Manila Standard - 2023 September 16 - Saturday

Halt to online SIM listup eyed

PAOCC says system takes fake IDs; Senators say just enforce the law

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE online registration of SIM (subscriber identity module) cards should be temporarily stopped as the system accepts fake identities and information, the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Friday.

But Senators Grace Poe and Alan Cayetano said backing down against scammers who used SIMs illegally was not an option, as the solution was stricter enforcement of the new SIM Registration Act.

In a related development, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched the Consumer Application Monitoring Systems (CAMS) platform, an initiative of its Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

Pump prices rising by P2/l next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS must brace for a bigtime oil price hike next week of as much as P2 per liter, which reflects the movement of prices in the world market.

Industry estimates based on the four-day Mean of Platts Singapore benchmark showed that diesel may go up by P1.80 to P2 per liter, kerosene by P1.70 to P1.90 per liter, and gasoline by P1.15 to P1.35 per liter. The expected increase next week

Farmers want Diokno, Balisacan fired over rice tariff cuts

FARMERS groups on Friday called for the resignation of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for their support for moves to cut tariff rates on rice imports from 35 percent to 10 percent.

“Today, we stand together to oppose, in the strongest terms, the efforts of Secretaries Diokno and Balisacan to serve the death sentence on rice farmers and other industry stakeholders by cutting or eliminating tariffs – our last refuge,” said a joint statement of the groups read by Samahanag Industriya

ng Agrikultura (SINAG) executive director Jayson Cainglet, during a public hearing of the Tariff Commission.

Diokno did not comment on calls for his resignation.

“Have a wonderful weekend!” he said on Viber when Manila Standard asked to get his side.

The Tariff Commission hearing was called to consider a proposal by the Foundation for Economic Freedom to reduce the tariff rate on rice from 35% to 10% temporarily for six months to bring down rice prices, which have been surging.

Speaker laud Kuwait ruling

By Rey E. Requejo, Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz and Vito Barcelo

THE killer of overseas Filipino worker

Jullebee Ranara has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her murder in Kuwait, the Department of Foreign

INDIAN

Philippine Sea (WPS).

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez

A MARITIME expert told a Senate panel Friday there is no need for the Philippines to enact a maritime zone bill to fortify its claims over the West

By Jenniffer B. Austria

"I would argue and I suspect that the attorneys here at the table would say that the Philippine claims are already well-fortified under international law," Gregory Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, said.

Ayala Corp., San Miguel Corp., Jollibee Foods Corp.. PLDT Inc., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., and

Inc. were named among

He noted that domestic legislation only further clarifies the issue, but doesn’t change the nature of Philippine claims. Poling was among the resource speakers during the first hearing of the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino.

the 750 top-performing companies in the world for 2023. The World's Best Companies 2023 ranking, TIME said, is a comprehensive

Affairs (DFA) said Friday. The killer, the employer’s son, was also given an extra year in jail for driving without a license. The DFA said because the killer, Turki Ayed Al-Azmi, was a minor, the penalties were less harsh. He has 30 days to appeal the judgment of the Court of First Instance.

INTEREST. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (seated, second from left) meets with the leaders of the GMR Group, an Indian conglomerate, to discuss the administration's

Marcos, India’s GMR talk investments

NCRPO sacks 8

By Charles Dantes

AN INDIAN business group has expressed interest in investing in the country's airport, road, and energy sectors as the Marcos administration continues to strengthen its "Build Better More" program.

India's GMR Group top executives met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a courtesy call at the Marriot Hotel in Singapore, on the sidelines of the 10th Asia Summit in Singapore.

President Marcos said he is impressed with the GMR's credentials, citing that the Indian firm would be a huge asset in

From A1

The CAMS will monitor online applications such as delivery apps, payment platforms and shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee to ensure consumer protection, and even government apps for its efficiency, DICT said in a statement.

PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz told GMA News they found and confiscated a piece of equipment that can register up to 64 SIM cards at the same time. He said this equipment is for sale even online.

“Maybe for the meantime—this is just our suggestion—we should temporarily stop the registration of new SIM cards,” Cruz said.

He said telecommunication companies and authorities should “physically or manually” check the information of registrants so they can remove those who submitted dummy information and conduct and go after the perpetrators.

Cruz also suggested issuing a department or an executive order allowing telcos to have a reference from the agencies that are issuing IDs so they can cross-check for authenticity.

On Thursday, PAOCC demonstrated to the press how SIM cards may be registered

Farmers...

From A1

But farmers insisted that such a move would hurt them.

“The petition at hand is not for the welfare of consumers. Any claims about consumer benefits are at best, debatable. In reality, they are doormats to a sinister agenda. The rice farmers are the intended victims of the petition,” Cainglet said.

Importers vowed to cooperate with farmers, saying they expected lower levels of imports in the next months when harvest season is in full swing.

“Importers won’t bring in that much because we follow (a pattern) that when it’s local harvest time, most of us won’t even bring in stocks, if at all,” said Orly Manuntag of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM).

SINAG; the Federation of Free Farmers; the Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations; the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas; Pambansang Mannalon, Mag-uuma, Magbabaul, Magsasaka ng Pilipinas; and theNational Movement for Food Sovereignty signed the joint statement. Diokno had earlier proposed reducing tariffs on imported rice temporarily from 35 percent to zero

Expert...

From A1

The committee seeks to draw up its own Philippine map to counterChina’s expansive 10-dash line map that lays claim to the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines.

Poling emphasized that the Philippines is already entitled to these claims.

"They are immutable just as they are for every other nation under UNCLOS (the United Nations Law of the Sea)," he said.

Given China's increasingly aggressive behavior, its frequent harassment of the legal activities of the Philippines’ civilian and military in the country’s own waters, and the excessive and illegal nature of China's claims under the 10-dash line, Poling said it clearly behooves all of the other claimant states to make perfectly clear what their own claims are.

The Philippine maritime claims, he said, are based on UNCLOS and on customary international law.

He said the 2016 win before the Permanent Court of Arbitration reinforced Philippine claims.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said having a law on maritime zones will add support to the country’s efforts to create guidelines for exercising its

Pump...

From A1 will be the 11th consecutive week of pump price hikes for diesel and kerosene and the tenth for gasoline. Diesel prices have gone up by P14.80 per liter while kerosene increased by P13.95 per liter for the past ten weeks.

the country's development of its airports, roads, and energy infrastructures.

“Definitely we need to improve the capacity that serves Manila. Sangley, the one of Ramon Ang (being built in Bulacan). Anything you build it will get full. I don’t worry, all my experience in major infrastructure, you think its

using anime names and photos as well as made-up addresses.

With this, SIM registration for purposes of committing cybercrime has been easy, as telcos reportedly use artificial intelligence in the process.

But Poe said the problem is not with the SIM Registration Law, but in the enforcement.

"The law has enough teeth against fraudsters as well as safeguards to privacy of our people," said the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services.

She noted that concerned agencies and telcos must be able to plug the loopholes in their effective implementation without halting registration.

Eradicating text scams does not need to disenfranchise legitimate users, the senator said.

Cayetano said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should focus on enhancing the registration process and implementing stricter measures.

He said the NCT can prevent such incidents from happening by setting an example and hunting down at least five persons who have committed such acts and filing a case against them.

He also suggested that the SIM registration be integrated into the National ID system to make the verification simpler

– or at most 10 percent—to arrest the surge in rice prices.

Diokno said rice is the biggest contributor to inflation and said there was a need to reduce tariffs on rice.

Inflation, or the rate at which prices of goods and services rise, climbed to 5.3 percent in August, compared to 4.7 percent in July.

But Cainglet said farmers see the proposal is meant to increase the profits of importers in the guise of taming inflation.

“Such cuts do not benefit the poor consumers, because as much as 85 percent of imports are for premium grades of rice that cater to the relatively well-off consumers,” Cainglet said.

“At the current P60 per kilo of premium imported rice, a P6/kiloreduction arising from a lower tariff will only benefit the rich consumers and the importers,” he added.

He noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not made any announcements about reviewing the tariff on rates, and has instead spoke on his unwillingness to import as a first choice.

Speaking at the Asian Summit 2023 in Singapore, President Marcos said one of the most important lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was that it was unwise to rely too heavily on

sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Neil Simon Silva of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea said if the Philippines wants the international community to support its claims, it will need a law that will be in consonance with the existing international laws.

Tolentino emphasized that defining the Philippine maritime zones will “allow Filipinos to responsibly enjoy the bounty of the Philippines' rich maritime and archipelagic waters.”

On the other hand, he said leaving the Philippine maritime zones largely undefined will slow the country’s ability to responsibly exploit and develop its resources.

In other developments:

• Former senator and Defense secretary Orlando Mercado said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to ensure a strong enforcement mechanism in the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. “The organization [ASEAN] must develop mechanisms to enforce agreements and decisions in ensuring accountability. It is also critical that the new ASEAN way or whatever we may change in the ASEAN way, should actively seek strategic alliance with like-minded external powers to uphold a rules-based international order,” Mercado said in a forum Friday. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

On the other hand, gasoline prices went up by P9.85 per liter for the past nine weeks.

On Sept. 12, local oil companies implemented an increase of P0.20 per liter for gasoline, P0.40 per liter for diesel, and P0.20 per liter for kerosene.

These price adjustments resulted in year-to-date net increases of P15.50 per liter for gasoline, P11.10 per liter for diesel,

overcapacity, three years later you’ll building some more,” the Chief Executive said on the country's aviation sector.

"And we want that especially when it comes to travel, tourism, business travel, etc. We want it to increase as much as possible. I’m glad that you are looking at the Philippines," the President added.

GMR Airport head Srinivas Bommidala told the President he is in charge of the group's international airports and energy, while his brother-in-law, Kiran Kumar Grandhi, is the chairman of the group and is also in charge of strategy and finance.

"The group started in 1978 by Mr. GM Rao, my father-in-law, his father. And they have commendable businesses. In 1994,

and more reliable.

As for the CAMS platform, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said its launching is a “good opportunity” for collaboration between the private and government sectors.

“This will be a useful tool to identify the performance and the problem with government applications,” he said. “People often blame poor online services for connectivity although sometimes the problems are in poor applications.”

CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos said the platform will help in educating the public.

“It's not a warning, but rather it's a tool. Our objective is to educate the public. People should understand we are not here to put down or to put up anyone,” he said. “And, you know, we are here for the public to understand that there are options.”

Through the CAMS platform, consumers can identify in real time which applications are performing well.

For its part, Smart Communications Inc. said the entire cyber scam system “must be put into light and not be obsessed or focused on certain parts.”

"The entire cyber scam system must be put into light and not be obsessed or focused on certain parts — instead all stakeholders should work on a holistic solution,” it said.

we went into highways. In 1999, when India privatized [the] airports, we build airport, six airports in India," Bommidala told the President.

The group is a leading conglomerate in India, which also operates in Indonesia and Turkey.

Moreover, Cavitex Holdings CEO Leonides Virata, GMR's local partner, and Sangley Consortium lead, said the Indian firm views Sangley's potential in resolving airport congestion issues in the Philippines. Virata revealed that the construction of Sangley will begin next year and the consortium is just awaiting government clearances to start its groundworks.

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has approved the dismissal of eight Navotas City policemen involved in the death of teenager Jemboy Baltazar.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., made the recommendation following an investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police's Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS).

“I already signed the recommendation," said Nartatez in a GMA news report.

Navotas cops in Jemboy killing Halt...

The policemen were Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais Jr., Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban, Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong, Staff Sergeant Nikko Esquilon, Corporal Edmark Jake Blanko Blanco, Patrolman Benedict Mangada, and Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

SIM CLONING TOOL. Pictured is a typical SIM cloning tool sold on Amazon.com and other online retailers. But the government says modern scammers have tools that can clone as many as 64 SIMs at a time.

"SIM cards are largely imported and are used in other IT devices, i.e. bank cards; aside from cellphones. It's not in the production or importation but in the misuse by unscrupulous elements,” it added.

Globe Telecoms had earlier said that it does not sell pre-registered SIMs. Though the address can be edited after registration, a registrant's name cannot, it said.

From January to August, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said its AntiCybercrime Group has investigated a total of 16,297 cybercrime cases.

So far, 4,902 people were victimized and 397 suspects have been arrested.

Manalo leads PH group to UNGA gab in New York

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is not attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) High-Level Week from Sept. 18 to 26 in New York City, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Friday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will lead the Philippine delegation to the 78th Session of the assembly and will deliver Mr. Marcos’ Philippine National Statement during the UNGA General Debate instead.

"Guided by the President's national development and foreign policy agenda, I will articulate the Philippines’ advocacies for respect for the rule of law and ambitious climate action, as well as our achievements and aspirations as a middle-income economy with an important voice in global affairs," Manalo said in a statement. Rey Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

SMUGGLED RICE. An officer of the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga (BOCPOZ) lookls at some of the forfeited 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million after a raid of a warehouse in Brgy. San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City. BOC Photo

imports, calling the “the easy way out.”

“We cannot now continue to depend on importation, which is what hashappened for the Philippines… And the pandemic showed us that this wasnot a wise choice to have made and so we continued to develop our agriculture sector,” Marcos said.

Cainglet agreed. “Importations, more so unlimited rice importation through tariff reduction, are not and will never be the

OFW...

From A1

"The family of the OFW has been informed and is grateful for the assistance provided to them by the government," the DFA said.

The DFA expressed gratitude to Kuwaiti authorities for a "speedy resolution of the case.”

Ranara was found dead in a desert in the Gulf state on Jan. 21. An autopsy report showed she was pregnant at the time of her death. The killer was 17 at the time.

The Ranara incident prompted the Department of Migrant Workers to order a review of the labor agreement between the Philippines and Kuwait.

The DFA admitted that Ranara's family has "has not received any compensation" from her employer.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the final decision of Kuwaiti courts would determine the amount of the compensation, which could still be appealed.

De Vega said all of the benefits received by the family of Ranara came from the government.

“We are waiting for the decision because it will indicate how much the accused or the convicted individual would give,” the DFA official said.

and P7.94 per liter for kerosene, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero confirmed the anticipated oil price increase next week and warned of possible oil price hikes until the end of the year.

PNP: 6 accused in ‘sabungero’ case arrested

wise choice especially since we have an agriculture sector that is still recovering, with the full support of the President. What we need right now is to reassert ourcapacity to produce for our own agriculture and food needs, and to vigorously push for food self-sufficiency as we can never rely on the vagaries of the international market,” he said. Julito Rada, Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Since the sentence could still be appealed, De Vega said the employer "would not give any compensation right away."

“We will monitor it. There should be compensation,” he said.

Some 1.8 million Filipinos work abroad and close to 6 percent of them were based in Kuwait in 2021, government data show.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the efforts of various government agencies to find justice for Ranara.

He added that he hoped the appeal process would be “conducted fairly and justice will be served accordingly.”

Mr. Marcos mentioned Ranara and the late Department of Migrant Workers

Secretary Susan Ople as a reminder of the government's duty to protect and support Filipinos across the world.

"I take comfort in thinking that Toots and Jullebee are looking down from heaven with smiles. Their legacy serves as a reminder of our duty to protect and support our fellow countrymen, regardless of where in the world they may be," the President said in a post on his social media account.

Legislators led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez also welcomed the decision of the Kuwaiti court, saying it sends a positive message to all Filipinos who work overseas. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

disruption due to hurricanes, and further US crude inventory withdrawals," Romero said. "There are forecasts that prices will go up until December as world oil demand is higher than world oil supply. Hopefully, the limiting price gain factors like expectations of higher interest rates, prospects of additional supply, and a stronger dollar will help offset that," she said.

SIX of the accused in the cases of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or "sabungeros" have been arrested in Parañaque, Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda said on Friday.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested Julie Patidogan, Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Roberto Matillano, Jr., Johnry Consolacion, and Gleer Codilla.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously said that “case number one” has six accused persons, including a certain Julie Patidongan. He did not give the names of the five other suspects and the names of the victims.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police had disclosed that a total of 34 “sabungeros” have been missing since 2021.

Last month, the Department of Justice vowed to proceed with the prosecution of the criminal cases involving the missing “sabungeros” despite the issuance of an affidavit of desistance by a family member of one of the victims.

PH...

From A1 analysis conducted to identify the top-performing companies across the globe, based on a formula of revenue growth, employee satisfaction surveys, and rigorous environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG, or sustainability) data.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. emerged as the highest-ranked Philippine company in the magazine’s list at 309 with an overall score of 83.66, followed by food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel at 347 with a score of 83.08.

Fast food giant Jollibee was ranked 421st, while telco giant PLDT placed 609th.

The two banking firms, Ty-led Metrobank and Sy-led BDO came in at 634th and 715th, respectively.

Big tech firms Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet (the company that owns Google) and Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) were the top four companies in TIME magazine’s list.

IN BRIEF

JOB FAIR. Jobseekers flock to the job fair hosted by SM City Grand Central in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Caloocan City government. The affair offered more than 3,700 livelihood opportunities from 41 participating manpower agencies.

Andrew Rabulan

Firm recovers assets from Antipolo gov’t

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that land owners who are registered on the certificates of title, not those found on tax declarations, should be notified in warrants of levy for non- payment of taxes, otherwise the subsequent sale and forfeiture of the levied real property would be invalid.

In a decision penned by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the SC stressed that Section 258 of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC), “requires the treasurer of the local government to send the warrant of levy to the delinquent owner of the real

Race on for MIC directors, several applications filed

THE race is on for the board of directors of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), the governing body of the country’s first sovereign wealth fund.

The MIC would elect a president and chief executive officer, two regular directors, and three independent directors Finance Assistant Secretary Eufrocinio Bernabe Jr, in a business forum in Pasay City, announced that numerous applications were submitted after the government published the acceptance of applications for the MIC board of directors.

“Some have submitted already and we have the papers, so I think once the deadline is reached, the process will move on,” Bernabe said.

The deadline was set on Sept. 27.

“Once that application has been received, we will shortlist all candidates and then the board of directors will elect from that side Chief Executive Officer and then form the plantilla for the positions of the Maharlika Investment Fund,” Bernabe added.

He also said the Maharlika fund was on track to be up and running by the end of the year.

Maharlika is the country’s first sovereign wealth fund which will serve as an “additional source and financing mode for priority projects of the Philippines,” Bernabe told the businessmen present during the forum.

property, among others.”

“The term ‘delinquent owner’ shall be construed as the person registered as owner of the realty based on the certificate of title, and not on the tax declaration,” the tribunal said.

“The failure of the treasurer to send the

required notices to the delinquent registered owner of the property shall render void not only the levy, but the consequent public auction and sale of the subject property,” it added. This came after the SC denied a petition filed by the Antipolo City government and its treasurer challenging the 2016 and 2017 rulings of the city’s regional trial court (RTC) in favor of Transmix Builders & Construction, Inc.

Case records showed that Clarisa San Juan Santos owned three parcels of land in Antipolo City with certificates of titles in her name. The tax declarations on the three lots were also in her name.

Sometime in January 1997, Transmix Builders bought the three pieces of land from Santos and, subsequently, certificates of titles were issued in the name

Bicol solon eyes state subsidy for domestic salt industry

A LAWMAKER seeks to revive the moribund salt industry by providing salt farmers easy access to financial and technical assistance.

Camarines Norte Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said salt farmers and producers will soon gain easy access to the badly needed help to enable them to resuscitate the declining salt industry.

Villafuerte aired his observations as the Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill 2243 meant to revive the salt industry.

The House of Representatives earlier ratified its own version of the measure, establishing the Philippine Salt Industry Development Council (PSIDC), which would craft and implement a roadmap to speed up the modernization of the Philippine salt industry.

The Senate unanimously passed the proposed law which aims to make the domestic salt industry competitive anew in the international markets, and help create more jobs in the agriculture and agribusiness sector.

Following the measure’s approval in both chambers, Villafuerte said the next step for lawmakers is to hammer out in the bicameral conference committee a consolidated bill, which, upon ratification by both the Senate and the House, shall be submitted to Malacañan Palace for President Marcos’s approval and enactment into law.

of the firm. However, the firm failed to transfer the tax declarations over the properties in its name.

On Oct. 30, 2005, the Antipolo City treasurer published in a newspaper the notices of delinquency of real properties with unpaid real property taxes (RPT). Thereafter, the city government issued the corresponding notices of levy and the three lots bought by Transmix Builders were included. However, the notices were sent to Santos in her address reflected on the tax declarations, not to the firm as registered on the certificates of titles. The city government also published on Nov. 27, 2005 the notice of public auction which was held on Dec. 28, 2005. For lack of bidders, Transmix Builders’ three lots were forfeited in favor of the Antipolo City government.

Loyzaga pushes fight vs. plastic pollution

AHEAD of the 37th annual International Coastal Clean-up on September 16, Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga underscored the importance of engaging all sectors in the fight against plastic pollution.

The Secretary urged businesses to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. She said the government alone cannot solve the problem of plastic pollution through EPR law on plastic waste.

“This is a whole-of-society and wholeof-government effort. It cannot be achieved by the DENR alone,” Loyzaga said.

Republic Act 11898 or the EPR Act serves as the environmental policy approach and practice that requires producers to be environmentally responsible throughout the life cycle of a product, especially its post-consumer or end-oflife stage. This requires large companies to adopt and implement policies for the proper management of plastic packaging wastes, including single-use plastics.

Abalos launches BIDA in Zamboanga del Sur

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the rollout of the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday morning.

This as the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. continues its campaign against illegal drugs with a renewed focus on demand reduction through a whole-of-nation approach.

The BIDA Program launch was one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration at the Mega Gymnasium Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, which Abalos attended as guest of honor and speaker.

In his message before an estimated crowd of 1,500 local individuals from the ZAmboanga , the DILG chief highlighted the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and other sectors of society in addressing the drug menace through education, prevention, and rehabilitation to complement the relentless anti-drug operations of law enforcement agencies.

Gatchalian tells DOTr to prioritize airport rehab, expansion

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to prioritize the expansion and rehabilitation of existing airports in the country to enhance air travel and support the local tourism industry.

Saying the disbursement of the budget

for the acquisition of right-of-ways was usually underutilized, Gatchalian suggested that the DOTr could realign a portion of its 2024 budget for right-of-ways under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the expansion of the airports.

Under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), for instance, utilization of the P1.65 billion budget for right-of-ways is at

CAAP finds Bacolod-Silay Airport big letdown

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has expressed disappointment over the alleged poor maintenance and sloppy security measures at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport.

CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, along with

other officials and technical experts, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the airport to check its overall operations.

Some areas of concern were observed, such as security, management, and maintenance of the airport’s infrastructure.

Tamayo said he was disappointment with the sad state of the airport and ordered the facility’s staff to improve their

safety measures and maintain the airport’s equipment and facilities.

“That’s not acceptable to me, that’s insulting,” the CAAP chief stressed.

The Bacolod-Silay International Airport is deemed crucial for travel to and from Negros Occidental and the Western Visayas region, contributing to tourism and economic growth.

Lawmaker files financial literacy bill for workers

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LEGISLATOR from the Ilocos Region has filed a bill that provides for financial literacy and entrepreneurship trainings for workers.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said House Bill 8989 or the proposed “Financial Literacy for Workers Act” would

help the country’s workforce cope up with rising prices and prevent them from falling prey into scams that promise “instant wealth.”

The bill requires employers to provide such training to their workers.

Marcos explained that financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for workers would empower to earn more and ultimately

lead a life of economic and financial freedom.

“At a time of continuously rising prices, the prevalence of financial scams, and also predatory loans, there is a need to empower employees with financial literacy programs that will include debt management, savings and investment, insurance and retirement planning, so as to avoid indigency,” he said.

a very low level, Gatchalian noted.

Likewise, a budget of P12.4 billion under the 2023 GAA appropriated for rightof-ways has a very low disbursement rate to date, he added.

“We need to expand our existing airports, build new terminals, and fly tourists straight to their destinations,” Gatchalian told DOTr officials during a Senate hearing on the pro-

posed budget of the agency.

During a recent visit to Bohol, Gatchalian observed that tourists were able to travel from other countries straight to the recently completed Panglao airport without going through the Manila international airport. “This is a very good phenomenon because it decongested Manila and tourists were able to fly straight to their destination,” Gatchalian said.

THE BIG CLEANUP. Environmentalist group Earth Island Institute Asia-Pacific leads a coastal clean-up at the Las Piñas-Paranaque

Habitat and Ecotourism Area as part of a collective effort to protect and preserve the country’s oceans and coastlines. This initiative is attuned to the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day and echoes this year’s theme, #SeaThe Change. This yearly event serves as a strong call to action, urging the world to address the worsening plastic pollution crisis. Norman Cruz

WOVEN WONDERS. Two women post a hand-crafted piece of woven cloth highlighting the Woven Wonders: Habi Market Fair featuring weaves, books, natural fibers, and other native wares. The exhibits go on display till October . The media launch held at The Gallery of the Holiday Inn in Makati City, was attended by exhibitors, and other notables of the industry. Diana Noche

10,816 set to take Bar exams

releases regarding the exams.

IN BRIEF

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court on Friday announced that 10,816 candidates are expected to take the 2023 Bar examinations – higher than the previous year’s 9,183 examinees.

Of the total, 5,832 examinees will take the exam for the first time, while 4,984 will be taking it for at least the second time.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, chairman of the Bar Committee, said

Rights group hits murder of female lawyer in Abra

By Rio N. Araja

HUMAN rights advocacy group

Karapatan on Friday condemned the brutal killing of a female lawyer in Abra Thursday afternoon.

“[Karapatan] stands in solidarity with lawyers and judges who have courageously been taking their place in the line of fire in the quest for justice and accountability,” the group said in a statement.

Lawyer Saniata Alzate was shot dead by gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle while she was inside her car parked in front of her house in Bangued.

Alzate was a former president of the Abra chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. She handled a case for writ of amparo for a man who was allegedly abducted, tortured and illegally detained in Bangued in January.

Impleaded in the petition for a protection order which was granted in February were eight highranking Philippine National Police officers in Abra, six of whom are currently under investigation, Karapatan said.

The IBP commended Alzate for the writ of amparo case she filed, citing her “brave efforts for lawyering for the public interest despite great risks to herself.”

around 2,571 Bar personnel will be deployed to the national headquarters and the 14 local testing centers (LTCs) nationwide. Hernando said the Office of the Bar has been closely monitoring the feedback of candidates on the High Court’s

“We connect with the Bar takers through the hard work that we share. To be with our baristas is our way of giving them a feeling of enlightenment, comfort, a boost of confidence, and a push to proceed and succeed,” Hernando said.

The LTCs include San Beda University – Manila; University of Santo Tomas; San Beda College – Alabang; University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman; Manila Adventist College, UP - Bonifacio Global City; Saint Louis University; Cagayan State University; University of

Nueva Caceres; University of San Jose –Recoletos; University of San Carlos Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation; Ateneo de Davao University; and Xavier University. San Beda College - Alabang will serve as the national headquarters of the Bar, which will be held on September 17 (Sunday), September 20 (Wednesday), and September 24 (Sunday).

The SC also announced that some roads in areas where LTCs are located will be closed while others will experience an increase in traffic.

‘Limit confidential funds to agencies with intel duties’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CITING the government’s limited resources, Senator Risa Hontiveros said confidential funds should only be for agencies that have intelligence mandates.

“There should indeed be a value for money and for every peso and cent, which is the responsibility of the government,” Hon-

tiveros said as she aired her concern over the P500 million confidential funds being sought by Vice President Sara Duterte under the 2024 proposed national budget. Aside from the CIF for the Office of the Vice President, Duterte is also asking for P150 million in confidential funds for the Department of Education which she also heads.

Both the proposed confidential funds for the OVP and the DepEd are larger than the proposed P101 million confidential budget of the Department of National Defense for next year.

“I really do not know in what way [it should be given] because the said offices should justify the confidential funds they’re asking,” Hontiveros said.

State workers enjoy free train rides on Sept. 18-20 GOVERNMENT workers will enjoy free rides at the MRT-3 and LRT-2 from Sept. 18 to 20 as part of celebrations marking the 123rd anniversary of the Philippine civil service. In separate advisories, the management of the two rail lines said eligible riders only need to show a valid government ID from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We at MRT-3 are one in the celebration of the Philippine Civil Service anniversary. This is our simple way of saying thank you to the sacrifices of our civil servants in carrying out their duties,” said Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 officer-in-charge Jorjette Aquino.

The MRT-3 line runs from Taft Avenue in Pasay City to North Avenue in Quezon City while the LRT2 stretches from Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal province.

2 Nigerians nabbed for drugs in Cavite

BUREAU of Immigration agents arrested two Nigerians wanted for illegal drugs and a Taiwanese fugitive in separate operations in Cavite.

The two Nigerians, identified as John Chukwuemeka Enuka, 41, and Ugochukwu Christopher Nwabufo, 31, were arrested inside a mall in a buy-bust operation.

Agents confiscated a large stash of marijuana and heroin with a street value of approximately P8 million from the two suspects.

The BI said Nwabufo arrived in the Philippines in 2022 and has already overstayed his visa while Enuka failed to present his documentation.

Immigration agents also arrested a Taiwanese national, identified as Chen Kai-Wun, in General Trias.

He was tagged as a fugitive from justice by the Taiwanese government and is considered an undesirable alien.

Vito Barcelo

Pagcor seeks exemption from poll spending ban

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has sought an exemption from the spending ban imposed by the Commission on Elections ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls in October.

Pagcor vice president for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Ramon Stephen Villaflor said their legal department filed a request for exemption before the poll body two weeks ago but Comelec has yet to respond.

“There is ongoing (unrest) activity at Mayon Volcano, and we are also anticipating typhoons. We still have one-anda-half months to go before the elections. We cannot tell the typhoons not to enter the country,” Villaflor said.

“With the ban, we cannot distribute relief assistance and go on with our existing projects that need the second or third tranche [of allocated budget]. We cannot process the release [of funds for these projects],” he added. Rio N.

Araja

Austria welcomes first batch of Filipino nurses under new MOU

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE first batch of 28 Filipino nurses entered Austria’s health care system for the first time since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in July between Vienna and Manila.

Ma. Lourdes Capua, president and

general manager of LRC Manpower Services, International, Inc., said the nurses will work in auxiliary roles while studying German language courses. Their pay will increase to 2600 euros or P156,000 after six to seven months upon obtaining a language certification and passing

PhilHealth chief urges kidney patients to avail of transplant, dialysis benefits

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PHILHEALTH members with chronic renal issues should avail of kidney transplant or peritoneal dialysis benefits, the state health insurer said.

“We urge our kidney patients to avail of these benefits to achieve a better quality of life,” PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said in Cebu on Friday where he received a recognition from the provincial board for PhilHealth’s decision to expand its hemodialysis coverage from 90 to 156 sessions.

Ledesma said PhilHealth is providing

P600,000 for renal patients qualified under the Z Benefit for Kidney Transplantation and P270,000 for a year’s financial support to patients who opt to go on peritoneal dialysis under its Z Benefit for PD-First.

The state health insurer announced the expansion and institutionalization of its hemodialysis coverage through PhilHealth Circular 2023-0009 which took effect in June this year.

The increase in coverage is in accordance with the current standard for adequate hemodialysis that consists of three four-hour sessions per week.

the Austrian Nursing Board Exams.

Full board and accommodation will be provided by the hospital, with the contract good for two years

Forming again another alliance?

THE US is again promoting to form an alliance from among its allies in Asia principally aimed at containing China’s alleged aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.

What is rather strange to the formation of a new alliance is that it comes at a time when there exists an unavoidable competition between the US and China with respect to the maintenance of who should dominate the area and an indigenous power in the SCS.

Geographically, China is a part of the SCS, yet has not done anything to solidify its position in a manner of asserting US-like hegemonistic control of the area.

Examining this eagerness of the US to form an alliance, US motive is exposed not only for fear that China might economically overtake the US as the dominant power and witness how the region of South East Asia is slowly put under the firm control of China’s economic domination.

It is not only the fear of seeing China overtake the US in the field of economy it once mightily monopolized.

There are also fear and anxiety for it seems the US feels uncomfortable with China as a powerful nation to reckon with.

As said, the US is not part of the SCS.

Its shore is across the Pacific Ocean which is more than 9 thousand kilometers (straight line flight distance) measured from the shores of Hawaii which is located midway across the Pacific. Its eagerness to have as many allies is to secure its economic interest.

With many states in the region falling to its hegemonic control, it is better for US to secure its insecurity through the exercise of the infamous Monroe Doctrine in Asia.

The US could not do anything because many of its allies it has enticed to join have their reservation and have their bad experience in dealing with them.

Many of these ethnic Asians had their sad historical dealings with them. They did not only suffer discrimination but have often been treated as inferior.

It is only the US as principal sponsor, supported by Australia and United Kingdom, a co-broker in building and supply of nuclear-powered submarine

Take the case of Filipino soldiers who served during the war against Japan.

As soldiers, many of them received a much less amount of pension pay, not to mention the delay in giving them their pay plus the promise to pay damages to every nipa hut and carabaos killed during the war.

In fact, it took more than 25 years for the Filipinos to get their war damage claim.

Not only ethnically Asians have their reservation to receiving their benefits.

For instance, inviting Japan and South Korea to join the alliance is believed by many as a risky proposition.

Maybe they do not share the same mentality as the Vietnamese to set aside their animosities but as it is, the Japanese and the South Koreans maintain their sense of patriotism.

It is doubtful whether they could easily forget the grim past done to them after the Second World War.

Let us enumerate the countries lined up by the US that now stand as the leading crusaders in the renewed Cold War against China.

First, the US itself. Unlike the previous alliances spearheaded by the US during the Cold War against the communist states of the then Soviet Union and China, practically all the blocs created to contain these two socialist giants were all spearheaded by the US.

That stand taken by the US removes all the

doubts of any ulterior motivation the US has against these two countries like promoting the unique concept of proxy war against China.

Unlike the alliances formed during the height of the Cold War in the 50s like the defunct Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), that bloc was formally organized by the US.

Countries in Southeast Asia have no other reason not to join. Nonetheless, France and Pakistan withdrew from SEATO while Indonesia remained loyal to the non-aligned bloc.

Nonetheless, during the period of our country’s interlude to political enlightenment when the US engineered the ouster of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, SEATO almost became a defunct alliance.

That of course was aggravated by the US defeat in Vietnam in 1973.

SEATO was almost a dead organization with the Philippines working on a formula that would allow it to have graceful exit which was finalized in September 1991.

In fact, the Philippines is the only country in the world today that dutifully ate what we have regurgitated by begging the US to return their bases, ignoring that the US, as our colonizer, decimated 10 percent of the nation’s population then.

Many of our political analysts wonder what kind of spell did the US give to our current leadership that they completely forgot that our current woes with China stemmed from the fact that the US and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, and now questioning China for the boundaries they demarcated.

The two other countries the US is goading to join the bloc to effectively contain China are Japan and South Korea.

Asians should bear in mind that Japan and South Korea are both Asian countries.

Second, both have been bombed by the US with Japan being nuked twice in WWII, resulting in the evaporation of 250 thousand Japanese in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After Second World War, the US waged a relentless economic war against the sale of Japanese cars.

To offset the huge trade deficit, it compelled Japan to revalue the yen to make the importation of US cars and other Japanese manufactured goods saleable in the US.

This put pressure on Japan’s economy that resulted in a decade-long recession and prolonged unemployment.

As a result of that US economic decision, Japan was overtaken by Germany, South Korea, Taiwan and many European countries.

South Korea may have fought against North Korea and China combined but every North Korean could not forget that there was no building standing intact as a result of US carpet-bombing of North Korea, not to mention the use of chemical and biological weapons by the US during the Korean War.

If one would ask, can the US trust these two Asian countries as allies against China which has its legitimate position being there in the SCS?

Unfortunately, there is a building up of tension by a country which is alien to the region.

As most political observers noted, this new alliance formed by the US has all the marking of a proxy war principally because it is sponsored by country alien to the South China Sea, an area way far off from its territory.

In fact, it is only the US as principal sponsor, supported by Australia and United Kingdom, a co-broker in building and supply of nuclear-powered submarine.

Japan and South Korea are made eager to join on the lucrative promise made by US arms dealers that they will have a splice in the arms deal should they join the bloc and participate in containing China in the South China Sea.

(rpkapunan@gmail.com)

THE importance of jumping on alliances with like-minded countries has been properly articulated by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

He had painted ”the changing threat situation” in the West Philippine Sea, with the military citing rising concerns in the area where recently it reported some three dozen Chinese fishing vessels round three land features alone in the past weeks.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command said aerial patrols on Sept. 6 and 7 alone showed 23 Chinese fishing vessels in the Rozul (Iroquios) Reef, five in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two in Baragatan (Nares) Bank.

The WESCOM is on the right drift when it said the increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels raises concerns regarding the potential implications for Philippine maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment.

We endorse the thought these activities have been a source of tension in the West Philippine Sea and have contributed to instability in the region.

These activities have been a source of tension in the West Philippine Sea and have contributed to instability in the region

Shortly after Teodoro punctuated his declaration, National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said Chinese research vessels are reported to be roaming the eastern side of the Philippine Sea, which is the Philippine Rise or Benham Rise. Benham Rise is a 13-million-hectare underwater plateau near Aurora province

on the southern side of the Sierra Madre Mountains, larger than Luzon, the Philippines’ biggest island, and is considered part of the country’s continental shelf.

According to Malaya, a few years ago, China named some submerged features in the eastern side of the Philippines. Under the leadership of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Malaya said part of the NSC’s strategy is to have a 360-degree archipelagic security for the entire country, not only the West Philippine Sea.

Malaya said the government bought research vessels for the National Academic Research Fleet (NARFleet), led by the UP Marine Science Institute, so Filipino scientists may also study the water resources of the Philippines. The developments add importance to Teodoro’s statement, following some concern raised in the Senate over the presence of a US Navy aircraft during the recent Filipino resupply mission at Aungin Shoal.

Teodoro was comprehensible when he said the Philippines, given the moves of other countries in the West Philippine Sea, and now in the Philippine Rise, must “leverage our alliances not for anything but to enforce rules-based international order and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

Weaponizing National Security Policy

THE leadership under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterated its dedication to achieving a more secure, stable, just, and prosperous future for the people of the Philippines.

To turn this vision into reality, the Duterte Administration introduced the National Security Policy in April 2017, covering the period from 2017 to 2022, titled “For Change and Well-Being of the Filipino People.”

Subsequently, the NSP served as the foundation and blueprint for the creation of the National Security Strategy, which essentially translates the principles outlined in the NSP into actionable policies.

This NSS marks a significant milestone as it represents the Philippines’ inaugural official document of its kind.

It adheres to the overarching principle established in the NSP, which underscores the close connection between national security and economic development, recognizing them as mutually supportive concepts.

Just like the NSP, the NSS centers around the broad objective of instigating meaningful and enduring socioeconomic and political transformations with the ultimate goal of building a stronger nation and enhancing the well-being of the majority of the Filipino populace.

The NSS delineates the strategies and approaches to achieve these objectives.

To achieve the national security vision as outlined in the National Security Policy, the goal is to establish a secure and stable Philippines where citizens can fully realize their potential through the promotion of social justice, harmony, political stability, effective environmental management, and economic progress.

The National Security Strategy functions as a framework that incorporates the key security policies, objectives, responsibilities, and action plans, serving as a roadmap to fulfill the national security vision. Its primary objective is to enhance the coordination, synchronization, and coherence of government functions to enhance efficiency and optimize the use of limited government resources. Moreover, the NSS plays a vital role in articulating the national interest, communicating the State’s intentions, and garnering public support for government policies and initiatives.

In particular, obtaining Congress’s support is essential for the NSS’s success, including the enactment of necessary legislation related to national security and allocation of the required fiscal resources.enerate

The NSS consists of seven components.

In Chapter One, the concept of national

Know” and “Russia Hates the Truth.”

KYIV, Ukraine—When Sarah AshtonCirillo, a trans woman from Nevada, came to Ukraine in March 2022 she planned to report on refugees. She ended up fighting for Ukraine and is now a spokesperson for the country’s territorial defense force, explaining the war to English-speaking audiences.

On a visit to the studio she operates from, at a secret location in Kyiv, she smiled as she said her unit’s mantra is to “embrace the hate of the Russians.”

“If the Russians are angry at us, it means we are doing our job,” said the blond-haired 46-year-old American, who was wearing a khaki polo shirt.

On that basis, she is getting results.

Last week, Russian television showed an hour-long special calling Ashton-Cirillo a “terrible disgrace to the Ukrainian people” and a “monster.”

Ashton-Cirillo, who has a background in journalism and research, said she had only planned a two-week stay in Ukraine.

Nineteen months in, she is a junior sergeant and hosts live YouTube shows from her studio called “Ukraine in the

She also constantly posts on Twitter, where she has 156,000 followers.

Ashton-Cirillo, who does not speak Ukrainian, reports on Ukraine’s official statements and mocks Russian media coverage.

Her role also includes monitoring international media.

In August, she announced a “boycott” of CNN after they called foreign fighters in Ukraine “mercenaries.”

The US broadcaster swiftly corrected the article.

Secret studio

On a tour of the studio, she introduced colleagues—all with frontline experience —before changing into a uniform with her unit’s badge and the Latin motto “Ad resistendum” (To Resist).

She has editorial control of her own production and aims to avoid a dry, numberbased approach to covering the war.

“I’m sure my command gets a little bit anxious over what might be coming. However, they appreciate my work,” she said.

The

The YouTube channel’s viewing figures were just over 20,000 for August, but the degree of outrage in Russian media over Ashton-Cirillo is far out of proportion to that.

“The Russians are obsessed,” she said.

“I trend Google worldwide pretty regularly. And most of the traffic is out of Russia.”

Ukrainian reactions have been mixed, she said, with some asking “how certain aspects of who I am would mesh with Ukrainian society”. The country has become more tolerant in

security is introduced, alongside the comprehensive national security framework, where the NSP and NSS are depicted as integral elements. Moving on to Chapter Two, an overview of the present strategic landscape is presented.

It emphasizes the nation’s security priorities in the face of various internal and external threats and challenges that require attention.

Chapter Three delves into the national security framework, emphasizing the fundamental values and national interests that underlie the NSS.

The Duterte regime weaponized the laws to demobilize the opposition and suppress dissent

It commences with the definition of national security as “the condition in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, the well-being of its people, its core values, way of life, and the protection and enhancement of the State and its institutions are safeguarded.”

Chapter Four introduces two key elements that will play a vital role in ensuring the successful and sustained implementation of the strategy.

The first element emphasizes the comprehensive and collaborative use of the various instruments of national power, including political and legal, diplomatic, informational, intelligence, economic, military, and law enforcement tools. This component aims to foster a holistic approach to addressing both current and future threats. The second element focuses on wealth creation and resource generation through intensified investment in human capital development, the enactment of national security legislation, adequate funding for national security initiatives, and the development of strategic industries.

The achievement of the 12-point national security agenda largely depends on the effective execution of the strategic plans outlined in Chapter Five.

recent years.

It has hosted gay pride events and allows LGBTQ soldiers to join the army, but the European Court of Human Rights has criticised its lack of legal recognition for same-sex couples.

When she first arrived, Ashton-Cirillo worked in the eastern Kharkiv region, combining journalism and civic activism.

Much of the region came under Russian occupation and it has suffered many missile strikes.

“Witnessing the war crimes up close, the Russian terrorism up close, was the process that led me from impartial observer.... to becoming a combatant,” she said.

“I felt that I could do more as a soldier, and from within the system.”

She volunteered to join a unit of Crimean Tatars, a Muslim ethnic minority, becoming a combat medic—a role that includes fighting—with the call sign Blonde.

‘Crazy, crazy comments’

She quickly appeared on Russia’s radar.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in April 2022 referred to a “transgender journalist from Las Vegas who

These plans aim to enhance our defenses, capabilities, technologies, processes, partnerships, and resource management.

A total 109 strategic plans were identified after a thorough analysis of various threats, challenges, and opportunities that align with the nation’s strengths and potentials.

The success of these strategic plans hinges on the efficiency and cohesion of the national security sector.

In this regard, the National Security Strategy is committed to revitalizing and streamlining the existing national security structure to ensure better command and control, as well as a more cost-effective utilization of government resources and manpower.

A crucial aspect of this effort involves the revitalization of organizational structures within the National Security Council, its Secretariat, the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice, and Peace, and the National Intelligence Board and the National Intelligence Committee.

While all these seemed rational and consistent with national interest, President Duterte used the military and the police forces as instrument of repression and oppression.

He appointed military and police officers to plum posts and sinecures, and by his pronouncements prodded the security forces to exterminate the enemies of the state resulting in impunity, allegations of abuse.

Duterte’s perceived enemies were the drug users/pushers, common criminals and the political opposition.

The regime weaponized the laws to demobilize the opposition and suppress dissent.

Moreover, under Duterte, the Philippines distanced itself from its traditional ally the United States, but seemingly yielding closer to China even as the latter took a more aggressive stance in the South China Sea dispute, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte did not spare any opportunity to diminish the Hague Tribunal’s South China Sea Ruling.

In the end, during the Duterte administration, national security policy was weaponized against our own people and our own sovereignty.

Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: tonylavs X: tonylavs

broadcasts from Kharkiv and photographs themselves hugging bandits.”

Ashton-Cirillo said she was initially upset, but her Ukrainian colleagues urged her to become even “more verbal.”

Russia ramped up attacks on her early this year, she said.

“I was being accused of literally being Satan, that I was just answering to the (US) State Department. These crazy, crazy comments,” she said.

“When the Russians found out that I was on the front, they were actively looking for my unit,” she claimed.

“They were absolutely attempting to make sure that I was neutralized in some way, either by being captured or killed.”

The armed forces decided she had to leave the front line and suggested she work for the media unit, she said.

She was initially reluctant and felt guilty about leaving her comrades behind.

“I didn’t want to come to Kyiv -- 100 percent. I wanted to be with my unit in the east,” she said.

“But right now our duty is to carry out this information war.” AFP

‘Embrace the hate’, says Ukraine military’s trans spokesperson

armed forces decided she had to leave the front line and suggested she work for the media unit

Kim visits fighter jets factory on Russia tour WORLD

MOSCOW – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a Russian military aviation factory on Friday following his summit with President Vladimir Putin, as the two countries ostracized by the West seek deeper ties.

Historic allies, Russia and North Korea are both under rafts of global sanctions -- Moscow for its Ukraine conflict, Pyongyang for its nuclear tests -- with Kim’s rare foreign visit sparking concern from Kyiv’s allies over a possible arms deal. Putin, who has sought to strengthen

Indonesia deploys riot police over project protests

alliances with other leaders shunned in Western capitals, met Kim on Wednesday at a spaceport in Russia’s far east. While Pyongyang wants Moscow’s help to develop its missile program, US officials and experts have said Russia is interested in buying North Korean ammunition to use in Ukraine.

JAKARTA – Indonesia has sent hundreds of riot police to a tiny island, an official said Friday, after protests broke out against a China-backed project that would displace thousands of residents.

Around 1,000 people protested in Batam City on Monday over a plan to develop Rempang island into a Chinese-funded economic zone, including the construction of a multibillion-dollar glass factory, that would displace around 7,500 people.

Some protesters clashed with security forces outside a government agency, wielding machetes, Molotov cocktails and stones, police said, adding that dozens were arrested.

Beijing has poured money into infrastructure and resource projects in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy and its investments have previously caused social unrest, including a deadly January riot at a nickel smelting facility on Sulawesi island.

Police in Riau Islands province, near Singapore, said that 200 officers from the mobile brigade riot police unit known as Brimob, notorious for its heavy-handed tactics, were dispatched to the scene on Thursday.

“They are from Riau province’s mobile brigade (unit). The deployment is... to create security,”

spokesman Zahwani Pandra Arsyad told AFP.

“This is a precautionary step to... maintain security as Batam, Riau Islands is strategic (for) people to do business and invest.” AFP

After their summit at the Vostochny cosmodrome, Putin told reporters that he saw “possibilities” for military cooperation.

On Friday, Kim visited military and civil aviation plants in far eastern Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a key Russian engineering hub, Moscow said in a statement.

Kim saw the production of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 and Su-57 fighter aircraft and watched a Su-35 demonstration flight, the statement said.

“We see the potential for cooperation both in the field of aircraft manufacturing and in other industries,” said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Man-

turov after accompanying Kim around the factories.

“This is especially important for achieving the tasks facing our countries to achieve technological sovereignty,” the trade and industry minister said.

Western countries have warned Moscow and Pyongyang against making an arms deal that would defy global sanctions.

Kim is visiting Russia in his bulletproof train on his first official trip abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. He left Pyongyang on Sunday and crossed their shared border on Tuesday.

Kim’s far east visit will last a few more days, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

Putin said Wednesday that Kim would visit the port of Vladivostok to see the capabilities of Russia’s Pacific Fleet.

Kim is accompanied by a militaryheavy entourage, while top Russian military officials were also involved in the Putin talks.

Khabarovsk regional governor Mikhail Degtyarev, who joined Kim on the jet factory visit, said afterwards on Telegram: “Today we stand together against the pressure of the collective West. AFP

HISTORIC ALLIES.

This handout picture posted on Friday, on the official telegram channel of the Governov of Khabarovsk region Mikhail Degtyaryov, shows North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (center) visiting an aviation plant in Komsomolskon-Amur. AFP

DERNA, Libya—Emergency teams on Friday kept up their search for the thousands still posted as missing from the tsunami-sized flash flood that swept the Libyan port city of Derna, killing at least 4,000 people.

The enormous surge of water burst two upstream dams late Sunday and reduced Derna to an apocalyptic wasteland where entire city blocks and untold numbers of people were washed into the Mediterranean.

Calling the situation “catastrophic”, the United Nations launched an appeal for more than $71 million to respond to the “most urgent needs of 250,000 people targeted out of the 884,000 people estimated to be in need”.

An AFP journalist in Derna said central neighborhoods on either side

GREAT GRIEF.

A volunteer sits on the rubble of a building in a flash flood-damaged area in Derna on Friday. A global aid effort for Libya has gathered pace after a tsunami-sized flash flood killed at least 4,000 people, with thousands more missing, a death toll the UN blamed in part on the legacy of years of war and chaos. AFP

of the river, which normally dries up at this time of year, looked as if a steam roller had passed through, uprooting trees and buildings and hurling vehicles onto the port’s breakwaters.

“Within seconds the water level suddenly rose,” recounted one injured survivor who said he was swept away with his mother in the late-night ordeal before they both managed to scramble into an empty building downstream.

“The water was rising with us until we got to the fourth floor, the water was up to the second floor,” the unidentified man said from his hospital bed, in testimony published by the Benghazi Medical Center.

“We could hear screams. From the window, I saw cars and bodies being carried away by the water. It lasted an

Blocked Thai PM challenger Pita resigns

BANGKOK—Pita Limjaroenrat, whose reformist party won the most seats at Thailand’s national elections in May, resigned as its leader on Friday.

The young challenger led the Move Forward Party (MFP) to the top spot in the polls, capitalising on a swell of voters disenchanted at a near-decade of junta-backed rule, before he was blocked by conservatives and suspended as an MP.

The MFP left a partnership with opposition rivals Pheu Thai, who went on to form a coalition government with pro-military parties, and said they would go into opposition.

“I resigned as the MFP’s party leader to pave the way for an MP that is able to have a voice in parliament, be the opposition leader,” Pita wrote on his official Facebook page.

Under current rules, the leader of the opposition must be an MP. “Due to my MP suspension, I

won’t be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future,” Pita wrote.

He was suspended in July while waiting for the Constitutional Court’s ruling over his ownership of shares in a now-defunct media company.

MPs are prohibited from owning media shares, under the Thai constitution.

Pita emphasized the importance of the role, writing that it was like “the prow (of a ship) that determines the direction of the opposition”.

“There will need to be a party general meeting to vote for the new leader,” MFP lawmaker Rangsiman Rome told AFP, but did not specify when.

The 43-year-old has faced a barrage of challenges, both political and legal, thrown against him since the MFP’s shock success in the May polls.

hour or an hour and a half -- but for us, it felt like a year.”

Ukraine military: Frontline village already ‘liberated’ Libya’s flood-ravaged Derna in hunt for missing

Hundreds of body bags now line Derna’s mud-caked streets, awaiting mass burials, as traumatised and grieving residents search mangled buildings for missing loved ones and bulldozers clear streets of debris and mountains of sand.

In one shattered home, a rescue team pumped out the water to reveal a woman’s lifeless arms still clutching her dead child, the AFP journalist reported.

“This disaster was violent and brutal,” said Yann Fridez, the head of the Libya delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which had a team in Derna when the floodwaters hit. AFP

KYIV, Ukraine—Ukraine’s armed forces Friday said the village of Andriivka near the key frontline town of Bakhmut had been “liberated”, a day after claims it had been retaken were dubbed premature.

On Thursday, deputy defense minister Ganna Malyar backtracked on an announcement that Kyiv had wrested control of the eastern village from Russian forces, after Ukrainian troops on the ground said fighting was still ongoing.

But Ukraine’s General Staff said Friday that the village was back under Ukrainian control.

“In the direction of Bakhmut, the enemy does not stop trying to break through the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of Bogdanivka,” it said on Facebook.

“In turn, the defence forces had partial success in the Klishchiivka area during offensive operations. In the course of the assault, they liberated Andriivka in Donetsk region, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment, and entrenched at the occupied frontiers,” it added.

Andriivka is around 14 kilometres (nine miles) south of Bakhmut, with an estimated pre-war population of fewer than 100 people.

Kyiv began pushing back against Moscow’s forces in the south and east of the country in June after building up Western weapons and recruiting assault battalions.AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SORE SPOT. An Iranian woman living in Turkey holds a ball of her cut hair and a poster of Mahsa Amini, during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul in 2022, following the death of an Iranian Amini after her arrest by the country’s morality police in Tehran. This year, Amini has sparked unrest across Iran, the issue of the hijab remains an agonizing spot. AFP

China retail sales surged in August, beat expectations

BEIJING, China—Chinese retail sales jumped last month, data showed Friday, beating expectations and fuelling hopes that the country’s army of consumers are returning to help kickstart the world’s number two economy after an extended period of weakness.

The data, which also revealed a better-than-expected lift in industrial output, is the latest pointing to a stabilization and will follow a number of stimulus measures by Beijing.

Sluggish domestic consumption, an embattled property sector and soft overseas demand for China’s exports have all complicated the country’s post-Covid recovery after the lifting of restrictions at the end of last year.

Retail sales— the main indicator of household consumption that is closely followed by markets— jumped 4.6 percent on-year in August, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

That marks a big improvement on July’s 2.5 percent and was far better than the three percent forecast in a survey of economists by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, industrial production climbed 4.5 percent on-year, which was also a big increase from July and more than estimated.

The government in recent weeks announced a series of measures to lift the economy, the latest coming Thursday with the People’s Bank of China cutting the amount of cash lenders need to keep in reserve -- a move aimed at freeing up cash for loans. Authorities have also unveiled tax breaks for households and businesses to support consumption, while taking steps to address the crisis in the crucial property sector.

Several major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have relaxed their criteria for mortgage loans, while first-time buyers have been granted renegotiation of their loan rates. AFP

Local stocks retreat on FTSE rebalancing

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks ended the week in the red as the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) rebalancing took effect.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 82.06 points, or 1.32 percent, to close at 6,126.34, while the broader all-shares index declined by 33.13 points, or 0.99 percent, to settle at 3,320.18.

“Philippine shares were sold down as the latest FTSE rebalancing took into effect, while the US rallied on the back of Arm Holdings’ public debut and as investors assessed the latest PPI [Producers Price Index] reading,” Reginal Capital Development Corp. head of sales Limlingan said.

Limlingan said the FTSE rebalancing, which took effect Friday, was expected to have an estimated total country net

outflow of more than P1 billion.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the continued and consistent growth in OFW remittances would help the families of overseas workers cope up with higher prices and higher interest rates.

Remittances grew 2.6 percent in July to $2.99 billion from $2.92 billion in the same month last year, based on latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, Asian markets rallied Friday as forecast-busting Chinese data boosted hopes the world’s number-two economy may be stabilizing after an extended slowdown.

The news out of Beijing, which followed a recent batch of encouraging figures, came a day after authorities further eased restrictions on banks in a bid to kickstart growth.

The region-wide gains built on a surge in New York and Europe fueled by healthy readings on the US consumer sector and indications from the European Central Bank that it may have reached the end of its interest rate hik-

ing cycle.

The latest developments provided some much-needed relief to investors, who have endured a tough few weeks owing to concerns that a series of abovepar economic figures will pressure the US Federal Reserve to lift borrowing costs once more this year.

Traders cheered after data showed Chinese retail sales and industrial production jumped more than expected last month.

The figures were the latest suggesting the economy could be stabilizing, with inflation, trade and services all showing a marked improvement in recent weeks.

They also came a day after the People’s Bank of China announced a cut in the amount of cash lenders must hold in reserve, a decision aimed at freeing up cash for loans that can juice business activity.

“The improvement in industrial production and retail sales is encouraging,”

Frances Cheung, of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, said.

“Recent economic data point to some stabilization in economic activities.” With AFP

PSEi September 15, 2023

TOP GAINERS

Auto workers launch historic strike on Detroit’s ‘Big 3’ factories

WAYNE, United States—The US auto workers’ union launched a targeted strike at three factories just after midnight on Friday, ordering simultaneous stoppages at Detroit’s “Big Three” for the first time.

The dramatic walkout—marked outside a Detroit-area Ford plant with rowdy honking and cheers at the arrival of the United Auto Workers’ leader -- came after a last-minute push by General Motors, Ford and Stellantis failed to pro-

duce an agreement before the contract’s expiration.

“Tonight, for the first time in our history, we will strike all three of the Big Three at once,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a webcast shortly before the September 14 deadline.

Fain said the union would strike at one plant at each company: a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri; a Stellantis facility in Toledo, Ohio; and a Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan, but only the

final assembly and paint operations. About 12,700 workers were walking off the job Friday, according to UAW estimates. That is only a fraction of the 150,000 auto workers represented by the union. But it has said the strike could be expanded if the companies don’t sweeten the deal -- a strategy embraced by workers.

“They’re starting it off right,” said Rachel Judd, who joined the post-midnight rally in Wayne, Michigan in solidarity.

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Judd works at Ford’s neighboring facility in Livonia.

“If negotiations don’t keep moving forward, more plants will be added,” she said.

The strike poses a fresh challenge to President Joe Biden, who has sought to lock up support from organized labor as he ramps up his reelection campaign. The UAW has thus far refrained from endorsing Biden, a step already taken by other leading unions. AFP

A booming business: Checking corporates ethical, environmental claims

PARIS, France—As global corporations face increasing pressure to report their ethical and environmental credentials, it is spurring a booming industry in businesses looking to verify these corporate claims.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a key part of financial reporting for many companies, requiring businesses to assess their social and environmental impacts instead of just focusing on economic profits.

At the beginning of 2023, the EU implemented a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which demanded all large companies report on the impact of their business on people and the environment.

More stringent regulatory frameworks are also taking shape in the United States and through the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), which sets standards for climate-related financial disclosure.

Sylvain Guyoton, director of evaluations and methods at sustainability ratings group EcoVadis, said there is now a “regulatory wave” in this field.

EcoVadis is one of the companies working to verify ethical claims, and says it has rated more than 120,000 companies so far.

Tools that already exist include the Higg Index, which assesses the sustainability of the value chain to judge water use, carbon emissions and labor conditions, among others.

American company Worldly said it has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to authenticate corporate claims, particularly in the apparel and textile industries.

“AI helps us to know whether a subcontractor provides valid information,” said John Armstrong, chief

technology officer at Worldly.

“When it comes to human rights, AI will lead us in the right direction: if a statement is not precise or there are detected anomalies, we’re going to take a closer look,” he said.

He said more and more companies are looking to leverage technology to help validate corporate claims.

“Everyone is looking to leverage AI, and there is competition.”

The Australian firm Givvable launched into the niche field two years ago, targeting companies that use a lot of sub-contractors and complex supply chains.

“We can’t just be sending everyone surveys and questionnaires and in fact, the market knows how inefficient and ineffective those sorts of things are,” said Givvable co-founder Frances Atkins, adding that the aim is to take re-

sponsibility for self-assessment away from the companies themselves.

“Our clients are mid-cap to large-cap businesses, because they usually have lots of suppliers, and it becomes a bit difficult to try to do due diligence without technology,” she said.

‘Better than having nothing’

French company Tilkal, created in 2019, also uses AI to verify CSR claims, and says it has built a blockchain network dedicated to the supply chain and its impact.

Sectors they have worked in include textiles, cosmetics, honey, milk and cocoa.

“Most of the time, companies today do not know who their subcontractors’ subcontractors are,” said co-founder Matthieu Hug.

But he warns that “when we don’t know what is happening, there is a risk

that it will not be a good thing.”

Tilkal collects data from within the supply chain and tries to track down grey areas.

“We look for inconsistences, raise alerts and tell our clients when they must check this point in this place with their subcontractors,” Hug said.

But he warns that “data is always missing” -- particularly when dealing with factories and suppliers thousands of kilometers away where countries might not have the same focus on human rights.

“But it’s much better than having nothing at all.”

The methodologies used to measures CSR can always be called into question, with experts saying some companies have not lived up to their favorable ratings. AFP

PARIS, France—Apple will update the iPhone 12 in France after regulators raised concerns over electromagnetic radiation emitted by the devices, the country’s digital minister and the firm said on Friday.

France had ordered a halt to sales of the device, released in 2020, on Tuesday after finding that the model emitted more electromagnetic waves than permitted.

“Apple has assured me that it will implement an update for the iPhone 12 in the next few days,” said digital minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a statement to AFP.

Both the firm and Barrot insisted there was no danger to public health from the radiation.

“This is related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern,” Apple said in a statement, adding that the device complied with rules on emissions all around the world.

“We will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.”

On Tuesday, Barrot gave the US tech giant two weeks to issue an update to its phone, which was coming to the end of its career as a front-line Apple product.

He said the agency in charge of testing, the ANFR, would quickly assess the update and he would then decide whether to lift the ban on sales.

The World Health Organization has said several studies have been conducted in the field and “no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.” AFP

ARM IPO. Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas speaks at the Nasdaq MarketSite on September 14, 2023 in New York City. Arm, the chip design firm that supplies core technology to companies that include Apple and NVidia, priced its initial public offering at $51 a share. AFP

BSP expects smaller BOP deficit, cuts 2023 foreign reserves target

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday it expects a balance of payments deficit of $100 million in 2023, smaller than the previous estimate of $1.2-billion shortfall, on sluggish merchandise imports and recovery of international tourism.

“For 2023, the overall BOP position is projected to register a smaller deficit owing mainly to the foreseen narrower current account gap for the year,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement. Data showed that in 2022, the BOP resulted in a deficit of $7.3 billion, a turnaround from the $1.3-billion surplus in 2021.

The Monetary Board approved the new set of 2023 and 2024 balance of

payment projections in its Sept. 14, 2023 meeting. The latest projections incorporated the latest available data and recent emerging developments.

“The 2023-2024 forecasts for overall BOP position have been revised to reflect the estimated narrower current account shortfall over the forecast horizon. This development is hinged mainly to the expected contraction in goods ex-

ports and goods imports,” it said.

It said partly offsetting such outcome is the upward revision in services exports, bolstered by the higher growth forecast for travel receipts alongside expectations of sustained growth momentum of business process outsourcing (BPO) revenues.

The current account is expected to post a deficit of $11.1 billion this year, lower than the previous estimate of $15.1-billion shortfall.

Meanwhile, the BSP lowered the forecasts for foreign direct investments (FDIs) and foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) from the June projection, after taking into account the actual data in the first half of the year and the latest global and domestic growth prospects.

Net FDIs are expected to settle at $8 billion this year, down from the previ-

IN

Remittances grew 2.6% to nearly $3b in July

REMITTANCES grew 2.6 percent in July to $2.99 billion from $2.92 billion in the same month last year, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

“The expansion in cash remittances in July 2023 was due to the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers,” the BSP said in a statement Friday.

ous estimate of $9 billion, while FPIs were projected to post a lower net inflow of $2 billion from $2.5 billion.

It retained the remittance growth forecast at 3 percent this year, but reduced the year-end gross international reserves (GIR) forecast to $99.5 billion from $100 billion.

The BOP is expected to post a surplus of $1 billion in 2024, an improvement from the previous forecast of $500-million shortfall.

“BOP is seen to pivot into a surplus position, propped up by expectations of sustained improvements in the current account as well as the financial account. While the narrative surrounding the prospects for next year remain broadly unchanged, exercising vigilance is warranted as some risks may intensify,” the BSP said.

Cebu Pacific lowers 2024 growth forecast on P&W engine maintenance

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Friday said it will revise downward its growth rate in 2024 on aircraft engine issues.

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that Pratt and Whitney (P&W) informed the company of a condition that would further affect maintenance plans for its engines. Cebu Pacific said while there is no immediate impact on its operations, “we expect that this will affect our fleet availability in 2024.”

Several airlines grounded some of their aircraft that could not be immediately serviced by P&W early this year.

On Sept. 14, 2023, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, asked P&W to identify the cause of engine damage in three incidents involving IndiGo flights and share data on engine failures globally.

Cebu Pacific said it expects its fleet to end 2023 with 76 aircraft and grow to 91 aircraft in 2024. It is the youngest fleet in the Philippines and includes 25 P&W-powered Airbus aircraft.

“We anticipate that a number of the

aircraft will be affected next year by the recent announcement and as such the growth rate for 2024 will be revised downwards,” Cebu Pacific said. Data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed that Cebu Pacific carried 7.69 million domestic and international passengers in the first six months of 2023. The airline posted a net income of P3.74 billion in the first half of the year, a reversal from P9.5 billion net loss in the same period last year. Cebu Pacific’s revenues amounted to P43.55 billion, or 110.6 percent higher than P20.68 billion in the same period last year.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.

(Meralco) said Friday the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval to terminate the power supply agreement (PSA) contract between a distribution utility and a power supplier should only be “ministerial.”

“We respectfully submit that requiring ERC approval for PSA termination, when there is clear ground under the PSA, especially if the ERC has evaluated and approved its terms, is not only an unnecessary step but gives the ERC discretion to hold hostage the parties,” Meralco first vice president and regulatory management head Jose Ronald Valles said in a letter to the ERC.

Valles said a contract is the law between the parties, and if the termination is pursuant to the provisions of the PSA or EPSA [emergency PSA], “then there is no longer a need for a prior ERC approval for it to be effective.”

He said this position is strengthened under Article VII Section 28 of the PSA

“We would like to assure our passengers that this is not a safety issue. The accelerated fleet inspection will ensure the continued safe operation of the P&W fleet,” it said. Cebu Pacific said P&W committed to working closely with the airline to minimize any potential impact that the issue may have on its operations.

“Given the complexity of the situation in the near-term, P&W assured us that it has aligned the expertise and resources needed and will work with its partners to resolve things as efficiently as possible,” it said.

This brought cash remittances in the first seven months to $18.79 billion, or 2.9-percent higher than $18.26 billion in the same period last year.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first seven months of 2023,” the BSP said.

Data showed that in terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

This brought cash remittances in the first seven months to $18.79 billion, or 2.9-percent higher than $18.26 billion in the same period last year.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first seven months of 2023,” the BSP said.

Data showed that in terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Japan. Personal remittances, which include noncash items, rose 2.5 percent to $3.32 billion in July from $3.24 billion a year ago.

“The growth in personal remittances in July 2023 was due to higher remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said. Julito G. Rada

Solaire Resort shines

at IAG Academy Awards

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp.’s Solaire Resort Entertainment City announced a successful evening at the IAG Academy Awards. The resort garnered significant recognition, including winning the muchcoveted awards for Best Regional Asia-Pacific Integrated Resort (IR), Outstanding CEO and Best Gaming Floor. These accolades are an affirmation of Solaire’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a testament to its commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to its customers. Solaire cemented its position as a leader in the gaming and hospitality sectors.

The Hall of Honor Outstanding CEO award was a nod to the visionary leadership of Enrique Razon Jr., who has been steering Solaire’s course in the industry, consistently steering the organization towards growth and innovation. The Best Gaming Floor accolade acknowledges the resort’s superior and vibrant gaming environment that offers a unique blend of excitement and sophistication to both seasoned and novice players alike.

The highlight of the evening was when Solaire Resort was conferred with the Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR award, a prestigious recognition that highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing an integrated and holistic entertainment experience to guests from all over the world. The award is a validation of the exceptional quality of facilities and services that Solaire has to offer, setting a benchmark in the region for luxury, entertainment, and hospitality.

“These accolades reflect the collective efforts of the passionate and dedicated team at Solaire. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and our continuous pursuit to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region have brought us here. I dedicate these awards to every member of the Solaire family who works tirelessly to create magical and memorable experiences for our patrons,” said Thomas Arasi, president and chief operating officer.

guidelines where ERC approval of a PSA already includes determination of the “PA’s reasonableness in terms of costs, risk allocation and other contractual terms.”

Valles said this includes remedies available to parties, and this concern is magnified in case of delay in approval or disapproval of termination.

“Should ERC release its decision on the termination several months after filing of the pleading for such purpose, parties will [continue to] suffer trying to implement the supply agreement [e.g., despite illegality of continued operations for DU that loses franchise or genco that has lacking permit such as COC] in the meantime,” he said

Valles cited as example the case of PSA for a greenfield project to meet the DU requirement with approaching operations date. He said the DU would be prevented from timely securing replacement PSA via CSP, and the delay in securing replacement PSA may eventually constrain a DU to get from, and expose its customers to the spot market.

Pag-IBIG set record anew as home loans increased 6% to P76.94b in eight months

PAG-IBIG Fund released P76.94 billion in home loans in the first eight months of 2023, breaking its record on the highest home loan disbursement for January to August, top officials said Friday.

“We are happy to report that Pag-IBIG Fund has once again set a record high in terms of home loan releases during the first eight months of the year. The sustained growth of our home loans mean that more and more Filipino workers are being helped by Pag-IBIG Fund to have

homes they can call their own. This is one of our ways to heed the call of President Marcos to provide sustainable and inclusive housing for Filipinos,” said Secretary

Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

Acuzar said the amount in the eightmonth period was P4.23 billion, or 6 percent higher than P72.71 billion released in the same period in 2022, and financed

59,840 homes of Pag-IBIG Fund members. He said of the total, 7,450 or 12 percent are members from the minimumwage and low-income sectors who were able to secure P3.15 billion in socialized home loans.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency expects to sustain its performance for the remainder of the year, driven by the agency’s move to lower its home loan rates in July. “We thank our members for choos-

ing and trusting the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan to help them achieve their dream of homeownership. We assure our borrowers that we shall do all that we can to maintain the low rates of their loans and keep their monthly payments affordable.

This is because we at Pag-IBIG Fund highly value sustainability, so that our current borrowers can maintain their ability to pay their loans and allow even more members to avail of our home financing programs,” she said.

THE Philippine Competition Commission approved the merger of Bank of the Philippine Islands and Robinsons Bank Corp. BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it received the approval from the commission on Sept. 13, 2023.

“The Philippine Competition Commission released to BPI the signed decision clearing the proposed merger between BPI and RBC,” BPI said.

BPI is also securing the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

It said that pursuant to the comments of the BSP, the word “substantially” was deleted under the special provisions section of the plan of merger and replaced with “approved by at least a majority of”.

The word “substantially” was also deleted under Article I of the Articles of Merger. The principal business address of BPI and the date of execution of the plan of merger and articles of merger were also updated.

Stockholders representing at least twothirds of the outstanding shares of BPI approved at the special stockholders’ meeting on Jan. 17, 2023 the merger between BPI and RBC, with BPI as the surviving bank.

The board of directors of BPI in its meeting on Dec. 14, 2022 approved the issuance to the shareholders of RBC such number of BPI common shares as would result in the RBC shareholders collectively holding about 6 percent of the resulting outstanding common stock of BPI as of the closing date but in no case would BPI issue more than 318,912,309 common shares pursuant to the merger.

“The proposed merger will unlock various synergies across several products and service platforms, expand the customer and deposit base of both banks through the merged entity, and, at the same time, by capitalizing on BPI’s expertise and network, enhance the overall banking experience of RBC customers,” BPI said. Julito

Rada

Anti-trust agency approves merger of BPI, Robinsons Bank

Meralco: ERC approval to cancel supply contract ‘not necessary’

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho (third from left) shares his insights about a sustainable energy future at the 6th Annual Energy Forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. on Sept. 14, 2023. With Aperocho are Meralco senior vice president and chief government and external relations officer Arnel Paciano Casanova (second from right), together with officials of AmCham Philippines.

JOLLIBEE-CARGILL VENTURE. C-Joy Poultry Meats Production Inc., a joint venture between Jollibee Group and Cargill and one of the largest poultry processing plants in the Philippines, receives an NSF Animal Welfare Certification from the National Chicken Council of the United States. The certification recognizes its exemplary compliance with the standards and guidelines provided by the NCC Animal Welfare Guidelines. Cargill has been a major supplier of Jollibee Group with a proven track record in agricultural food development and production and brings in its 158 years of expertise into the joint venture.

Golden Spikers turn back SBU bets, earn No. 1 V-League spot

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas rolled past San Beda U, 25-19, 25-17, 25-23, to stretch its win run to six and clinch the top spot in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge elims at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.

The Golden Spikers came away with back-to-back points on a GBoy De Vega kill and a Trevor Valera block to shatter a 23-all count in the third and complete the straight-set victory.

Despite the win, UST coach Odjie Mamon rued this wards’ sub-par performance, saying, “The players aren’t in control so they’re not really focused. They were just playing. It was my fault I allowed them to. It defeats the purpose of adding players to the core.”

Private sector help pushed for individual sports in Asiad

By Peter Atencio

George Barcelon, chairman of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said this following talks with Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino during the Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Friday.

“Ang sabi ko sa kanya, mag-focus tayo sa mga individual sports. Para more

directed ang support,” said Barcelon.

Barcelon cited what happened to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who trained for many years before she got the gold

in the Tokyo Olympics.

Another example is pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, who is now ranked world no. 2 after training in For-

mia, Italy for a long time as well.

“It depends on the program and how it’s laid out,” added Barcelon.

Tolentino said a total of 396 athletes will be sent to the Asiad.

The POC chief said this will be the last time that they will send a big number to the games.

That’s because the next Asiad will serve as a qualifier for the Olympics.

“This is the last competition that is not a qualifier for the Olympics.

Mabigat na ang susunod,” said Tolentino.

Tolentino is confident that Team Philippines can build on its “strong performance” in the recent Southeast Asian Games and do a good job of surpassing the four-gold benchmark in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Khan warns Folayang: Take fight seriously

AMIR Khan will always have the utmost respect for former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion and old foe Eduard “Landslide” Folayang.

But if the Filipino comes into their lightweight MMA tilt thinking he can beat Khan again, then the Singaporean has a nasty surprise for him.

Five years since their initial matchup, Khan and Folayang clash anew at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 30, and Khan is urging the 39-year-old to take him seriously.

“From what I see in his interviews, it’s like this is a given for him [to win this rematch], like he already beat me once, so it’s easy to just get a win again and restart his career,” he told ONE Championship.

“But if he takes this fight in this manner and not in a serious manner, then I feel like things will not go his way.”

Sure, when it comes to experience and ring savviness, Folayang has him beat. But Khan is confident that at this point of their careers, he’s in much better physical condition than Folayang.

“Mentally, and from a strategic point of view, he might be better because as you get more experience, you get to improve your skill set. But if you talk about physical attributes, definitely he’s past his prime,” he said.

If Khan feels like Folayang is taking him lightly, then he promises not to make the same mistake as the Filipino legend.

For the Evolve MMA star, he’s working and grinding like there’s gold at stake.

“I will treat this match the same as how I would approach a World Title match. I know he’s been on a skid, but he’s still a legend of the sport,” he said.

“I feel that this win is very important for my career. So I’m really focused and doing everything that I can to make sure that I get the W.”

Quiban edges Dumandan on 4th extra hole to win South Pacific Classic crown

DAVAO City – Justin Quiban pounced on Marvin Dumandan’s costly birdie miss from close range on the 72nd hole, then endured an extra four-hole battle of power and wits to capture the ICTSI South Pacific Classic crown here on Friday.

Saying he had grown edgy with an unresolved outcome after their repeated returns to the 337-yard No. 9, Quiban attacked it with great resolve in their last two trips, the last leading to a two-putt birdie and ending the protracted duel set up by Dumandan’s sorry miss on No. 18 that saw the latter flub a birdie-putt from five feet.

Dumandan also failed to extend the match further with a miss from long range. They matched pars after exchanging a couple of muffed birdie bids in their first three visits back on No. 9 with Quiban

opting for his trusted Ping driver in the last two occasions, the first, however, led to a three-putt par.

But in his next crack at eagle feat, Quiban confidently stroked it to near the hole and drilled the putt that mattered in a day marked by drizzle and ended under the scorching heat that was the condition in the first three days of the P2 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.

“My strategy in the playoff was to play it (No. 9) as I did the whole week, lay-up with the 4-iron and try to get it as close as I can and try to make a birdie,” said Quiban, who closed out with a 69 and tied Dumandan, who carded a 70, at 279. “But after we didn’t make birdies, I decided to use my driver because it’s been my eighthweek straight (of playing) and I wanted this to end. No guts, no glory.”

“Unfortunately, I made a three-putt par

on the third playoff hole and then on the last, I hit the green again and twoputted for birdie and got the victory,” said Quiban, who pocketed P360,000 for his feat. He also contended in the Asian Development Tour in Vietnam three weeks ago and in last week’s PGT Del Monte Championship.

Quiban shook his head in disbelief after missing his uphill birdie bid from six feet on the 72nd hole but gained a reprieve as Dumandan missed wrapping it up in regulation in a day replete with drama on the long championship layout with tricky greens that featured stunning birdie runs and rueful collapses, including that of Gen Nagai.

But in a duel of aces seeking to end a long title spell, Quiban came out to clutch a cherished trophy, five years after he scored a breakthrough five-shot victory

UAAP reigning MVP Josh Ybañez put up an 18-point performance that featured 17 attacks and finished with an ace.

De Vega and Rainier Flor added eight markers each, but it was Gwen Colinares, who stepped up for the Dux Yambao, who suffered an ankle sprain in the first set.

No Red Spiker finished in double digits with middle blocker Andrei Bakil ending up with nine points even as Kevin Montemayor was limited to three markers.

‘Valdez met criteria way past deadline’

YOUNG air pistol shooter Carlo Valdez met the qualifying standard for the Asian Games, but way after the cutoff period.

National coach Julius Valdez said this is the reason the 22-year-old Carlo, did not make the final cut to the national squad to the Asiad. “Lampas at tapos na,” said the Valdez, a day after Philippine National Shooting Association chairman emeritus and businessman Luis “Chavit” Singson raised questions on the composition of the national team.

Singson asked concerned officials to look into the matter, with the national delegation for shooting set to leave for China on Thursday next week.

Veteran shooter Raoul Arambulo’s group, the Moving Target Association, raised questions on th e qualifications of some national sho oters going to the Asiad, through Singson.

Valdez explained that they set the deadline on June 15, with Valdez hitting the qualifying scores on August 6 and 13.

The young shooter, however, will remain in the national pool and be part of the group for selection in other meets like the World Cup.

Valdez recently tied a 27-yearold national record in the men’s 10-meter air pistol event of the PNSA monthly eliminations, matching the old national standard (584) set in September 3, 1996 at the same range by Filipino-American Jomike Gonzales.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino said it is too late to raise questions on the composition of the national delegation.

“You can’t just change the composition of the national team. Medyo late na tayo doon. And why only now, tapos na ang deadline,” said Tolentino.

The PNSA is sending a ninemember squad to the Asiad, led by Amparo Acuna (rifle), Franchette Quiroz (pistol), and Elvie Baldovino (pistol) in the women’s division, alongside shotgun shooters Hagen Topacio, Brian Topacio and Enrique Enriquez in the men’s side.

Olympian Jayson Valdez is also coming. Other shotgun shooters include Ito Carag, Eric Ang and Joaquin Ancheta. Peter Atencio

THE business sector is willing to support Filipino athletes competing in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The UST Golden Spikers celebrate their victory over San Beda Red Spikers in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge.

Justin Quiban kisses his championship trophy. M anny Marcelo

POC president Abraham Tolentino George Barcelon

Eduard Folayang (left)

HOME/DESIGN

SHANG Properties recently launched LAYA, its newest residential development in Brgy. Oranbo, Pasig City.

“LAYA by Shang Properties is our answer to today’s generation’s need for their own space,” said Wolfgang Krueger, Shang Properties, Executive Director. “We believe that LAYA’s brand philosophies of self-expression, human connection, and cultural enrichment resonate with Millennials and Gen Zs as they grow, and as we adapt to the changing real estate landscape,” he added.

Boundless possibilities

With over 1,200 studio, one-, two, and three-bedroom units, LAYA can cater to young professionals who need a halfway home, young families starting in the city or those in need of spacious and comfortable living space. With units ranging from 33 to 149 sqm., LAYA’s functional and technical design has been well-thought-of to maximize space and comfort for residents.

LAYA offers an in-house amenities ecosystem catering to different modern needs and lifestyles. It includes indoor amenities such as fitness and yoga studios, a library and co-workspaces, a children’s playroom, game- and party rooms, and a viewing room; and outdoor amenities, such as a swimming pool for both kids and adults; and a landscape area that connects to bright, verdant gardens and open spaces. These spaces place relaxation, socialization, and productivity within reach.

Thriving community at your doorstep

LAYA is located along Christian

The need for one’s own space Shang Properties unveils LAYA for young professionals, families

At the LAYA media launch from left were: Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, Shang Properties chief operation officer; Jayme Uy, marketing mirector; Rose Morales, senior director for SPI Group sales; and Joe Brimer, broker channel and international sales director.

Route, at the heart of Pasig City. Situated near Ortigas Center, it is near everything one needs, providing a seamless connection between work, play, and rest. The development allows one to discover the essence of genuine connections within a neighborhood that perfectly complements its vibrant and

contemporary way of life.

Slated for completion by 2028, LAYA balances live, work, play, and rest for today’s next generation of homeowners. Prices start at ₱10M. To learn more about LAYA by Shang Properties,visit https://layabyshang. com, e-mail: hello@layabyshang.com.

Top names in architecture, interior design tapped for Two Botanika

topped

Building B of Futura East, a mid-rise community under the Futura by Filinvest brand. Situated along main thoroughfare Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal, Futura East boasts a location that offers residents the best of both worlds – the benefits of the metro and the wonders of Rizal. Its accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to Marcos Highway, which connects the prominent cities of Quezon, Pasig, and Antipolo. Futura East is part of the Filinvest Land mixed-used township East Town. The 7.9 hectare township embodies the concept of holistic living. The topping off ceremony was led by Filinvest Land officials, including Aven D. Valderrama, Filinvest Land First Vice President-Brand Product and Regional Project Head (center).

THE flagship project of real estate brand Filigree, has enlisted one of the country’s most reputable contractors, EEI Corporation, for the general construction works of Two Botanika.

The construction milestone came at a timely moment: Botanika Nature Residences recently receiving a 5-star rating from the Asia Pacific Property Awards for Best

Architecture Multiple Residences Category Philippines for 2023-2024.

Two Botanika is expanding options to cater to a wider market, as it now offers 1-bedroom units for solo living, as well as family-ready 3-bedroom units.

Designers and consultants tapped for the project include Leandro V. Locsin Partners, the Architect on Record, Tina

Periquet of Periquet Galicia Inc. for the unit space planning, Singapore-based Isabelle Miaja of Miaja Design Group Interior Design for Two Botanika’s common spaces, Bill Higgins and John Sheehy of Architecture International as the master planning consultant, and AECOM Singapore as the consultant for the landscaping design,.

Easier home ownership for Filipinos

REAL estate developer Ovialand Inc., recently partnered with BDO Unibank Inc. to help more Filipinos to get the financing to purchase a home of their own.

Ovialand will be part of an exclusive roster of developers under the BDO new home loan program. Under this program, clients can get up to 95% of the loan value of a loan to purchase their homes.

This would allow Filipinos to move into their brand-new homes by paying a downpayment of as low as P100,000 to P200,000.

Ovialand’s housing portfolio is currently centered around South Luzon, particularly Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon. To know more about Ovialand, visit https://ovialand.com/.

FOCUSING ON REGIONAL GROWTH. The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) will gather key government leaders, creatives, and industry leaders in the housing and real estate sector as they host the 31st edition of the National Developers Convention on October 5 and 6, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. This year’s convention aims to attract around 400 developers, policymakers, suppliers, and various housing industry stakeholders. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. is expected to deliver a video message highlighting the administration’s flagship housing program, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). Figures from the national sector set to headline the event include Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement; Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development; and Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD. Interested participants may register through the event https://shda.ph/events/31st-national-developers-convention/.

LEPONT RESIDENCES IS ON POINT. Real estate developer RLC Residences recently broke ground for its premium project Le Pont Residences located in Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City. The event marked Le Pont Residences Tower commencement of construction activities. Coming from a French phrase that translates to “The Bridge”, the property was officially introduced to the public last January. Le Pont Residences offers units ranging from 46 to 380 sqm. This includes bi-level top-floor units with an iconic curved staircase, providing a centerpiece that connects both floors. It also has a selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. At the groundbreaking ceremony were (from left to right): Advanced Foundation Construction Systems Corporation Managing Director Mario Rossi; RLC Residences Vice President for Project Management Engr. Emmanuel Arce; Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager John Richard Sotelo; Senior Director, Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer Karen Cesario; and Business Development and Design Head Stephanie Anne Go.

AGRICULTURE

Turning natural waste into treasure

By Patricia Taculao

AS MANY gardeners and farmers know, fertilizer is a crucial component in the soil to help their plants or crops grow abundantly. But in urban areas like Metro Manila, soil isn’t always a readily available resource, and finding the ideal additives to enrich its composition sometimes comes with chemicals.

On the other hand, Metro Manila is abundant in food waste. According to the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), 1,717 metric tons of food are wasted daily in the Philippines.

Few people know that their food waste can be the gateway to acquiring natural fertilizer to boost plant health because it’s a primary factor in vermicomposting.

Vermicomposting, also known as vermiculture, is a practice that uses composting worms to speed up the breakdown of organic matter. It is easier, quicker, and more space-efficient compared to traditional composting. Many find its byproduct a superior fertilizer that reduces a household’s food waste.

Marco Adriano, 22, realized the potential of vermicompost as early as 13. He now promotes the practice through Urban Vermicomposting PH, an online platform and small garden space in San Juan, Metro Manila, that aims to provide information, tips, and tricks for the beginner vermicomposter.

As the founder, Adriano is a one-man team at the forefront of encouraging urban residents to venture into the world of vermicomposting–as he did in 2013.

“I read in a book into fertilizer, and I found it pretty interesting,” he told Manila

Urban Vermicomposting PH offers starter kits, that comes with African nightcrawlers and bedding, to help city dwellers begin their composting journey

Standard Agriculture

Eventually, he turned to YouTube videos to learn more about vermicomposting and began offering his products to raise awareness about the practice’s benefits. It surprised him how only a few knew about vermicomposting and some of the prejudice it faced because it involved worms.

When he began, Adriano admitted to using YouTube videos and other reference materials from the United States because there weren’t many sources in the Philippines yet.

“At some point, we put up our website so people can learn about vermicomposting in the Philippines kasi , in the US, it’s hot, or they use a different type of worm. It [the website] is solving the problem I used to face about maintaining the worm bins in a Philippine setting,” he said.

The ideal worm breed for vermicomposting in the Philippines is African Nightcrawlers. Aside from being able to adapt to the country’s climate and environment, these also make good food sources and are efficient in breaking down natural materials, making it easier for them to decompose faster.

DTI implements Rice on Wheels for Retailers program

AS PART of its efforts in implementing Executive Order No. 39, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) implemented the Rice on Wheels for Retailers program in collaboration with Bulacan rice millers and traders on Friday, 8 September 2023.

The Rice on Wheels for Retailers program aims to ensure regular and well-milled rice availability within the price ceiling set by E.O. No. 39. This program targets retailers in public markets to enable them to source cheaper rice. The kick-off last Friday was held simultaneously in four areas, such as Quezon City, Parañaque City, Manila City, and Makati City, followed by another caravan on 9 September 2023 in Bicutan, Paranaque City, and Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

In the meantime, another caravan occurred in six areas, including Pasig City, Caloocan City, Quezon City, Muntinlupa City, Paranaque City, and Marikina City last Monday. Since its kick-off, the Rice on Wheels for Retailers program has been able to sell a total of 1,371 sacks of well-milled rice. The rice millers and traders collaborating with DTI initially committed to providing 30,000 sacks of rice. With this, the program will continue in the coming weeks for other areas.

However, vermicomposters must create the ideal environment for their worms using bedding, containers, and food to maintain their compost bin. They must keep themselves from overfeeding the worms and provide holes for breathability and proper drainage.

Some examples of worm feed include leaves, coffee grounds, and

Marco Adriano, the 22-year-old behind Urban Vermicomposting PH other food waste like scraps, fruit peels, and pieces of vegetables.

As for the bedding, some suitable items are newspapers, cardboard, and coco peat, which Urban Vermicomposting PH offers in their vermicomposting bins.

Urban Vermicomposting PH offers starter kits to help beginner vermicomposters start their journey. It comes with composting worms, bedding, and a compact container. Consumers only need to supply the worms with food scraps for sustenance.

Even though not many people are keen on touching or utilizing worms, Adriano shared that their potential to reduce food waste and provide plants with a natural fertilizer are the unique selling points that capture consumers’ interest.

“Not everyone needs to make fertilizer. What people are more interested in now is turning waste into something valuable. That’s what we always try to highlight,” he said.

Adriano also uses the website to provide support and insights to customers who need some guidance. Seeing his customers maximize their vermicompost bins’ potential and utilizing their benefits gives Adriano much satisfaction because it gives society a new perspective on worms that highlights their relevance in a sustainable ecosystem.

With more people in the metro discovering the advantages of vermicomposting, they’re contributing to lessening the amount of food waste in the environment, reducing their carbon footprint, and aiding plant growth. Now that’s a can–or box–of worms worth opening.

Learn more about vermicomposting at www.urbanvermicomposting. com.

How to use vermicompost

VERMICOMPOST is the byproduct of vermiculture or vermicomposting, a sustainable practice using worms to break down natural elements, like leaves and food scraps, into compost that can aid plant growth.

Marco Adriano, the 22-year-old founder of Urban Vermicomposting PH, promotes this practice to city dwellers because it helps lessen their carbon footprint while producing natural soil enhancers.

According to Adriano, users can maximize the potential of vermicompost through three approaches. The first is to use solid compost and add it on top of plants.

“It has a lot of nutrients, but the benefit of vermicompost is not in the nutrients mismo. It’s more of the good bacteria is more concentrated in the vermicompost. It improves the way plants absorb nutrients,” he said.

Compared to inorganic fertilizers, which focus more on augmenting the soil content, the bacteria from the vermicompost break down available soil nutrients while

adding a little more to its composition. The second method to efficiently use vermicompost is incorporating it in the soil like a potting mix.

Adriano knows the benefits of this approach firsthand because he uses it with his plants in his garden in San Juan, in Metro Manila. Instead of planting them in soil, he uses a mixture of 50 percent vermicompost and 50 percent coco peat.

There are three ways to use vermicompost as a fertilizer to boost plant growth

Lastly, vermicomposters can turn the solid byproduct into vermitea by wrapping it in cheesecloth or an old newspaper before putting it into a bucket of water and adding a teaspoon of molasses.

“Preferable rainwater or aged water because fresh tapwater sometimes has chlorine,” Adriano advised. After 15 minutes, users can get the liquid

version of vermicompost, which they can spray on their plants or the soil. Many of Adriano’s customers often reside in condominiums in Metro Manila, where they don’t have access to garden soil. Through vermicompost, they can have an unlimited supply of natural fertilizer, which they can also utilize to create a high-quality planting medium to make their plants grow happily and healthily.

Patricia Taculao

PH gains Korean market access for fresh Hass avocado

By Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID

THE Philippines’ commercial shipment of Hass avocado to the Republic of Korea will start by the end of September 2023.

“We thank the Korean government for finally approving the market access of our Hass avocado exports,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said as he announced that the country can now export Hass avocado to Korea for the 2023–2024 season.

The announcement was made following the official letter from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs-Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (MAFRA-APQA) to the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). The protocol on “Plant Quarantine Import Requirements of Fresh ‘Hass’ Avocado fruits from the Philippines into the Republic of Korea” was signed and agreed upon by both countries on June 19, 2023, and became effective on September 8, 2023.

“This market access milestone is made possible through the effort of the DA-BPI headed by Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban and the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul headed by Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang, who closely collaborates with their counterparts in MAFRA-APQA,” Panganiban said.

The market access of Hass avocado to Korea was first requested by the Philippine government in 2009 but was put on hold due to the one-at-a-time policy for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). The PRA for Hass avocado resumed after the Philippines secured market access for okra exports to Korea in 2021.

The Philippine fresh Hass avocado exports will be initially sourced from DA-BPI-accredited orchards and packing houses of Dole Philippines in

Davao, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.

Hass avocadoes have become popular in Korea as the main nutritional ingredients for salad and sandwiches. They are available at leading retail stores and online markets in fresh and frozen forms but are mostly from Latin American countries.

To familiarize the Koreans with the said Philippine fruit, the DA, through the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul in close coordination with Dole Korea, will support promotional activities to increase awareness of consumers and boost exports.

As one of the largest food importers in the world, South Korea is a lucrative market for Philippine agricultural exports. In 2022, South Korea will be the 4th largest destination of Philippine agri-food exports with USD574.27 million total agri-fisheries exports value.

Despite the challenges brought about by the CoVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines recorded a nine percent increase in agri-fisheries exports to Korea in 2022, generating USD307.47 million trade surplus. The majority of the agri exports are tropical fruits (56 percent) in terms of market share.

The Philippines supplies 75 percent of fresh bananas, 100 percent of fresh pineapples and papayas, and five percent of fresh mangoes and is the sole exporter of fresh okra to Korea. The Philippines also exports high-value seafood products such as abalone, sea cucumber, octopus, blood cockle, eel, and fish.

“The increasing demand of Korean consumers for agricultural products with preferences for food with health and wellness benefits bodes well for Philippine agricultural exporters,” Maghirang said.

She added that this presents an opportunity for the DA to encourage the increased cultivation of “export winners,” such as tropical fruits and high-value agricultural products to meet the growing demand of the discerning Korean market for healthy food.

Adriano promotes vermicompost as a natural fertilizer to boost plant growth and reduce the amount of food waste in the environment

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

rieramallari@yahoo.com

GRAB, a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, introduces two new tech features to its driver app as part of its continued commitment to support its driver-partners to earn more.

The two features—Sessions and Personalised Alerts—are the latest additions to a wide range of innovations available to reduce drivers’ idle time and enable them to focus on completing more bookings for every hour they spend on the Grab platform.

“Our partners drive to earn and support their families. We understand how every minute online is a potential income opportunity for them. And as the nation faces economic headwinds such as the rising prices of goods, we want to support our partners maximize their time and earnings. With our technology, we are able to help them reduce idle time on the road, and also enable them to focus their energies on completing trips,” said Grab Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ronald Roda.

“In 2022, Grab driver-partners from across Southeast Asia enjoyed a 3.55% reduction in average idle time, compared to that in 2021, helping to further optimize their earnings potential on the platform.”

Maximize driver-partners’ time on the road

To help Grab driver-partners maximize their online hours and earnings, Grab builds various tech features to empower them to position their vehicles where passengers are so that they can capture as much passenger demand as possible. The two new tech features are designed to help partners easily identify such highdemand areas:

Sessions enable driver-partners to keep within a predefined geographical area during periods of high passenger demand. Driver-partners can sign up in advance to drive in one of these zones for a fixed period of time (3-5 hours), enabling them to only receive bookings within the specific area. This set-up will help them to complete more trips per online hour with shorter trip distances.

Personalized Alert is a push notification sent to offline driver-partners when specific areas are experiencing high passenger demand. These are partners who frequent the same areas based on their historical driving patterns, and

Grab builds technology to help driver-partners optimize earning potential

HONOR to launch budget-friendly smart devices on September 26

STAYING true to its commitment to GO BEYOND this 2023, leading smart devices provider, HONOR Philippines, is set to bring in yet another impressive line of gadgets tailored fit to each and every Filipino lifestyle.

“We started the year with a bang—from the viral HONOR X9a 5G, to the unexpected reception of the general public to the HONOR Magic5 Pro, and the recently sold-out HONOR 90 5G. We have also opened several Experience Stores and expanded our partnerships, and for that, we are truly grateful for everyone’s support. We hope you can look forward to this spectacular lineup of HONOR devices that we’re bringing to the Philippines soon,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Budget-friendly camera smartphones

Quality smartphones do not necessarily have to break the bank. The new HONOR smart devices’ top-ofthe-line hardware and cutting-edge technology ensure a seamless and powerful experience to budget-conscious tech enthusiasts.

Sessions

would not want to miss any good opportunity to earn.

Empowering with seamless driving experience

Grab has also been innovating to provide driver-partners with a more seamless driving experience through features that assist with the navigation of roads and the management of bookings, enabling them to focus on driving and providing good service to passengers. Some of these features include: Back-to-Back Bookings: Searches for the next booking for driver-partners before they complete their current trip to minimise idle time between rides.

Auto Accept: Minimises the chances

of driver-partners missing incoming assigned bookings by automatically accepting them on drivers’ behalf. This enhances efficiency during peak times, reduces idle time between rides, and increases the number of rides that driver-partners can complete per online hour. Driver-partners have the flexibility to toggle on or off this feature at their discretion.

Allocation Swaps: Swaps bookings in the backend to assign the closest driverpartners to passengers, which helps to save time for both passengers and driverpartners by minimising the time needed for driver-partners to pick up their passengers.

GrabMaps: Southeast Asia is known for its complex road layouts with count-

Photography lovers would love this newest HONOR smartphone that packs a 100MP rear camera and a super storage——an impressive set of specs for a budget-friendly phone.

less streets and corners that can be timeconsuming and challenging to navigate. GrabMaps provides location-based intelligence and services supported by a comprehensive map solution that is continuously updated and documents back alleys and narrow side streets. As such, it helps drivers to reduce unnecessary delays, and guides them to use the most efficient routes to complete their trips. Share Live Location: This feature was introduced in July 2023 in the Philippines. It enables passengers to share their live location with their assigned drivers if they are not sure whether they are waiting at the right location. It facilitates smoother and faster pick-ups.

PLDT Enterprise boosts Batanes State College learning experience

FOR some academic institutions, the pivot to distance learning has only highlighted the challenges they face with regards to geography and limited wireless broadband infrastructure.

Batanes State College (BSC), a public school located in a remote island at the northernmost tip of Luzon, is one example that faced these lingering disadvantages. But that is no longer the case.

PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of PLDT, signs an agreement to provide BSC with its cutting-edge iGate Premium Internet Access, a dedicated internet access service that ensures seamless connectivity.

Committed to taking businesses further, the signing is a major milestone for the region, as the school becomes the first institution in Batanes to be empowered with high-performance online services from PLDT Enterprise solutions.

“iGate can reliably facilitate virtual attendance,” says BSC President Dr. Djovi Regala Durante, a key point he emphasized particularly for isolated provinces such as Batanes.

“Sending employees and students to trainings and seminars on the mainland can be logistically challenging and costly. With iGate, attendees can

PLDT Enterprise signs an agreement with Batanes State College for the rst iGate internet service in the province. Shown here are

(from left) Dh H. Duran, Relationship Manager at PLDT Enterprise of Luzon LGU CRB; Dr. Djovi Durante, BSC President; (Behind Dr. Durante) Engr. Romina Katrina C. Bayaras, Director for Administration and Finance Services at Batanes State College; and Vincent R. Rodriguez, Business Head of Luzon

participate more efficiently through the internet, revolutionizing the way BSC conducts its academic and administrative operations,” he adds.

For years, PLDT Enterprise has been at the forefront of bridging the gaps in digitalization by playing a leading role in guiding organizations nationwide in its quest towards digital maturity. But the gravity of this role has become more evident with the advent of off-site work settings for businesses and distance learning modules for schools. The collaboration between PLDT En-

terprise and Batanes State College marks a significant impact on the academe sector in the region. Staff, educators, and students will benefit from enhanced connectivity and the ability to access a wealth of educational resources seamlessly.

Vincent R. Rodriguez, Business Head of Luzon and GMM LGU at PLDT Enterprise, says, “With iGate, Batanes State College can leverage the power of reliable and high-speed internet connectivity to deliver an enhanced learning experience. We ensure seamless and managed connectivity as well as guaranteed band-

width allowing the institution to focus on education while we take care of their digital needs.”

“PLDT Enterprise understands the complexities and requirements of the academe industry, and our iGate service is designed to meet the ever-growing demands of modern education,” adds Dennis G. Magbatoc, AVP and CRM Head of Luzon CRM at PLDT Enterprise. “We are dedicated to creating a positive impact in the community by empowering educational institutions like Batanes State College with cutting-edge technology.”

HONOR is also set to release two more smartphones with long-lasting battery life. With the brand’s human-centric approach in engineering its devices, these smartphones are also packed with industry-leading technology to ensure the eye health of its users.

The latest iteration to the brand’s newest budget-friendly lineup is the perfect fit for the chic and stylish, with its delicate and premiumlooking body. The tablet boasts an impressive full-view display on top of its large storage, perfect for both work and leisure use. Catch the official launch of this lineup on September 26, 2023. For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook. com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

In the meantime, you can checkout HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches at any HONOR kiosks and partner stores nationwide via Retailers or visit their partner online stores on Shopee (Warning! | There might be a problem with the requested link), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (HONOR Philippines (@honorphilippines) | TikTok).

Globe empowers customers through creative tech experiences, rewarding opportunities

By Paola Navarette

FILIPINOS are known to start celebrating Christmas early. To satisfy this craving for holiday cheer, digital solutions platform Globe is giving its customers a spectacular 917 G Day celebration.

“We’re going bigger in terms of engaging our customers and making them feel valued,” said Jerome Patalud, head of Globe Rewards.

917 is a play on Globe’s iconic original prefix and the numerical date for Sept. 17. Since 2016, the 917 Day has served as Globe’s thanksgiving for its customers in mobile, broadband, and other services.

With the entire month packed with events, Globe promises to bring Filipinos closer to their dreams through memorable, rewarding experiences that can help bring their aspirations to life.

“With tech capabilities and digital solutions, our G Day celebration this year aims to make our customers feel that with

Globe, they have a partner in making their dreams come true,” added Patalud.

Whether you’re a budding creator, an avid gamer, or a huge OPM fan, these exciting events are sure to excite and inspire you.

G Music Fest (Sept. 16)

Among the fun activities that await Globe customers is G Music Fest, a concert that will be held this Sept. 16 on Circuit Events Grounds in Makati City. The lineup includes OPM legends like Urbandub and December Avenue and rising stars like Syd Hartha and PLAYERTWO. Beyond inspiration through music, the festival’s Creator Hub will encourage self-expression and creativity through various art and community-building activities such as live murals and painting with Drip Splash and Paint It Fun.

G Creator Con (Sept. 17)

Become the next rising star in Globe’s first-ever G Creator Con, which will be

held simultaneously at The Globe Tower, BGC Amphitheater, and Globe Creator House on Sept 17.

Discover the art of crafting engaging content from industry experts from Meta and YouTube and get ready to hear from thought-leaders like actress Nadine Lustre, Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan, and Lola Amour’s Lead Vocalist Pio Dumayas.

Open to all Globe customers, secure your slot using the GlobeOne app. Tap the “Rewards” section, look for the G Creator Con: Creator Talks banner, then use 3 rewards points to grab your voucher, which you can use to avail your tickets at www. tixlive.com.ph.

G Fair (Sept. 23-24)

To be held the following weekend also at the BGC Amphitheater, the art and tech pop-up market G Fair will showcase Filipino entrepreneurs and artists. With curated micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) and artists from

and GMM LGU at PLDT Enterprise

Jerome Patalud, head of Globe Rewards