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4th Filipino, also a caregiver, confirmed dead from attacks

By Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz VOL. XXXVII • NO. 246• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Deal to allow aid into Gaza sealed

A FOURTH Filipino has been killed in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

"I regret to inform the nation that we have received confirmation from the Israeli government of another Filipino casualty in Israel," Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on the social media platform X. "Out of respect for the wishes of the family, we shall be withholding details on the identity of the victim. But we have

assured the family of the government’s full support and assistance," he added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega identified the fatality as a Filipina caregiver who was killed in the Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

"That's why we Filipinos are praised there, when Hamas came in, they didn't abandon their loved ones, because they are caregivers of the elderly. They are really heroes," De Vega said in a radio interview.

During the surprise attack on Oct. 7, the Palestinian group fired thousands of rockets from Gaza and its gunmen streamed into Israel—shooting, mutilating, or burning to death some 1,400 people.

Next page

US VETOES UN’S ISRAEL WAR RESOLUTION NEWS / A2

US, Biden broker pact to send 20 trucks from Egypt; 80 Pinoys waiting to get out S President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled a deal to allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to enter war-torn Gaza, where 1 million people have fled their homes amid withering Israeli air strikes.

U

Some 80 Filipinos who are trapped in Gaza may be able to exit the war-torn Palestinian enclave through Egypt by late Friday to early Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega made the statement following a report quoting Biden as saying that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has agreed to open the border.

But Biden, on the way back to Washington from Israel, said only a limited number of trucks would be allowed to cross the shuttered Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza from Friday.

He said this was the result of faceto-face talks in Israel and intense telephone diplomacy with Egypt.

It would be the first international relief to enter Gaza since Oct. 7, when Next page

AID EN ROUTE. Humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations is loaded onto a United Arab Emirates Air Force C-130H-30 Hercules turboprop military transport aircraft at the Dubai International Airport before its departure for Cairo, Egypt on October 19. Meanwhile, a convoy of trucks carrying aid supplies for Gaza from Egypt waits on the main Ismailia desert road, about 300 kms east of the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip, on the way to the Rafah crossing. AFP

TOUCHDOWN RIYADH.

President Marcos is warmly greeted

by Saudi Arabian officials as he arrives in Riyadh on Thursday for the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. PCO Photo

PBBM to push energy, OFW issues in Gulf gab to push for better cooperation on energy meeting with Gulf country leaders. issues and the enhancement and protecThe President will join other leaders in tion of the rights of overseas Filipino the 2023 Association of Southeast Asian PRESIDENT Marcos arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening and vowed workers (OFWs), among others, in a Next page

By Charles Dantes

Dalipe: House to act as one, fight any threat vs. solons the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand any of its members, Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez will act as one to Jose Manuel Dalipe said.

Next page THE House of Representatives under fight any threat or intimidation against

By Maricel V. Cruz

Marcos says Maharlika not on hold, will be operational before yearend

By Charles Dantes, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Marcos on Thursday said the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be operational before the year ends despite his recent order to suspend its

implementation.

"The concept of the Maharlika Fund as a sovereign fund or an investment fund -- the concept remains a good one and we are still committed to having it operational before the end of the year," the President said in a speech before departing for a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"I was a bit alarmed by the news Next page

PNP to deploy 187,000 policemen as BSKE campaign period begins ened alert measures for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Elections (BSKE) and the commemowill deploy 187,000 police officers ration of the Undas (All Saints' and All Next page across the country as part of height- Souls’ Days) holidays.

By Vince Lopez

NEWS US vetoes UN reso on Israel war T A2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Twelve out of 15 Council members voted in favor of the resolution put forward by Brazil, which also condemned the "heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas," while Russia and the United Kingdom abstained.

The United States was the only vote against, but as one of the body's five per-

manent members, its vote counts as a veto.

"The United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel's rights of self-defense," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote.

The move came as US President Joe

Biden was on a solidarity visit in Tel Aviv to show strong US backing, but also to urge Israel to allow aid into the besieged Gaza Strip amid warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.

Israel's ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan thanked the United States for vetoing "a very bad resolution," and said "Washington continues to stand with us in times of need."

Addressing the Security Council, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour warned that "killing more Palestinians will never make Israel safer."

The resolution said the Council "firmly condemns all violence and hostilities

Deal...

ing all the humanitarian supplies coming in amid Israel's war with Hamas, the defacto government of Gaza.

"So it's not a new development. It is a reality that they have faced and they have overcome, especially at this time when they have been under attack," De Vega said in a press conference.

Some Filipinos who have a house in southern Gaza offered shelter to those who fled the north.

Filipinos there are also sharing food and other supplies, De Vega said.

He quoted Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago as saying Filipinos there are “helping each other to survive this ordeal.”

The United Nations and humanitarian groups have begged for the military stranglehold on Gaza to be eased, to allow supplies of water, food, fuel and medicines to enter.

Top UN humanitarian official Martin Griffiths on Wednesday said the situation in Gaza was dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, more than 3,000 Gazans killed and 12,500 injured.

"The pace of death, of suffering, of destruction cannot be exaggerated," he said.

Despite the devastation, more than 100 trucks have been queued for days on the Egyptian side of the border waiting to enter Gaza.

Israel fears that aid deliveries could be used as cover to bring in weapons, or could be diverted into the hands of Hamas —which governs the enclave.

Israel has already hit the border crossing with multiple air strikes since this phase of the decades-old conflict began.

Egypt controls the border and fears throwing open the gates would bring tens of thousands of refugees to its territory.

After what he described as "blunt" negotiations and a telephone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Biden said about 20 trucks would enter Gaza to

start with, with more to come if all sides agree.

"We want to get as many of the trucks out as possible," Biden said aboard Air Force One. "If Hamas confiscates it or doesn't let it get through... then it's going to end because we're not going to be sending any humanitarian aid to Hamas," Biden said.

Israeli officials said the deliveries would be limited to food, water, and medicine, and that the effort was conditional on aid not being used by Hamas.

The UN's Griffiths estimated that about 100 trucks per day were needed to meet the needs in Gaza.

Fog of war Biden had made a visit to Israel Wednesday, expressing solidarity following the Hamas attacks, trying to gauge Israel's war objectives and hoping to prevent a spillover into regional conflict.

He warned Israel to be cautious as it tries to remove the threat from Hamas.

"After 9/11, we were enraged in the United States. While we sought justice we also made mistakes," he said.

After decades in which Israel has gradually improved ties with its neighbors, the Hamas attacks and Israel's furious response have rekindled old tensions.

Anger spiked on Wednesday, with protesters pouring onto the streets in cities from Tripoli to Tehran after a strike on Gaza's Ahli Arab hospital.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claimed 471 people had died as a result, while blaming an Israeli air strike.

Israel denied responsibility, saying an initial investigation showed the strike was caused by a malfunctioning rocket fired by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad.

Like Hamas, Islamic Jihad is proscribed as a terrorist group by the United States and other Western governments.

Neither the toll nor the provenance of

the strike could be immediately or independently verified.

One European intelligence agency told AFP: "There weren't 200 or even 500 deaths, more likely between 10 and 50."

Biden said the Pentagon also believed the strike was caused by an errant Palestinian rocket.

"Our Defense Department says it's highly unlikely that it was the Israelis. It would have had a different footprint," he said, acknowledging that many around the region would still be skeptical.

"I can understand why, in this circumstance, they wouldn't believe. I can understand that," he said, insisting: "I don't say things like that unless I have faith in the source."

Eyewitness Adnan al-Naqa said that as he entered the hospital, he heard an "explosion" and "saw a massive fire."

"The entire square was on fire. There were bodies everywhere, children, women and elderly people."

In the hours following the incident, AFP reporters saw scores of bodies cloaked in bloodstained sheets and white plastic lined the floors at the nearby AlShifa hospital, where victims were said to have been taken.

At the Ahli Arab hospital the day after the blast the charred husks of several vehicles littered the blackened courtyard.

The Israeli military pointed to the fire damage and the absence of a large impact crater as evidence that it was a rocket misfiring.

"When a bomb, a big bomb like the ones we use hits the ground, it creates a very big crater," Israel Defense Forces spokesman Jonathan Conricus.

Hamas has dismissed Israel's claim of a misfiring rocket, saying its "outrageous lies do not deceive anyone."

It also slammed the United States, accusing it of being complicit in the ongoing strikes on Gaza. AFP, Rey E. Requejo

officials said.

Foreign nationals—including the Filipinos—are trapped in the Palestinian enclave, which has been sealed off by Israel and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the DFA has cautioned Filipinos living in southern Lebanon and northern Israel against the possible escalation of hostilities between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters amid fears that the war in Israel would spread.

“In southern Lebanon, the embassy already informed the 3,000 Filipinos there to evacuate, because of possible retaliation [from Israel] because of attacks of Hezbollah,” De Vega said.

Around 2,700 Filipinos in southern Lebanon and 70 in northern Israel could

be affected if the Israeli government advances its counterattack on Lebanonbased Hezbollah, which also launched a small assault on Israel following Hamas’ deadly attack.

Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political party and a militant group based in Lebanon. It has the backing of Iran, which warned Israel of a possible regional escalation if it intensifies its attack on Gaza.

“In northern Israel, they already moved,” De Vega said.

De Vega said contingency and evacuation plans are already in place for Filipinos in both countries.

So far, no Filipinos have been affected in the skirmishes between Israel and

Hezbollah fighters.

De Vega said the DFA is still waiting for the recommendation of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut with regards to alert level status for Filipinos in Lebanon. Israel remains under Alert Level 2, which means new deployments of Filipinos are restricted.

“This is a regular thing. They know what to do in Israel. In southern Lebanon, we’re waiting for the final recommendation of our embassy in Beirut, but we’ll ensure that they are safe,” the DFA said.

In Gaza, most of the 135 Filipinos are already seeking repatriation—but remain trapped due to the closure of its borders. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

"One of the important aspects of this trip will be for us to introduce the Maharlika Investment Fund to the rest of the world and certainly more specifically to the Middle Eastern countries," the President said.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero said the MIF Act can no longer be scrapped since it is already a law.

However, the President has a choice on the laws that will be implemented and funded.

Escudero said there are five trillion pesos worth of laws that have not been implemented due to lack of funds.

"So if he was not really convinced on this (MIF), it's just simple--he should not fund it," he said.

He added that there is nothing wrong about studying and scrutinizing the sovereign wealth fund.

He also advised the Land Bank and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to take back the funds for the MIF which they put in the National Treasury.

In the first place, Escudero said, the banks should not have given out the money as the Maharlika Investment Corp. had not yet chosen its chief executive and board members. There were also no implementing rules and regulations (IRR) at the time. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PBBM...

HE United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Wednesday calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the raging Israel-Hamas conflict as the text did not recognize Israel's right to defend itself, the US ambassador said.

From A1

the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched shock raids into Israel, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and seizing about 200 hostages.

Since then, Israel has besieged the Palestinian enclave, launching wave after wave of air strikes, enforcing a blockade, and deploying tens of thousands of troops to the border in preparation for an expected ground assault.

Filipinos in Rafah De Vega said at least 80 Filipinos are expected to exit the Rafah Border Crossing connecting Egypt and Gaza.

He added that there are 135 Filipinos waiting at the border, along with 41 Palestinian spouses.

He said there is no guarantee that Palestinians will be allowed to cross the border.

“Here's the problem: They already said that last weekend, but it did not push through. So Israel was saying ‘Just be ready at a moment's notice.’ So any time the border may be opened, we are ready,” De Vega said.

De Vega applauded the “bayanihan” (cooperation) spirit among the dozens of Filipinos trapped in Gaza as they remain deprived of food, water, and other basic supplies due to a blockade.

"The bayanihan spirit is alive among our nationals there,” Deva Vega said, quoting the Philippine Embassy in Egypt.

De Vega said some Filipinos there are seeking repatriation while still awaiting the border opening of Egypt with Gaza.

The lack of food, fuel, electricity, and water supplies to Gaza "is a daily occurrence faced by" Filipinos in the Palestinian territory, the DFA official said.

It only worsened when the Israeli government sealed off all its borders, block-

4th...

From A1

Authorities earlier announced the deaths of three other Filipinos in that attack.

De Vega said two other Filipinos remained missing as of Thursday.

There are some 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, mostly working as caregivers, officials earlier said.

There are 135 Filipinos in Hamas-run Gaza.

Israel's military campaign to destroy Hamas, which is holding 199 hostages in the besieged territory, has claimed the lives of 3,478 people, health

Marcos...

From A1

reports early this morning that I read in the newspapers that we have put the Maharlika Fund on hold. Quite the contrary," the President said.

"The organization of the Maharlika Fund proceeds at a pace. And what I have done though is that we have found more improvements that we can make specifically to the organizational structure of the Maharlika Fund," he added.

The President said people should not misinterpret the suspension of MIF and pass judgment on its "rightness or wrongness."

He said he had consulted with various economic managers and personalities that would be involved in the sovereign wealth fund.

"This has been in consultation not only with our economic managers but also with the people, the personalities who will actually be involved in the fund. And that’s why their inputs have been very important and that is why we are now going to utilize them to make it a better organization," Mr. Marcos said.

The President is on his way to participate in the ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

that ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro is determined to file against former From A1 President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I think the House will be united to In television interviews, Dalipe was stop all of these statements that are not reasked specifically whether the chamber ally needed to be issued by any person,” will support the charge of grave threats the Majority Leader said.

Dalipe:...

against civilians and all acts of terrorism."

It said the body "unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous terrorist attacks

by Hamas... and the taking of hostages."

The text also "urges all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law.

Human Rights Watch condemned the US veto, saying in a post on X it prevented the Security Council "from acting on Israel and Palestine at a time of unprecedented carnage."

The Foreign Ministry of Brazil, which this month holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, likewise said it regretted the blocking of the vote. AFP

Pinoys see quality of life improving in next 12 months

By Vito Barcelo NEARLY half or 46 percent of adult Filipinos surveyed said their quality of life will improve in the next 12 months, while 44 percent said it will stay the same, the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed.

Five percent of respondents believe their quality of life will worsen, while the same number did not provide an answer, the survey showed.

SWS used the term “optimists” for those who believe their quality of life will get better and “pessimists” for those who think their quality of life will worsen.

“The resulting net personal optimism score is +41 (percentage of optimists minus percentage of pessimists), classified by SWS as excellent (+40 and up),” the polling firm said.

It noted that the current net personal optimism score is three points higher than the “very high” +38 in the first quarter of 2023.

SWS attributed the three-point increase in the national net personal optimism to the increases in the Visayas and Balance Luzon, or Luzon outside of Metro Manila, combined with a steady score in Metro Manila and a decline in Mindanao.

Know who your true friends are, VP Sara warns “KNOW who your true friends are,” Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio warned Thursday in a video posted on her Facebook account.

The VP uploaded the video — simply captioned “Pahayag” (Filipino for “statement”) —after the House of Representatives removed confidential funds allotted to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which she also heads.

In one part of the video, DuterteCarpio said in Filipino: “Don’t take part in any sort of oppression. Instead, in times of difficulty, observe and know who your true friends are beside you. Everything in this world has its right time.”

She had earlier released a written statement mentioning her proposed confidential funds. The Vice President then followed up the video with comments about “true friends.”

Duterte-Carpio also recited, again in Filipino, a Bible verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1 to 8, on “a time to sow and a time to reap.”

PNP...

From A1

Nations - Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit that lasts for three days until Oct. 21.

Mr. Marcos sees the Summit as an important platform for the Philippines to highlight the need for cooperation in energy, OFWs, food security, logistics, supply chains, digital transformation, the free flow of goods, people, and services.

He will also push the country’s advocacy for a rules-based international order to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Gulf region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The plane carrying the President and the members of the Philippine delegation landed at 12:56 pm (5:56 pm in Manila) at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Marcos was set to join a roundtable discussion with various Saudi business leaders.

Before his flight, the President highlighted the need for cooperation with Middle Eastern countries on energy, food security, and trade services.

Mr. Marcos also declared that he

would introduce the Maharlika Investment Fund to the rest of the world during the summit (see related story on A1 – Editors).

"I would just like to make a comment because one of the important aspects of this trip will be for us to introduce the Maharlika Investment Fund to the rest of the world and certainly more specifically to the Middle Eastern countries," he said.

The President vowed to push for the enhancement and protection of the rights of overseas Filipino workers, as GCC countries are home to an estimated 2.2 million OFWs working in critical fields.

Aside from meeting Arab business leaders, Mr. Marcos is also scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Riyadh.

Foreign affairs officials said bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are also planned.

Before leaving Manila, President Marcos vowed to push the Philippines' interests in energy, food security, and trade.

"It gives us the Philippines a unique opportunity to advance our priorities in ASEAN under the ASEAN-GCC framework while forging closer cooperation between the two dynamic regional organizations," Mr. Marcos said at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

This comes as the 10-day campaign period for the village and youth polls kicked off yesterday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Fajardo also reminded police officers t h a t t h e y are only limited to documenting poll campaign violations.

"They would document and report these to their respective election officers and it will be up to the election officers to issue and send notices to the candidates, particularly illegal campaign materials that are placed outside common poster areas," she said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also called on voters to ditch vote buying to protect the sanctity of the electoral process.

“That’s why I call on everyone: let’s work together to protect our electoral process against those who commit vote buying and vote selling.

Let's put an end to this cancer in our society!” Abalos said in a statement.

He reminded voters that they have the power to initiate change in their communities by picking the right candidates.

“Voting is a sacred exercise of our democratic rights. Your votes are very important, especially because the barangays play a big role in implementing government programs and policies,” he added.

Fajardo said police officers cannot join campaign sorties of candidates in compliance with the PNP's non-partisan stance.

“We do not want that anybody would just issue a death threat to any senator or to any congressman, or even to the president of the Philippines, vice president of the Philippines. Hindi po puwede (that cannot be),” the Zamboanga 2nd District lawmaker added.

Dalipe also said the Commission on Audit (COA) has formally attested to the chamber’s clean audit standing, contradicting any allegations put forward by former President Duterte.

He cited a COA certification dated October 2, 2023, which confirmed that as of Sep-

tember 30, 2023, the House has no notices of suspension, disallowance, or charge.

Furthermore, underscoring the House's financial health, the COA report published last July 6 highlighted that the House had a budget surplus of P4.69 billion in its 2022 allocations.

From A1

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Binay: Makati City exceeds full-year revenue target by 17% in Sept.

ISRAEL WAR UPDATE.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretaries Eduardo Jose de Vega (right) and Ma. Theresa Lazaro give reporters the latest updates on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) trapped in the Israel-Hamas conflict during a press briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Pasay City. Sixteen OFWs have so far been repatriated from Israel and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday.

Avito Dalan

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Makati City government has surpassed by 13 percent its P17.8billion revenue target for 2023 and recorded a 41 percent increase in business tax collection in the third quarter of the year.

The city collected a total of P20,051,906,452 as of September 30, representing a 21-percent increase over the same period last year, and P11,211,357,657 as of end-September, according to the city treasurer’s office.

“Clearly, Makati’s local economy has regained its vibrancy and is now growing by leaps and bounds. We are again posting double-digit growth in revenues from local sources, especially from Business Tax which nearly doubled even before yearend,” Mayor Abigail Binay said.

The Business Permit and Licensing Office reported a total of 3,791 new businesses registered and 35,440 renewed business permits as of the end of September. The new enterprises chalked up a total of P25.47 billion in capital investments, while total gross sales of existing businesses reached P1.65 trillion this third quarter.

“It is gratifying to see how fast businesses in the city are recovering, and how investor confidence has rebounded in the past months. We are inspired all the more to pursue innovations in the way we serve our stakeholders to make the experience as convenient and seamless as possible,” Binay said.

She said with its robust revenue growth, the city can sustain its enhanced social programs while promoting transparent and digitally transformative governance.

City treasurer Jesusa Cuneta reported that Business Tax comprised the bulk of the revenue collection, followed by Real Property Tax with P6,013,599,432 which is 125 percent of the target and four percent higher than the same period last year.

IN BRIEF

Marcos vows to hasten Marawi City’s reconstruction projects M ARAWI CITY—President Marcos Jr. vowed to fast track the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country’s only Islamic City and usher in sustainable development and longlasting peace to its residents.

This, as national, local government and military officials gathered here on Tuesday, October 17, to commemorate the sixth year anniversary of this city’s liberation from the clutches of ISIS-inspired terrorist groups in 2017.

In his message delivered by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. during a ceremony to honor the 168 soldiers and police officers who perished during the siege, the President expressed his unwavering commitment and solidarity with the Maranao people.

“I am one with you in raising the banner of peace, inclusivity, and prosperity over this land, and over the next generations who will build and inherit its dynamic legacy,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Rest assured, my dear fellow Filipinos, that this administration will strive to achieve the goals we have set for you and your city. The government will expedite the completion of all the Marawi rehabilitation projects and process all the claims with utmost urgency and responsiveness,” he added.

THE Philippines has no existing military engagements with Taiwan and does not see such arrangements in the near and distant future,l Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told foreign correspondents on Thursday.

Manila perceives the risk of conflict over Taiwan as a major concern amid geopolitical and influence rivalry between China and the United States.

“The military is ready for any eventuality, though it has not monitored reports on any intended attacks on Taiwan in particular,” Brawner said.

The AFP has put up a naval detachment in the country’s northernmost island of Mavulis, 150 kms. (93.2 miles) from the southern tip of Taiwan, where 150,000 Filipinos live and work as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s). Vince Lopez

POLITICAL leaders of Bataan have offered the province’s business viability to a Taiwanese mission from Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia and Vice Governor Cris Garcia welcomed delegates from Linhai Industrial Park, an industrial hub based in Kaohsiung, and discussed investment opportunities in the province.

The Linhai Industrial Park consists of several heavy industries like steel production, petrochemical complex, and fuel production, according to the provincial information office.

Abul Khayr Alonto II and Benjamin Co of Bataan Public Private Partnership and Investment Center presented the advantages and opportunities in investing in the province, citing upcoming bigticket projects such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and the Bataan Transshipment Hub. Butch Gunio

Taguig City, DepED to deworm learners THE Taguig City government and the Department of Education (DepEd) have recently organized a program at Maharlika Integrated School to celebrate National Deworming Month and Handwashing Day. The program aims to deworm 85 percent of elementary students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

More than 300 participants, including students and parents, took part in the event held last Wednesday.

Mayor Laarni Cayetano showed her support by personally leading the handwashing activity and the distribution of deworming tablets and hygiene kits.

The Taguig City Health Office conducted various activities such as a handwashing exercise, storytelling, a deworming presentation, and a lecture on handwashing. The city’s new handwashing jingle and dance were also introduced by the Health Education and Promotion Office. Joel E. Zurbano

The five-month battle to free Marawi from its captors left the Marawi in ruins and forced its residents to seek refuge in evacuation centers. A massive rehabilitation and recovery program is being carried out by the national government to bring the community back on its feet.

“In the face of extremism—of twisting hate and violence guided by personal and political interests—we witnessed something remarkable and inspiring: people looking out and caring for one another, regardless of their position in society, tribe, or religion,” the Chief Executive stressed.

“Despite all the pain that we suffered and endured as a people, we still proudly celebrate this anniversary, for it brings to the fore something worth remembering and fighting for: that peace will always prevail. And it will prevail especially when we remain resolute in our commitment, solidarity, and faith

for the nation,” he said.

The Commander-in-Chief also lauded the military and police for their “sacrifice and utmost dedication to their duty to protect the Maranao people, ensure their safety, and bring peace to their homeland no matter what the cost.”

“Here, we saw the steadfast dedication of our military and police forces who left their families behind to battle the terrorists, and reclaim the future, the Maranao people rightfully deserve. Here, we saw how Muslims and Christians did not limit their understanding, kindness, and assistance to those of the same faith, but, instead, freely gave their compassion, support, and love for their fellow humans. Here, we saw what it meant to respect people’s diversity and unite for the good of all. Here, we saw what it means to be peace-loving Filipinos,” President Marcos pointed out.

US willing to help PH combat cyber attacks as hackings mount

‘PH has no military tie-up with Taiwan’

Bataan officials meet Taiwanese investors

A3

BOYS AND GIRLS WEEK. Mayor Jerry Treñas hands over a symbolic key to the City Hall to girl Mayor Zen Jollie Heler of Assumption Iloilo. The Rotary Club of Iloilo City, in partnership with the local government, launched the Boys and Girls Week celebration wherein 69 high school students get the very rare chance to act as political leaders if only for a week.

THE United States looks forward to closer cooperation to help the Philippines find ways to combat cybercrimes and cyber attacks in light of the spate of hackings of government websites over the past weeks US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, in a roundtable discussion Wednesday, said there is yet no specific request for assistance from the Philippines, but communication is ongoing on ways to address “all types” of cyber-attacks.

“We are already working closely on cyber issues,” Carlson said. “We have a very active coordination on how we can together combat cybercrimes and cyberattacks of all types.”

She said cyber security is central to the

Philippines-US relations given that data from the US is also tied to Philippine data, especially with the country’s large business process outsourcing sector.

“When Wall Street closes down a lot of those backroom operations transfer out here so it’s not just Philippine data that is endangered by any attacks here, it’s US data, it’s data globally that could potentially be affected,” the envoy said.

“This is an important issue for US-Philippine relations and we are working very closely with the Philippines on ways that we can combat cyber attacks,” she added.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. was earlier subjected to a ransomware attack, with cyber hackers demanding roughly PHP17 million for the compromised database.

Zubiri eyes life term for culprits in fatal hazing of PCCr student

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday said all individuals involved in the hazing death of a 25-year-old student of the Philippine College of Criminology in Manila should spend the rest of their lives in jail.

Zubiri called on the authorities to ensure the arrest and swift prosecution of the fraternity members who took part in the initiation rites that resulted in the death of Ahldryn Leary Bravante.

He said the latest incident of fraternity violence was appalling as it happened barely eight months after 22-year-old John Matthew Salilig died during the welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

At least 12 members of the same fraternity were said to be behind Bravante’s death, including four who were already in police custody.

“This senseless death of another young student due to barbaric fraternity tradition is not only enraging, but frustrating as well as it happened despite our efforts

to put more teeth to the law against fraternity hazing,” Zubiri said.

The senator spearheaded the passage of Republic Act No. RA 11053, or the AntiHazing Act of 2018, after Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, then a freshman law student at the University of Santo Tomas, was beaten to death by members of Aegis Juris fraternity in 2017.

“Needless to say, the full force of the law must come down on those soulless people who killed the same person they claim to be as their brother,” Zubiri said.

“We should put an end to these acts

of savagery. Let’s ensure that those who mock our system of justice would be made to account for their misdeeds,” he added.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte extends her condolences to the family of Bravante Criminology student who was killed in a hazing incident in an abandoned building last Monday night.

“The Quezon City government strongly condemns the hazing incident involving a student of the PCCr that led to his demise,” she said.

BSKE bets must get permit to give ayuda

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded local government units (LGUs) to apply for exemption to continue granting cash aids to senior citizens, as well as medical and burial assistance during the election period The Comelec issued the reminder due to complaints that some local officials, particularly incumbent barangay leaders running for re-election continue to distribute medicines to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) which were being misconstrued as vote-buying.

Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the grant of cash aid as well as medical, burial and other assistance given to qualified individuals by the LGUs will continue even throughout the election period, but they need to apply for exemption.

“It is never the intention of the law for the government to stop its services to people, but there are services that should pass through Comelec, such as ayuda, but when it comes to other assistance in relation to medical, burial and food, we are exempting that,” he said.

The use of public funds for government programs like social welfare projects is prohibited during the poll period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30.

The Comelec gave assurance that the poll body will immediately act on the request of the LGUs for such exemptions, so as not to hamper the medical assistance to the senior citizens and PWDs. Comelec chairman George Garcia warned however, that those caught distributing money or medicines without Comelec’s consent could be charged criminally and administratively and be imprisoned for one to six years.

BLAST FROM THE PAST. A park worker spruces up a historical monument featuring an intimidating cannon used by a unit led by Col. Harry Elbert of the 22nd Infantry, United States Army, in a clash with Filipino soldiers on March 26, 1899. Andrew Rabulan

NEWS

A4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t set to roll out food stamp plan T

mag-budget ng kakainin po sa araw-araw, long po ito sa amin sa pang araw-araw kung paano po maging masustansya po naming pangangailangan (I thank yung kakainin po namin sa araw-araw the program proponents, the DSWD for (We learned how to budget our daily choosing me as one of the beneficiaries meals and how to make them more nutri- of the FSP. This is a big help to us in our DSWD Undersecretary for Innova- Suarez said. tious),” the young mother said. daily needs),” Suarez said. tions Eduardo Punay made the anJennifer said she also appreciates the Alongside the nutrition education The FSP provides a holistic approach nouncement during the agency’s “3rd knowledge she gained from attending sessions venue is a Kadiwa pop-up store to addressing involuntary hunger by Nutrition Education Session and 4th Nutrition Education Sessions. where beneficiaries can buy cheap and providing its beneficiaries with acRedemption Day” of pilot beneficiaries Attendance to the monthly Nutrition nutritious local agriculture and food cess to monetary-based assistance and at the Torres Covered Court in Barangay Education Sessions is one of the condi- products. also encourages them to become more 154, Tondo, Manila on Wednesday. tions for FSP beneficiaries in order for “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa bumubuo productive citizens since they will “Right now, we are doing the pilot them to regularly receive their monthly ng programa, sa DSWD po dahil isa po be required to participate in capacity implementation. Three thousand fami- food credit of PHP3,000. ako sa napili na maging benepisyaryo building and training to improve their lies sa loob ng limang pilot sites ang “Natututunan po namin kung paano ng Food Stamp Program. Malaking tu- employable skills, the DSWD said. target (in five pilot sites are our target), and we will go full blast on the pilot implementation come December,” Punay said during an interview with the media.

He added that with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 44, which establishes the FSP as a flagship program of the current administration, the implementation of the program will be assured of funding to help more food-poor families in 2024.

“Secondly, and very important, is yung (the) participation ng other agencies because through the EO, DSWD is assured of support from other agencies,” Punay said.

The FSP provides food augmentation to food-poor families, including pregnant and nursing mothers like Jennifer Suarez, a housewife and mother of two.

“Malaking tulong po kasi hindi po sapat yung kinikita ng asawa ko sa pang araw-araw po namin lalo na naggagatas, diaper pa yung mga anak ko (The program is a big help because my FOOD STAMP PROGRAM. The Department of Social Welfare and Development held the 4th Redemption Day and 3rd husband’s income is not enough for our Nutrition Education Session of the “WALANG GUTOM 2027 Food Stamp Program (FSP)” on Wednesday in Barangay 154, Tondo, daily needs, especially since my chil- Manila. The Philippines leads countries in Southeast Asia in food insecurity or limited access to nutritious food, according to the dren are still on milk and need diapers),” IBON Foundation. Norman Cruz

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to conduct the pilot implementation of the “WALANG GUTOM 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP)” by December.

CAB hikes cargo, fuel surcharges for November

Food makers ask for understanding amid price hikes

By Darwin G. Amojelar

By Othel V. Campos

THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has raised the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for November due to higher operating costs of airlines.

In an advisory, the CAB said “in light of the perceived increase in average fares, vis a vis increase in operational costs,” the fuel surcharge rate for November 1 to November 30, 2023, will be level 7, after keeping it at level 6 for two months.

Under Level 7 of the passenger fuel surcharge matrix, airlines are allowed to collect a fuel surcharge of P219 to P739 for domestic flights and P722.71 to P5,373.69 for international flights.

The CAB said for the cargo fuel surcharge, airlines are allowed to charge P1.12 to P3.29 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 7 and P3.72 to P27.62 per kg. for international flights.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” CAB said.

The CAB said airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in fuel cost.

It said fuel surcharge is not a part of the basic airfare and may be reduced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market.

The CAB suspended the imposition of fuel surcharge in all domestic and international flights in 2015 because of lower jet fuel prices.

GENUINE SMILES. A mother and her child with a cleft lip smile as Watsons and

Operation Smile conduct a surgical program at The Medical City Clark Pampanga from October 17 to 19, with operations witnessed by Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe). Revoli Cortez

Solon proposes measure to create fisherfolk co-ops QUEZON City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas has filed a bill establishing cooperatives that can help fisherfolks become competitive in the market by directly accessing consumers.

“The policy complements government efforts to create market linkages for the fishery cooperatives, provide them with capacity building and technical assistance so they are equipped to participate in competitive and sustainable marketing,” Vargas, an assistant majority leader, said in filing House Bill (HB) 1676.

Vargas noted that cooperatives can also help fisherfolks gain better access in acquiring essential tools such as fishing gear and equipment, motorized fishing boats, and cold storage.

These goals can be attained through gradual small contributions and the pooling of resources among the members of the proposed cooperatives. Maricel V. Cruz

BI setting up OFW green lanes for holidays THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ready to put in place green lane counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this holiday season.

The green lanes can also be used by frequent travelers and foreigners with an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity card (ACR I-card), Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

The official said the green lanes are almost ready for operation next month to assist travelers during the peak season.

“The green lanes are special lanes for travelers who hold long-term visas to the country and frequent travelers. They are the travelers who are less vulnerable. So there’s less assessment needed for them,” she said during the MACHRA breakfast forum. Vito Barcelo

MMDA welcomes new exec for finance, admin THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday welcomed the appointment of Maria Carolina Salgado as the new Assistant General Manager (AGM) for Finance and Administration.

“I would like to convey my full support for AGM Salgado, whom I have known ever since I worked for MMDA in 2017. She is competent and hardworking, and was instrumental in the agency’s COA unqualified opinion for four consecutive years,” said MMDA Chairman Don Artes.

For her part, Salgado expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the opportunity to serve under his administration.

“I thank President Ferdinand Marcos for his trust and confidence. Rest assured that I will do my best for the agency and for the public,” Salgado said. Joel E. Zurbano

India says PH to get highest export allocation of non-basmati rice

By Rey E. Requejo

INDIA is giving its highest export allocation of non-basmati white rice to the Philippines.

In a statement, the Embassy of India in the Philippines said that India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has effectively lifted its ban on overseas

shipments of non-basmati white rice it imposed in July by allocating certain volumes to some countries, which includes the Philippines —one of the top importers of the staple grain.

“It is with immense pleasure to inform you that the highest allocation of rice export was made to the Philippines,” the embassy, in a statement,

Marcoleta, businessmen launch nationwide plan to buy palay from farmers, sell rice at P35 per kilo REP. Rodante Marcoleta of the Sagip Party list said he has launched a nationwide campaign to “rescue” rice farmers from hoarders and smugglers by offering low-priced rice.

During the launch held in Barangay Cristo Rey, Capas, Tarlac, Marcoleta offered a fixed price of P35 per kilo for well-milled “denorado” rice to local consumers which is P17 lower than the prevailing market price.

Hundreds of locals have lined up, hoping to buy at least 5 kilos which

THE Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (Philfoodex) on Wednesday appealed to consumers for understanding after some of its members increased the prices of commodities associated with the Noche Buena.

Philfoodex also confirmed that a few members have indeed adjusted the shelf prices of some products.

“We understand the concerns of consumers. We don’t want to be the reason why people are facing higher food costs, however have no other recourse but to increase the prices of select goods. The cost of production has also increased like power, labor, and raw materials,” said Philfoodex president Ruben See. “Christmas season is the only time in the year when food processors like us earn decent profit due to huge demand for Noche Buena products,” he added.

See noted that sugar, which is a main ingredient in food processing especially for Christmas consumables like ham and desserts, is still expensive and has never fully recovered to previous levels of P50 to P60 per kilogram (kg).

IN BRIEF

they said is enough for two days. The limit aimed to avoid panic buying and hoarding to spread its supply to more consumers.

The program is in collaboration with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda to achieve food sufficiency and security eventually.

“And to realize that, we need to amalgamate all patriotic businessmen in the country who can invest in the program even without profit in the process because that is the only way to help out our farmers and consumers as well as our national govern-

ment,” Marcoleta said.

The project for farmers is dubbed “Ikiskiss Mo Beybi! Adopt a Farmer Program.”

Heeding the call for the program was local businessman Tony Marfori and members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce, who bought palay yields directly from the farmers.

The price of the said palay is P3 higher than the P19 buying price of the National Food Authority (NFA).

The product is then dried and properly milled before being sold to consumers at a break-even price.

said.

“Request made at the leadership level and the positive decision reflects the growing confidence in the bilateral relationship,” the statement added.

The embassy disclosed that India is supplying the Philippines with 295,000 metric tons (MT) of non-basmati white rice, which is the highest allocation

among the other countries that New Delhi has approved for export.

Other countries to be supplied with non-basmati white rice are Nepal (95,000 MT), Cameroon (190,000 MT), Cote d’ Ivore (142,000 MT), Republic of Guinea (142,000 MT), Malaysia (170,000 MT), and Seychelles (800 MT).

ADOPT A FARMER PROGRAM.

Congressman Rodante Marcoleta of the Sagip Party list (right) and businessman Tony Marfori led the launch of the “Ikiskiss Mo Beybi!

Adopt a Farmer Program.” The program seeks to “rescue” rice farmers by buying palay at P22 per kilo straight from local farmers and selling rice at P35 per kilo to local consumers with a 5-kilo limit.

OPINION

Proof of intent INTENT, being a condition of the mind, may be averred or alleged generally (see Section 5, Rule 8, 2019 Rules of Civil Procedure).

The alleged intent must be proved. If the act is alleged to have been done with intent to commit a crime or felony, it is essential that the facts and circumstances showing the existence of the intent must be proven. “[A] cardinal doctrine of criminal law, founded in natural justice, is, that it is the intention with which an act was done that constitutes its criminality.

“The intent and the act must both concur, to constitute the crime. ‘Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea’” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). “[I]f it be alleged that the prisoner [or accused] cut the prosecutor, with intent to murder or disable him, and to do him some great bodily harm, and the evidence be merely of an intent to prevent a lawful arrest, it is a fatal variance; unless it appears that he intended the injury alleged, for the purpose of preventing the arrest” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“[T]he intent must therefore be proved, as well as the other material facts in the indictment [or criminal charge].

“The proof may be either by evidence, direct or indirect, tending to establish the fact; or by inference of law from other facts proved” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“For though it is a maxim of law… that every person is to be presumed innocent until he is proved to be guilty; yet it is a rule equally sound, that every sane person must be supposed to intend that which is the ordinary and natural consequence of his own purposed act” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“Therefore, ‘where an act, in itself indifferent, becomes criminal if done with a particular intent, there the intent must be proved and found; but where the act is in itself unlawful, the proof of justification or excuse lies on the defendant; and, in failure thereof, the law implies a criminal intent’” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

The disputable presumption “that a person intends the ordinary consequences

Students, parents complain about Ateneo Law School

MANY students and parents are complaining about the way the Ateneo de Manila law school is being managed lately.

When the Ateneo law school began the registration of its students last August, the deal was that classes will be held at its expensive Rockwell campus in Makati City.

Accordingly, many parents acquired residential condominium units near Rockwell for the use of their children.

The bulk of these parents leased the units over a long period. As expected, deposits and advance rent had been paid.

Some of the not so affluent law students also executed lease contracts for less expensive apartments or rooms in boarding houses nearby. They, too, had to pay the requisite deposits and advance rental payments.

Days before school started, however, the Ateneo law school management announced that classes will be held either online or at the main campus in Loyola Heights in far away Quezon City.

The reason given is that the classrooms in the Rockwell campus had been renovated earlier, and for one reason or another, they cannot be used yet.

Initially, the management said the inconvenience will be temporary. Alas! That wait lasted for almost three months. The classrooms were finally ready only this October.

That sudden change in the original plan caused painstaking inconvenience for students, and needless expenses for parents.

Many students had to get substitute accommodations near Loyola Heights, which meant more expenditures.

Those who had limited means were forced to travel from their leased units or rooms in Makati all the way to Quezon City.

Imagine the time consumed, the

inconvenience, and the drain in one’s energy caused by the new travel requirements brought about by the change of plans by the Ateneo law school management.

As many know, the traffic problem in Katipunan Avenue at the Loyola Heights is horrible. By the time the students get to law school, they are all exhausted already.

Getting inside and outside the Ateneo campus in Loyola Heights is traumatic.

Ever since somebody got killed in the campus over a year ago, the security measures inside the campus got stricter.

Vehicles without the expensive Ateneo Loyola Heights campus sticker are subjected to a long, cumbersome and tedious entry process.

The cars have to line up, one at a time, toward the campus entrance.

There, a solitary security guard gets the driver’s license of the motorist, logs it down, and thereafter, issues a gate pass to the driver.

On the way out of the campus, the vehicles must line up all over again, in a similarly long, cumbersome and tedious process, at a separate exit.

There are two gates at this exit called Gate 3.1 and Gate 3.2, or something like that.

The driver must queue his vehicle at the specific exit gate mentioned to him by the security guard at the entrance. Because the gate numbers are confusing to many (why not just say Gate 3A or 3B, instead of decimals), vehicular traffic needlessly accumulates in the area.

There is further delay because the school employee who has to run from the campus entrance to the exit to bring the drivers’ licenses takes a very long time, especially when it’s raining.

The entire process takes almost a whole hour to finish.

Ateneo law students were unfairly subjected to this ordeal, considering they enrolled for classes at the Rockwell campus.

If these students wanted to spare themselves of this daily inconvenience, they needed to cough up a hefty amount for a Loyola Heights campus sticker.

Why the Ateneo law school management did not bother to provide its law students

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EDITORIAL

of his voluntary act” applies in both civil and criminal cases (Section 3, Rule 131 (c), 2019 Rules on Evidence).

“Because men generally act deliberately and by the determination of their own will, and not from the impulse of blind passion, the law presumes that every man always thus acts, until the contrary appears” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). “[W]hen one man is found to have killed another, if the circumstances of the homicide do not of themselves show that it was not intended but was accidental, it is to be presumed that the death of the deceased was designed by the slayer; and the burden of proof is on him to show that it was otherwise” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). “[Since] no man may lawfully kill another, and intentional homicides are in general the result of malice and evil passions… in every case of intentional homicide, not otherwise explained by its circumstances, it is… to be presumed that the slayer was actuated by malice; and… the burden of proof is on him to show that the [act] was not; [and] that the act was either justifiable or excusable” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman).

“In the proof of intention, it is not always necessary that the evidence should apply directly to the particular act, with the commission of which the party is charged; for the unlawful intent in the particular case may well be inferred from a similar intent, proved to have existed in other transactions done before or after that time” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). “[In] the trial of a person for maliciously shooting another, the question being whether it was done by accident or design, evidence was admitted to prove that the prisoner [or accused] intentionally shot at the prosecutor at another time, about a quarter of an hour distant from the shooting charged in the indictment” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). “[U]pon an indictment for sending a threatening letter, the meaning and intent of the writer may be shown by other letters written, or verbal declarations made, before and after the letter in question.” “[I]n cases of homicide, evidence of former hostility… on the part of the prisoner against the deceased, are admissible in proof of malice” (A treatise on the Law of Evidence, Wigmore, Greenleaf, and Harriman). Read full article on www. manilastandard.com

The disputable presumption ‘that a person intends the ordinary consequences of his voluntary act’ applies in both civil and criminal cases

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

W

Food for the hungry

ITH the issuance

by Malacañang of an Executive Order declaring the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program as a flagship program, the national government moves closer to its goal of significantly reducing the incidence of hunger throughout the country.

We know, however, that hunger is only one aspect of the problem of mass poverty in the country.

The Food Stamp Program should therefore be accompanied by other anti-poverty measures, including job creation.

The lead implementing agency of Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program is the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

That’s because it is the primary government entity responsible for the implementation and management of social welfare development programs in the country.

What the DSWD will do to ensure the successful implementation of the program

The Food Stamp Program should therefore be accompanied by other anti-poverty measures, including job creation is to identify eligible beneficiaries and cooperate with relevant stakeholders to assure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.

The DSWD will collaborate with other national and local government units for better implementation of the program.

Government agencies at the national and local level, on the other hand, have been given marching orders to extend full support and cooperate with the DSWD for the effective implementation of the project.

The food stamp program is aimed at reducing voluntary hunger among low-income households by providing monetary-based assistance accessible through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards.

These cards can be used to purchase select food commodities from partner merchant stores.

The government kicked off the food stamp program in July with 50 families in Tondo, Manila selected for pilot testing

for six months.

For the six-month pilot run, other areas will also be included – one each in Northern Luzon, Mimaropa, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The beneficiaries consist of the “poorest food-poor families” – or those earning below P8,000 monthly – and families with pregnant and lactating women.

The 50 families selected by the DSWD will be able to use electronic benefit transfer cards to be provided to them by the agency loaded with food credits of P3,000 per month.

Half is meant for carbohydrates, 30 percent is for protein, and 20 percent is for fruits and vegetables. The cards entitle beneficiaries to purchase a select list of food commodities from registered and accredited retailers of the DSWD. The pilot run has been funded by a $3 million grant from the Asian Development Bank. The government has targeted around one million “food-poor” families to benefit from the program.

That the government is serious in seeing this program achieve concrete results is the President has directed the government agencies involved in program implementation that he does not want to see a single trace of anomalies in the food stamp program.

This should serve as a stern warning to the greedy and the corrupt that they should steer clear of this program or else they could wind up in jail.

Unity, not division PROCLAMATION 368 listing the regular and special holidays in 2024 excluded the Edsa People Power observance on February 25 on a rather flimsy reason: that it falls on a Sunday.

But previous celebrations of regular holidays were always held the next day— Monday—and what is so different from this particular case that it was unceremoniously dropped from next year’s calendar?

Two current and former lawmakers – Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III – believe there are deeper reasons for the Malacañang decision.

Hontiveros has described the removal of the Feb. 25 event – the ouster and exile of the elder Marcos in 1986 to Hawaii – part of what she called “historical distortion” that seeks the “rehabilitation of the memory of the dictator.”

It appears, she said, that Marcos Jr. wants to “forever bury into oblivion the courageous battle of Filipinos to restore democracy, their struggle against human rights violations and corruption, which are among the most serious crimes under the martial law dictatorship.”

The opposition lawmaker lamented: “We should not surrender our memories, our history…The anniversary of Edsa People Power should not be removed from among the significant days of Filipinos. Whatever the day is, regardless of it being a Sunday, it is a very important date in our history. We should continue retelling it.”

For his part, Tañada said he was surprised

by Proclamation 368 as the removal of the Feb. 25 event seemed to be a step to “erase the ouster of the late strongman from power…It should not be erased because it is a historical fact.”

People Power, he pointed out, marked the start of the restoration of democracy in the country.

Yet another lawmaker, Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman, wanted to go a step further and make the commemoration of February 25 compulsory, that is, by making it part of the law of the land and not merely subject to presidential fiat.

Lagman has filed a bill seeking to declare

Why the Ateneo law school management did not bother to provide its law students with even just temporary stickers free of charge is baffling with even just temporary stickers free of charge is baffling.

The management already breached their agreement to hold classes in Makati, and the inconvenienced students must either buy an expensive campus sticker or go through the trauma mentioned above.

Getting a campus sticker is a separate ordeal in itself.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

February 25 of each year as a regular, national and public non-working holiday in commemoration of the Edsa People Power anniversary.

Under Lagman’s proposed measure, the Edsa Commission, which was created in accordance with Executive Order 82 issued in 1999, will be reconstituted for the planning and implementation of appropriate ceremonies across the country for the celebration of the Edsa People Power anniversary.

More than ever, we need to unite Filipinos toward a future that upholds human rights, good governance and zero tolerance for corruption Apart from government officials, the commission will also consist of one representative each from the private sector and the academe.

At least P10 million will be appropriated to the commission each year under the General Appropriations Act for its operation together with private donations.

“Ever since, the Philippines has marked February 25 as a day of national celebration, irrespective of whether or not it falls on a Sunday,” he said.

We concur with the views expressed by these lawmakers that the annual commemoration of the Edsa People Power every February 25 was a pivotal event in contemporary Philippine history that should be remembered with appropriate ceremonies.

Edsa People Power showed that Filipinos want democracy, not authoritarian or ironfisted rule.

We expect from our leaders good governance and its key components, transparency and accountability,

One has to bring a pile of documents demanded by the campus management to an office where entrance is likewise highly restricted.

The problem about the endless lines of vehicles could have been avoided through the effective use of computers and closedcircuit television cameras at the entrance and the exit of the campus.

Why the Ateneo university management did not bother to do so is another mystery.

Some observers suspect that the inconvenience is probably designed to entice more people to buy campus stickers. I hope this is not true.

That’s not all. I was told that the Ateneo law school charged each law student what looks like fees for energy and internet use at the start of the semester.

If this is true, the management should refund these charges to the students considering the long period when law classes were held online.

The Committee on Higher Education ought to scrutinize these problems soonest.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

We also want our leaders to uphold respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.

People power is a valid option when government institutions are nonfunctional and leaders have clearly failed to perform their duties or ignore the public interest completely.

It can be a powerful tool to strengthen Philippine democracy, rather than to weaken it or undermine its very foundations.

When the avenues for change or redress of grievances within the existing political system are blocked, then People Power is entirely possible, or perhaps even inevitable.

As an alternative to a bloody civil war that pits one section of the population against another, People Power is a much more preferable alternative, because it holds the prospect of a bloodless and peaceful transfer of power.

Thirty-seven years after Edsa People Power in February 1986, how far have we gone in upholding the ideals of justice, freedom and democracy that it embodied?

Our political system offers little hope for ordinary citizens to have any meaningful participation in governance.

Worse, political dynasties have become more entrenched despite a Constitutional ban.

The economy is growing, but the unemployment rate is high and the ranks of the poor have not decreased at all.

The number of Filipinos has increased to 114 million with one-fourth up to one-third of the population now living on the edge of poverty.

More than ever, we need to unite Filipinos toward a future that upholds human rights, good governance and zero tolerance for corruption, while giving the poor and the disadvantaged sectors every opportunity to improve their quality of life.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

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Xi says China to work with Egypt to help stabilize ME B

EIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping told Egypt’s prime minister on Thursday that their countries should work together to bring “more stability” to the Middle East, as the Israel-Hamas war casts a shadow over the region.

SILHOUETTE OF SADNESS. A woman reacts while holding a pillow as she stands amid debris outside the site of the

Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City following an overnight strike there. A blast ripped through the hospital, killing at least 200 people, sparking global condemnation and angry protests around the Muslim world. AFP

Israel strikes Syrian position in south—NGO BEIRUT, Lebanon – The Israeli government struck a Syrian military position in the war-torn country’s south, a war monitoring NGO said on Wednesday.

“Sounds of explosions rang out in the province of Quneitra after an Israeli strike against a Syrian army position,” said the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has a vast network of sources in the country.

The sound of explosions also rang out in the Golan Heights, the NGO said, without specifying their source.

The strike in Quneitra caused material damage, the organization said, and has not yet been mentioned by official Syrian media.

The raid coincides with an announcement by the Israeli army on X, formerly Twitter, of strikes against “terrorist positions” of Hezbollah -- an ally of the Syrian regime and enemy of Israel -- in Lebanon, which borders Golan.

Since the start of the war, triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, exchanges of fire between Hezbollah militants and the Israeli army have likewise increased around the Israel-Lebanon border area.

Clashes there have left at least 18 people dead on the Lebanese side.

Most of the dead have been combatants, including 10 Hezbollah fighters, but they also include a Reuters journal-

ist and two civilians.

On the Israeli side, at least three people have been killed.

On October 10, for the first time since the Hamas surprise attack, the Israeli army announced that it had fired shells into Syria from the Golan Heights -- in response, it claimed, to projectiles being fired on the territory, occupied by Israel since 1967.

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday targeted the Aleppo airport, injuring five people and putting the airport out of service.

Previous Israeli raids on October 12 targeted the airports of both Aleppo and the capital Damascus—both controlled by the Syrian government—rendering them inoperable, according to state media. AFP

The conflict has raged since Palestinian militant group Hamas launched shock raids into Israel on October 7, killing 1,400 people -- most of them civilians -- and taking around 200 hostages.

In response, Israel has laid siege to Gaza, carrying out waves of air strikes in the Palestinian enclave, enforcing a blockade and massing troops on its border ahead of an expected ground assault.

Top UN humanitarian official Martin Griffiths on Wednesday said the situation in Gaza was dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, more than 3,000 Gazans killed and 12,500 wounded.

At the same time, Beijing condemned “illegal” US sanctions Thursday, after Washington unveiled new measures targeting individuals and entities, including those based in China and Hong Kong, that allegedly support Iran’s missile and drone programs.

“We are always firmly opposed to illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the US,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding: “We will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.”

China has repeatedly backed a vague

Russia denounces ‘dangerous’ US military North Korea policy

SHOCKING SIGHT. Palestinian civil defense members and locals gather at

the site of a building hit by Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday. Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians, have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip, entered southern Israel in a surprise attack leading Israel to declare war on Hamas in Gaza on October 8. AFP

MOSCOW—Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday criticized the US and its allies Japan and South Korea for pursuing a “dangerous” military policy towards North Korea, as he held talks with officials in Pyongyang.

“Like our North Korean friends, we are seriously worried about the intensification of military activity of the United States, Japan and South Korea in the region and by Washington’s policies,” he told journalists at a press conference in Pyongyang.

“We oppose this unconstructive and dangerous line,” he said, adding the US was placing “strategic infrastructure, including nuclear elements” in the region.

He did not elaborate.

Lavrov said Russia backed “a regular

China formally arrests Japanese man detained since March for ‘espionage’

TODAY

BEIJING—China has formally arrested a Japanese man detained this year on espionage allegations, Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing said on Thursday.

“We can confirm that the Japanese national detained in March has been arrested,” an embassy official said in a statement to AFP. China said in March the man was “suspected of engaging in espionage activities.”

The man, an employee of Japanese pharmaceutical firm Astellas, has reportedly worked in China for two decades.

He had planned to return to Japan before his sudden detention and was previously a senior executive of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China, according to Kyodo News Agency.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said Thursday it did not have “more specific information” on the case.

ERRATUM RE: NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE JESUS M. CONSUNJ and MINA C. CONSUNJI Notice is hereby given that the Notice of Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of Jesus M. Consunji and Mina C. Consunji has been extrajudicially settled among their heirs as per Extrajudicial Settlement dated; April 12, 2022, April 7, 2022, May 2, 2022 and April 29, 2022 which was published on June 24 July 1 & 8, 2022 in the Manila Standard for (3) consecutive weeks, contained an erratum as the name of JESUS ISIDRO M. CONSUNJI should be JESUS M. CONSUNJI. (MS-OCT. 20/27/NOV. 3, 2023)

“This Japanese citizen... has been subjected to criminal coercive measures by relevant Chinese authorities in accordance with the law,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

“As a country ruled by law, China will handle this case in accordance with law and protect the legitimate rights and interests of this person,” she said.

In October 2019, Chinese authorities detained a Japanese professor, reportedly on suspicion of spying.

He was released and returned to Japan the following month.

In March 2020, China’s foreign ministry said it had arrested a Chinese man reportedly working as a university professor in Japan who they claimed had confessed to spying. AFP

negotiating process on security issues in the Korean peninsula”, adding that Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang were seeking to propose “constructive alternatives” to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The veteran envoy’s meetings in Pyongyang are expected to lay the groundwork for a future visit by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who was invited by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month at a high-profile summit in Russia’s far east.

“Like our North Korean friends, we are seriously worried about the intensification of military activity of the United States, Japan and South Korea in the region and by Washington’s policies... we oppose this unconstructive and dangerous line,” Lavrov told journalists, according to Russian news agencies. AFP

two-state proposal on the decades-long deadlock that preceded the war, but it has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause -- albeit in favor of the nationalist Palestine Liberation Organisation rather than Islamist Hamas.

Xi met Egypt’s Mostafa Madbouli in Beijing on Thursday, repeating China’s support for a “two-state solution... to realise the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel”, according to multiple state media outlets.

“China is willing to enhance cooperation with Egypt... and inject more certainty and stability into the region and the world,” Xi was reported as saying.

Beijing was also willing to work with Cairo to “jointly safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries”, he said.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Egypt has mostly kept closed its border with Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has become increasingly desperate.

But Cairo said Thursday it would allow the “sustainable” passage of humanitarian aid into the enclave through the Rafah crossing. AFP

UN inspectors test fish from Fukushima

IWAKI, Japan—UN inspectors took samples from a fish market near the Fukushima nuclear power plant on Thursday following the release of wastewater from the wrecked facility in August.

China and Russia have banned Japanese seafood imports since the discharge began but Japan says it is safe, a view backed so far by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Some 540 Olympic swimming pools worth of water have been collected since a tsunami sent three reactors at Fukushima-Daiichi into meltdown in 2011 in one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters.

Japan says that the water has been filtered by its special ALPS technology of radioactive substances -- except tritium -- and diluted with seawater.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Japan says tests have shown that tritium levels are within safe limits.

The IAEA team comprising scientists from China, South Korea and Canada were collecting fish, water and sediment samples this week to verify Japan’s findings.

Paul McGinnity, a member of the mission, told reporters that the aim was “to ascertain whether the Japanese labs are measuring and analyzing properly” tritium levels.

“Tritium is the concern because tritium levels as you know are relatively high because it is not removed by the ALPS process,” McGinnity said.

“I can say that we don’t expect to see any change (in tritium levels), certainly in the fish. We do expect to see a small rise in levels of tritium in seawater samples very close to the discharge point.

PRISONER SWAP. A woman holds a placard as she takes part But otherwise we don’t. We expect to in a rally by relatives of Ukrainian Azov regiment war prisoners calling for their quick exchange with Russian prisoners of war at St. Sophia find levels that are very similar to what Square in Kyiv on Wednesday amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. AFP we measured last year.” AFP

Pakistan court grants bail to exiled ex-PM Sharif ahead of return this weekend ISLAMABAD—A Pakistan court granted bail Thursday to exiled former prime minister and graft convict Nawaz Sharif, removing the threat of arrest when he returns to the country this weekend, his lawyer said.

After nearly four years in self-imposed medical exile in the United Kingdom, Sharif is hoping to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party through elections scheduled for January 2024.

The court’s decision allows him to return to his heartland of Lahore on Saturday for a welcome home rally, while his primary opponent Imran Khan languishes in jail.

“The honourable Islamabad High Court has granted Nawaz Sharif protective bail until October 24,” his lawyer Amjad Pervaiz told AFP. “He can not be arrested on his arrival,” said Pervaiz.

Sharif has been prime minister three times but was ousted in 2017 and given a lifetime disqualification from politics after being convicted of corruption.

He served less than one year of a sevenyear sentence before being granted permission to seek medical care in the United Kingdom, ignoring court orders to return during former prime minister Imran Khan’s government.

But his fortunes changed when his brother Shehbaz Sharif came to power last year and his government oversaw changes to the law, including limiting the disqualification of lawmakers from contesting elections to five years.

Analysts have said his return has likely been smoothed by a deal between the powerful military establishment and his party to prevent any significant legal challenges.

The caretaker government—in place until elections—has denied any such agreement.

The PML-N party, one of the two dynastic parties of the country that frequently swap

power, is planning a massive rally through the streets of Lahore on Saturday.

The party is heavily reliant on Nawaz Sharif’s political clout to boost popularity that has slid with a drowning economy and rampant inflation.

While in exile he was widely believed to have been pulling the strings of his brother’s premiership.

Known as the “Lion of Punjab”, he is a political survivor who has repeatedly roared back to the country’s top office.

He has served three terms—but did not complete any of them. AFP

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

B3

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Maynilad sets P1-b capex for Putatan treatment plants

By Othel V. Campos

FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY. Aboitiz Group executives and team members led by president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz together with public and private sector guests and beneficiaries come together on Oct. 11, 2023 in Taguig City to celebrate the Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s 35th anniversary.

SMC gets nod to raise P65b; Vista Land eyes P35-b bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Thursday it approved the P65-billion preferred shares offering of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the P35-billion bond shelf registration of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

P50 billion to repay peso-dominated short-term loan facilities and previously issued bonds and partially fund the P740-billion airport project in Bulacan province.

SMC engaged 11 banks to act as joint underwriters and book runners for the offering. These are Asia United Bank Corp., BPI Capital Corp., Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., SB Capital Corp., Bank of Commerce, China Bank Capital Corp., PNB Capital and Investments Corp., BDO Capital & Investments Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines and RCBC Capital Corp.

SMC plans to conduct the proffered shares offering in November.

Meanwhile, Vista Land also regis-

It said in a statement SMC and Vista Land completed their registration processes within 33 and 32 days, respectively, in line with its commitment to a speedy and efficient registration process.

SMC registered 866,666,700 million Series 2 preferred shares under its shelf registration program.

The conglomerate will sell 400 million cumulative, non-voting, nonconvertible and redeemable preferred shares with an oversubscription option for another 266.666 million shares priced at P75 apiece for the initial tranche.

It said it would use the proceeds from the capital building activity, totaling

BSP leads efforts toward robust Islamic banking

Stocks fall amid worries over ME conflict, rise in US Treasury yields

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is leading strong multisectoral efforts to usher in the development of Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines.

Cognizant of the need for a wholeof-government approach to promote Islamic banking and finance in the country, the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum (IFCF), an interagency body chaired by the BSP, provides an effective and efficient venue for all government agencies and institutions involved in coordinating efforts and initiatives to create an enabling environment for the promotion of Islamic banking and finance in the country.

Other IFCF member-agencies are the Securities and Exchange Commission (vice chair); Bureau of the Treasury, Philippine Deposit and Insurance Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Insurance Commission (IC).

Other institutional members include Financial Reporting Standards Council, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Bangsamoro Government; Auditing and Assurance Standard Council and Asian Development Bank.

“The IFCF harmonizes the initiatives of various agencies, regulators, and institutions to bring forth a more conducive environment for the development of Islamic finance,” BSP assistant governor Arifa Ala said.

IFCF is rolling out capacity-building programs to foster an understanding of Islamic banking among various regulatory institutions.

The collegial body is also working on policy initiatives meant to support the growth of Islamic finance.

The IC is drafting the implementation of a framework for takaful—an Islamic alternative to conventional insurance—in the domestic capital market while the BIR is looking at issuing subsequent Revenue Memorandum Circulars to provide the specific tax treatment of other Islamic banking and finance contracts/arrangements.

The BSP has also recently issued the circular meant to provide regulatory guidance on the minimum capital requirements to conventional banks that are qualified to apply for an Islamic banking unit license.

LOCAL stocks fell Thursday on mounting worries over the Middle East conflict and the rise in US Treasury yields The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 49.11 points, or 0.78 percent, to close at 6,219.16, while the broader all-shares index dropped 19.61 points, or 0.58 percent, to settle at 3,365.79.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said local shares were sold down on rising 10year Treasury yields.

Limlingan said the upcoming speech of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Economic Club also kept investors on edge as the market wait for clues on where the US rate policy is heading.

Meanwhile, Asian markets tumbled Thursday on fears the Israel-Hamas crisis would spill over into a wider conflict in the Middle East.

With Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu building up a huge force ahead of an expected land incursion into Gaza, Iran has warned of a possible

pre-emptive strike and called for an oil embargo against Tel Aviv.

President Joe Biden was due to make a television address on the crisis later in the day, having delivered full US backing for Israel in person on Wednesday during a solidarity visit.

But Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi cancelled a meeting with Biden after a deadly strike on a hospital in Gaza.

The tragedy, which each side has blamed on the other -- with Biden backing Israel -- ratcheted up tensions and saw Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement call for a “day of rage”.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called for an “immediate and complete embargo on the Zionist regime by Islamic countries, an oil embargo against the regime”.

He also urged Muslim countries to expel Israeli ambassadors in comments at a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, called in Saudi Arabia to discuss the crisis. Jenniffer B. Austria

tered P35 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds to be offered in tranches within a three-year period.

The property firm will initially offer P6 billion worth of bonds, with an oversubscription option for another P4 billion, consisting of Series F bonds due 2026 and Series G bonds due 2028.

It said it would use the net proceeds to refinance maturing obligations and for general corporate purposes.

Vista Land tapped China Bank Capital Corp. SB Capital Investment Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners for the offer.

The fixed-rate bonds will be listed and traded at the Philippine Dealing and Exchange.

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) is spending P1.14 billion to upgrade the treatment processes of the Putatan Water Treatment Plants (PWTP) 1 and 2 in Muntinlupa City to improve the quality of raw water coming from Laguna Lake.

The water company said it was beefing up the material and structural reinforcement of the facilities’ existing silt curtain. It also strengthens the sludge management system, maximizes the use activated carbon dosing and replaces all ultrafiltration membranes, among other enhancements.

“We have had to incorporate additional treatment processes at Putatan WTP to handle some quality parameters of Laguna Lake that now occur at levels not seen from recorded prior 10-year experience. This investment is essential so we can continue to maximize the lake’s strategic value as a water source for Metro Manila,” said Maynilad chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado.

The phased improvements enabled the company to sustain normal water production since June 2023 despite the sudden shifts in the lake water’s quality.

This led to improved service availability for Maynilad customers in the south versus the previous year, when the water production of PWTP 1 and 2 would immediately drop following spikes in total dissolved solids, algae proliferation and presence of organic and inorganic matter in the lake water.

Estrellado said the PWTP improvements were aligned with the recommendations of the Public Utility Board (PUB)—the national water agency of Singapore—which was invited to the country by MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas to assess the said facilities and share their expertise with Maynilad.

Maynilad’s PWTP 1 and 2 comprise the largest membrane-based water treatment plants in the Philippines.

The treatment facilities pioneered the utilization of Laguna Lake as an alternate source to Angat Dam.

STORE TOUR. Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas (left front row) leads the tour the first Decathlon store at SM Santa Rosa City in Laguna, with SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Laguna area Angel Toreja. This is the fifth Decathlon store in the Philippines. Roy Tomandao

UA&P study: MORE Power spurred Iloilo City’s economic growth

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PRSP MEETING. Bringing in his almost four decades of professional experience, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) vice president and head of corporate communications and Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) trustee Joe Zaldarriaga is set to take stakeholder management discussions to the next level as a guest speaker in the upcoming general membership meeting (GMM) of the country’s premier organization for public relations professionals on Oct. 24, 2023.

ILOILO CITY—A study by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) showed the substantial impact of MORE Electric and Power Corp.’s strategic investments and operational improvements on the local economy from 2020 to 2022.

UA&P president and economist Dr. Winston Padojinog said in a presentation to the Iloilo Business Summit on Wednesday hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Iloilo Chapter that MORE Power’s initiatives, including equipment upgrades, system rehabilitation and proactive governance significantly improved the quality of power distribution services, are driving economic growth in Iloilo.

Padojinog said MORE Power’s continuous efforts substantially reduced the frequency and duration of power interruptions, enhancing the reliability of power supply for businesses and households alike.

The company’s proactive governance measures also curtailed system losses,

aligning them closely with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) system loss charges cap.

These enhancements were instrumental in attracting more subscribers to MORE Power’s services, leading to a substantial increase in captured customer connections and operational revenues.

He said MORE Power’s customer base contributed an average of P4.99 billion annually to Iloilo City’s Gross City Domestic Product (GCDP), accounting for about 3.8 percent of the city’s total economy.

“We could see that, on average, what is ejected in the economy of Iloilo is close to P5 billion or almost 4 percent of the economy of the city of Iloilo. That’s quite significant. There you could see that this increase will translate to the benefit of the city of Iloilo,” Padojinog said.

He said that since MORE Power operated as the distribution utility of Iloilo City, it created 6,693 employment directly and indirectly, reducing the average number of unemployed individuals in the city by 10.6 percent per year.

B4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 Roderick T. dela Cruz Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

DOE pushes lifting of import duties on electric motorcycles, hybrid EVs

By Alena Mae S. Flores

EK ANNIVERSARY. Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first world-class theme park in the Philippines, marks its 28th year of creating and providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime for the Filipino on Oct. 19 in Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

Almost three decades after it opened, EK grew to nine themed zones with more than 30 rides and attractions, 13 entertainment shows, 21 gift shops, 11 event venues, and the AGILA the EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) proposed the temporary removal of import duties on electric motorcycles and hybrid electric vehicles including their parts and components.

“By eliminating the tariff rates for these items, we can provide consumers in both private and public sectors with greater opportunities to choose EVs over traditional vehicles. We are now awaiting feedback from the Tariff Commission on this proposal,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a speech during the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

Lotilla said DOE was awaiting feedback from the Tariff Commission on the temporary tariff removal, stressing that the transition to EVs is a key component of the decarbonization of the economy.

“The President has issued Executive Order No. 12 which reduces the tariff

SMC signs deal on 76.8-km.

Pangasinan Link Expressway

By Darwin G. Amojelar

S

AN Miguel Corp. (SMC) said Thursday it signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) with the provincial government of Pangasinan for a new 76.8-kilometer expressway.

The Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project, which will start at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan, is part of SMC’s larger plan to strengthen the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon, according to SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang. It also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan province.

PLEX will consist of two phases.

Phase 1 will span 42.76 km. from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will

extend all the way to Alaminos.

“We are grateful to the Pangasinan provincial government for their passion and commitment to boost Pangasinense life through this landmark project. More than just building a major infrastructure project, we have an opportunity to improve the lives of so many of our countrymen here,” Ang said.

“With PLEX connecting to other infrastructure such as TPLEX, which will support access to the NMIA, this project will significantly benefit Pangasinan’s local industries, home-grown products and agricultural sector. At the same

time, the rich history, culture and cuisine of the province will be even more accessible to more Filipinos,” he said.

Phase 1 of PLEX will be split into three segments: the first 6.90-km. section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30-km. section from Manaoag to Calasiao and the 22.17-km. section from Calasiao to Lingayen.

A 2.39-km spur road will also be built in Calasiao. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion to Alaminos.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III said the project would help spur economic activity in the province and unlock growth in different parts of Pangasinan.

“Through the PLEX, we shall have a very systematic approach in navigating Pangasinan, creating a roadmap never before imagined possible for our province,” said Guico, adding that Phase 1 of the project would reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20

to 30 minutes from the 90 to 105 minutes.

“PLEX is one of the most important projects, a game-changer for Pangasinan and for this administration. This is because it is envisioned to reinvent the transportation and enrich the tourism landscape; prioritize accessibility of citizens to major towns and cities, magnify business and livelihood opportunities, multiply economic activity, build more infrastructure, and protect the environment,” Guico said.

Vice-Governor Mark Lambino said the agreements would set in motion “what many of us dreamed of—a better, safer road network not only in Pangasinan, but the entire Ilocos region.”

“We express our gratitude to San Miguel Corp. led by its visionary president and chief executive officer Mr. Ramon Ang for extending his hand to enter into this joint venture agreement with Pangasinan,” said Lambino.

IMF remains upbeat on ’24 PH prospects THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains optimistic on the 2024 Philippine growth prospects despite a slight slowdown in 2023 amid the continuing global headwinds marked by higher inflation and interest rates, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

IMF division chief of regional studies at Asia and Pacific Department Jay Peiris cited the local monetary authorities’ alertness in raising interest rates when necessary to rein in inflation.

“This year, we’re expecting a [growth] slowdown to 5.3 [percent], but go back to 6 percent next year. This year’s growth is a bit weaker for many factors, including kind of initially underspending in the government, of course, the impact of monetary tightening and the weak external global environment, which is a very similar story to many ASEAN countries,” Peiris said.

The IMF earlier cut its growth forecast for the Philippines this year to 5.3 percent from the previous estimate of 6.2 percent. It raised the 2024 growth outlook to 6 percent from 5.5 percent.

Peiris said a pickup in growth was expected next year because service exports were doing quite well. He said the turn of the “tech cycle” would boost electronic exports next year. He also mentioned the acceleration of public spending.

“So in that sense, the strong macro—BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] acted very decisively in raising rates when inflation went up. Fiscal consolidation is on track, supporting monetary policy. So prudent macro policy in the Philippines has been one hallmark of the good economic performance,” Peiris said.

Peiris also said that the opening up of the economy to foreign investment has been an important aspect for growth. Julito G. Rada

‘OKTREEBERFEST’. Around 50 employees of GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD), together with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources of Mariveles, hold the annual tree planting activity ‘Oktreeberfest’ at Mt. Tarak in Barangay Alas-Asin in Mariveles, Bataan on Oct. 18. The volunteers planted more than 400 samplings of Narra trees on the site. GMEC adopts 109 hectares of forest land in Mt. Tarak, while GNPD takes care of about 130 hectares of woodland on the same mountain.

Nine-month BoP posted $1.7-b surplus despite September deficit THE country’s balance of payments (BoP) yielded a deficit of $414 million in September, an improvement from a shortfall of $2.3 billion a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday.

It said the BoP deficit in September reflected net outflows arising mainly from the government’s payments of foreign currency debt.

The BSP said despite the deficit in September, the cumulative BoP position registered a surplus of $1.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, a reversal from the $7.8-billion deficit recorded in the same period last year.

“Based on preliminary data, this development reflected mainly the improvement in the balance of trade and the higher net inflows from personal remittances, trade in services, and foreign borrowings by the national gov-

ernment,” it said.

The gross international reserves level decreased to $98.1 billion as of endSeptember 2023 from $99.6 billion as of end-August 2023. It still represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It was also about 5.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.6 times based on residual maturity.

The BSP expects the BoP to incur a small deficit of $100 million in 2023.

The bank’s Monetary Board approved the new set of 2023 and 2024 BoP projections in its Sept. 14, 2023 meeting.

The new set of BoP projections incorporated the latest available data and recent emerging developments.

Julito G. Rada

rates to 0 percent on completely builtup units of certain EVs for a period of five years,” Lotilla said.

He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted 50 percent or more of all vehicles on roads to be electric by 2040, which would reduce the transport sector’s carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 million tons.

He said transportation is one of the sectors that emits the most greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for more than 30 percent of the total energy consumption in the country.

“Making transport therefore cleaner is also part of the country’s commitment to fulfill its nationally-determined contributions—a climate pledge that promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And we are committed to decarbonize our transport sector,” Lotilla said.

The energy chief said the market for EVs in the Philippines has grown significantly and is expected to grow over the coming years.

BPI’s income grew 33% in third quarter

By Julito G. Rada BANK of the Philippine Islands said Thursday net income in the first three quarters jumped 26.4 percent yearon-year to a record P38.6 billion, driven by sustained loan and margin growth and tempered provisions.

BPI said in a statement this translated into a return on equity of 15.6 percent.

BPI said third-quarter income climbed 33 percent to P13.5 billion, its highest quarterly net income achieved in the past decade. It was driven by the 18.3-percent jump in revenues to P35.3 billion, on the back of higher net interest income and noninterest income.

Total revenues rose 15.3 percent in three quarters to P100.9 billion, on the back of a 24.5-percent increase in net interest income to P76.8 billion, as the average asset base expanded 8.1 percent and net interest margin widened 54 basis points to 4.07 percent.

This was partly offset by the 6.6-percent decline in non-interest income to P24.1 billion due to the property sale gain recognized in the prior year.

“Removing the impact of this one-off transaction, non-interest income would be higher by P3.3 billion or 15.7 percent, on higher fees from credit cards, bancassurance, various service charges and trading gains,” it said.

Operating expenses for the ninemonth period grew 21.3 percent to P48.6 billion, due to larger spending for manpower, technology and marketing, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 48.2 percent.

Asset quality slightly weakened from last year and the previous quarter, with an NPL (nonperforming loan) ratio of 1.97 percent. Meanwhile, coverage remained adequate, with a 158.95-percent NPL coverage ratio.

BPI booked provisions of P3.0 billion, 60 percent lower than the P7.5 billion recognized over the same period last year.

Total assets rose 7.2 percent to P2.7 trillion year-on-year, with return on assets at 1.95 percent.

MAYNILAD’S AWARD. Maynilad

Water Services Inc. quality, sustainability and resiliency division head Roel Espiritu (center) accepts the 2023 Europa Awards on Clean and Green Energy from European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) president Paulo Duarte (left) and ECCP executive director Florian Gottein during the awards ceremony at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The ECCP lauded Maynilad’s efforts in pursuing clean and green energy solutions through the implementation of technological innovations that minimized energy consumption in its water supply operations.

Islamic Banking & Finance SPECIAL FEATURE

PH rises as investment site for Islamic banks

HE Philippines with its sound and stable banking system is positioning itself as a viable investment destination for Islamic banks.

T

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) considers the country ready for Islamic banking investments for three main reasons: enabling regulatory environment, a large untapped consumer market, and a growing economy that has substantial demand for financing.

Enabling regulatory environment In August 2019, Republic Act No. 11439 or the landmark Islamic banking law was enacted. Providing a sound legal framework for the establishment and operation of Islamic banks, the legislation put in place an enabling environment for the growth of Islamic banking in the country.

Complementing the law are the circulars issued by the BSP to provide regulatory clarity on the new regime. Circular No. 1069, which the BSP issued in December 2019, contains the implementing guidelines on the establishment of Islamic banks (IBs) and Islamic banking units (IBUs). Circular No. 1070, also issued in December 2019, provides the Shari’ah Governance Framework, which ensures that Islamic finance institutions observe Islamic principles in the conduct of their businesses.

Circular No. 1116, which the BSP released in May 2021, provides guidelines on the management of liquidity risk by IBs and IBUs. Meanwhile, Circular No. 1139 issued in March 2022 provides the reporting guidelines for Islamic banking and finance transactions and arrangements.

“We have liberalized the banking system. The Islamic banking law was built to provide flexibility in promoting and developing Islamic finance in the country,” said BSP Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala, BSP ambassador for Islamic banking and finance and chair of the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum.

Assistant Governor Ala also noted the tax neutrality in the country, with which Islamic banks are taxed the same way as conventional banks.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cited investment opportunities in the Philippine Islamic Banking and Finance sector during the PH Dialogue: Economic Outlook and Opportunities in Doha, Qatar on September 10, 2023. From left are: Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Margaux Marie V. Salcedo; DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman; Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno; National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan; BSP Deputy Governor Francis G, Dakila Jr.; and BSP Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala.

According to the Assistant Governor, a single regulatory approach helps establish a level playing field for the growth of Islamic and conventional banks.

To further develop the Islamic banking and finance industry in the country, the BSP issued Circular No. 1173 dated April 19, 2023 on modified minimum capitalization requirement for conventional banks with Islamic banking unit (IBU). This Circular provides more flexibility in licensing of an IBU of qualified conventional banks.

Huge untapped consumer market With a large untapped market, the Philippines presents various Islamic banking opportunities for domestic and foreign investors alike.

According to BSP data as of end-2021, 44 percent of the country’s adult population still do not own a formal financial account.

Given the large number of Filipinos without bank accounts, Islamic banks may find it worthwhile to do business in the Philippines to help fill the financial inclusion gap.

In geographical terms, unbanked cities and municipalities across the country totaled 481 as of end-2022.2 This is more prevalent in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where 93.2 percent of cities and municipalities were recorded as unbanked.

Further, latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that there are 6.98 million Muslim Filipinos, consisting

of 6.4 percent3 of the country’s population.

Given their specific needs for financial services, Islamic banks may find it worthwhile to do business in the Philippines and cater to this underserved segment.

The BSP underscores that Islamic banking caters to both Muslims and nonMuslims. For Muslims, Islamic banks will help onboard them to the formal financial system. For non-Muslims, Islamic banks may serve as alternative sources of financial services, including investments.

“Other Southeast Asian countries have advanced their Islamic finance system, where even non-Muslims patronize Islamic banking and finance simply because of the business model of profit-sharing,” Assistant Governor Ala explained.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal said they are looking at much better numbers in terms of value of the Islamic finance industry.

“Currently, the market for Islamic finance and halal industry across the world is about US$7.2 trillion. In 2028, it is expected to grow to US$11.2 trillion,” Deputy Director Guiapal said.

“The presence of foreign Islamic banks will help increase investments in Philippine economic zones, which in turn will translate to job creation,” he added.

Deputy Director Guiapal said PEZA is keen to position itself as a preferred destination for Islamic investors.

Championing Islamic finance PROMOTING Islamic banking and finance in the country is met with challenges, but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) remains up to the task given its commitment to the financial inclusion agenda.

Financial inclusion is a state where there is effective access to a wide range of financial products and services by all.

In the case of the Philippines, currently, there is only one operational Islamic bank that offers Shari’ah-compliant financial products. To add, the development of Islamic banking and finance in the country is still in its infancy stage. Thus, the low awareness on Islamic banking and finance and relevant regulations among investors and other stakeholders. Potential customers may also have no or little knowledge on what an Islamic bank is and how it can service their needs. ΩAdvocating Islamic finance may be challenging, but the BSP ambassador for Islamic banking and finance, Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala, who herself is from the Muslim community, is up to the task.

“The promotion of Islamic banking and finance is paramount because it can provide access to alternative Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assistant financial products and services to all Filipinos. Given the Governor Arifa A. Ala (left) was cited enabling regulations and initiatives that the BSP has put as one of the most influential women in place, I am excited about the future and confident that in Islamic business and finance and received the 2022 ‘WOMANi Professional the time will come when Islamic banking and finance is a thriving industry in the Philippines.”

Award’ during a ceremony held in In charge of the BSP’s Financial Supervision Sub-Sector III, Jakarta, Indonesia on December 12, Assistant Governor Ala is backed by strong credentials that are 2022. Professor Humayon Dar (right), fit for her role. She is a certified public accountant, a lawyer, founder of the Islamic Retail Banking and a career central banker with extensive technical experience Awards and director general of in banking supervision and regulation.

Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance, As the BSP’s point person for Islamic banking and conferred the recognition on Assistant finance, Assistant Governor Ala is heavily invested in the Governor Ala who chairs the BSP-led development of enabling policies for the industry. She also Islamic Finance Coordination Forum. takes the lead in stakeholder engagements, such as forging partnerships and collaborations. For instance, the BSP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority on encouraging investments in Islamic banking and finance in the country. Assistant Governor Ala has also appeared in several media interviews with the goal of raising awareness of Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines.

The BSP official chairs the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum (IFCF), which facilitates collaboration and coordination among government agencies on the promotion of Islamic banking and finance.

Promoting banking inclusivity AS THE regulator of banks, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) plays a key role in the development of Islamic banking and finance in the country.

BSP Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala said having more Islamic banks—either stand-alone or units within existing conventional banks—will help create a financial landscape that caters to the varied needs of all Filipinos.

“We want Islamic banks to viably operate alongside conventional banks. We envision a banking system where diverse players thrive,” Assistant Governor Ala explained.

She said the central bank has undertaken several initiatives to promote Islamic banking anchored on two-pronged strategies—first, adopting a single regulatory approach for both conventional and Islamic banks and second, rolling out more capacitybuilding activities to boost investor and consumer awareness and acceptance of Islamic banking.

To date, the BSP has issued essential regulations to jumpstart the Islamic banking industry. These include Circular No. 1069, which specifies licensing

requirements for Islamic banks and Islamic banking units of conventional banks; and Circular No. 1070, which provides guidance on the minimum supervisory expectations on Shari’ah governance frameworks of Islamic finance institutions.

The BSP issued Circular No. 1116, that emphasizes Shari’ah governance in liquidity risk management by Islamic banks and Islamic banking units, and Circular No. 1139, which identifies reporting requirements for Islamic banking and finance transactions or agreements.

To further strengthen supervision of Islamic banks, the BSP issued a joint circular with the Department of Finance, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and the Bangsamoro Government, for the establishment of the Shari’ah Supervisory Board (SSB) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The SSB has the authority to issue opinions on Islamic banking transactions and products in the BARMM or, when requested by the BSP, financial institutions and other stakeholders outside the jurisdiction of the BARMM.

The digitalization trend in the country’s financial sector should also be encouraging for Islamic banking players as more Filipinos open digital financial accounts.

Under its Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020 to 2023, the BSP aims to increase the share of digital transactions to the total volume of financial transactions in the Philippines to at least 50 percent and to onboard at least 70 percent of Filipino adults in the formal financial system by the end of this year. Given recent trends, the BSP is confident that these goals will be met, if not exceeded.

A growing economy The Philippine economy has strongly rebounded from the recession in 2020 driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. It grew by 5.7 percent in 2021 and accelerated to a growth of 7.6 percent in 2022 and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023.

Along with the economic rebound came the improvement in the country’s employment situation. After peaking at 17.6 percent in April 2020, the unemployment rate had consistently dropped to settle at 4.7 percent in March 2023.

These indicators signal a growing demand for credit and other financial services to fund economic activities.

“The Philippines is ripe for Islamic banking investments. We look forward to a future where Islamic banking is a thriving industry in the country,” Assistant Governor Ala said.

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Islamic banking defined THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) aims to promote financial inclusion in the country, which involves catering to the unique financing needs of the Muslim community, among others. This can be done by cultivating a level playing field for Islamic banks.

Islamic banking refers to a banking or financing activity that upholds the principles of Shari’ah, based on justice, fair dealings, and harmony through the equitable distribution of wealth. It is anchored on two fundamental concepts—prohibition of interest and sharing of risk and reward.

Shari’ah forbids interest or riba, such as those on loans and deposits, as it is deemed unjust and does not promote wealth creation.

Hence, instead of charging and paying riba, Islamic banks observe a profit-sharing scheme with their customers to foster an equitable partnership, with risk- and rewardsharing as the core element of the business relationship.

Income-generating ventures that are Shari’ah-compliant include trade, rent/ lease, partnership, and agency, among others. Trade involves buying and selling of goods. Rental/lease agreements allow the use or occupation of a property for a certain period for a fee. Partnership is when a bank and a client enter a contract where one acts as a capital provider while the other acts as the entrepreneur who shares in the profits.

Meanwhile, agency refers to an agreement where one acts on behalf of another for a fee.

Simply put, Islamic banks gain income through equity participation, where risks and rewards are shared by the bank and the customer instead of paying and charging interest. This system is beneficial not only to the Muslim community but also to nonMuslims, as it serves as an alternative to investments offered by conventional banks.

To date, Islamic banking in the country remains insufficient for its demand. Hence, the BSP, aligned with its goal to promote financial inclusion, pushes programs and initiatives that aim to bring forth new Islamic banking players—either full-fledged or subunits set up by conventional banks. The BSP is coordinating with other government agencies and other stakeholders to further develop this segment in the financial industry.

SPORTS

C2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

believes Taekwondo jin Ganapin eyes gold, Bajar Knights have resumes drive for Paralympic stint turned corner after 8 games

By Randy Caluag

THE defending champion Letran Knights are keeping their fingers crossed that they will stay on the winning track in their next games in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Coach Rensy Bajar said this after the Knights pulled off a 86-71 swamping of the San Sebastian College Stags to finally score their first triumph in eight games.

“I’m positive (about) it and enjoyin namin ‘tong win na ‘to then bukas balik kami to prepare for St. Benilde.

Positive ako na sana ito na ‘yung turning point for our season, for us this season,” said Bajar.

The Knights will take on the College of St. Benilde Blazers on Sunday at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

In Friday’s matches, the Blazers will meet the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2 p.m., while the San Beda Red Lions will play against the Stags.

The Knights saw action without Kurt Reyson, who was nursing a groin injury, while veteran big man Pao Javillonar played for just three minutes because he was still recovering from the flu.

The entire bench took turns in scoring for the three-time reigning champions throughout the match.

Neil Guarino knocked in two triples to bring Letran to a 72-52 cushion in the final 7:32.

“Masaya kasi kahit papaano nalampasan namin ‘yung 0-7. Nakaisa na kami, despite na medyo kulangkulang ‘yung team, maraming may sakit,” said Bajar. Peter Atencio

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ANGZHOU—Derailed by COVID-19 in what could have been his first Paralympic stint in Tokyo, one-armed taekwondo jin Alain Ganapin oozes with renewed confidence as he resumes his drive for Paralympic glory at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games here.

Ganapin qualified for a slot in the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021, but a few days before his schedule flight to the Japan capital, he was hit by the COVID-19 virus and was forced to stay in the Philippines.

All the hard work went for naught, but the Marikina native is not stopping in his quest for a stint in Paris next year as he topped the men’s 70-kilogram division of the Asian Para Games Qualification Tournament held in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates to qualify to the 4th Asian Para Games here.

Ganapin said his COVID experience and missing the Tokyo games made him more passionate about training and competing.

“Hindi biro po ‘yung pinagdaanan po namin, especially dahil nu’ng nangyari sa Tokyo na na-miss po namin. Kaya naging emosyonal po ako ng manalo sa qualifying sa Asian Para Games,” said Ganapin in an interview, with personal coach Gershon Bautista by his side.

For the last three months, Bautista said they toiled hard together at the Philippine Taekwondo Association Central Gym inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“He (Ganapin) is better off now compared to three months ago. Kapag sparring, nahihirapan na rin ang mga kalaban ni Alain,” Bautista noted of his tuneup matches with some of the able-bodied national team members, among them celebrated veteran and Southeast Asian Games champ Samuel Morrison.

“We believe he (Ganapin) has achieved a good fitness level for him to perform well in this Asian Para Games,” said the coach, adding that the athlete’s strength and stamina levels were at par before being stricken by the virus, if not better.

“Hopefully, ‘yung naipundar namin ni Alain in his strength and conditioning for this event will be more than enough,” added the coach in the maiden outing of his ward, with the backing of the Philippine Sports Commission Proof that Ganapin was back in competitive shape was last July when he bagged a bronze in the Australian Open, an Olympic ranking qualifying competition.

Hence, he will be killing two birds with one stone in

One-armed taekwondo jin Alain Ganapin (left) with coach Gershon Bautista.

achieving a podium finish in his debut here.

“Kapag mag-podium finish si Alain, tataas din po ‘yung world ranking niya,” explained Bautista, who revealed that his ward is currently ranked No. 24 in the world ratings. “He has a bigger chance of making it to Paris if he is within the top 20 in the world because this event has more qualifying points.” “‘Yung maka-compete sa Paralympic Games ang am-

ing ultimate goal ni coach. Nais ko na matapos ng event ng maayos at makauwi ng medalya,” said the athlete with determination in his voice.

The country has never had a taekwondo jin competing in the Paralympic Games, and should everything go according to plan, Ganapin is keen on being the first one by going all-out for golden glory at the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games here.

New volleyball tournament lures eight LGU squads

By Peter Atencio EIGHT teams have committed to play in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) when it fires of Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Organizers said this after they introduced members of the participating squads, namely Bacoor, Binan, Caloocan, Marikina, Nasipit, Negros Oriental, Rizal and San Juan.

Ten teams originally gave their nod to join in the home-and-away tournament, but two were not able to

form their lineups in time for this weekend’s affair.

“This will be a fun, community-based league, full of home-grown players,” MPVA commissioner Michael Tavera said on Wednesday at a press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan.

Sunday’s action begins with a tiff between Caloocan and Negros Oriental, while the second match pits San Juan against host Rizal.

Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao is the founding chairman of the MPVA.

Outnumbered but not outgunned

THE Philippine Azkals lost, 1-0, to host Bahrain a few nights ago. From an expected massacre or a blowout, the Azkals somehow managed to hold the host scoreless for the rest of the international friendly after yielding a goal in the opening half.

The Azkals, in fact, had several chances in the opening minutes of the game and they can hold their heads up high inspite of the circumstances they have to deal with, even before taking on the Muharabi Dilmun at the Sheik Ali Bin Mohammed Stadium.

The team lost several players due to injuries and six Kaya FC Iloilo players went back home two days before the Bahrain match due to club duties. All of these were very unfortunate, considering that these players were dying to play for the country after a remarkable performance against Kyrgyzstan two days before. Audie Menzi, in fact, scored the winning goal while “Manong” Simone Rota, in his return to the national team, also played well.

With the injuries and the departure of the Kaya players, only 16 players, three of which were goalkeepers, suited up against Bahrain. For those who bashed the team after the loss, you should look at the mirror and assess if you are indeed fans of the Azkals or “mga mema lang.” No matter what the team does, under every imaginable and tangible concern and circumstance, you always find fault. As our managing editor Joyce Panares would always emphasize,

“everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but not to their own facts.”

Fact is, despite the obvious lack of available players, the Azkals played a solid second half and inspite of the conceded goal in the first half, the whole game in general. With Bahrain ranked 50 notches higher than this “palaging talo” team, many true Azkals fans expected a beating, or a minimum score of at least 5-0. Even a former member of the squad, if my memory is correct, said he was betting on a 10-0 scoreline or something to that effect, in favor of Bahrain. No wonder you are no longer on the team and I can’t even remember your name.

Another fact. Head coach Michael Weiss’ faith in the team remains solid despite the loss. “The team is making steady progress and understands each other very well, knows the way they have to play which is according to their abilities, based on running and fighting for each other and a combination of passing and long diagonal style of play,” Weiss explained.

Despite the lack of superstars and big names in the team in recent camps, Weiss maintained that he will have to do with what he has. Like what the Azkals did in the second half in the Bahrain friendly. He said that the Azkals might even get better results and team performances with that kind of mentality and motivation that they have shown lately, especially during crunch time.

“We have team spirit and fighting mentality,” he said. He also added that the previous camps have contributed to the players’ familiarity with each other.

He also commended the contributions of three Azkals—OJ Porteria, Kevin ingreso and Patrick Reichelt—who recently reached personal milestones with the team.

Both Porteria and Ingreso notched

Atty. Glen Gacal, MPVA’s general counsel, said that the league is a grassroots-based program they expect to provide an avenue for homegrown players to excel in.

“This is to showcase talents not just here, but also all over the world,” said Gacal.

Former professional players who are joining teams in the league include May Macatuno (Cignal HD Spikers, Foton Tornadoes, and Generika Lifesavers) and Shannen Palec (Choco Mucho Titans and Quezon City Gerflor Defenders).

their 40th caps for the team, while Reichelt has appeared in 80 games for flag and country.

“All three players deserve the biggest respect for sticking with the Azkals. Despite playing in not so favorable conditions and environment, they perform and put their hearts and souls out for the country,” Weiss added.

Weiss has also accepted the reality that not all on his wish list will be present come November. But it doesn’t mean he is giving up. “The team that will be there in the end will have to do it. We will make the best out of the players that we will have,” he vowed.

When asked about what they can say about the team’s performance against Bahrain, several Azkals fans commented on the upside.

“All things considered, it was quite a decent performance. They looked promising pero ideally, I’d love them to do much better,” said Ardee Bedro.

“Overall, satisfied, unmarked goal lang ang Bahrain. At hindi sila nag-panic. To be honest, expectation ko 4-0 due to the unfortunate situation ng squad,” added Jun Paulino Cornelio.

Clyde Caberoy, on the other hand, praised Weiss by saying that “better than the old coaches. At least kilala na niya ang player na huhugutin. Kulang lang talaga sa players (sa game). Kala ko tambak, pero wow. Iba ang feeling ko now sa Azkals, ‘yung alam mong may chance na talaga manalo unlike dati na simula pa lang tagilid na kahit lower ranked teams.”

Primo Santino said the recent camps have given him an idea of the Azkals who will be in the November qualifiers. And like the others before him, and definitely not those toxic fans, scammers and trolls, he is optimistic of the Azkals’ chances.

“Weiss was pushed against the wall and yet managed to bring an A game despite the lack of manpower,” he quipped.

Justin Rey Leonard probably summed

it best. “Clearly different from the team we saw in the last two years. Medyo bumabalik na ‘yung kagat ng Azkals. Marami pa need ipolish pero we’re getting there.

So not a bad result na rin,” he said.

We can all agree that we wanted the team to win, that is given. Are we disappointed with the loss? Aren’t we all? But unless you (referring to the bashers, para malinaw lang po) apply your high Azkals standards in everyday life, like voting for the best candidates in the upcoming barangay elections for starters, or making your local politicians answer for poor services and non-existent accountability of where our taxes go, then rant all you want against the team.

And one more thing, while we are at it, it would be also good if you can watch the Azkals live at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Nov. 16, 2023 as we open our Olympic and Asian Cup qualifiers against Vietnam. Be one of the 10K strong that the Philippine Football Federation is hoping to show up in our first home match, in the game that really matters. Dami niyo hanash, sana manood kayo ng game live para maiba naman.

The Designated Kit Man is also hoping that the booboo in recalling the Kaya players before the big match against Bahrain will not happen again. To put it simply, it could have been avoided with common sense.

Please tune in this Sunday, October 22 from 2-3:30 p.m., to Larong Pilipino aired live over DZME 1530 Khz and streamed over the station’s official social media account. Dan Palami, the Azkals Team Manager, and “Pambansang Kamao” Manny Pacquaio are expected to be part of the show.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Green Spikers, Griffins duel in Surf Turf opener Games Friday (Paco Arena)

3 p.m. – EcoOil-La Salle vs VNS 5 p.m. – Fudgee Barr vs Don Pacundo

ECOOil-La Salle and Fudgee Barr-Ateneo seek to make up for their absence in the Open Conference with strong showing in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational, facing separate rivals in the seasonending conference beginning today (Friday) at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo are expected to carry the scoring load for the fancied Green Spikers as they launch their campaign in Pool B against the VNS Griffins in the 3 p.m. opener of a twinbill that also pits the Blue Eagles against the Don Pacundo-La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots at 5 p.m. in a Pool A clash.

The Griffins, fifth placers in the Open ruled by the Cignal HD Spikers via sweep, will be led by reigning NCAA Best Outside Spiker Barbie San Andres and national team mainstay Jayvee Sumagaysay.

EcoOil-La Salle and Fudgee Barr-Ateneo missed the Open due to their UAAP commitment but are eager and ready to take on the best in the record-matching 24-team cast divided into four groups.

Ateneo-Fudgee Barr will pin its hopes on the hard-hitting combo of Kennedy Batas and Matthew Salarzon, along with defensive ace Lance De Castro, while the Patriots will be bannered by playmakers Christian Hidalgo and Donald Brimon.

Still, focus will be on the HD Spikers, who lead the Pool C cast that includes Davies Paints-Adamson, Philippine Coast Guard, Saints and Lattes-Letran, Santa Rosa City Lions and the St. Gerard Construction-Saint Benide.

Other teams in Pool A are D’Navigators Iloilo, Kinto-Perpetual Help, Philippine Army and Sta. ElenaNational U, while Cabstars-City of Cabuyao, MKA-San Beda, Philippine Air Force, Saskin-Philippine Christian U join EcoOil and VNS in Pool B .

Play will be a single round robin elims with the top two in each pool advancing to the knockout quarterfinal phase.

To spice up the title chase, the organizing Sports Vision said a foreign guest squad will join the semifinalists in a round-robin series with the top two disputing the championship in a winner-take-all match.

Games can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.

ENTERTAINMENT

From left: Actress Liza Diño, Qcinema Festival Director Ed Lejano and QCinema Film Foundation President Manet Dayrit at Busan International Film Festival's Asian Content and Film Market

QCinema Project Market announces selected titles THE QCinema Project Market (QPM), the official industry program of the QCinema Film Festival, has unveiled its selection of feature film projects for its inaugural year with a Southeast Asian focus. This year, 20 projects will compete for grants and prizes exceeding $400,000.

Ed Lejano, Qcinema Festival Director, expressed their commitment to boosting the regional film industry, emphasizing the resurgence of local grants after pandemic-induced disruptions.

The allocation includes P3 Million for three Filipino features and $35,000 for three Southeast Asian features. The program has also secured international partnerships, expanding the funding opportunities.

Qcinema introduced the QPM Cinema Night during the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Content and Film Market on October 10. The event marked the official launch of QPM and showcased its selected projects, as announced

by Liza Diño, QCFDC Executive Director and QPM Managing Director Ed Lejano, and QCinema Film Foundation President Manet Dayrit.

Diño expressed pride in the overwhelming response from both established and emerging talents across the region. The program aims to facilitate connections and partnerships between the Philippines and Southeast Asia, bringing authentic stories to life while involving investors, companies, and film funders from across the world.

A Selection Committee comprised of industry experts, including Matthieu Darras, Jongsuk Thomas Nam, Paolo Villaluna, and Dayrit, had the challenging task of selecting 20 projects from the 65 submissions.

They were inspired by the immense creative potential of the regional filmmakers and are hopeful that QPM will help these projects become fully realized films.

QPM will be hosted during the 11th QCinema International Film Festival from November 18 to 20, 2023. Its primary goal is to foster Southeast Asian partnerships and collaborations for producing regional content.

As the festival’s official industry arm, QPM will facilitate connections between international decisionmakers and key players in Southeast Asian cinema.

Notable industry players, including Amazon and postproduction companies like Mocha Chai Laboratories and Space Lion Studios, have joined as decisionmakers at QPM. These organizations will provide post-production prizes, and CMB Film Services, the premier film equipment company in the Philippines, will offer equipment rental prizes for selected projects.

Tatino Film’s Pop Up Residency in Europe will also award a residency to a deserving project.

Furthermore, QPM and QCinema have partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to provide CoProduction Grants for this year’s projects, enhancing their support for the development of regional cinema.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

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

Gabby Concepcion and Albert Martinez are on good terms now

By Angelica Villanueva

ABBY Concepcion clarified on Wednesday that he and fellow actor Albert Martinez were on good terms. During a press conference for an education program, the topic shifted to Albert’s past relationship with Sharon Cuneta.

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“Bati Bati na kami, ha?” quipped Gabby when Albert’s relationship with singer-actress Sharon Cuneta resurfaced during the press conference of the education program.

The topic turned to Albert when Gabay Guro Chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla started to ask him if he was the first boyfriend of the Megastar.

Gabby, who was once married to Sharon and is the father of her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion,, addressed the matter while Albert responded with a smile and jokingly remarked that he might have ended up at the wrong event.

“Si Sharon, ang first boyfriend niya si Albert!

Tama ba? Parang nabasa ko ‘yun dati nu’ng ,” asked bata pa ako,” Chaye.

“Huy,, Albert, di ‘di ba totoo ‘yun?

Nabasa ko ‘yun dati sa magazine,” she repeated.

That’s when Gabby entered and clarified his friendship with Albert.

“Hindi. Sila

ni Snooky [Serna],” replied Gabby.

The press conference aimed to promote the “Gabay Guro” educational program, a joint initiative of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF). The event, titled “Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat kay Ma’am at Sir,” was a tribute concert for teachers, celebrating their dedication and sacrifices for the Filipino youth.

When asked if they could attend the concert scheduled for October 4, both actors explained that they had work commitments on that day. Gabby mentioned his availability for the program, stating that they would be ready to support him whenever Chaye called them. Albert explained that he had a prior work commitment, shooting for Pedro Penduko for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Despite their busy schedules, both Gabby and Albert expressed their unwavering support for Gabay Guro.

Albert emphasized the importance of supporting teachers, calling them unsung heroes, and highlighted how Gabay Guro has brought them to the forefront.

“Personally, the reason I am very supportive kasi ito ‘yung area na kailangan talaga ng tulong. Sila ‘yung our heroes na medyo hindi napapansin,” explained Albert.

“And when Miss Chaye created Gabay Guro, nabigyan sila ng focus. So now, hindi lang sila on the side pero naka-front na sila. Kumbaga, sila na naka ‘yung top heroes natin ngayon,” he added.

Gabby shared his personal connection to the cause, mentioning that his mother-inlaw was a teacher and that he readily accepted the opportunity to support the program when he first heard about it.

“Ang sa akin, simple lang. When I first heard about it, naging automatic ‘yun at magaan kong tinanggap because my mother-in-law ay teacher,” Gabby said.

From left: Albert Martinez, Gabay Guro Chairperson Chaye CabalRevilla, and Gabby Concepcion

‘The Cheating Game’ to stream on Netflix THE GMA film The Cheating Game will be available worldwide on the popular streaming platform Netflix beginning October 26. Topbilled by Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, the film delves into the psyche of two individuals who react differently to betrayal after being cheated.

In The Cheating Game,’ Hope (Julie) is an idealistic young professional who thinks she can change the world. She is devoted to her fiancé and the nongovernmental organization ( N G O ) they’ve built together.

U n t i l a sex video o f h e r

boyfriend with another woman surfaces.

Walking away from the engagement, the NGO and the life she thought was hers, Hope starts her new career as a content producer in a company. Unknown to her, this firm moonlights as a troll factory.

She becomes determined never to be outsmarted by a guy again.

She designs a ‘cheat sheet’ detailing the ‘anatomy of a cheater’ and uses this as her guide as she navigates the dating world again.

She then meets Miguel (Rayver), a self-made businessman who exudes green flags for a partner. Hope thought she had found the perfect guy. But as they become closer, long-kept secrets begin to surface.

Critics commended the film as it depicts a more mature, relatable, and realistic side to modern-day dating.

Acclaimed Filipino screenwriter Ricky Lee described The Cheating

'The Cheating Game' stars Rayver Cruz (left) and Julie Anne San Jose

Game as not a usual rom-com.

“I was expecting a typical romcom, but it turned out to be so much more!” The National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts said. “Hindi ko ini-expect ‘yung twist (I didn’t expect the twist),” he added.

The Cheating Game is produced

by GMA Public Affairs under GMA

Pictures and is co-written and directed by best-selling author Rod Marmol.

The film is based on the original concept and story by Peabody awardwinning documentary writer and producer Shao Masula and cowritten by Jessie Villabrille, a head writer for some of the distinguished GMA primetime series.

Philanthropist named Elite Mrs. Universe Official 2023 Elite Mrs. Universe Official 2023 Eimee Edralin Cragun

DEVOTED wife, mother, and grandmother, Eimee Edralin Cragun made the country proud after being named Elite Mrs. Universe Official 2023, during the coronation night of Mrs. Universe Official 2023, held at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, in Pasay City last Friday.

Cragun, an architectural designer, and entrepreneur and currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate at Arellano University School of Law, is the founder of DIYOBA Fitness 45 which conducts free fitness sessions in her hometown in Cagayan de Oro City.

A philanthropist, Cragun was a recipient of the UNESCO Power of Feminism Award (International

Philanthropic Service) in 2009, in recognition of her selfless dedication to making a difference in the community through her charitable works.

This is Cragun’s second international pageant after Mrs. World 2008, held in Moscow, Russia, where she finished in the Top 10 and was named Mrs. Elegance.

Cragun’s co-winners were Nikka Marcial of Australia and Jeanny Buan of Canada, who were crowned Mrs. Universe Official 2023 and Ms. Universe Official 2023, respectively. *** Newest search for aspiring models New Faces of Fashion 2023, the country’s newest modeling search, named its candidates during a press presentation held at Windmills and Rainforest Place in Diliman, Quezon

City on Sunday.

Presented by Faces Events talent and events management group, headed by UK-based Lilibeth Woods, New Faces of Fashion 2023 will culminate in a grand coronation night on December 9 at Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City.

At the press presentation, named Press Favorites were Ashley Gomez, April Marie Key, and Michael Galapin. The rest of the candidates are William Chiang, Jake Lawrence Coronado, Dzharl Ringka, Jonha John Bullo, Ranz Ranon, RD Latoza, Aljay Dado, and Shiro Ogawa for the male category; and Zyra Basilio, Rania Misuari, Kylah Sidney Flores, Charlyn Anne Icban, Genesis Faye Santos, Michelle Owen, Maria Jessica Cano, Princess Erica Noble, and Honey Mae Lacuban for the female category.

LIFE

C4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

A feast for the senses and a gift of charity

By Nickie Wang MOROCCO Kingdom of Light, in collaboration with Rustan’s Zenaida Tantoco, recently cohosted an event titled An Enchanted Afternoon with Pinky Tobiano, showcasing a new dimension of her tablescaping mastery.

Pinky Tobiano, a chemist by profession, philanthropist, social media influencer, and the Queen of Tablescaping, meticulously curated five table settings with enchanting Moroccan themes that left

an impression on guests, both local and international, during the recent charitable tablescaping event held at Rustan’s Makati.

Pinky’s creative genius was evident as she seamlessly integrated Moroccan furniture, tables, chairs, plates, glasses, bowls, table runners, and decorative accents to transport attendees into the heart of Morocco. She featured vibrant mosaic Zellige tables, handmade in Morocco from unrefined clay, meticulously crafted through hand-kneading and kiln-firing, suitable for enhancing gardens and terraces with an added touch of charm.

A table setting that showcases Moroccan dinnerware collection

Five percent of the proceeds from 'An Enchanted Afternoon with Pinky Tobiano' will be donated to support the victims of the recent earthquake in Morocco

The event also showcased Serghini porcelain tea sets for six, complete with teapots and serving trays, along with a 30-piece Serghini set and a Moroccan dinnerware collection for 12, among other Moroccan-inspired items.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the event, Emirates Airlines will be raffling off a round-trip business class ticket for two to Morocco on January 11, 2024.

Recognizing Pinky’s extraordinary talent, Rustan’s enlisted her as an influencer for the brand during the pandemic. The event drew several notable personalities, including Rustan’s Nedy Tantoco, Patrick Jacinto, former Miss Universe Margie Moran, beauty queen Bianca Manalo, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, actress Nadine Samonte, TV journalist Marie Lozano, and renowned hairdresser Bambbi Fuentes.

Pinky’s daughters, Karrel and Pianne Sinfuego, graced the event with their presence, alongside distinguished guests such as Malou Martinez, Roxanne Farillas, Ferdie Salvador, Anna Magkawas, Techie Hagedorn, Dong Ronquillo, and Gerry Sy. The event’s benevolent spirit was exemplified by its commitment to donate five percent of the proceeds from the first month of Moroccan items on display to support the victims of the recent earthquake in Morocco through the Embassy of Morocco. The exhibit will be open for viewing until the end of December.

Inspiring journey

Timmy Cruz reveals secrets behind her timeless glow

S

HE entered the room singing and dancing, looking like she was having the time of her life. OPM icon and character actress Timmy Cruz was radiant in her denim jeans and crisp white shirt. Her short bob perfectly matched her dangling gold earrings.

The singing legend behind the ‘80s hit song “I Love You Boy” announced her showbiz comeback and is now under the management of Rams David, David founder and CEO of Artist Circle talent management.

Timmy welcomed the media guests with her warm smile but turned emotional during the Q&A portion. Apparently, behind the glowing and healthy-looking woman in front of us was someone who powered through a tough health battle in 2016.

“I had a health challenge. It blocked the road for a while. I was in a teleserye and then they had to end my role. When that happens to you, the doctor goes to you, ‘It’s cancer,’ you’ve never heard that before. When I heard that, no matter how strong I was, I was broken,” she revealed.

Timmy’s cancer had an early detection, thanks to the annual medical check-ups she gifted herself since she entered her 40s. She was diagnosed with cancer at 56.

“When that happened, they found this mass as small as a peppercorn. I felt it. I was in my house in Tagaytay when all of a sudden, I felt like I was having a heart attack,” Timmy related.

After consulting different doctors and seeking several opinions, she chose the most conservative treatment program. She wishes to empower women to decide for themselves and take control of their bodies. While she described it as a very hard decision to make, the singer-actress had one of her breasts removed. She rolled with life’s punches and made sure to conquer the battle, one challenge at a time.

“Going back to showbiz was very far from my plan back then. This time, I feel it’s God’s calling. When you make a wish and it’s a good one, it will be given to you. I am here to share and spread goodness,” Timmy shared with a voice full of hope and positivity. As Timmy makes a comeback, guests at her media launch probed into the secrets to her beautiful glow and really smooth skin.

“When I had a break from showbiz, I did not wear makeup. That was seven years. Sometimes, I would wear mascara or a little blush and I would tell myself,

‘O, that’s how you look naturally. Love it, enjoy it, and accept it,’” Timmy shared and showed us her really light makeup that day. Aside from constantly going au naturel, she also embraced her salt-andpepper hair color.

“I appreciate other women who want to keep their hair dark but as for me, I’m okay with this. It took me a year to fully accept [my natural hair color],” she admitted. “You have to really program your mind to accept everything.”

Taking care of her body and controlling how her mind works proved instrumental in Timmy’s wellbeing journey.

“Go to the mirror and undress yourself. Ask Mahal ba kita? Kung mahal kita, yourself, ‘Mahal aalagaan kita.’ (Do I love you? If I love you, I’ll take care of you.),” she advised.

She took care of her food intake, exercise, sleep, what she listened to, what she looked at, the people she spent time with, and the problems she tried to solve.

“Self-care is what I really want to go into and mental health. I know that a lot of people are depressed and sad. I know that I can help them by sharing my story of hope, happiness, and peace,” the proud survivor added.

“I did not take things seriously and would pretend sometimes that my battle is a game. My aim was to win this game,” Timmy let us into her fighter’s mindset. “Your mind and your inner self can heal you. I didn’t go to any particular person, I just let God take care of things.”

Spirituality was indeed part of Timmy’s survival kit. She is a part of Brahma Kumaris which she described as “a spiritual university affiliated with the United Nations.”

She also added that it is a non-profit organization promoting inner peace and power.

Timmy went on to explain further, “You come to the programs with one premise – that your birthright is peace. You were born to be a good and peaceful person. When I heard about that, I knew that this is the organization I want to belong to.”

Timmy has been a meditator since 2001, trained in open-eyes meditation long before her cancer diagnosis in 2016. Read full story on www. manilastandard.net.

OPM singer and actress Timmy Cruz makes her showbiz comeback under a new management

Get your wallets ready for foodpanda’s October Groceries Day TRUSTED online food and grocery platformfoodpanda is back with the highly anticipated Groceries Day sale, which runs from today through October 22. This event promises a feast of unbeatable deals that will leave both first-time shoppers and dedicated app users craving for more.

Danielle Eleazar, the Head of Marketing at foodpanda Philippines, expresses the excitement surrounding Groceries Day, which is a quarterly tradition of giving back to their loyal shoppers. By collaborating with top brands and offering irresistible discounts, foodpanda aims to not only make grocery shopping convenient but also incredibly budget-friendly.

This time, shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to a jaw-dropping 70

percent. But wait, there’s an extra treat – a generous P300 discount using the code: GROCERDAY. With a wide array of renowned brands participating in the sale, such as Nivea, PepsiCo, URC, and Johnson & Johnson, there’s something to delight everyone. Whether it’s skincare essentials from Nivea or refreshing beverages from PepsiCo, Groceries Day delivers the crème de la crème.

Eleazar elaborates on the vision behind Groceries Day, emphasizing a dual purpose. First, it’s an opportunity to introduce the seamless and budgetfriendly shopping experience of foodpanda to new users. Second, it’s a chance to establish a habit of quarterly bulk shopping among their loyal customers. After all, who can resist the allure of significant savings?

foodpanda's 'Grocery Day' sale promises to offer a diverse range of high-quality products with affordable prices

“Every Groceries Day is more than just a sale; it’s an event, a celebration of savvy shopping. In this age of instant gratification, we offer an instant solution to your grocery shopping needs. No more enduring long queues or crowded aisles – it’s pure shopping bliss from the comfort of your home,” Eleazar adds.

Whether you’re a thrifty shopper, a busy parent, or just someone in search of fantastic deals, the Groceries Day sale caters to all. So, gear up and prepare to fill your virtual carts with a diverse range of high-quality products at prices that are simply unbeatable.

Download the foodpanda app now and place your grocery orders to take advantage of these exciting offers and exclusive discounts during this ultimate grocery shopping spree.

Zenaida Tantoco (left) and Pinky Tobiano

Revolutionizing stock investing for Filipinos GCASH, the country’s number one financial app, rolls out its latest feature, GStocks PH, offered by AB Capital Securities, Inc. to help Filipinos secure a financially safe future.

GStocks PH is AB Capital Securities, Inc. (ABSCI)’s online retail securities trading service that is made more accessible through the GCash app. In partnership with ABSCI, GCash users can become investors who buy, sell, and manage their own stocks from companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

ABCSI is one of the leading and trusted stock brokerage firms in the country today. With over 65 years of experience in the Philippines stock brokerage business and boasting of a strong culture of regulatory compliance, ABCSI is the ideal partner and broker of choice for GCash users.

What is GStocks PH? GStocks PH modernizes the traditional methods of purchasing and selling stocks. While brokers and stock traders help investors purchase and sell their stocks in the market, GStocks PH brings the power to the individual, allowing them to make personal transactions and invest using just their GCash app.

With GStocks PH, users have the option to easily top up or withdraw for free via GCash.

Using GStocks PH Accessing GStocks is easy: GCash users simply need to open the GCash App, find GInvest in the feature options, and select GStocks PH. Registering for a Basic Account is simple, too; users simply need to tap “Get Started” and select “AB Capital Securities, Inc.” as their broker, review their details, and provide their sample signature.

All succeeding steps— which include topping GCash unveils GStocks PH to help up, withdrawing, Filipinos secure a financially safe buying, and selling are future. now well within the tip of the investors’ fingers.

When using GStocks PH, Philippine Stock Exchange trading hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. = from Monday to Friday, except for all Philippine non-working holidays) are followed. Top-up amounts are credited to a user’s ABSCI trading wallet by the next banking day, while withdrawable cash will be transferred to GCash wallets within two (2) banking days.

GStocks PH allows users to invest in over 280 companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), such as Globe Telecom (GLO), Puregold (PGOLD), SM Prime (SMPH), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Universal Robina (URC), Ayala Land (ALI), and more.

Terminology But before the investment journey begins, it’s important to know the basic terms users will come across: Before registration 1. The Philippine Stock Exchange. Also known as the PSE, the Philippine Stock Exchange is the only stock exchange in the Philippines. It’s a regulatory organization that ensures a fair and orderly market for the purchase and sale of securities.

2. Stock Broker. A broker buys and sells investments on your behalf. In exchange for their service, a fee is paid to them in the form of commissions. GStocks users have AB Capital Securities, Inc. as the default broker.

3. Blue Chip Stocks. These are stocks of large, industryleading companies with proven financial track records.

Upon account approval 4. Remaining Top Up. For a basic GStocks PH account, the maximum top-up is P50,000; the remaining top-up indicates the remaining amount from that cap. Forget the top-up limit if you are a full account user.

5. Portfolio Value. This is the sum of the values of a user’s current stocks, plus the cash available to purchase stocks.

6. Stock Value. This is the value of the stocks currently owned by a user.

7. Buying Power. This is the total cash that can be used to purchase stocks.

When purchasing and selling stocks 8. Trading Hours. Trading hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.

9. Board Lot. This is the minimum number of shares required to successfully buy or sell stocks at a specific price range.

10. PSEi. This refers to the main index of the PSE (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) and is composed of the 30 largest and most active common stocks listed on the PSE. 11. Ticker. This is a stock code, symbol, or abbreviation used to uniquely identify a particular stock in the market. For example, Jollibee Corp’s ticker is JFC. 12. Bid Price. The amount at which people are willing to buy a stock.

13. Ask Price. The amount at which people are willing to sell a stock.

GCash aims to give Filipinos a financially safe future.

With GStocks PH, GCash empowers users to learn about stock investments and start their journey of financial growth.