will exclusively tackle proposed measures relating to maritime zones and sea lanes, which will convene for the first time this Thursday, Senator Francis Tolentino said.

“Come Sept. 14, the newly created Special Senate Maritime and Admiralty Zones committee will be convening for the first time, and we will tackle the Maritime Zone bill for the first time,” Tolentino said Tuesday during a joint panel inquiry into West Philippine Sea issues (see related story on A1 – Editors).

“Thereafter, we will be tackling the Archipelagic Sea Lanes bill and after that, we hope to finish Senate Bill 654

IN BRIEF

GMA confirms gab with Duterte, allies

and that is the Philippine Navy Archipelagic Defense Act.”

Amid continuing tensions in the WPS, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill that would clearly define the country’s maritime zones and would also harmonize domestic laws on maritime territory with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The proposed measure seeks not only to update existing Philippine mari-

Sept....

Stratbase ADR Institute believes the recent signing of the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia provides assurance of peace in the Indo-Pacific, amid continuing security challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute (ADRi) fully supports the deepening of Philippine-Australia relations. Australia has consistently been among the countries most trusted by Filipinos,” Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit said in a statement.

“We are grateful for Australia’s unwavering support for the Philippines, particularly its recognition of the 2016 arbitral ruling and its commitment to preserving the rule of law. Its presence in the Indo-Pacific and defense of the rules-based international order provides assurance that peace, stability, and prosperity will be maintained in the region,” Manhit added.

The Stratbase ADR Institute President also noted that the signing of the Strategic Partnership is a natural progression for Philippines and Australia’s flourishing relations.

“Over the last 77 years, our defense and economic ties have grown stronger, fortified by shared values and principles. The visit of the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Manila is a landmark initiative that highlights the central geopolitical value of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region,” Manhit said. He also highlighted the importance of the Philippine-Australia relationship in enhancing regional security and prosperity through cooperation and partnership.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said they would try to finish distributing the cash aid to rice retailers affected by the governmentmandated price caps on regular and wellmilled rice before the ban takes effect but has sought an exemption from the Comelec if it misses the deadline.

“The President instructed us to finish this at the soonest possible time. He likes the idea of finishing it by the 14th, but there might be unforeseen circumstances that will cause some delay,” Gatchalian said during a Palace briefing.

He added that cash distribution would be targeted in all highly urbanized cities and regions before the imposed dead-

time laws but more importantly delineates and emphasizes our maritime zones and boundaries,” said Gatchalian in filing Senate Bill 2394 or The Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

He emphasized that by declaring the Philippines’ maritime zone boundaries, the country will fortify the geographical extent of its maritime domain.

The law would provide guidance for Filipinos as well as the country’s armed forces and civilian law enforcers on the rights and entitlements of the country’s different maritime zones and enable the country’s maritime institutions to advance national interests.

The special panel, which will be chaired by Tolentino, was proposed last July to

line and would resume distribution to areas where beneficiaries failed to receive assistance.

“We have to stop by the 15th, so by Sept. 14, our goal is to finish at least all highly urbanized cities and regions. But we did file for an exemption, and we are hopeful that we can get one just in case there’s a spillover,” Gatchalian said in a mix of English and Filipino. He said there was enough funding to help rice retailers across the country, under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), a regular program of DSWD.

Gatchalian said there was about P5.4 billion available under the program, and lawmakers have also pledged an additional funding of P2 billion.

As of Sept. 11, the DSWD has already disbursed around P7.5 million worth of assistance to a total of 502 beneficiar-

tackle key maritime issues and legislation. It was created amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing due to the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

In August, the Senate condemned China’s incursions and its harassment of Filipino civilian and government vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Some recent actions by Beijing include its coast guard’s use of water cannon on Filipino vessels, its failed attempt to block another resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, and its newly issued 10-dash line map, which extended the superpower’s claim to cover most of the South China Sea. Macon Ramos-Araneta

ies from San Juan City, Caloocan City, Quezon City, Parañaque City, Navotas City, and Zamboanga del Sur, with each reseller getting a one-time cash assistance of P15,000.

In other developments:

• Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo said the government should impose a zero tariff on imported rice as a price ceiling won’t be effective in the long run. The Department of Finance earlier proposed cutting the tariffs on imported rice from 35 percent to zero or 10 percent at most.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said this proposal would bring down the price of imported rice by as much as P6 per kilo.

• Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for their efforts in driving down the cost of rice.

DEPUTY Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday confirmed meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte “to be active again in politics.”

In a statement, Arroyo confirmed Senator Bong Go’s statement that the two former presidents had an informal meeting over the weekend, together with former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“I think Senator Bong Go already disclosed what happened,” Arroyo said in a statement to reporters covering the House of Representatives.

Go earlier disclosed that Arroyo wanted Duterte “to participate actively again in politics.” Maricel V. Cruz

since this carries a domino effect on all products in the market. We all know that once the prices of oil rise, everything else shoots up – except the wages and salaries of our workers,” Romualdez said.

He noted that fuel being sold in the market at present are old stocks that have been in the inventories or depots of oil companies for months now.

“It is common knowledge that oil companies still sell supplies bought at lower prices before the costs of crude oil in the world market increased. Maybe we can appeal to them not to increase their pump prices in the meantime,” Romualdez said.

He acknowledged that the Oil Deregulation Law contributed to the high prices of petroleum.

“We don’t want to impose on them [oil firms], but we also want to know if they can help alleviate our suffering,” he said.

“We want to hear from them what they can do to help in this kind of situation, and if indeed they are willing to help at all because these oil price hikes have been a burden to our kababayans,” Romualdez added.

For his part, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said no type of public transport will be favored under the subsidy program.

The President, who is celebrating his 66th birthday today (Wednesday), said that the issuance of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations is the “best” birthday gift he has received, citing its impact on the development of the agriculture sector in the country (see related story below -- Editors).

Mr. Marcos also announced that he signed an Executive Order extending for two years EO No. 4, set to expire today, which provides for a moratorium on the payment of the principal obligation and interest on amortization payable by ARBs.

Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the President for extending the agrarian debt moratorium and DAR for its early submission of the IRR.

“The extension of the moratorium on the payment of the amortization and principal on the debt of our agrarian reform beneficiaries is a demonstration of the commitment of the administration of President Marcos to their welfare and the growth of our agricultural sector,” Romualdez said.

“DAR’s early submission of the IRR is a significant step towards fulfilling the promise of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act to uplift the life of our farmers, revitalize our agricultural sector, and provide affordable food for every family,” he added. The two-year extension of the agrarian debt moratorium will benefit some 129,059 ARBs whose land awards did not reach the cut-off on July 24, 2023 to qualify for the condonation of agrarian debt.

Mr. Marcos, who is also the concurrent Agriculture Secretary, said his birthday wish is for “a better agricultural sector in the country.

“I hope agriculture will improve and we will know what the weather is really like – is it the wet season or dry season –so that we can help our farmers,” he said.

“So, I urge the DAR, with all government agencies, to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs and make them your foremost priority in all our development efforts,” the President added.

Under the new law, the condonation would cover at least 1.173 million hectares of land and an estimated P57.55 billion in unpaid amortization.

It would also terminate P206.25 million in unpaid just compensation by 10,201 ARBs tilling 11,531 hectares of land acquired through voluntary land transfer or the direct payment scheme.

A total of 610,054 ARBs would benefit from the new law, which Mr. Marcos signed on July 9, 2023.

“This will enable us and ARBs and the rest of our farmers to realize the utmost potential and reach for our aspirations for our families, for our communities, and for our country,” the President said. For his part, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said: “The President has hit the gas on his landmark law that would truly liberate our ARBs from their CARP debts.”

Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; and Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

The tour of the completed EDCA projects at Basa Air Base will provide an opportunity for the senior military officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the bases’ potential for developing key facilities to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations and the AFP’s modernization priorities.

The visit to the EDCA sites is a prelude to the upcoming Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting scheduled to be held at Camp Aguinaldo on Sept. 14. Brawner and Aquilino’s visit signifies the commitment of both AFP and US Armed Forces to further strengthen their cooperation, ensuring that both militaries are prepared and well-equipped to respond to evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises, the AFP said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said all the senators

President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, and still faces two cases.

on for nearly five years.

The 59-year-old, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, has been fighting multiple charges filed during former

A vocal critic of Duterte and his deadly drug war, Ressa has long maintained that the charges against her and Rappler, the news website she co-founded in 2012, were politically motivated.

“You gotta have faith,” a visibly re -

admitted that the Philippines needs to keep up with other claimant countries such as China, Vietnam, and other ASEAN member states.

looked like a city in the middle of the sea with structures and facilities that resemble modern-day cities.

Also, during the aerial patrol, members of the GMA team saw a nearby flotilla of Chinese vessels.

Pag-asa Island pales in comparison, equipped only with a runway and a recently constructed beaching ramp. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

“We are definitely lagging behind, by years, we should spend more for the development of these features,” Brawner said.

The Philippines claims nine areas including Ayungin Shoal. Vietnam occupies 38, China occupies 7 islands, Malaysia claims five, Brunei claims two islands, and Taiwan claims one. Earlier, Beijing issued a new offi-

violence

CHR raises alarm on poll

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday raised alarm over a spate of violence committed against barangay election candidates and officials in various parts of the country.

As the campaign season for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections have yet to commence, acts of assault and violence have already been recorded, it lamented.

The commission cited the first case of the killing of Alex Repato, an incumbent chairperson of Barangay San Jose in Libon, Albay.

Repato is the fourth barangay official in Libon who was killed, along with Barangay Nogpo councilor Reliosa Mata and her husband Nogpo Barangay Captain Alfredo Mata, Barangay Captain Oscar Maronilla of Barangay San Pascual, and Barangay Bariw Kagawad Salvador Olivares. Rio Araja and Bobby Lagsa

Red Cross asks $100m for Morocco quake aid

THE Red Cross appealed on Tuesday for more than $100 million to provide desperately needed assistance in Morocco, days after a powerful earthquake killed nearly 2,900 people. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday also said the Philippines is ready to extend a helping hand after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the north African nation on Friday.

“We stand in grief and solidarity with you, and our prayers go to the families affected by this tragedy,” the President added in a video posted on his social media accounts. AFP with Charles Dantes

He said the immediate implementation of the new law, which Villafuerte earlier described as a “defining moment” of the Marcos presidency, is “well-timed, given that it will lead to greater farm productivity at this period when weak harvests of palay and other farm crops have unduly jacked up the retail prices of these essential foodstuffs.” invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.”

agreed to add billions to the proposed budget of the AFP to boost its capacity to protect the country’s security and sovereignty.

However, Zubiri could not give an exact amount for the additional funding, which will be used to procure equipment.

The Senate leader said the PCG will also be allotted additional funds to buy ships to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG has also asked the Senate for a supplemental budget of P144 million for its confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for fiscal year 2024.

lieved Ressa told reporters outside the court after the acquittal.

“This is really a win not just for Maria… but a win for the Philippines,” Ressa’s lawyer Francis Lim said outside the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City. “This acquittal together with [the] earlier acquittal will send a very

cial map with a 10-dash line stretching over almost the entire South China Sea, claiming as Chinese territory the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday said the Philippines needs it allies to ward off Chinese aggression.

“We need the help of our allies whether we like it or not,” he said.

If China continues to use military and economic superiority in asserting its illegal claims over the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), he said the Philip-

From

In October last year, Mr. Marcos also flew to Singapore to watch the Grand Prix.

The Palace described his trip to the city-state then as “productive” while Singaporean Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, in a Facebook post, wrote about the officials from different countries who were at the race.

“Happy to meet various Heads of States, Ministers, and foreign dignitaries to affirm our bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race,” Tan wrote.

strong message to the international business community.”

Ressa and Rappler had faced five government charges of tax evasion stemming from the 2015 issue of Philippine depositary receipts, which is a way for companies to raise money from foreign investors. AFP with Joel Pinaroc

pines should tap its alliances and rely on friends to defend its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) During the joint hearing of the Senate committees on national defense, foreign relations, public works, and finance on the WPS situation, Zubiri cited the need to boost the country’s military capabilities. The help, he said, should not only involve war equipment, but also economic assistance.

Marcos orders strengthened intellectual property system

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to work closely with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to boost the country’s IP system.

The President said the Philippines was eyeing to usher in a renaissance of innovation or “FILIPINOVATION” that explores science and technology to find solutions to its modern-day problems.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary Alfredo Pascual represented President Marcos at the World Intellectu-

al Property Organization Asian Regional Conference in Support of Accelerated Life Sciences Innovation - Skills Development and Capacity Building.

“I therefore encourage the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to collaborate closely with the World Intellectual Property Organization and

all our partners present on this occasion to craft programs that will strengthen the country’s IP regime and contribute to our efforts in building the new Philippines that we aspire for,” Mr. Marcos said in a speech delivered by Pascual.

“I also urge everyone here to work together and harness the power of science, technology, and innovation as a catalyst for our post-pandemic transformation and our inclusive and sustainable development moving forward,” he added.

The President assured the country’s global partners of its commitment to contribute to various fields such as health and life sciences research, development, and innovation. Mr. Marcos also encouraged Filipino

PCSO exec: We finance our own anti-gambling operations

scientists abroad to return home and contribute to national development through the Balik Scientist Program. Saying that in 2022, the government was able to fund and implement innovation grants in several key programs.

The government, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), also continues to promote the utilization and commercialization of technologies through various programs such as the IP Rights Assistance Program; the Tax and Duty Exemption Assistance Program; the Technology Innovation and Commercialization Program; and, the Grants and Assistance to Leverage Innovations for National Growth Program.

PAGCOR warns public against fictitious online gambling websites

STATE gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) today warned against the proliferation of websites illegally using the PAGCOR logo to mislead the public that their activities are connected with licensed offshore gaming in the Philippines.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco strongly advising the public to exercise caution when accessing such online gaming websites “because they may pose risks to your personal and financial information”.

The PAGCOR chief added that they

have endorsed the results of investigation and monitoring of dubious websites to the Philippine National Police as well as to the Department of Information and Communication Technology and the National Bureau of Investigation for proper action.

“So far, we have been able to shut down most of these illicit websites, but some of them are able to immediately create new ones so we really need the public’s cooperation and vigilance to help us weed out these scammers,” he said.

Tengco said other steps being taken included continuing engagement with law

enforcement agencies and electronic payment service providers to explore the possibility of blocking payments made to and from illegal gambling websites which he said has been proven effective in the US and Singapore.

“In coordination with the NTC, we will also continue to follow up on illegal sites that have not been blocked or taken down,” he said. “Another option is to create a landing site to redirect bettors to a website that will warn them about illegal sites that they are accessing.”

Lawyer Jessa Fernandez, PAGCOR

assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing department, said PAGCOR was taking all necessary steps to address the issue. She also called on the public to immediately report “any unauthorized use of our logo or misrepresentation of accreditation.”

“We urge the public to check our list of licensees through https://www.pagcor. ph/regulatory/pdf/offshore/List-of-Approved-Philippine-Offshore-GamingOperators.pdf before accessing these sites and to immediately report any illegal offshore gaming operations.

Congress think tank says 205 laws can’t be enforced for lack of funds

By Maricel V. Cruz

A CONGRESSIONAL think tank has identified 205 laws that have remained unfunded.

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) cited reports from the Department of Budget and Management which stated that 163 of the 205 laws remained unfunded, while the rest were partially unfunded, It said 159 laws had no specified funding requirement, while the remaining 46 required P915.4 billion to be operational. Among the unfunded laws was an act that seeks to reduce electricity rates, while another involves military modernization.

City councilwoman Charisse Abalos, and other o cials. Manny Palmero

Group rolls out anti-TB drive at grassroots level

A NON-GOVERNMENT organization has rolled out an initiative meant to combat tuberculosis at the grassroots level.

Sometime last month, the TBpeople Philippines Team embarked on a journey from Manila to Zamboanga City to meet with potential leaders of TBpeoplePH Discipleship.

The undertaking was supported by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Stop TB Partnership CFCS Round 10. The mission was able to mobilize the TBpeoplePH Discipleship, providing the new recruits with basic training to become “certified advocates of TBpeoplePH.”

While in Zamboanga, the Manila-based group vigorously pursued its objective to educate the new members everything there was to know about tuberculosis. The seminars covered basic information to

more advanced topics, which the participants would eventually impart among the locals in their respective communities.

“The dedication and commitment shown by TBpeoplePH and its partners highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling health challenges like tuberculosis,” the group said in a statement.

“By investing in education and empowerment, they are nurturing a new generation of leaders who can drive positive change within their own communities. Through initiatives like TBpeoplePH Discipleship, we can hope to see a future where tuberculosis is not only better understood but ultimately eradicated,” it added.

On the last day of their training, the recruits had the opportunity to put into practice what they learned during their three-day program on becoming certified and effective TB Survivor Advocates.

“Some of the reasons why laws are not enforced are lack of resources, low priority given by implementing line agencies, no costing estimates or indicated funding requirements, and absence of implementing rules and regulations,” the CPBRD noted.

It added that the laws could have been funded, given the low budget utilization rates in other agencies.

“Unused appropriations not only deprive the people of enjoying the benefits from completed projects, but it also parks funds which could have otherwise been utilized for other productive purposes,” the CPBRD said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways was tagged as one of the agencies the CPBRD identified for low budget utilization.

THE state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) dips into its own coffers to fund its illegal gambling operations.

Addressing the PCSO’s presentation of its expected P58 billion worth of sales for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, PCSO executive assistant Reymar Santiago said the confidential fund was usually spent on information gathering.

Santiago made the disclosure when asked by Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers on the PCSO’s policy against illegal gambling.

Part of the agency’s mandate is to help the government in stamping out illegal gambling in the country.

“There is no particular policy for that.

We do coordination... the information we receive, we coordinate them to the law enforcement agencies because PCSO does not have law enforcement power,” Santiago said.

“The information that we gather, if we talk about policy decisions, we have a budget for this from the confidential fund from which we gather information regarding illegal gambling activities in the provinces,” he added.

“This is being processed by the management and they coordinate it with law enforcement agencies. This move will help eradicate illegal gambling activities,” Santiago said.

PCSO assistant general manager Lauro Patiag said the agency has P100 million in confidential funds for 2023, P25 million of which has been spent so far.

The low utilization rate did not sit well with Barbers.

“If they have a confidential fund for the purpose of assisting the government in eradicating illegal gambling, they are not performing well. It is logical to say that the proliferation of illegal gambling in the country is because of lax policy on this,” Barbers said.

IN BRIEF

Leonen seeks work excellence in gov’t

SUPREME Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has exhorted government officials and employees “to always strive for excellence in the performance of their work, aim to deliver the best service they can, and work towards making the government ideal to our people.”

Leonen also urged all public servants to use their positions to be “a louder voice of the oppressed and a more passionate advocate, not just of the rule of law but the rule of justice.”

Leonen made the call as he addressed the officials and employees of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) during its 123rd anniversary celebration last Sept. 11 held at the agency’s central office in Quezon City.

“Being a lawyer or public servant in this country means that we are conscious of the social context we presently live in. It requires that we serve to reduce the suffering of our people,” the magistrate stressed. Rey E. Requejo

Bill criminalizes non-support of children

A GROUP of lawmakers have filed a bill prohibiting father’s failure to to support his children.

House Bill 8987, or “An Act Punishing the Willful Failure to Pay Paternal Child Support,” was introduced by ACT-CIS partylist Reps. Erwin Tulfo, Jocelyn Tulfo, and Edvic Yap; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo.

The bill proposes a penalty of six to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of P100, 000 to P300, 000 for fathers who willfully fail to pay child support.

The bill proposed that paternal child support shall be at least 10 percent of the father’s salary, but should not be lower than P6, 000 a month or P200 a day. Maricel V. Cruz

PN brings relief goods for Bongao fire victims

THE Philippine Navy vessel BRP Ivatan, operating under the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, arrived at Bongao Port, TawiTawi on Monday to deliver relief goods for some 670 families dislocated by a fire that razed Bongao town.

The humanitarian mission, coordinated by the NFWM with various government agencies and organizations, brought a total of 48.2 tons of assorted relief goods for the fire victims.

The relief items included 1,250 sleeping kits, 250 dignity kits, 1,250 hygiene kits, 4,636 food packs, 1,000 family kits, 150 modular tents, 1,000 boxes of non-food items, 129 boxes of medicines, 50 plastic tables, 5 boxes of assorted clothing, and 4 sacks of assorted goods.

These relief supplies were provided by the Ministry of Social Services and Development - BARMM (MSSD-BARMM), Department of Social Welfare and Development - Field Office IX (DSWWD-IX), and the Civil Defense Regional Office-BARMM. Vince Lopez

MOTORCYLE DONATIONS. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Romando Artes receives from Senator Christopher Go the donation of motorcycle units to be used at the agency’s motorcycle riding academy set to open later this the month. Also present during the turnover held at the MMDA complex in Pasig City are San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Mandaluyong

SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM. Pupils at the Aurora Quezon Elementary school in Manila queue up to have their weights and heights measured preparatory to nutrition intervention initiatives particularly for those found underfed and malnourished. Danny Pata

Robin pushes for Charter change anew

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Robin Padilla on Tuesday said he is ready to campaign for candidates in the 2025 elections who will support moves to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic and political provisions.

He also underscored the need to have a unicameral and parliamentary system of government to ensure progress.

Padilla also said he plans to tackle the issue of term extension when he pushes for Charter change, saying this will allow the continuity of an administration’s good programs.

“In the coming polls, I will campaign for candidates who may not be famous or don’t have money but believe that we need to amend our Constitution),” he said. “The people need to help me. All of this will hinge on 2025 when the people will decide whether the country will move forward or backward.”

He called on the people to believe in candidates who may be unknown or not rich but who believe in Constitutional reform.

“So long as we have senators who believe only in the 1987 Constitution, we will remain dreamers,” added Padilla, who said the 1987 Constitution is “outdated.”

Padilla cited the need for the Philippines to have a unicameral and parliamentary system to ensure the speedy passage of laws. He noted the current bicameral system takes up too much time and funds.

IN BRIEF

Caloocan offers free medical to residents

THE City Government of Caloocan, in partnership with various national agencies, will again be conducting a “Lab For All” event for 1,000 beneficiaries as part of the celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s’ birthday on Wednesday.

Previously, the Lab For All event-coordinated by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos last month---served around 5,000 people from Caloocan City-North.

This time around, residents from the Caloocan City-South will receive free medical and laboratory services, in addition to a cash grant for those who qualify. Jun David

Typhoon damages reach P2.5b

AGRICULTURE and infrastructure damage attributed to the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Goring, Hanna, and Ineng has now reached an estimated P2.5 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

The amount is higher by P600 million compared to the P1.9 billion worth of damage reported on Sept. 8, the agency said in its latest bulletin. Out of this amount, P1.513 billion worth of agricultural damage was incurred in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Cordillera roads closed due to monsoon

THREE roads in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are closed to traffic due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and other events, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera reported on Tuesday.

Based on the summary of road closures in the region as of 10:30 a.m., the DPWH said these are the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road in Abra, Kennon Road, and Dantay-Sagada Road.

It said the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road in Barangay San Gregorio, La Paz, Abra is closed due to road depression, sinking roadcut or collapsed pavement.

Motorists are advised to take San Gregorio to Canan Road as an alternate route. It said Kennon Road, Camp One, Tuba, Benguet is closed to traffic due to precautionary measures.

Puno backs federalism for PH

FORMER chief justice Reynato Puno is pushing for a “Bayanihan Federalism” to “equalize the unequal” in the Philippines, stressing that it is the solution to the country’s perennial problems.

During the third installment of the Onofre D. Corpuz lecture series organized by the Development Academy of the Philippines on Monday, Puno said there is a need to restructure power, which is concentrated in the central government.

He said the non-concentration of powers would address a multitude of problems such as pervasive poverty, inequality, hunger, disease, ignorance, environmental disasters, and the loss of values, among others.

“We have to overcome these problems.

We can and we must. We must innovate. We must be creative. We must redesign the powers of our state to cut the Gordian Knot that you call VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity),” Puno said. He said the way forward is the fusion and balancing of power, which can be achieved through empowering the regions, strengthening the national government, respecting the sovereignty of the people, and putting public interest “above and beyond all interests”.

“It demands the ability to fuse the power to address all the problems facing our country and the world. But in times of tranquility, it requires the non-centralization of power and the direct exercise of power by the people to preserve their sovereignty,” he said.

“And this can only be done through Bayanihan federalism,” he added.

Puno said the fusion and non-centralization of power would also pave the way for the convergence of states, as he highlighted the need for cooperative regional federalism.

“Power sharing for cooperative regional federalism on areas of equal concern such as currency, trade, security, diplomacy and development should focus on their commonalities rather than their diversities.

COASTAL CLEANUP.

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval together with representatives from different government agencies and students from the Malabon University joins a coastal cleanup campaign and mangrove planting at Megadike Brgy. Dampalit, Malabon CIty. Andrew Rabulan

Binay stresses collaboration to counter climate change

By Joel E. Zurbano

MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay, in a keynote speech at the 2023 Melbourne Climate Summit, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate change.

Binay highlighted her city’s successful environmental initiatives, such as renewable energy use, electric vehicle transition, and innovative waste man-

AN APPEAL TO PBBM. Samuel Divina, lawyer of Maguindanao acting governor Fatima Ainee Sinsuat, speaks during a press conference to call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to nullify the appointment of Maguindanao Del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua. According to Divina, it was the Supreme Court that decided that Sinsuat should be the legitimate governor of Maguindanao. Manny Palmero

agement programs. She emphasized how Makati is leading by example to pave the way for a sustainable future.

The mayor pointed out the critical role of global cooperation in bolstering Makati’s environmental strategies and programs. She expressed the city’s eagerness to share its knowledge, experiences, and best practices with other cities across the

globe, especially those that are less developed.

“We may not be perfect, but we have valuable lessons to share that can inspire others to take the first step towards global environmental change,” she said.

Binay also reaffirmed her advocacy for climate action and stressed the crucial role cities must play in tackling the climate crisis.

PRIVATE school groups in the Philippines warn that the private education system will collapse if the “No Permit, No Exam” Prohibition bills are passed into law.

In a statement signed by the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAPSCU), Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU), and Unified TVET of the Philippines, Inc (UniTVET), the groups reiterated that if the bills are enacted into law, many private schools will be forced to close down, thousands of teachers and school staffers will lose their jobs, and thousands of students will be disenfranchised.

Senate Bill 1359, which covers private schools from elementary to tertiary and short-term vocational courses, House Bill 7584, which covers basic private institutions, and House Bill 6438, which covers higher education institutions, are currently pending at the Bicameral Conference Committee, which will harmonize conflicting provisions between the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the measure.

“Without tuition, or if its timely collection is impaired, private schools would be paralyzed, or worse, cease or close operations altogether. Simply put, if the law deprives them of reasonable collection of tuition, our private educational sector will collapse, and ultimately the entire Philippine education system, owing to its vital role in the delivery of education to Filipinos,” the statement said.

“We witnessed how financially vulnerable the private schools are during the pandemic. Owing to the sudden and sharp decrease of student enrollment, hundreds of private schools closed down since they were unable to sustain operations.

Leachon quits DOH adviser post

By Macon Ramos-Araneta HEALTH reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon resigned from his position as Department of Health (DOH) Special Adviser for Non-Communicable Diseases.

In a letter to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa dated September 11, 2023, Leachon said “I have made this decision after a careful examination, and it is based on personal reasons that I believe are best for me, my family, and my future.”

“This decision has not been made lightly, and it comes after much thought and consideration. I appreciate your kind understanding and support. I wish the DOH

team continued success in the future,” Leachon said.

Earlier, Herbosa downgraded to a “voluntary” status Leachon’s position after Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin questioned Leachon’s qualifications as a public health expert and his new role in the government during the hearing in the House of Representatives of the DOH’s proposed budget for 2024.

Last Friday, Herbosa confirmed he revised the job contract of Leachon to “volunteer consultant without pay.”

But Leachon stressed he was invited by Herbosa to join the DOH, and “I did not volunteer myself.” He said he accepted the post because of his desire to help the Filipino people.

‘School system will fail with no-permit law’

ADOPTED LAKAN. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (center), receives the honorary ‘Adopted Lakan Award’ from the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) during the Manila Police District (MPD) inauguration of the Lakan Lounge inside the MPD headquarters. Norman Cruz

Filipino books need to be more accessible, affordable

THE recent months have seen several large book fairs and smaller regional book events held all over the country, which were wellattended and participated in by authors, publishers, book industry folk, readers, and other book industry stakeholders.

The industry is understandably stoked at all the interest shown by the public in these events, which are replete with activities such as book signings and book talks and thus very engaging. They wouldn’t be if only plain bookselling took place.

But we should also recognize the need to step up the gains, to put more Filipino books in Filipino readers’ hands. Are we reaching the ‘unbooked’ or are we just preaching to the choir?

I got to thinking about this matter after reading a Sept. 6 Facebook post of CNN Philippines that asked its followers, “What is your all-time favorite book?”

The vast majority of replies were English books by Western authors, such as the Harry Potter series, the Twilight Saga, books by Nicholas Sparks, Mitch Albom, Paulo Coelho.

Where are the Filipino-authored titles, I asked. One commenter replied:

“Very scarce po kasi ang mass produced na books written by local authors, specially sa national bookstore, sa Philippine Literary Section, the last time I saw a book written by F Sionil Jose or di kaya ni Lualhati Bautista or Nick Joaquin was way back 2019 at least dito po sa Bicol, meron din naman po sa booksale or garage sale pero very bihira.

In contrast, let’s take Japan. In Tokyo recently, I was stunned to see people of all ages lining up at a Maruzen checkout counter with four or five books in their hands at nine in the morning.

I also saw quite a few people on the train quietly reading books, not their mobile phones. In their society, books are affordable and accessible to all, and seemingly a necessity.

Filipinos also need to be introduced to more local books.

I taught general education literature to college sophomores a few years ago, and on my reading list were some Filipino-authored gems. Nearly all of my students said they had never heard of them before and didn’t even know that there are a great many Filipinopublished books written in Filipino, English, and the regional languages.

But are these the only reasons for local readers not mentioning Filipino books as their favorites?

One factor that may be contributing to the preference for Western literature is the pernicious influence of our colonial history.

Over our 400 years in the convent and 50 years in Hollywood, our educational system, cultural norms, aesthetic tastes, and language were heavily influenced by the colonizers.

In fact, many Filipinos still remember being fined at school if they spoke Filipino instead of English. Colonial mentality is the result of colonization. There may still be a lingering mindset that Western books are more prestigious, sophisticated, or intellectually stimulating.

Hopes are high

THERE are several phrasal verbs on the continuing soaring prices of rice, now jabbing Filipino consumers whose hopes are high they would stabilize with the forthcoming harvest season.

No less than Malacanang had said, and we are not taking any grain of salt, the prices of rice and palay would stabilize before long, with a lawmaker suggesting the high prices could in fact be artificial.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, citing projections gathered by the Philippine Rice Information System as of mid-August, has said palay yields could reach up to 2 million metric tons by end of this month.

In the House of Representatives, Ways and Means committee chairman Joey Salceda himself said the high prices could be “driven by market speculation and rice traders driven by greed.” In a statement, Salceda said “now, we

STILL smarting from the recent P3-million controversy over its new logo, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) now finds itself in the eye of another storm.

This time, Pagcor faces another issue involving the P75-million cash performance bond posted by an e-sabong firm that’s said to have mysteriously vanished into thin air. But not really, as it’s believed to have been illegally released to an unauthorized individual.

“We only learned of them sa Filipino subjects or CPAR [Contemporary Philippine Arts in the Regions subject] in SHS.

“These days sa nat’l bookstore kung hindi Noli Me Tangere, El Fili, Ibong Adarna, Florante at Laura (great pieces of Phil. literature pero I wish there were more options) puro wattpad authors ang nakadisplay and mostly mga erotic romance books.

“Nakakadismaya talaga po pero sa totoo lang ang hirap din po makahanap ng books na yan, kahit epub or pdf copies sobrang hirap din. Some may say na meron sa Amazon pero di naman po lahat na interested sa Philippine Literature ay afford ang cost ng mga libro na to.”

Judging by the comments on CNN Philippines’ post, many Filipino readers still aren’t aware of Filipino books, apart from what they are made to read at school —the deathless and mandatory Noli and Fili, Ibong Adarna, and Florante at Laura, as all those educated in the Philippine system know, which is why they are carried in local bookstores.

The main problems, then, according to the commenter, are access and affordability, and the plain simple fact that many Filipinos don’t even know of the existence of Filipinoauthored and -published books, particularly in the regions. All this rings true. Local books often have sticker prices the same as Western titles, and these cost more than many Filipinos can afford.

YARKANT, China—Homes of people who went missing in China’s crackdown on its Muslim minorities stand locked and silent in Xinjiang’s rural heartland.

Others lie dilapidated or abandoned, and locals chase out AFP reporters seeking to find out the fates of the detained.

The Chinese government began rounding up Uyghurs in the northwestern region in large numbers from 2017 under what it calls an antiterrorism policy. Over one million people were allegedly detained, with reports surfacing of widespread abuses, including violence, rape and political indoctrination.

The United States branded the programme a “genocide” and the United Nations said it may constitute crimes against humanity.

China has never disclosed the identities of most people it allegedly incarcerated and calls the facilities vocational schools.

Beijing says all their attendees “graduated” in 2019.

But human rights campaigners, scholars and Uyghurs overseas have detailed thousands of individual cases, many based on leaked government documents.

And many people remain unaccounted for.

In July, AFP travelled to four Uyghur-majority villages in the southern Xinjiang county of Yarkant in an effort to determine what had happened to some of those detained.

Police records obtained by the German scholar Adrian Zenz indicate up to half of adult men in the villages may have been rounded up at the height of the campaign.

Western titles are also heavily promoted in large bookstores. We’ve all seen those huge displays of the latest bestsellers when we walk in. Where are the Filipino titles?

Either the store doesn’t carry them, or they are crammed into the ‘Filipiniana’ shelf, a distinct category, instead of sorting them into genres such as fiction, non-fiction, etc. regardless of author or country of publication.

Why the ‘special’ treatment for Filipinoauthored and -published books that makes it seem they don’t belong with the international books?

The need for Filipinos to read Philippine literature cannot be overemphasized. Our stories hold a mirror to the nation’s history, culture, and identity. They capture the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people, providing insights into our country’s complex past and present.

By neglecting their own rich literary resources, Filipino readers miss out on a wealth of narratives that reflect their own experiences, and that can lead to a deepening of their understanding of our roots and society.

Our book industry has made great strides over the years and we certainly must celebrate the gains our efforts made.

But we also need to work even harder and make a concerted effort to make sure no Filipino reader remains unaware of the trove of stories about their own homeland just waiting to be read.

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

One of them was Abduqahar Ebeydulla—a husband, father and imam in his late 30s—who vanished into police custody in 2016.

He is identified in Zenz’s leaked records, and his case has previously been publicised by advocacy group Amnesty International and Uyghurs outside China.

In Abduqahar’s home village of Bostan, the sound of livestock and piles of fresh-looking straw indicated that his family farmhouse was occupied.

But high metal doors to the single-storey home were locked.

AFP did not knock on the door or approach neighbours for interviews to protect them from repercussions.

Further observations were disrupted when a group of Uyghur men—some brandishing farm tools—ordered reporters to leave.

They also blocked journalists from visiting the village government office to request more information. ‘Religious’ crimes

Abduqahar’s case remains murky, but testimony given to AFP by a relative overseas sheds some light on his treatment.

The relative requested anonymity to protect their contacts in Xinjiang from repercussions.

They said Abduqahar was ordered by authorities to return to Yarkant in late 2016 for what seemed like routine questioning.

But he was spirited into the detention system and his associates outside China lost touch as the campaign gathered pace. The relative said they later heard Abduqahar had been sentenced to 15 years in prison for

What compounds the situation is the alleged illegal release of the check to this individual appeared to have been done in connivance with some officials and employees of the state gaming agency.

Joaquin Sy, chairman of the board and chief finance officer of Kamura Highlands Gaming and Holdings Inc., earlier filed a case of malversation of public funds, qualified theft and falsification of private and commercial documents against Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco and several others, including former Pagcor chief Andrea Domingo, before the Office of the Ombudsman. Also charged were Tengco’s chief of staff Dianne Erica Jogno and former board members Gabriel Claudio, Carmen Pedrosa, Reynaldo Concordia and James Patrick Bondoc.

The other respondents are Jewel Castro who allegedly received and encashed the P75-M check without Sy’s or the Kamura Board’s consent.

Tengco and Jogno were also accused of obstruction of justice for “their deliberate concealment of the crimes and unjustified refusal to respond to the letters of the complainant within the period prescribed (by law),” the complaint read.

Sy claimed that he personally posted the bond at Pagcor’s office in Malate, Manila last year through two managers’ checks payable to the gaming regulator and drawn from his personal bank accounts. In return, he said, PAGCOR issued official receipts and other documents proving the posting of a bond by the corporation. However, barely a few weeks after posting the performance bond, then president Rodrigo Duterte ordered e-sabong operations stopped.

“religious” crimes. But they added that the Chinese government had never given them an explanation for the sentence.

Overseas

have to manage our rice inventory better to avoid fuelling the speculation here and in the global rice market,” stressing India’s export ban and the fear of El Nino contributed to the high cost of the grain.

If it is any comforting move, the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. said local farmers and millers have started to deliver locally produced rice to the market, although it noted the peak season will be between end September and October.

add our voice, that the NFA should be given back the mandate to buy rice from farmers and sell subsidized NFA rice to make rice more accessible. Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Sebastian himself said they expect to produce around “more than 11 million metric tons” of palay until December. Sans typhoons, which may lash the country before and up the Christmas season, officials expect to hit the 20 million metric tons level for 2023 national output.

We also note the government is positioning high-yielding seeds to clustered rice farmers, as well as fertilizers, biofertilizers, soil ameliorants, farm machinery, financial, and marketing support to prepare for the dry season and the upcoming El Niño.

We also have not closed our minds to criticisms from stakeholders, groups and some lawmakers about the President’s executive order which caps regular milled rice at P41 per kilogram and wellmilled rice at P45 a kilogram.

We do not know how the National Food Authority will respond to the suggestion of Nueva Ecija Rep. Rosanna Vergara that it should maintain rice stocks it can use to stabilize prices if there are signs of price manipulation. There have also been suggestions, and we

This prompted Sy to write to Domingo, seeking the withdrawal of the bond, but he did not receive a response.

Sy said he followed up his request several times until July 10 this year, but to no avail.

What he received was verbal confirmation from the gaming agency’s Assistant Vice President for Finance Lolita Gonzales 1 that a check worth P75 million had been issued in September last year in favor of Castro and was immediately encashed thereafter.

Government accounting procedures strictly require that the original copy of the receipts must be surrendered before the withdrawal of the bond is allowed.

We note this was an unwelcome development to small-scale retailers, which prompted the government to provide subsidies of up to P15,000 to those affected. We join the rest of the nation in hoping for the best.

Abduqahar “never did anything bad, certainly not anything illegal”, the relative told AFP. “He is very easygoing and respectful to others —he has never harmed anyone.”

So many men in Bostan were taken that Abduqahar’s mother was buried in her backyard for lack of people to bear her coffin to the cemetery, the relative said.

Abduqahar’s wife was also detained and his four children taken into state care, they said. They have since been released and reunited, and his wife was recently permitted to visit her husband in prison some 1,000 kilometres away, according to the relative. Neither Xinjiang authorities nor local governors responded to requests for comment

The alleged illegal release of the cash performance bond to Castro was made, according to Gonzales, during the incumbency of Domingo and the old board sometime in September 2022, Sy said in the complaint.

Pagcor chief Al Tengco has denied any wrongdoing, saying the disappearance of the said funds occurred during the previous leadership and decried his inclusion in the graft raps.

But he vowed to unmask the persons involved in the controversy.

The inclusion of Tengco in the charge sheet is not surprising considering that by his own admission, his office received several letter requests/inquiries from the victim after he assumed office in August 2022.

Given this, perhaps it’s about time for the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to step into the controversy.

This is AMLC’s chance to enforce 22-yearold Anti-Money Laundering Act.

After all, based on Pagcor’s own press release, Tengco has already virtually admitted that a Land Bank check in the amount of P75

about Abduqahar. The Chinese foreign ministry said it was “unaware of relevant situations regarding individual cases”.

AFP was ultimately unable to independently verify his location, sentence and condition, or the whereabouts and conditions of his wife and children. Locked inside

AFP visited three other villages in Yarkant where alleged detention rates were extremely high, according to Zenz’s files.

In every village, many homes were locked, and a few appeared neglected or abandoned.

At an address belonging to a three-generation family of seven—three of whom were detained, according to the files—the house stood silent and rundown.

And interference by people in the villages made it nearly impossible to confirm the status of detainees and verify more data.

AFP reporters were followed by up to five unmarked cars and obstructed—but not harmed —by up to a dozen Uyghur men, some lugging shovels and hoes.

Darting down narrow roads on electric scooters, the men were seen ordering villagers to return to their homes, sometimes locking them inside.

In Aral Mehelle, where around 80 people in a settlement of just a few hundred were allegedly detained, AFP identified the village committee chief among the disruptors.

Approached for comment, he jumped on a scooter and drove away at speed, and hung up when later contacted by phone.

million that represented the e-sabong firm’s cash bond was already released to Jewel Castro.

Certainly, what happened was a criminal offense that falls within the mandate of the AMLC. AMLA, and its subsequent amendatory laws, punishes not only those persons found guilty of money laundering “but also those persons who have knowledge of those illegal transactions but failed to report the same with the AMLC.”

In the issue at hand, officials of Pagcor knew for a fact that such act of encashment or deposit of said huge amount by an individual can already be considered a suspicious transaction.

Pagcor admitted that it issued a Land Bank check amounting to P75 million to a certain Jewel Castro sometime in July 2022 which check was immediately either deposited or encashed thereafter.

Thus, if the said check was encashed, Land Bank was under obligation to report the said transaction to AMLC, just the same that if the said check was deposited in Castro’s bank account, said depository bank is duty-bound to report the same to the council.

Not only that, since Pagcor maintains a battery of lawyers and legal consultants, it is safe to say that the release of the P75-M check was done with their consent and approval.

Hence, these lawyers may also be due for investigation under the newly-approved Administrative Matter 22-09-01 SC, which took effect on May 29, 2023. This SC Circular mandates 2 lawyers as part of their ethical duty to report suspicious transactions related to AMLA laws.

Will this Pagcor controversy be investigated by the AMLC and the SC? Let’s wait and see what happens next.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

China has consistently said it welcomes foreign journalists to report in Xinjiang. AFP The foreign ministry said it was “unaware of the specific issue” when asked by AFP about the interference. ‘Make Xinjiang Chinese’

China’s foreign ministry said most of those who left the vocational centres in 2019 had since “achieved stable employment”.

They “have improved their quality of life, and now lead normal lives,” according to the ministry.

But AFP reporters in Xinjiang saw some facilities identified by researchers as detention camps continuing to operate.

Several had staffed guard towers, security cameras and high walls topped with barbed wire.

Overseas scholars argue that authorities have also pivoted to other forms of repression.

They include handing some detainees long jail sentences and allegedly pushing them into a forced labour system that exports goods all over the world.

James Millward, a historian of Xinjiang at Georgetown University in the United States, told AFP that a concerted effort to forcibly assimilate ethnic minorities and “make Xinjiang Chinese” continues.

“There has been no let up in efforts to erase cultural autonomy of the Uyghur people,” Millward said.

From his adopted home, Abduqahar’s relative said they felt “guilt” about not getting him out of China when they had the chance.

“Everything changed very quickly, and I never expected it,” they said. AFP

Stocks slide on last-minute profit-taking

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 3.54 points, or 0.06 percent, to close at 6,230.20, while the broader all-shares index dropped 4.02 points to settle at 3,359.43.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the financial markets were expecting the US inflation to pick up to 3.6 percent in August from 3.2 percent in July on higher fuel prices.

TOP GAINERS

Philstocks Financial Inc. research engagement officer Claire Alviar said the market was initially trading in the green on expectation the US Federal Reserve would keep its interest rate unchanged.

Alviar said, however, a surge in lastminute profit-taking pushed the market into the negative territory.

Meanwhile, stock markets struggled Tuesday to extend a Wall Street and European rally as traders nervously await US in-

flation data, while lingering concerns about China’s economy remain a millstone.

The consumer price index report is one of the key indicators that help guide the Federal Reserve’s policy decisionmaking. Next week’s meeting is expected to see officials hold interest rates and its statement will be pored over for its thinking for the future. Equities have endured a largely rough September on concerns that recent figures pointing to a resilient economy and jobs market will pressure the bank to tighten once more this year as it looks to defeat inflation.

That has been compounded by mixed signals from Fed officials, with some pushing for another hike and others say-

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

ing it would be best for the economy to wait and see the effects of more than a year of lifting.

With boss Jerome Powell insisting that choices would be based on incoming data, investors have taken weak economic readings as good news for the rates outlook.

“This week is more likely to be a ‘good news is good, bad news is bad’ story,” said Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E*Trade from Morgan Stanley.

“The market’s ability to rebound in the near term could hinge on this week’s inflation numbers, especially Wednesday’s CPI.”

A group of leading economists at

New iPhones expected to come with universal charger

SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Apple on Tuesday is expected to freshen its iPhone lineup, improving performance and switching to a universal charger set to become mandatory in Europe next year.

The tech titan has revealed nothing about what is in store at a “Wonderlust” event at its spaceship-like headquarters in Silicon Valley.

However, it comes at a time of year when Apple usually announces new iPhones to be released ahead of the allimportant holiday shopping season.

The release of the iPhone 15 would come at a moment when the world’s biggest company by market capitalization is facing pressure in the key market of China where reports say the government is banning civil servants from using its phones.

While that would have only a trivial effect on sales, it demonstrates how the increasing diplomatic turbulence

between Washington and Beijing could stoke further questions over Apple’s dependence on China for manufacturing.

Apple’s iPhone sales have been declining in the past few quarters as higher prices encouraged customers to delay switching out to newer models.

While rumors swirl ahead of any iPhone launch, most agree that Tuesday’s event will see Apple adopt a universal USB-C port, begrudgingly switching from its unique Lightning connectors for charging and data transfers.

The charger change would put iPhones in compliance with a European Union law requiring USB-C to be the single charger standard for all new smartphones, tablets and cameras from late 2024.

“The cable change may give consumers pause, but within a generation they will get over it: they won’t have a choice,” said Techsponential analyst Avi

Greengart.

“We saw it when Apple went from a 30-pin connector, which was even built into plane seats, but it didn’t impact iPhone sales.”

European Union policymakers say the rule will simplify the life of Europeans, do away with the mountain of obsolete chargers and reduce costs for consumers.

Apple, the world’s second-biggest seller of smartphones after Samsung, already uses USB-C charging ports on its iPads and laptops.

But it resisted EU legislation to force a change away from its Lightning ports on iPhones, saying that it would stifle innovation and make the phones less secure.

“Apple’s Wonderlust event next week will center on the iPhone, which needs a big cycle after a tepid last few quarters,” said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser. AFP

Musk biography says troubled tycoon driven by demons

WASHINGTON, United States—A

hotly anticipated biography of Elon Musk describes the turbulent tycoon as a man driven by childhood demons, obsessed with bringing human life to Mars and who demands that staff be “hardcore.”

“Elon Musk” is written by star biographer Walter Isaacson, a former editor in chief of Time magazine who is best known for his bestselling portrayal of Apple founder Steve Jobs as well as his looks into the lives of Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci.

Some US media outlets got early access to the more than 600-page book ahead of its official global release Tuesday, and several excerpts were published in recent days.

Hours before its release on Amazon, advance orders had made “Elon Musk” the site’s best-selling book in the United States.

Much of the billionaire’s early life is already well known, with attention focused on his abusive and manipulative father Errol, who Musk despises.

The book proposes that Musk is driven by what his former partner Grimes calls the “demon mode”, which, according to Isaacson, makes him highly productive and is common among overachievers.

Many of the account’s unknown nuggets come from a more recent period, when Isaacson shadowed his subject with fly-on-the-wall access into

his everyday life.

A widely reported passage recounts how Musk personally scuttled a plan by the Ukrainian military to carry out a major operation in Crimea by denying Starlink internet access, drawing a furious response from Kyiv.

But Isaacson was forced to walk back his description of the episode after Musk tweeted that the Starlink access was not yet up and running in Crimea at the time of his decision.

Musk’s chaotic and impulse-driven takeover of Twitter (now renamed X) also gets a lot of attention, with the billionaire seen as struggling to recognize that technology and sheer will power will not create miracles.

Another recurring theme in Isaacson’s telling is Musk’s vindictive tendencies toward doubters and critics.

Lacks ‘Critical lens’

After acquiring Twitter late last year, Musk and his closest lieutenants combed through email and social media, and immediately fired dozens of employees who had criticized the new owner. Eventually two-thirds of the 7,500 strong staff would be axed.

In another episode, Musk defied warnings and with the help of a small team moved critical servers out of a Sacramento data center to cut costs, which led to a series of major outages.

He also refused to join forces with Bill Gates on charity endeavors because the Microsoft founder had bet against the success of Tesla on the stock market.

The book also says that Musk, who frets about depopulation, now has 10 children, including a previously unknown child with on-and off-again partner Grimes.

He has also fathered twins as a sperm donor with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Muskowned company Neuralink.

Reviews of the book have been mixed, with the Washington Post praising the reporting but disappointed that Isaacson “prioritized revealing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes reportage over a sophisticated critical lens.”

Influential US tech pundit Kara Swisher said the book told the story of a “sad and smart son (who) slowly morphs into the mentally abusive father he abhors.”

“Often right, sometimes wrong, petty jerk always,” Swisher said of Musk’s portrayal in the book.

some of the world’s biggest banks said they did not expect the Fed would hike again and would begin slashing borrowing costs in the new year, while they also predicted the United States would avoid a recession.

“Given both demonstrated and anticipated progress on inflation, the majority of the committee members believe the Fed’s tightening cycle has run its course,” said Simona Mocuta, chair of the 14-member American Bankers Association’s Economic Advisory Committee.

The ABA includes economists from banking titans such as JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, and its reports are often read by Powell and other decision-makers at the Fed. With AFP

GlobalFoundries opens $4-b chip plant in Singapore

SINGAPORE—The world’s thirdlargest contract chipmaker GlobalFoundries opened a $4 billion manufacturing plant in Singapore on Tuesday as part of a global expansion to help ease an industry supply crunch.

The semiconductor sector is recovering from disruptions caused by the pandemic, high inflation and sluggish global economic growth caused in part by geopolitical tensions.

The facility will produce an additional 450,000 wafers annually at full capacity by 2025 to 2026, the US company’s Singapore general manager Tan Yew Kong told reporters, raising the city-state’s overall capacity to 1.5 million wafers each year.

The chips, usually used in smartphones and other mobile devices, are also increasingly in demand by automakers, especially for electric vehicles, adding to the pressure to raise production.

Shutdowns during the pandemic fueled a chip shortage, which was exacerbated by rising prices and an economic slowdown.

However, analysts and industry officials say a demand recovery is in sight.

“The key megatrends of our industry —digitalization, connectivity, cloud computing—are all driving acceleration to a more connected and data-centric world,” GlobalFoundries president and chief executive Thomas Caulfield said at the launch.

“It demonstrates how central and critical the industry is to the world economy and how pervasive semiconductors are in enabling and enhancing all aspects of human life.”

Caulfield said despite current economic headwinds, the company estimates the industry will double in the next decade.

“The catalyst for this growth will be AI (artificial intelligence),” he said.

The firm’s 23,000-square meter (247,570 square foot) Singapore facility, which broke ground in 2021, will boost the global footprint of the company, which already has plants in the United States and Europe.

Singapore’s chip output currently makes up 11 percent of the global semiconductor market.

The global semiconductor market is predicted to experience a downturn of 10.3 percent this year but recover in 2024 and grow 11.8 percent, according to estimates by industry monitor World Semiconductor Trade Statistics. AFP

BUSINESS

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday it expects investment approvals to exceed the P1.5-trillion target for 2023.

said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said investment pledges already reached P800 billion so far, and with new commitments from the recent trade missions, “it’s just a matter of time in realizing the investment target.”

“I don’t have the exact numbers, but I believe that we have already reached P800-billion investments so far,” he

BSP seen following Fed’s action in 2024

LOCAL monetary authorities may keep the policy rates for the rest of the year and consider moving in sync with the US Federal Reserve if the latter cuts interest rates in the middle of 2024, an official of Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. (SLIMTC) said Tuesday. SLIMTC head of equities and global funds Michael Adrian Vergara said in an online briefing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas tended to move in line with the Fed.

“It is really a matter of them managing the peso. It is a matter of them managing liquidity within our market. So if we think that the Fed would potentially cut, I think consensus is looking at the middle of next year,” Vergara said. The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of BSP, kept the overnight borrowing rate of 6.25 percent on Aug. 27 for the third time this year amid the continued slowdown in inflation since the peak of 8.7 percent in January 2023.

The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also retained at 5.75 percent and 6.75 percent, respectively. Julito G. Rada

PLDT wants to trim

digital divide in PH

PLDT Group said Tuesday it is pushing for the continued narrowing of the digital divide in support for the government’s egovernance mandate.

“Governments around the world are now under pressure from rapid globalization, fiscal, social and technological changes to provide services that are citizen-centric, efficient, transparent, and effective. For e-governance to succeed, a country must narrow and bridge the existing digital divide,” Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs Roy Ibay said.

Ibay, in a recent panel at the Cybersphere Philippines 2023 forum, noted the importance of fundamental structural changes in government to ensure that an e-government platform would be maximized.

“For e-governance to succeed, a government must ensure an organized, clean and corruption-free system of doing and implementing its activities. The cart cannot be put before the horse. Otherwise, digitalizing and expanding government services through a digital platform in whatever current system there is will only magnify the problems or defects, instead of hastening their solution,” Ibay said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Maynilad spending P3b to upgrade 17 STPs

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is spending over P3 billion to upgrade 17 of its existing 22 sewage treatment plants (STPs) over the next five years. The upgrade involves adding treatment processes in 17 STPs to enhance nutrientremoval capability. This is in compliance with the revised effluent standards under DENR Administrative Order DAO 202119 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which set more stringent wastewater treatment guidelines versus those imposed in other countries.

Maynilad’s Parañaque Water Reclamation Facility, the biggest STP in terms of volume output, is already compliant with DAO 2021-19.

By 2027, all 22 existing wastewater treatment plants in the west zone―which have a combined treatment capacity of around 684,707 cubic meters of wastewater per day―will be upgraded to conform to DAO 2021-19 standards, Maynilad said.

Maynilad said the new STPs it would build in the future would be fitted with the upgraded nutrient-removal processes. Othel V. Campos

Pascual said the trade attaches assigned in different foreign trade bureaus abroad were helping the DTI follow up investment leads and pushing for actual projects.

‘We’re working on it. There might be projects that will fall out along the way, but we’re hoping that they will all ma-

terialize,’ he said.

Pascual said 16 new projects would bring in about $1.2 billion in investments. One project is already operational, and the remaining 15 projects have qualified to be processed through the Green Lane for Strategic Projects (GLSP).

Investment leads generated in the previous trade missions reached almost P1 trillion in the first five months of 2023.

Pascual said this boosted the confidence of the agency to set the bar higher for investment target to P1.5 trillion from the initial goal of P1 trillion.

The Board of Investments (BOI), the investment agency under the DTI,

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual

2023 investments to exceed P1.5-t goal IN BRIEF

secured investment pledges of P698 billion in the first half of 2023, higher by 203 percent than P230 billion it approved in the same period last year.

“The Philippines is poised to become Asia’s premier investment destination. The signs are emerging. Foreign investment pledges are at a record high,” said Pascual who also chairs the BOI. Foreign investment approvals accounted for 60 percent of the total investments of P423 billion in the sixmonth period, a dramatic increase of 5,621 percent from P7.89 billion in the first half of 2022. Domestic investments went up by 23.8 percent to P275 billion from P222 billion.

PHILENERGY 2024. Informa Markets, in cooperation with main industry stakeholders, announces the holding of PhilEnergy 2024, a new stand-alone energy trade event, at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers Inc. president Ariel Duran (left) shakes hands with Informa Markets Philippines country manager Rungphech Chitanuwat, while outgoing Informa country manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh looks on during the press launch on Sept. 12, 2023. PhilEnergy will be held on March 20 to 24 next year to highlight innovations and advancements in the energy and power sectors. Joseph Muego

By Julito G. Rada

ECONOMIC managers led by Finance

Secretary Benjamin Diokno asked Dubai-based businessmen Tuesday to consider the Philippines as investment destination and take part in its continuing growth story.

“The Philippines presents a wellspring of investment opportunities for the Middle East business community,” Diokno said in a presentation livestreamed on the Department of Finance Facebook page.

He cited the strengths that made the Philippines recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reforms implemented by the previous and the present administrations to attract more foreign direct investments.

SEC asks Holcim to hold second round of tender offer

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asked cement producer Holcim Philippines Inc. (HPI) to hold a second round of tender offer to acquire the shares held by minority investors.

HPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday it received the SEC order directing the company to conduct another tender for a period of 30 days.

The SEC said the second tender offer should be conducted within 20 days from the receipt of the order or by Sept. 28, 2023.

It said the tender offer should be based on the same terms and conditions as those of the first and should be without prejudice to the consummation and

payment for the shares tendered in the first tranche.

The first round of tender offer was held from July 10 to Aug. 30, 2023.

HPI said majority shareholder Holderfin B.V. expressed willingness to adhere to the SEC order to facilitate the planned delisting.

Analysts noted the weak investor participation in HPI’s tender offer because of the tedious process of transferring the shares.

The Philippine Stock Exchange on June 29 suspended the trading of HPI’s shares, after Holderfin B.V. purchased 594.95 million common shares or 9.22 percent of the company’s outstanding capital stock from Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co. Ltd. This caused HPI’s public float to drop

to 5.05 percent, below the 20-percent minimum requirement of the PSE.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulation requires every sale, barter, exchange or other disposition of shares of stock of a publicly-listed company that is non-compliant with the minimum public ownership to be subject capital gains tax (CGT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) and not the standard stock transaction tax.

Aside from the applicable tax rate, shareholders will also have to facilitate all the documentary requirements, including the relevant tax clearance from the BIR, needed to transfer shares sold outside the exchange.

Holderfin plans to acquire 325.58 million common shares in HPI owned by minority shareholders at P5.33 apiece.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 -3.54 PTS.

6,230.20

F oreign e xchange r ate

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12,

INNOVATION IN POWER. Secretary Arsenio Balisacan leads a delegation of more than 50 National Economic and Development Authority personnel, including members of the executive committee and regional directors, to visit Alsons Power Group’s 210-megawatt Sarangani Energy Baseload Plant at Kamanga Agro-Industrial Economic Zone in Maasim town, Sarangani province. Balisacan says the Alcantara-led company fulfills a crucial role as it ensures a sufficient supply of power to the markets it serves, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to ecological sustainability. The visit was organized as part of NEDA’s management committee project site aimed at fostering closer ties with industries in the SocSKSarGen Region.

Meralco asks more customers to join net metering program

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) on Tuesday encouraged more customers to participate in the net metering (NP) program which allows them to install a renewable energy facility within their premises and generate electricity for their own use.

These customers, with a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts, can get credits from the excess electricity that they export back to Meralco.

“To date, we have 8,544 NM customers with 50.3 MW peak installed capacity, and year on year NM numbers and capacity are increasing rapidly,” Meralco senior vice president Ferdinand Geluz said during the second day of the

Giga Summit Geluz said that in 2022, these customers exported 20.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh). He said that as of July this year, 16.2 GWh was already generated for export and was “projected to exceed last year’s aggregate number.”

Geluz said Meralco would also continue to ramp up its electric vehicle (EV) deployment and by 2030, aimed to reach at least 25 percent fleet electrification complete with the required ecosystem to run the EVs. He said Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan expressed the power retailer’s intent to be at the forefront of electric mobility development in the Philippines.

“With our network and capabilities,

we believe that Meralco is in a position to help stimulate demand and develop the infrastructure support especially in the rollout of EV charging stations,” Geluz said.

He said Meralco was ahead of its compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and leads in fleet electrification with 156 electric vehicles such as e-cars, e-vans, e-pickups and e-motorcycle deployed by end-2022.

“This represents 7 percent of our total vehicles [vs. 5 percent EVIDA target] which serve the daily operational needs of our sector offices and business centers. To support the charging requirements of these EVs, we have also installed 39 EV chargers,” Geluz said.

Diokno mentioned the favorable jobs market, strong banking system, manageable inflation, investor-grade credit ratings and sustained economic recovery from the pandemic.

He said that within the first 100 days of the Marcos administration, the guidelines of the Build-OperateTransfer Law and those of the Investment Coordinating Committee were revised. The NEDA joint-venture guidelines were also enhanced to align with the IRR of the BOT Law.

Diokno said the government identified 197 priority infrastructure flagship projects with a total investment of $155 billion. These priority infrastructure projects focus on unlocking greater productivity through physical connectivity, digital connectivity, health, power and energy, agriculture, flood management, water supply and irrigation.

Diokno said the Marcos administration made it a policy thrust to wield the power of public-private partnership to help boost the development of much-needed infrastructure in the priority sectors.

He said the government is establishing a stable and predictable public private partnership policy environment that aims to bring about a better quality infrastructure and services while allowing private players the reasonable rate of return of their investments.

“Out of the 197 infrastructure projects, 39 will be undertaken through PPP, and I invite you to take a look at NEDA’s infrastructure flagship projects online to explore investment opportunities in physical connectivity, health and water resources [and others],” Diokno said.

Diokno said that since the beginning of the President’s term, four PPP proposals were approved in record time.

One of these is the TPLEx Expressway Extension that was evaluated and approved in just 11 weeks.

“Aside from PPPs, the Philippines is open to investments from both domestic and global firms engaged in strategically important projects and activities,” Diokno said.

AMRO sees PH economy growing 5.9%, inflation settling at 5.5% in 2023

THE Philippine economy is expected to grow 5.9 percent this year amid weaker external demand, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said Tuesday. “[The] Philippines’ economic growth is projected to moderate to 5.9 percent in 2023 due to high base effects and weaker external demand, before edging up to 6.5 percent in 2024 as external demand recovers,” said AMRO principal economist Runchana Pongsaparn who led the annual consultation visit to the Philippines from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8, 2023.

“Meanwhile, domestic demand is expected to remain robust supported by continued improvement in labor market conditions, lower inflation, robust overseas remittances, and higher government infrastructure spending,” Pongsaparn said.

AMRO director Kouqing Li and chief economist Hoe Ee Khor participated in the policy meetings and also met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. and Department of Finance Undersecretary Maria Edita Tan. Julito G. Rada

FIBA, Smart extend pact up to 2027

FIBA and leading Philippine mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have renewed their Global Partnership until after the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.

The four-year extension comes off the back of the excellent cooperation between both parties, as well as Smart’s stellar promotional work for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Playing a pivotal role with their world-class and award-winning mobile network, Smart has delivered and influenced highly successful on-ground and digital activations to delight basketball fans from all over the world.

The centerpiece was the spectacular transformation of the Mall of Asia Ball into a colossal basketball with a hoop, which created one of the most breathtaking and monumental basketball tributes ever seen at a FIBA event.

To further drum up excitement for the world’s biggest basketball tournament, Smart also unveiled a 400-square meter 3D Billboard at Bonifacio High Street Crosswalk as well as launched an interactive billboard with augmented reality integration along EDSA that showed larger-than-life digital versions of players dunking on an actual rim installed on the billboard.

While the main focus of the Global Partnership has been on the Philippines as co-hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, it’s now set to go much wider. In this next phase of the collaboration, Smart will reach out to Filipinos all over the world with promotional campaigns, while there are many more exciting plans still to be unveiled.

The new partnership agreement secures Smart’s further enhancements, including additional exclusive rights in the areas of digital and live streaming. They will be the presenting partner of ‘Chat Parties’ hosted on respective FIBA competition websites, the FIBA official mobile digital and media application for the competition or another official FIBA digital media channel, which are accessible to users located in the Philippines.

Smart will enjoy graphic integration on the live stream of official draws of FIBA competitions as well as youth competitions, in addition to being the presenting partner of the FIBA ‘Power Rankings’.

Zamboanga nips Nueva Ecija; Batangas foils Quezon in OT

ZAMBOANGA Family’s Brand Sardines courted disaster before nipping Nueva Ecija, 67-65, on Monday in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.

Judel Fuentes knocked in two charities with 12.8 seconds left for Zamboanga’s marginal points that shattered the 65-65 deadlock forged by Nueva Ecija following a 5-point swing by Roi Sumang and Bryon Villarias in just 5 seconds of the back-to-back Mindanao Invasion thrillers.

Earlier, Batangas City Embassy Chill got the push from Jong Baloria in both the regulation and overtime periods to subdue Quezon Province, 84-80.

The Rice Vanguards also had a chance to extend the game, but Roi Sumang, hounded by Jaycee Marcelino, was unable to fire a jumper before the final buzzer.

Zamboanga raised its record to 18-8 and dislodged Quezon (17-8) from the fourth spot in the South division of the 29-team tournament.

Batangas drew eight points from Baloria in the last four minutes of regulation that ended at 72-72, then leaned on a triple by Baloria and two free throws by MJ Dela Virgen to climb to 21-5 in the South division being led by Bacoor (21-4).

Despite the loss, Nueva kept second spot behind Pampanga (23-2) in the North division with a 21-5 slate.

PH poised to end 3-decade athletics drought in Asiad

PHILIPPINE athletics is expected to end a threedecade medal drought in the coming Hangzhou Asian Games, with world’s no. 2 pole vaulter

expected to swamp the competition.

National coaches Isidro Del Prado and Dario De Rosas are one in saying that Obiena, also Asia’s no. 1 pole vaulter, is the country’s best bet to finally break the podium heartbreak as he’s favored to bag the gold in his pet event.

No Filipino trackster has brought home a medal of any color in the Asiad since Elma Muros bagged the bronze in the women’s long jump during the 1994 edition of the quadrennial meet in Hiroshima, Japan.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association is now pinning its hopes on the broad shoulders of the 27-year-old Obiena, who is coming off a silver medal showing in the last World Athletics Championship held

in Budapest, Hungary.

“Ang panalo natin si EJ sa pole vault,” said Del Prado in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Obiena is also out to complete an unfinished business in the Asiad after failing to medal in its last staging in Palembang, Indonesia where he placed seventh in the event topped by Seito Yamamoto of Japan.

As for the rest of the 13-man athletics team, both the Filipino legendary coaches are setting a modest goal to achieve.

“Ready kami ngayon sa Asiad. Hopefully, maka-sungkit ng medalya,” said De Rosas of his protégé in long jumper

Janry Ubas during the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Ubas, 29, won the gold medal in long jump during the last Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, and copped the bronze in heptathlon in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Kazakshtan early this year. He also competed in two European tournaments in Italy and Finland in which he also went home with the gold.

Ubas is also the national record holder in long jump with 8.08 meters, which De Rosas believes would at least give the Misamis Oriental bet a shot for the bronze

should he equal or surpass his personal mark.

“Hopefully, kung makukuha niya ulit yan, puwede tayong magbronze medal siguro,” said De Rosas, who also coaches Sarah Dequinan (heptathlon) and Ronnie Malipay (triple jump).

As for Del Prado, the former anchor of the famed ‘Bicol Express’ 4x400 men’s relay team in the 80s, it’s going to be a tough task for the quartet of Fil-Am Umajesty Williams, Frederick Ramirez, Joyme Squita, and Michael Carlo Del Prado to achieve a podium finish.

“Malakas ang India, Japan, China, and Sri Lanka sa 4x4. Kaya nauna kong sinabi sa kanila na to give their best to break the Philippine record (3:06.47),” he said.

USA Basketball sends love; Luka, Clarkson give back to PH fans

By Randy Caluag

TEAM USA went back home without a medal, but with tons of love and admiration from Filipino basketball fans, who supported them all the way to the Final 4 of the recently concluded FIBA World Cup.

“Thank you, Manila (Philippines), it said on its Facebook post. “Your love for the game is unrivaled.

#USABMNT out .”

Although they fell short and placed fourth place after that disappointing loss to Canada, the Americans were still thankful of the fans’ support at the Mall of Asia.

It was a slight improvement from their 7th-place finish in the 2019 World Cup in China, but it was still a big letdown for fans back home, expecting more from an all-NBA squad in the biggest basketball showpiece topped by Germany.

Prince

In

Birdie spree lifts Bisera past Fortuna in South Pacific Classic

DAVAO City—Yvon Bisera rattled off four birdies in a row from No. 1 on her way home as she recovered from a wobbly backside start to shoot a 71 and snatch the first day honors from Mikha Fortuna in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic on Tuesday.

Bisera used her power and banked on steady putting to make a big turnaround then endured a bogey on the sixth to gain the head-start in the 54-hole championship on her home turf at the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates here.

“My driving was quite steady and strong and my putting clicked,” said Bisera after coming out on top while bucking the heat in a punishing start to the P1 million championship serving as the ninth leg of this year’s Ladies Phiilppine Golf Tour.

“I’m used to this kind of weather since this is my home course,” added Bisera, whose six-foot birdie putt on No. 1 sparked a run that included a tap-in birdie on the par-5 second hole which she reached in two, and a clutch pitch-in feat on the par-3 No. 3. She capped her blitz with a long putt on the fourth but missed posting a twoshot cushion with a missed-green mishap on No. 6.

“I just need to stay focused and try to keep my drives on the fairways,” said Bisera, whose bid coming off a fifthplace finish at Del Monte took a wobbly start after a three-putt miscue on No. 11 and a missed green bogey on the next. Fortuna, back in the hunt after missing the Del Monte stop following a fourth

place finish at Forest Hills, actually took command with a two-under card after 16 holes on a six-birdie, four-bogey card. But she wavered at the finish, dropping strokes in the last two to end up with a 72 and slip to second.

“I had two chip-ins and the rest were like five-footers which were good,” said Fortuna. “But my bogeys were careless mistakes, like I had three missed shots that went past the greens and it was tough to get up-and-down from there.”

She added that playing under scorching conditions took its toll on her, saying: “It (heat) was a huge factor, It was really hot here so I had to stay hydrated and tried to focus on my routine because I wanted to play faster. Yes, it was kind of harder to focus because of the heat.”

be the biggest star in the Team USA, but somehow caught the fancy of the Filipino fans probably because of his Lakers’ pedigree, shooting skills, and good looks.

There were players who went out of their way to repay the love the Filipinos have shown for the sport, like Italy’s Gigi Dateo and Gilas Pilipinas’ Jordan Clarkson, who treated fans and kids in Tenement in Taguig to free basketball shows and giveaways.

The most magnanimous of them all, however, was Slovenian Luka Doncic, who threw his pair of shoes to the fans at the lower level and later gave his Player of the Game trophy to the ecstatic parents of a kid who was named after the Mavericks’ star.

“Luka, I was named after you,” was the poster waved by the boy’s mother, wife of former La Salle cager Prince Rivero.

Ernest John Obiena

Ernest John Obiena

Jaycee Marcelino of Zamboanga

Rivero, wife and son receive Luka Doncic’s award FIBA

their Manila experience, the Americans were cheered on whenever they set foot on the court. The biggest applause was reserved for Austin Reaves, who may not

DRAFT COMBINE. Ricci Rivero, formerly of the University of the Philippines Maroons and the Taoyuan Pilots in Taiwan’s P.League+ last year, shows o his physical skills at the PBA Gatorade Draft Combine Season 48 on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops in Mandaluyong,

NBA expected to toughen rules on resting stars

NEW YORK—NBA team owners are expected to pass tighter rules against resting star players this week, including larger fines for missed games by multiple All-Star players, according to multiple reports Monday.

Following a recommendation by the NBA’s competition committee, the board of governors is expecting to impose tougher regulations against “load management” on Wednesday, according to ESPN and The Athletic, citing unnamed sources.

The new policy would prevent teams from resting more than one player who has been an NBA All-Star or All-NBA player over the past three seasons, according to the reports.

Teams could be fined $100,000 for the first violation, $250,000 for the second and $1 million more than the prior punishment for each subsequent violation, ESPN detailed.

The move comes as the NBA looks at securing new media rights deals and ensuring star players aren’t absent for major televised games and the NBA’s new in-season tournament could ease worries by potential partners.

The league has already made a move to discouraging players sitting out without an injury or personal issues, mandating players compete in at least 65 of 82 regular-season games to be eligible for awards such as NBA

Most Valuable Player.

Players would like to see the NBA address the demand issues that push them to manage their rest during the NBA’s six-month regular season, especially a the new in-season event debuts in November and December.

The NBA league office will investigate resting as a method of enforcement, including independent medical reviews, ESPN reported.

A memo obtained by ESPN from the league says it will be up to teams to manage player availability so no more than one “star” player is absent for a game and that stars are available for nationally telecast games and in-season tournament contests.

It also wants teams to balance the number of one-game absences by a star player between home and road games with a preference for such absences to happen in home contests.

Teams must ensure players sitting out to rest are at games and visible to spectators, according to the memo, and teams must avoid any long-term shutdown when players are absent or in a reduced role regarding game integrity issues.

Two-time Olympic champion and fourtime NBA champion LeBron James (right) has been recruiting fellow NBA stars, led by Stephen Curry (left) for a US squad that seeks a fth gold medal in a row next year in France, according to The Athletic. AFP

LeBron, Curry among NBA stars eyeing Paris Olympics

LOS ANGELES—NBA superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry are among several top players interested in competing for the United States at next year’s Paris Olympics, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Two-time Olympic champion and four-time NBA champion James has been recruiting fellow NBA stars for a US squad that seeks a fifth gold medal in a row next year in France, according to The Athletic.

Curry, a four-time NBA champion guard with the Golden State Warriors, has expressed a desire to play on the Olympic squad guided by Warriors coach Steve Kerr, ESPN reported.

The news comes a day after a US team of 20-something NBA stars left the Basketball World Cup empty handed following losses to Canada in the bron ze-medal game and to eventual champion Germany in a semi-final.

James, a 38-year-old forward, led the USA to Olympic gold in 2008 at Beijing and 2012 at London but has not played since.

He knows the sting of defeat on the

global stage, however, having been a reserve on the 2004 US squad that settled for bronze at the Athens Olympics and a 2006 team that took bronze at the Basketball World Cup.

James is not only interested in playing for Paris Olympic gold but has called fellow former NBA Most Valuable Players Curry and Kevin Durant hoping to entice them to play in 2024.

Two-time NBA champion Durant, a Phoenix Suns forward who turns 35 later this month, helped US Olympic goldmedal efforts in London as well as 2016 in Rio and in 2021 at Tokyo.

Curry has never played for the US Olympic squad but helped American clubs win the 2010 and 2014 World Cup crowns—their only such titles since 1994.

Others James has recruited for the 2024 US Olympic team, according to

3rd PGC Golf Cup slated Sept. 23 at South Forbes

MARK your calendars and prepare to swing, compete, and conquer at Pinoy Golf Catalogue’s 3rd golf cup on September 23, 2023, at South Forbes Golf Club, Silang, Cavite.

“Fore-tune” favors the bold, as achieving a hole-in-one gives you the chance to stay overnight in a Villa Premier with breakfast for 3 adults and 2 kids at Quest Hotel Clark’s, and Green Fee for 18 holes golf play for two persons at Mimosa Plus Golf Course.

These and more exciting raffle prizes are in line for all players so let your passion guide your swing as you aim for victory on and off the course.

Get ready to tee off with a purpose, as part of the proceeds of the event will go towards supporting the Silong Tanglaw Foundation, Inc., an organization that provides underprivileged children with shelter, guidance, and education.

The Athletic, include his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, Golden State’s Draymond Green and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

Phoenix’s Devin Booker, a three-time NBA All-Star, and 38-year-old Chris Paul of Golden State, a 2008 and 2012 gold medalist, are also among those ESPN said are interested in the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested Monday on charges of assault and strangulation of a woman in an early morning hotel room incident, according to multiple reports.

Police sources told ABC News, ESPN, the New York Post and Houston Chronicle that Porter had been locked out of his hotel room and after hotel security helped him enter, he attacked his girlfriend, a former Women’s NBA player.

The woman, identified as Kysre Gondrezick, was taken to a hospital with neck pain and a cut on her face, according to the reports, while Porter was taken into custody.

They had appeared together at a Fashion Week event. AFP

Salahog sizzles with 67, leads Quiban by 1

DAVAO City—Nilo Salahog waxed hot when a slew of big guns grappled in sweltering conditions, coming away with a five-under 67 to wrest a one-stroke lead over Justin Quiban in a crowded start to the ICTSI South Pacific Classic on Tuesday.

Among the early starters in a steamy day, Salahog anchored his bid on a solid backside start of 32 highlighted by a pitch-in birdie on the par-4 17th of the South Pacific Golf & Leisure Estates then holed out with a birdie on the ninth to find himself the befuddled leader in a powerpacked field in the P2 million championship.

“I actually missed at least four birdie chances from pin-length high,” said Salahog, who tied for 17th on a tight course in last week’s Del Monte Championship but flourished on a long but open layout here.

“The fairways here are fairly wide so the big hitters have the edge. And even if you missed your drives, they don’t pose big problems,” added Salahog in Filipino. “But the greens are really tough and it’s too hot.”

But he still stood out when majority struggled

on the undulating greens that vary in character and speed, leading to missed birdie opportunities – and three-putt miscues to some.

Two aces out to make up for their shaky final round stints at Del Monte, however, posted low rounds to get into the mix as Quiban shot a 68 for solo second and Jhonnel Ababa carded a 69 for joint third with three others.

Quiban, who tied for the lead in the Del Monte stretch but slipped with a bogey on the 17th, three-putted the par-5 closing hole and ended up third, mounted his charge with a frontside 33 and birdied Nos. 11 and 13 to gain a shared view of the top.

But the Asian Tour campaigner, who also vied in a PGA Tour event in 2021, yielded a shot on No. 14 and ran out with four pars for a 33-35.

“This course is kind of wide but driving isn’t that important but hitting more greens. It’s hard to read putts but luckily I was in better spots for me to sink a lot of them (putts),” said Quiiban, who birdied Nos. 2, 7, 8, 11 and 13 to tie Salahog in the lead in the early going of the 72-hole championship backed by Kampfortis Golf, the

official apparel of the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Like the rest, Quiban shared the heat slowed down his charge in the closing holes, saying: “Towards the last few holes, I was getting tired and I just couldn’t press the gas and I can’t make any birdies anymore.”

Ababa trailed Salahog with a backside 35 in the first flight that included Enrico Gallardo and Elmer Saban but birdied Nos. 2 and 6 to put himself on track for redemption after likewise fading in the last 18 holes and winding up fifth at Del Monte where he reigned in 2019.

Dino Villanueva, meanwhile, birdied three of the last six holes at the back, Marvin Dumandan gunned down three birdies in an eight-hole stretch from No. 7, and Keanu Jahns holed out with back-to-back birdies from No. 17 for their versions of three-under cards that tied them with Ababa.

“Sobrang init kaya dito resistensya ang kailangan, saka yung green, mahirap, magulo,” said Ababa, who banked on his superb short game but rued a couple of birdie chances inside 7 feet.

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Bernaldez clips Francisco, sweeps PPS Davao titles

SECOND-RANKED Chelsea

Bernaldez got the better of No. 1 Sanschena Francisco for the second straight time, pounding out a 6-3, 6-4 decision in the girls’ 18-andunder finals even as young Gil Niere grabbed the spotlight in the boys’ side of the Gov. Edwin Jubahib national juniors tennis championships in Tagum, Davao del Norte over the weekend.

Bernaldez’s victory came after the rising local star subdued the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat ace, 2-6, 6-2, 10-7, for the Mati, Davao Oriental leg crown in the premier age-group category of the Group 2 series, thus completing a sweep of the three-leg swing in the Davao region of the country’s longest-talent search presented by Dunlop.

Bernaldez also walked on a tightrope before foiling AJ Acabo, 5-7, 6-1, 10-8, in the championship of the Maragusan, Davao de Oro leg of the series held under the PPS-PEPP program put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro. She, however, failed to duplicate her two-title feat in Mati as third ranked Dhea Cua edged her in the semis of 16-and-U play, 6-4, 2-6, 10-7, then the Kidapawan City find trounced Faith Lazaro, 6-3, 6-1, to snare the crown.

Niere, from Bogo City, Cebu, took the boys’ 12-and-U trophy with a 7-6(1), 6-1 victory over Matt Docena then settled for a runner-up finish in the 14-and-U division ruled by Vanzidrick Ro-

salinda from Maragusan, also for the third straight time, 6-1, 6-2.

Rosalinda downed Rodney Montegrande, 6-3, 6-0, in Maragusan then repulsed Dexter Salcedo, 4-6, 6-1, 10-3, in Mati.

But Niere’s victory and a runnerup finished earned him the MVP plum in his side of the competition in the week-long event sponsored by Gov. Edwin Jubahib.

Other winners were Digos City’s Aika Salahudin, Justine Gumbao from Sultan Kudarat, Cebu City’s RB John Lataza, Tagum’s Jason Battad and M’lang, North Cotabato’s Kresthan Belacas.

Salahudin wore down Mariam Mokalam in a thriller, 6-2, 3-6, 14-12, in girls’ 14-and-U; Gum-

bao routed Shan Tuyor, 6-1, 6-1, in girls’ 12-and-U; Lataza survived RJ Judabal in another cliffhanger, 3-6, 6-3, 11-9, in boys’ 18-and-U; Battad repelled Bench Neri, 6-4, 7-5, in boys’ 16-and-U; and Belacas also completed a hat trick in 10-unisex with a 5-3, 4-1 victory over Pete Niere. Cua and Francisco, meanwhile, nipped Jasmen Kadalum and Jillian Manangking, 8-7(7) while Battad and Judabal blasted Lataza and Randy Pausanos, 8-3, to share the 18-and-U doubles honors; while Marian Mokalam and Salahudin ripped Gumbao and Wendelyn Anino, 8-2, and Nico Puertos and Dexter Salcedo outlasted Gil and Pete Niere, 8-6, in the 14-and-U side.

Chelsea Bernaldez (right) with co-MVP Gil Niere (left) and Giovanni Gulanes, PSYDO (Provincial Sports and Youth Development O ce) head of Davao del Norte.

Nilo Salahog wiggles out of a bunker. Manny Marcelo

Entertainment editors’ group announces 6th Eddys Awards Night

THE Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) has announced that the 6th edition of Entertainment Editors’ Choice for Movies, more popularly known as The Eddys, will be held on October 22 with an awards night directed by Eric Quizon

To be produced by Airtime Marketing Philippines, which is owned by event producer Tess Celestino-Howard, this year, the glamorous annual event that recognizes the best of the best in Philippine Cinema will take place at EVM Convention Center in Quezon City and will have a delayed telecast on NET 25 on October 28.

There will be 14 acting and technical awards to be given at The Eddys from nominated films which were screened in cinemas and some digital platforms in 2022.

As before, the highlight of the awards night will see a new batch of Eddys Icons installed by SPEEd in the group’s continuing efforts to recognize industry luminaries whose works have steeled and assured the creative endurance of filmmaking in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, The Isah V. Red Award for philanthropy leads the roster of special awards which also include the Joe Quirino and Manny Pichel honors for entertainment media colleagues, the Producer of the Year, and Rising Producer of the Year awards.

SPEEd is comprised of entertainment editors of the country’s respected broadsheets and foremost tabloid publications, with Eugene Asis of People’s Journal as incumbent president.

Is Willie Revillame heading to PTV 4?

WILLIE Revillame’s Wowowin may possibly return to the airwaves starting on October 2 on PTV-4 and IBC 13.

According to People’s Television Network’s (PTV) general manager Anna Puod, the show is under a tripartite discussion with IBC-13 and the game show icon.

“They are waiting for the Ghost Month to end before making any decision and Willie doesn’t want a noontime slot,” Puod told showbiz press on September 8 during the network’s press conference at PTV Studio A, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

“Under negotiation, that’s the operative word. It’s a tripartite discussion with IBC 13, PTV, and Willie,” Puod emphasized. “So, the process is taking a while. There are still many details to work out. But all of the parties are hoping for a very positive outcome of our negotiation.”

During the same event, PTV announced significant changes and improvements to its television programming. It has unveiled a lineup of new programs as part of its comprehensive programming transformation, aimed at delivering more timely and pertinent content while broadening its audience reach.

Puod outlined the network’s strategic blueprint: “Rebranding, Revenue, and Reorganization.” She also announced the network’s ambitious goal of securing a prominent position as the second-leading station in the industry.

Among the new shows is Punto Asintado Reload every 10:00 a.m. from Mondays to Fridays by hard-hitting veteran broadcaster Erwin Tulfo and fellow veteran broadcaster Aljo Bendijo

This will be followed by a multi-agency public forum Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon hosted by Niña Corpuz that will tackle issues and address questions on frontline services from the public and the media.

PTV also airs a half-hour program block on President

Several members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, led by SPEEd President Eugene Asis (standing, fifth from left) finalize details for the 6th Entertainment Editors Choices for Movies with awards night director Eric Quizon (standing, leftmost), producer Tess Celestino of Airtime Marketing Philippines (seated, center) and NET 25’s Caesar Vallejos.

ABS-CBN’s next important star

ABS-CBN referred to Andrea Brillantes as its “Next Important Star,” given the substantial and substantial projects consistently entrusted to her. The question arises: Does this place pressure on her?

“Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure at all. I’m more focused on my work. I’m just enjoying and loving it,” Andrea asserts. The young actress does not place much emphasis on the title. “I don’t really see myself that way, as the next big star. Of course, it’s nice to dream about it, especially if it really happens. But every time I have a project, I treat it as a blessing for me and my family”

As a breadwinner, Andrea views her job as her source of income. Therefore, she wants to refine her skills further and excel.

“If I don’t become the next big star, it’s not a significant concern for me. I believe that the Lord has other plans for me,” she explains. For Andrea, what matters more is savoring her work and the camaraderie of her friends. “I’ve never been captivated by the idea that I must be the next big star. I simply aim to enhance my craft and continue working alongside my friends,” she affirms. n n n

Jr. on weekdays at 5:30 a.m. that features On the Ground or a series of short documentaries by Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano

ACTOR Paul Salas is in a much happier relationship Mikee Quintos, compared to his past experiences. They’ve been together for two years and have managed to avoid serious misunderstandings.

It also includes BBM Vlogs which provide a look at the day-to-day activities of the chief executive.

Investigative stories will be shown through Assignment hosted by Maan Macapaga correspondents.

a On l and PTV s groundbreaking with Charms

A rebroadcast of the Voice of America programs through Stories from the Grid Espina is also among the network’s new programs, along with a comprehensive summary of international headlines in Global Roundup with Monique Tuzon.

with his girlfriend, fester.

Paul attributes this to their commitment to resolving issues promptly and not letting them Their relationship thrives on communication. They constantly discover new things about each other, acknowledging and addressing their flaws early on to promote growth.

PTV also continues to deliver hourly multilingual newsbreaks in English, Filipino, and other major local languages in PTV News Now, PTV Balita Ngayon PTV Balita Ngayon sa Probinsya

“These new shows will add to our stable of inhouse programs like Ulat Bayan, Sentro Balita, PTV New Tonight, Iskoolmates, Shine Pilipinas,” said Puod.

“We’re excited to create more engaging content in the coming days; more watchable, dynamic programming that’s attuned to the viewing habits of today’s digitally connected Filipinos,” the TV executive ended.

a also continues , and Ngayon Probinsya Balita, and Rise & to

“We don’t let the day pass without settling the issue. We don’t want to carry a heavy burden in our hearts for a long time. That’s what we do: help each other. I guess, that’s the key to our happy relationship,” Paul said. Their similar ages contribute to their easygoing approach to disagreements, allowing them to communicate openly. Paul appreciates their ability to discuss their feelings, even when he gets jealous.

As for finding “The One,” Paul is open to the idea, but he believes in letting things unfold according to God’s plan. They’re not rushing into anything and are taking it one step at a time.

On settling down, Paul doesn’t see it happening anytime soon. Both he and Mikee are focused on their careers, and they prioritize their professional aspirations. “I think it’s still early. If that happens, my mom would cry since according to her, I’m her favorite son. But seriously, Mikee and I are focused on our respective careers. It’s our priority,” ended Paul.

Rising K-pop group harmonizes with Filipino fans

Korean group

By Juliana Maxine C. Vasquez

THE K-pop sensation, P1Harmony, made an unforgettable debut in Manila with its first-ever concert, P1ustage H: P1ONEER, presented by Live Nation Philippines at the New Frontier Theater. Comprising six talented membersKeeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob - the group left their Filipino fans awestruck with a captivating performance that showcased their skills and charisma. The concert began with a bang as P1Harmony opened with an electrifying sequence featuring songs like “Look At Me Now,” “Back Down,” and “Scared.”

The setlist also included tracks from their latest EP, HARMONY: ALL IN, such as the crowd-pleasers “JUMP” and “Love Me For Me.”

Keeho, the group’s leader, expressed the members’ excitement by exclaiming, “Wow, we are finally in the Philippines!” This warm welcome

set the tone for the evening, creating an immediate connection with their Filipino fanbase, affectionately known as P1eces. Jongseob further cemented this connection by treating the fans to a delightful performance of “Manila” by Young Cocoa

Theo, known for his good looks, humorously introduced himself as the “pogi prince,” adding a light-hearted touch to the concert. Jiung’s desire to share a special moment with Filipino P1eces led him to perform a short cover of the popular song “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour, creating a heartwarming bond with the audience.

Intak made the night even more special by celebrating the September birthdays of P1eces with a dazzling dance performance of “GENTO” by the renowned P-pop group SB19. What’s more, he surprised fans by repeating the performance, this time joined by Jiung. Intak also showcased his dance prowess by incorporating part of the

“GENTO” choreography during the group’s freestyle dance break in their performance of “AYAYA.”

The concert featured solo performances, showcasing each member’s unique talents. Theo kicked things off with a soulful rendition of “21” by Dean, followed by Soul’s emotive rendition of “Hug Me” by Jung Joon Il. Jiung, with his powerful vocals, charmed the audience with Michael Jackson’s “Love Never Felt So Good.” This turned into an impressive trio performance as Soul and Keeho joined Jiung on stage. Jongseob and Intak engaged in a captivating semi-rap battle with their original track, “Bow Wow,” displaying their musical versatility.

As the concert neared its conclusion, P1Harmony bid PH P1eces a fond farewell with an encore performance that left fans wanting more. The group generously took the time to interact with their dedicated supporters, taking selfies and videos to create cherished memories.

Kapamilya actress Andrea Brillantes

Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Passing on Filipino values to the next generation of Fil-Ams

IN A world of grand gestures and modern love stories, the joy of a Despedida de Soltera stands out. It celebrates camaraderie, nostalgia, and excitement, offering a glimpse into the bride-to-be's journey. Recently, Christelle Amabel Mesina Reyes hosted a captivating Despedida de Soltera, radiating with dreams and emotion.

Set against a backdrop of simple intimate family and friends get together, the event was nothing short of magical. The venue exuded an aura of intimacy, with friends and family coming together to honor Christelle’s transition from singlehood to marital bliss. The Despedida de Soltera celebrated not just the bride, but also the deep connections she had formed with those who had shared in her joys and trials.

The Filipino-themed bridal shower marked a transition, combining Filipino

elements for a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Details were meticulously planned, from the charming centerpieces to personalized notes.

The highlight? Christelle’s parents, Vida and Mar, shared touching anecdotes, eliciting laughter and tears.

It wasn't just a Despedida de Soltera; it was an emotional tribute to cherished friendships.

The evening stayed lively with playful games like "Bridal Bingo" and a creative "Guess the Love Song" contest, fostering camaraderie and laughter.

Christelle's joy was palpable as she relished these moments with her loved ones. What made this Despedida de Soltera truly special were the personal touches reflecting Christelle's personality and dreams. A photo booth resembling a wall frame captured candid moments, and a guestbook filled with heartfelt

messages became a cherished keepsake for her and Billy as they embarked on married life.

As the Despedida de Soltera ended, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and anticipation. The evening beautifully blended nostalgia and excitement, symbolizing Christelle's journey. Her radiant smile and tearful eyes reflected the impact of her loved ones. In a world often fixated on extravagant weddings, Christelle's gathering celebrated the true essence of love and friendship, leaving an indelible mark on guests' hearts. With the final chords of music, Christelle's Despedida de Soltera became a cherished memory, a reminder that it's the quiet moments shared with loved ones that define the essence of love and togetherness. The wedding is set for September 15.

Making the switch for PPO 39th concert season

finalizing the press release that we would be handing out to our media friends.

In my stressed mind, I questioned who Krystian was. Until I realized the new music director and principal conductor of the PPO, Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, was referring to Krystian Zimerman the Polish concert pianist and conductor who is often described as one of the greatest pianists of his generation.

RYSTIAN called again to ask if I could do Rachmaninoff Symphony 2 op 27, instead of Brahms 2. Let’s do that.”

The message came the night before we were to host the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) press conference, and I was still

“KYes, The Zimerman is coming to Manila to perform with the PPO, under the baton of Maestro Nowak on February 9, 2024. The celebrity pianist will take center stage in Concert VI – Piano Rapture. Maestro Nowak conducts Stanislaw Moniuszko’s “The Fairy Tale

Overture,” Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto no. 4, op.58, G major,” and Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 2 op. 27.” Zimerman will also hold two special performances on February 14 and 16, performing and conducting a

CCP brings world-class Granada Flamenco Ballet to PH stage

STRAIGHT from the heart of Seville, Spain, Granada Flamenco

Ballet is set to perform its riveting rendition of Báilame (Dance for Me) for the first time on the Philippine stage on September 20 and 21 at the Casino Español de Cebu in Cebu City, and on September 22 and 23 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) inside the CCP Complex.

This production is a collaboration between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Embassy of Spain in Manila, the Casino Español de Cebu, and the Flamenco Agency from Seville to commemorate the Philippines and Spain’s diplomatic relations for 75 years.

“Granada Flamenco Ballet is more than a dance ensemble; they are the living testament to the art form that influenced many Filipinos. The fusion between history and artistry will definitely create an unforgettable experience

that appeals to both aficionados and newcomers to the Flamenco scene,” said CCP vice-chair Margie Moran-Floirendo Báilame is a ballet performance focusing on finding a greater balance between music and dance. For this show, the audience will be enthralled by the absence of a plot, making everything else focused on the dancers' movements.

The repertoire for the Philippine premiere will focus on sensations and feelings associated with the sound of the Flamenco shoes or castanets, other acoustics, or the most profound silence while dancing.

Ticket prices for Cebu range from P800 to P1,000, while for Manila at P2,000. Discounts for students, PWDs, and senior citizens also apply. Granada Flamenco Ballet's Báilame tickets are available at Ticketworld https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Visit https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/ for more info.

chamber ensemble.

The Zimerman concert is part of the 39th concert season of the PPO, and also part of its 50th founding anniversary. With the theme “Switch,” the concert season sets the stage for Maestro Nowak to lead the country’s premier orchestra to new heights starting with Concert I – Roman Carnival on September 15, 7:30 p.m. Featuring guest performer, pianist Mark Bebbington, the PPO will perform Hector Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival,” Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto, op. 16, A minor,” and Ottorino Respighi’s “Pini di Roma.”

Have some Italian Night in Concert II on October 13, 7:30 p.m., with a program featuring a commissioned Filipino work, Antonin Dvořák’s “Cello Concerto,” and PPO playing Felix Mendelssohn’s “Symphony no. 4, op.90, A major” (“Italian”). PPO will be performing with guest performer cellist Wen-Sinn Yang Maestro Nowak and the PPO pay homage to Russian Masters in Concert III

on November 17, 7:30 p.m. The program will be: Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin: Polonaise, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2, op.18, C minor,” and Serge Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet” (selections). Pianist Nikolay Khozyainov is the guest performer.

Usher in the holiday spirit with Concert IV – Ode to Joy on December 8, 7:30 p.m., with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Piano Concerto no. 21, K 467, C major” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony no. 9, op.125, D minor.” Filipino pianist and former CCP president Raul Sunico will perform with the PPO.

Welcome the new year with Concert V – Fate on January 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m., with PPO performing another commissioned Filipino work, Johannes Brahms’s “Piano Concerto no. 1, op. 15, D minor” and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4, op.36, F minor.” Pianist Jerome Rose will be the soloist.

Experience the magic of opera in Concert VII – Don Pasquale on March 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m., with Gaetano Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” a semistaged opera performance, to be conducted by Maestro Nowak. The PPO’s 39th concert season culminates with Concert VIII – Fete Francaise on April 19, 2024, 7:30 p.m., featuring a commissioned Filipino work, Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, op. 28” and Maurice Ravel’s “Daphnis & Chloé, Suites 1 & 2.” Violinist Diomedes Saraza will be the guest performer.

The PPO also switches venues, from Metropolitan Theater in Manila to Samsung Performing Arts Center, its new temporary home while the CCP Main Building is undergoing rehabilitation.

Tickets are priced at P3,000 (Orchestra Center), P2,000 (Orchestra Side), P2,500 (Loge Center), P1,500 (Loge Side), and P800 (Balcony 1). The PPO concert season is made possible with partners SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, and Lyf Malate Manila.

Inspiring hope through art

By Angelica Villanueva

TRUE to its mission of making a positive difference in the community and creating hope in the world, the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) continues to provide support to the kids with disabilities and special needs of Hospicio de San Jose through an art exhibit. Titled Expanding Horizon, the exhibit features artworks from the members of Angels of Rendu Art Club (ARAC) aiming to showcase the artistic abilities and unique perspectives of talented children and to raise enough funds for the completion of the Rendu ward which will serve as the shelter of kids with special needs staying inside the welfare institution.

Hospicio de San Jose is known for its dedication to providing care and support to vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, abandoned, and abused. Through this collaboration with RCM, it highlights the importance of community involvement and creating opportunities for the children to express themselves through art.

A 27-year-old member of ARAC recalled the first time she was asked to do painting in 2019 describing how hard it was for her since she was only using her foot.

“It was hard, but Daddy Ong helped me,” she said.

But now, for Expanding Horizon she was asked if she could do more than one painting which she gladly did.

When asked what her inspiration was

in creating her masterpieces, she said it was the institution's former administrator whom she called “Sister Cory”.

“She was the one who had encouraged me to try painting,” she continued.

She also expressed how she misses her sibling every time she paints.

“Every time I see a flower, it reminds me of my siblings. They love flowers. In fact, my siblings are also great at drawing,” she added.

RCM also tapped artists to join the art exhibit for the benefit of Hospicio de San Jose Rendu Ward such as Solenn Heussaff, Melissa Yeung Yap, Spencer Ozo, Kate Bautista, Jean Uy Yam, and Phillip Ong Expanding Horizon runs from September 15 until October at the LRI Design Plaza Exhibit Hall.

The couple Christelle and Billy with the proud parents of the bride-to-be (left) the mother Vida Mesina – Rivera and step-father Mar Rivera

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak

Granada Flamenco Ballet’s Báilame (Dance for Me)

Cultural Center of the Philippines’ resident symphony orchestra Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra