Manila Standard - 2023 October 30 - Monday

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DUTERTE LEADS SENATE BETS FOR 2025—SURVEY

UP EXACTS SWEET REVENGE OVER ATENEO IN REMATCH

NEWS / A6

NEWS / A2 VOL. XXXVII • NO. 257• 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

92m Filipinos to cast vote for brgy, SK polls PNP on full alert as Comelec lists more red ‘areas of concern’

By Vince Lopez, Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo, Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Araneta

M

ORE than 1.4 million people are vying for positions in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) today (Oct. 30).

The candidates will compete for 672,016 seats — 42,001 punong barangay (barangay captain), 294,007 sangguniang barangay (councilor), 42,001 SK chairpersons (youth council chairman), and 294,007 SK members (youth council members).

Some 92 million people will be voting in 42,001 barangays in 149 cities

and 1,485 municipalities.

Voters aged 15 to 17 will be given one ballot for SK, while those aged 18 to 30 will be given one SK ballot and one barangay ballot.

Voters over the age of 31, on the other hand, will be permitted only one ballot for barangay positions.

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Experts identify 5 biggest roles of barangays

By Cherry Salazar / PCIJ THE barangay is the smallest political unit in the Philippines. But for Filipinos, the barangay represents more than just a government identity. It is also the smallest territorial unit that embodies a community.

These two “faces” of the barangay – being both a local government and a community – give it a distinct significance in Philippine democracy, said Michael Henry Yusingco, a lawyer and fellow of the Ateneo School of Government.

“Because of this characteristic, the barangay is supposed to be a community parliament… It is a venue or forum Next page

1.41 million BSKE candidates

672,016 Positions up for grabs

42,001 each Slots for barangay captain / Slots for SK chairperson

294,007 each Slots for Sangguniang Barangay / Slots for SK Council

AREA OF CONCERN. Special Action Forces personnel stand guard as election officials prepare election material for delivery to voting precincts in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province on Oct. 29, 2023, ahead of the nationwide election for village and youth representatives today. AFP

Gaza civil order collapsing as food stores looted—UN Maharlika Corp. board of directors THE United Nations warned Sunday that "civil order" was starting to collapse in Gaza after thousands of people ransacked its food warehouses in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

This developed as Israel declared the war had entered a "second stage," stepping up its ground operations inside the Hamas-run enclave.

The UN relief agency for Palestin-

A PAIR FOR EVERY HOSTAGE. Shoes, which represent Israeli hostages who are currently being held by the Palestinian group Hamas, are displayed at a rally held by members of the Australian Jewish community in Sydney on Oct. 29, 2023. AFP

ian refugees (UNRWA) said wheat, flour and other supplies had been pillaged at several warehouses.

"This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down after three weeks of war and a tight siege," said UNRWA's Gaza chief Thomas White.

One of the warehouses in the central town of Deir al-Balah had been used to store supplies from humanitarian convoys that began crossing into Gaza from Egypt on October 21, it said.

"Thousands of people broke into several UNRWA warehouses and distribution centers in the middle and southern areas of the Gaza Strip, taking wheat flour and other basic survival items like hygiene supplies," UNRWA said.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants stormed across the Gaza border and went on the rampage in Israel, killing 1,400 people and kidnapping 230 others, Israeli officials say.

Since then, Israel has staged a withering bombardment that the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza says has killed more than 8,000 people in the Palestinian territory, half of them children.

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‘Not in a million years’: PH-US relations won’t go sour

By Rey E. Requejo PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez expressed confidence the Philippines’ relationship with the US will not go “sour” because of China’s attempt to drive a “wedge” be-

tween the two countries.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Romualdez said the strong ties that bind the Philippines to the US cannot just be crushed on prodding by China.

“Actually, that’s the whole problem with China. They are trying to put a

wedge between our relationship with the United States. That’s never going to happen, not in (a) million years,” he said.

“Our relationship with the United States is very solid. I think that we have seen that happen in many, many years.

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named next month—Budget chief

By Julito G. Rada THE board of directors of the government-owned company that will manage the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be named next month, even though the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the sovereign wealth fund have been put on hold pending a review.

On Friday, Budget Secretary Amenah

TikTok ban likely if spying claims proven true–NSA

By Vince Lopez NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that a total ban on TikTok in the Philippines is possible if the social media platform is proven to be used

by China for espionage and cyberattacks.

'Because these apps came from China, there is a huge possibility that they are acquiring data and the private details of their subscribers," Año said in a statement.

Año said that he would not hesitate to recommend a total ban Next page

Pangandaman said assuming the IRR review could be finished in two weeks, a complete board and head of the Maharlika Investment Corp. could be announced soon.

After that, Pangandaman said, the first organizational meeting could happen in December and full-blast operations might begin in January 2024.

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NEWS

A2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

UP Maroons exact sweet revenge over Ateneo in 2nd round rematch The Fighting Maroons waited 10 months before having another crack at the Blue Eagles, but lost in the first round, 99-89, just last week in overtime.

But UP was not to be denied this time as it improved to solo first with an 8-1 re-

cord with five more games to go in the eliminations.

"Maybe it took a while for us to get our rhythm offensively," said Fighting Maroons' head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

“We were a little bit in a hurry during the first quarter. Our defense held up Ateneo

and during the last stretch, we were more patient offensively.”

The Maroons opened up a 10-point lead at the end of the third quarter as Terrence Fortea, who just made his UP season debut, and Gerry Abadiano joined forces in turning a 32-20 tight lead to a 49-39 advantage.

Down 42-54 in the fourth period, Blue Eagles Jared Brown, Joseph Obasa, and Kai Ballungay teamed up for 12 straight points and tied the game at 54 with 5:55 left.

However, Harold Alarcon and Abadiano answered back with a triple and a jump shot, respectively, to give UP the lead for good with 4:51 remaining, 59-54.

Alarcon extended the lead to six with 45.3 seconds to go, but in the next play,

92m...

consumption of alcoholic beverages on Sunday ahead of Election Day, Police from Fort Bonifacio Substation 1 in Taguig City moved to enforce the liquor ban early Sunday, conducting inspections in the entertainment establishments on 36th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City.

Some of the establishments were given a warning since alcoholic beverages were spotted on tables despite the ban.

The police said they observed maximum tolerance because some of the patrons were already drunk.

Police Major Judge Rowe Donato, commander of Taguig City Police Substation 1, said the ban on alcoholic drinks would be strictly implemented during the barangay elections on Monday.

No one was arrested or brought to the police station early Sunday, however, as violators were merely warned.

Under election laws, violators of a liquor ban face one to six years in jail and will be stripped of their right to vote.

He added that no establishment in BGC had applied for an exemption from the liquor ban, which could be granted if the area is frequented by foreign guests.

Grocery and convenience stores are also covered by the two-day liquor ban.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday called for an orderly and peaceful conduct of the BSKE and urged all candidates to refrain from violence

and embrace the true spirit of democracy.

The leader of the House of Representatives, comprising more than 300 district and sectoral legislators, underscored the importance of maintaining a safe and secure electoral process for the benefit of all communities.

“Our barangays serve as the foundation of our nation's governance. It is crucial that these elections take place in an atmosphere of tranquility and respect for the rule of law," Romualdez said.

“We implore all candidates and their supporters to act with civility, restraint, and respect for one another. The true strength of our democracy lies in our ability to peacefully choose our local leaders,” he said.

In other election-related developments: • Elections officials and police confiscated almost P700,000 in counterfeit bills from an abandoned vehicle in Capiz on Saturday. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said a team led by Roxas City police chief Police Lt. Col. Francisco Paguia, responding to a tip, went to the Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center (TATC) in Barangay VIII on Saturday morning to check on the abandoned vehicle. They found bundles of one thousand peso bills, suspected to be counterfeit, amounting to P669,000. They also recovered genuine bills of assorted denominations amounting to P4,170.

• Garcia said three fires that hit separate schools in Maguindanao that were to be used as polling places were set deliberately.

He said the elections there will push through in those barangays, despite the fires. “We will not be intimidated by those who commit those heinous crimes,” he said. “No election paraphernalia were destroyed during the incidents. The presence and number of our security forces will also be increased in the affected areas.”

• Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos said 31,125 detainees will cast their votes on Oct. 30. Based on Comelec rules, inmates who are formally charged and awaiting trial and those serving prison sentences of less than a year are qualified to vote in the local polls.

• The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said 92 electric cooperatives experienced power interruptions two days before Election Day. The 369 interruptions lasted an average of 79.26 minutes and affected some 2,909 barangays, the NEA said. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, on the other hand, said transmission operations remained normal ahead of the Oct. 30 polls. \• Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for the creation of a national federation of Sangguiniang Kabataan or youth councils. This, he said, would give the youth greater participation in governance.

lan, chair of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (Pahra), pointed out that cases of domestic abuse can be detected and prevented at the barangay where people know each other on a more personal level.

“Sometimes a barangay captain knows that his/her neighbor is being beaten up… yet they do not do anything about it,” Simbulan said. “The common justification is that it is a family concern. It’s something private to the couple.”

Child abuse and child labor can be monitored and curtailed within the community, she said.

Programs benefiting the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as well as the indigenous peoples (IPs) should also rank high in barangays’ priorities, Simbulan said.

On top of delivering basic services, barangays must ensure that IPs are represented in decision-making processes, she added.

In proposed projects that will affect indigenous communities, the barangay is expected to organize consultative assemblies to enable IPs to decide whether to grant free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).

2. Peace and order Atienza, former chair of the UP de-

partment of political science, also pointed out that peace and order can be easier addressed in the barangay.

Barangays should craft their development plan based not only on the needs of residents but on problems that disrupt peace such as petty crimes, she said.

“Who often gets involved in these crimes and why?”

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), barangays may address issues surrounding armed violence, said Yusingco. He stressed that every barangay has diverse needs and situations.

For Simbulan, the barangay, being “the structure nearest to the people,” is also the first stop for residents seeking counsel, advice or assistance.

3. Environment and climate resilience Clean-up and sanitation drives are good environmental practices that ensure the protection and security of barangay residents, Atienza said.

These help prevent bigger risks like flooding and disaster preparedness, she said. “If drainage systems are in good condition, if waste is managed properly, there will be no flooding.”

“If you link simple environmental issues and clean-up with disaster management and climate change issues, then

you’re already starting education, civic training, community and citizen participation,” she said.

Ateneo de Manila University sociology professor Emma Porio also pointed out that the barangay is the “first stop” for infrastructure permits.

Barangays can reject projects that would be built along fault lines or hazardous areas, have an impact on the environment and community negatively, or go against their local plans, said Porio.

4. Health Another area that barangays can prioritize is primary health care, with focus on preventing both common diseases and epidemics, Atienza told PCIJ. “The last pandemic saw how weak primary and preventive health services are because the focus is on the more expensive, curative aspect like hospital care,” she said.

The UP professor said developing healthier communities and “making hospitals the last resort” would be cheaper and better in the long run.

Meanwhile, reflecting on his personal experiences in their community, Ariate said the pandemic highlighted the crucial role of the barangay in providing basic services. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes."

"More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life – food, water, shelter and medical care – while being subjected to relentless bombardment. I urge all those with responsibility to step back from the brink,” Guterres added.

The UN's top diplomat arrived in Nepal on a four-day visit following talks in Qatar.

"I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza,” he said.

"We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal."

Ten Nepali students were killed in Israel during Hamas's attack on Oct. 7, and one Nepali citizen is missing.

Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, voiced shock Saturday at the "intolerable level of human suffering," urging all sides to de-escalate the conflict.

"This is a catastrophic failing that the world must not tolerate."

Thousands of buildings have been flattened in the overcrowded territory of 2.4 million people, with more than half the population displaced as Israel imposed a near-total siege.

Maharlika...

By Peter Atencio

U

NIVERSITY of the Philippines got its revenge over defending champion Ateneo, foiling a feisty comeback by the Blue Eagles in the fourth quarter to win, 65-60, in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Men's Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, with 17,406 fans in attendance on Sunday.

From A1

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday that 30 of the 151 violent incidents recorded since Aug. 28 were related to the 2023 BSKE. Thirty-three of the incidents were suspected to be election-related, while 88 were verified to be unrelated to the Oct. 30 polls.

PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters on Sunday that the number of verified election-related incidents had climbed from 26 as of Oct. 26.

A case is classified as election-related when it involves a candidate and when it has a direct effect on the electoral proceedings or might create political tensions within a certain barangay.

The Commission on Elections on Wednesday said more areas could be placed under its “red category” amid rising election-related violence across the country ahead of the Oct. 30 polls.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the number of areas under this category has risen to 361, with the addition of 119 areas, mostly from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Law enforcement agencies began enforcing a nationwide ban on the sale or

Experts...

From A1

for regular people to engage in governance,” he told the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) in an interview.

The Local Government Code defines the role of barangays as the primary implementing unit of government programs, as well as a forum where people’s collective views are heard and disputes are sorted out.

It also devolved national government responsibilities such as services to local government units, including barangays.

“The idea here is that aside from implementing national programs, planning should actually emanate from the grassroots, from bottom up,” said Maria Ela Atienza, political science professor at the University of the Philippines.

Experts identified five biggest responsibilities of barangays: 1. Protecting vulnerable sectors Championing the interests of vulnerable sectors should top the list of barangays’ responsibilities. This includes enforcing ordinances to protect women and children from violence, Atienza said.

For her part, Nymia Pimentel-Simbu-

Gaza...

From A1

Israel also imposed a total blockade on normal food, water, medicine and fuel deliveries into Gaza, with a first convoy of humanitarian aid entering only two weeks later.

Since then, UNRWA says 84 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza but aid agencies say the numbers are far too low. Before the conflict, UN figures showed an average of 500 trucks a day entering Gaza.

"Supplies on the market are running out while the humanitarian aid coming into the Gaza Strip on trucks from Egypt is insufficient," said White.

"The needs of the communities are immense, if only for basic survival, while the aid we receive is meagre and inconsistent," said the UN official.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday warned the situation in Gaza is declining rapidly as he repeated desperate appeals for a ceasefire to end the "nightmare" of bloodshed.

"The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause, supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations," Guterres said on a visit to Nepal's capital Kathmandu.

"The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable…The world is witnessing a

From A1

President Marcos signed the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 in July, with the aim of tapping state assets for investment ventures to generate additional public funds.

The law creates the MIC, a government-owned company that will manage the MIF—a pool of funds from state-run financial institutions that will be invested in high-impact projects, real estate, and financial instruments.

The MIC’s nine-member board of directors will be composed of the Finance secretary, who will serve as the ex-officio chairperson; the presidents of Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP); two regular directors appointed by the President for a term of three years; and three independent directors from the private sector appointed by the President for a term of one year.

Pangandaman said the review of the MIF’s IRR was nearly complete and they would present them to the President “soon.”

Pangandaman, who is a member of the advisory body of the fund, remained mum on what specific provisions of the IRR would be changed.

“Let’s wait for the review to be completed,” she said in reply to a query from the Manila Standard.

Mason Amos drained a three-pointer with 42.9 seconds left to pull the Blue Eagles within three, 60-63.

UP then milked the clock in the next possession before Alarcon attempted a wild floater that missed, giving Ateneo a chance to tie.

With no timeouts left, Ateneo had no other choice but to stick to a five without Mason Amos and Kai Ballungay.

Obasa attempted and missed a layup with his team trailing by three with less than six seconds left.

"Our effort as a team is there. We lost to Ateneo during the first round and that really hurt us,” said third-year guard Abadiano, who played his best game so far this season with 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

The advisory body is composed of the heads of the Department of Budget and Management, the National Economic and Development Authority and the Bureau of the Treasury.

The advisory body has already transmitted the final list of MIC nominees to the Office of the President.

Earlier, the economic team led by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said it was closely working with the Office of the President to improve the fund’s IRR. The President said his office has been in close consultation with the country’s economic managers to determine what improvements can be made to the IRR. He had suspended the implementation of the IRR on Oct. 12, pending a review.

The MIC will have an initial capitalization of P125 billion. Land Bank and DBP have already transferred their contributions, as the founding government financial institutions, of P50 billion and P25 billion, respectively, to the account of the Bureau of the Treasury. Land Bank deposited their share on Sept. 14 while DBP remitted on Sept. 15.

The remaining P50 billion of MIC’s initial capitalization will come from the national government. One of the sources is dividend remittances of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. BSP has already remitted P31.859 billion for 2023.

‘Not...

From A1

We had issues with them in the past, we had some differences, but end of the day we’re still together,” he added.

Romualdez also disputed China’s claim that the US, one of the Philippines’ oldest treaty allies, has no right to interfere in the West Philippine Sea issue.

He said the US has a role to play in what China considers a regional tension, which most of the international community sees as an upfront against peace, stability, and order in one of the world’s most important sea lanes.

“They are not interfering. They are our allies. They are our number 1 allies.

We have a mutual defense treaty with the United States. So, they are simply stating a fact that they are to protect an ally like the Philippines,” he said.

Romualdez was referring to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which mandates both countries to come to each other’s aid in case of an external attack.

This came after US President Joe Biden said that any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels, and armed forces would invoke the treaty.

Romualdez argued that the US is “not the only country that is concerned about what’s happening in our area.”

“You have many countries. In fact, there are 17 countries that have already indicated and said publicly supporting the Philippines’ position,” Romualdez said.

Several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and the European Union, expressed their concern over the latest collision between the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine vessels in the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Earlier, Washington led a chorus of international criticism and backlash against China's interference in the resupply mission.

"I want to be very clear. The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad," Biden said Wednesday.

"Any attack on Filipino aircraft, vessels or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines," he added.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the Philippine exclusive economic zone, and has ignored a 2016 international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Ayungin Shoal is about 200 kilometers from Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

TikTok...

From A1

on TikTok—one of the most popular social media platforms in the world-should there be sufficient evidence that China uses the app for cyberattacks against the Philippines.

"We are not yet saying that TikTok will be banned in the Philippines. We will first go to governments and offices involved in security matters. If we see any other development, we will adjust," Año said.

Año also said that he instructed the task force headed by Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya to speed up its investigation of TikTok over possible data breaches.

Año emphasized that the National Security Council continued to assess the app to guarantee the protection of Filipino subscribers and the government system.

"We assigned Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya to submit a report on how we will draft this memo or policy to guarantee the protection of our data, our digital system, because the recent hackings are troubling," he said.

"Our PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority), PhilHealth, were hacked, so we need to prepare for it," he added.

Reports said the NSC had studied the possibility of banning TikTok among the government’s uniformed personnel to avoid a possible data leak.

The social media platform continues to be very popular in the country. One industry report said as of January 2023, the Philippines has about 43 million TikTok users.

Several countries, such as the United States, India, and Canada have announced moves to ban the Chinese company-owned TikTok on government phones and prohibit its use by state workers, due to concerns that the application might give sensitive data to the Chinese government.

Reports said Indonesia has earlier set a one-week deadline for TikTok to become a standalone app without any e-commerce features. Jakarta has reportedly justified the ban on TikTok as “necessary” to protect the country’s 64 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The European Commission, European Parliament, and EU Council have also reportedly banned TikTok from being used on official devices of parliamentarians and their staff due to security concerns.

TikTok has denied all allegations that the social media platform is being used to gather sensitive data.

PCSO Celebrates 89 Years of Compassion, Dedication, and Service to the Filipino People

I

N A world where compassion and providing assistance are often scarce, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) shines as a guiding light for millions of Filipinos in need.

As the PCSO commemorates its 89th anniversary, it is important to acknowledge and reflect on the incredible journey and profound impact this organization has had on countless lives throughout the country.

A Legacy of Compassion: Since its establishment on October 30, 1934, the PCSO has consistently been at the forefront of providing medical, financial, and social support to those who need it the most.

Through its diverse programs and initiatives, the organization has alleviated the burden of healthcare expenses, bolstered medical institutions, and extended a helping hand to the most vulnerable members of our society.

Over the years, the PCSO has established institutional programs providing financial and medical assistance to indigent, needy individuals.

It prioritizes funding various programs in pursuit of its mandate. This includes direct assistance to indigent patients, collaborations with local government units, and partnerships with other government agencies.

IMAP and Other Programs One of the PCSO’s most impactful programs is the Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP), which ensures that no Filipino is denied proper medical care due to financial constraints.

With compassion as its guiding principle, the PCSO has assisted millions of patients in accessing necessary treatments, medications, surgeries, and prosthetic devices.

From 2018 to 2022, the Medical Access Program (MAP) has benefited almost 2 million recipients with medical aid, amounting to P20,558,741,588.35.

This program partners with government and private hospitals, health facilities, medicines retailers, and other stakeholders to support individuals facing health-related challenges.

During the same period, the Institutional Partnership Program (IPP) granted assistance worth P61,716,300.00 to 80 groups or organizations.

It aims to support various welfare agencies and charitable medical facilities in addressing the medical and health needs of the impoverished and disadvantaged sectors in local communities.

Meanwhile, the Medical Equipment Donation Program also provided medical

equipment worth P289,366,222.84 to numerous government health institutions in enhancing their medical facilities.

Moreover, the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program has donated 717 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from 2018 to 2022, amounting to P1,328,534,585.00.

This program aims to provide PTVs and Emergency Medical Service Vehicles (EMSVs) to conflict-stricken or vulnerable communities, as well as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

These vehicles are crucial in swiftly and safely transporting patients needing immediate medical attention between medical facilities.

Likewise, the PCSO’s Medicine Donation Program aims to provide basic medicines and supplies to government and non-profit organizations to aid sick individuals.

Additionally, the Endowment Fund Program allocates funding assistance to government hospitals licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) to enable them to deliver direct health services to charity/service patients.

A total of 97 public medical facilities have received a sum of P 161,111,000 under this program during the past five years.

Furthermore, the PCSO supports 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide. These centers serve as one-stop shops created by legislation to provide financial and medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated individuals.

To further enhance its services, the PCSO resumed its medical and dental outpatient services for the public at its main office in Mandaluyong City.

Through this program, PCSO doctors and nurses cater to the needs of indigent individuals and the general public, offering free medical and dental consultations.

Empowering Communities Beyond its medical assistance programs, the PCSO has actively worked towards transforming communities through various projects.

The agency recognizes the importance of education and believes in the potential of the Filipino youth.

Through scholarships, and support for educational institutions, the PCSO has helped shape a brighter future for countless aspiring students.

Aside from these initiatives, the PCSO’s charity programs extend to disaster-stricken areas, supporting victims during times of calamity through its Calamity Assistance Program.

From providing emergency relief goods and medical supplies to rebuilding homes, the Agency has showcased its commitment to standing by the Filipino people in their darkest hours.

From 2018-2022, a total of P873,285,300.00 assistance were given to

536,417 families.

Partnerships and Health Initiatives The PCSO is committed to contributing to various government institutions, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), National Council on Disability Affairs and even the Philippine Sports Commission.

Its partners also include Cooperative Development Authority, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Philippine Red Cross, Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, Quezon Institute, and Universal Health Care.

From 2018 to 2022, the PCSO has released a total of P3,291,016,743.06 to support these institutions.

In accordance with the Universal Health Care Program Republic Act No. 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care Act (UHC), the PCSO is required to remit 40% of its Charity Fund, net of documentary stamp tax payments and mandatory contributions.

Between 2019 and 2nd quarter of 2023, the PCSO has remitted a total of P4,244,938.911.63 under this program.

Transparency and Accountability The PCSO consistently upholds transparency and accountability in its operations to ensure that funds are effectively allocated and utilized for their intended purposes.

The organization implements rigorous systems of accountability, including regular audits and investigations, to safeguard against corruption and ensure that donations and resources reach those in need.

Additionally, from 2018 to 2022, the PCSO has remitted a total of P 8,360,765,380.31 dividends to the Bureau of Treasury.

The PCSO recognizes that its success is a result of the unwavering support of its stakeholders and partners.

By fostering strong relationships with both government agencies and private entities, the Agency leverages collaborations to maximize resources and extend the reach of its assistance programs.

The PCSO’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing funds has earned trust from all stakeholders and solidified its role as a reliable ally in promoting public welfare.

As the PCSO enters its 89th year, it continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the Filipino people.

Embracing technology, the organization has ventured into online gaming platforms, providing greater accessibility and convenience while generating additional revenue for its charitable endeavors.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that the PCSO remains sustainable and capable of meeting the growing needs of the nation in the coming years and beyond.

MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR. I GREET the officials, employees, partners and beneficiaries of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as you celebrate your 89th founding anniversary.

The PCSO lotto and your other games have become a staple in many households and in our popular culture bringing excitement and hope to all who participate.

But more than that, the PCSO has also been a dependable institution that people can run to in times of need.

Indeed, your humanitarian and charitable endeavors are greatly appreciated so I recognize you and your predecessors for doing your job well and turning the PCSO into the trusted institution that it is today.

I am confident you will continue to create a positive impact in the lives of our fellow Filipinos.

Congratulations on your 89th year.

Mabuhay ang PCSO!

ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TODAY, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) marks its 89th anniversary.

Through all these years, the PCSO has remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of raising funds to support various charitable programs and provide healthcare services to the Filipino people.

We have witnessed numerous inspiring stories of hope and resilience, where individuals and families have risen from despair, found new opportunities and secured brighter future through our programs and projects.

Certainly, our achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of our stakeholders and partners, and the tireless dedication of our employees.

As we embark on the next phase of our journey, we vow to continuously adapt and innovate, leveraging the power of technology to enhance our reach, efficiency, and transparency.

We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of national development and progress.

On this momentous occasion, we vow to continue being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive societal change.

Together, we can face the future with certainty and confidence as we work towards building a stronger nation with healthier and more productive citizenry.

Maraming salamat sa suporta at patuloy na pagtangkilik sa mga programa at serbisyo ng PCSO! PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!

MELQUIADES A. ROBLES General Manager

GCG gives PCSO high marks for efficiency, exemplary performance THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has achieved an impressive performance scorecard rating of 92.5% for CY 2022, as assessed by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG).

This is a significant milestone for the agency, reflecting five years of hard work to meet its performance targets.

After a thorough validation by the GCG, the PCSO exceeded most of its targets set last year, particularly in gross revenue/sales, collection efficiency, and budget utilization.

These achievements have contributed to the agency’s high rating.

The Agency’s score of 92 % in 2022 is a huge leap of 34% compared to its 2021 score of 56%.

GM Mel Robles expressed gratitude to PCSO employees for their unwavering commitment and challenged them to continue striving for excellence and exploring greater possibilities.

He stressed the importance of working together, supporting one another, and achieving more significant milestones.

Additionally, the PCSO has shown a solid commitment to rationalizing the use of charity funds, improving process

efficiency, maintaining ISO certification, and ensuring the timely distribution of mandatory contributions.

These efforts have further contributed to its high-performance scorecard rating.

In 2022, the PCSO surpassed its annual sales target of P 46.1 billion by 125%.

It generated gross receipts of P57.51 billion from various gaming products, including Lotto, Digit Games, Small Town Lottery, and Scratch It. “We are proud to have achieved such a high-performance scorecard rating for CY 2022,” said PCSO General Manager Mel Robles.

He continued: “Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure we meet our targets and deliver on our mandate of assisting those in need”.

PCSO employees are eligible for the PBB grant, but the agency must comply with the documentary requirements set by the GCG. Based on GCG MC 2019-02, an agency can apply for the grant of PBB upon receiving a GCG-validated scorecard and achieving a weighted average of at least 90% in its Performance Scorecard and 100% compliance with statutory liabilities.

OPINION

A4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ABS-CBN may have to reconsider keeping Vice Ganda on TV VICE Ganda is a famous personality in the current ABS-CBN Corporation television program It’s Showtime.

The real name of the 47-year-old Vice Ganda is Jose Marie Borja Viceral.

News reports indicate Viceral and 32 year-old Benigno “Ion” Perez went through a “wedding commitment ceremony” in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States on October 19, 2021. Whether or not Philippine law recognizes that ceremony is unclear.

Last September 4, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board ordered the suspension of It’s Showtime for 12 days.

The suspension order was issued on account of numerous complaints from the general public about a segment of the July 25, 2023 episode of the program. That segment is called Isip Bata.

The complaints allege the segment in question featured indecent acts committed by Viceral and Perez.

According to the complaints, a cake was on the set of the Isip Bata segment.

Perez eventually smeared some cake icing on his finger and then licked some of it off.

Thereafter, Viceral scooped some of the icing off Perez’ finger and ate the same. Some remarks were made after that.

It is expected that individuals who hold such positions conduct themselves with ethical and tasteful decorum while on air It appears the complaints found the segment too suggestive, amounting to indecency.

After due deliberation, the MTRCB ruled the segment in question violated pertinent provisions of the board’s charter, namely, Presidential Decree 1986.

Section 3(c) of the charter prohibits, among others, the television broadcast of indecent and obscene program materials.

Pursuant to the MTRCB charter, ABSCBN filed a motion for reconsideration directed at the order of suspension.

Late last month, however, the MTRCB denied the motion for reconsideration.

Under the same charter, ABS-CBN may appeal to the Office of the President of the Philippines. As of this writing, however, it is not known if the network has availed itself of this legal remedy.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN insists it did not violate the law.

Observers note the boisterous behavior of many male and female mainstays of It’s Showtime. Compounding that problem is the very high average level of the volume of the program’s audio.

With practically everyone in the program screaming out loud on their microphones, plus the very high pitch of its background music and sound effects, It’s Showtime may count as a hysterical and stressful noontime television program.

Admittedly, It’s Showtime caters primarily to the masses, which probably explains why many media analysts opine the show has no social or redeeming value.

In 2010, ABS-CBN’s now defunct television program Showtime found itself suspended by the MTRCB for 20 days due to numerous complaints from the viewing public. Some news reports say the suspension was for a month.

As in It’s Showtime, the issue against ABS-CBN regarding Showtime was its program content which many viewers found unacceptable and violative of Section 3(c) of the MTRCB charter.

In particular, the MTRCB took issue with the utterances made by actress Rosanna Roces in the episodes of Showtime aired on January 4 and 7, 2010.

According to the MTRCB, the utterances were uncalled for and were in violation of the law.

It was also reported that the suspension order issued to Showtime covered the television show Magpasikat, which temporarily replaced Showtime, and other similar programs.

Later in May 2013, Viceral found himself in hot water after he made a joke about Jessica Soho in his concert aired on ABS-CBN that time. Soho was and continues to be a broadcast journalist of the GMA television network.

In particular, Viceral said Soho was overweight, and he went on to tell the audience in Tagalog, “It will be difficult if Jessica Soho gets naked. It has to be gang rape all the time.

The rapist will say, ‘Pass the pork,” and Jessica will reply, ‘But where’s the apple?”

Viceral’s vulgar remarks against Soho got the ire of the public.

GMA broadcast journalists scored Viceral for his crude, crass, offensive language.

Media analysts asserted Viceral’s unrefined behavior live on television was manifestly a violation of media law and media ethics.

A columnist in a daily newspaper attributed Viceral’s unethical tirade against Soho as the consequence of Viceral’s previous work as a stand-up comedian in several bars in Manila.

As a prominent figure in the television industry, Viceral should be well aware of the vast public interest that surrounds this medium due to its extensive viewership.

Therefore, it is expected that individuals who hold such positions conduct themselves with ethical and tasteful decorum while on air.

Unfortunately, it appears that Viceral has not taken heed from the 2013 incident.

Maybe Viceral is too arrogant from his fame and believes he can behave however he pleases on live television without facing consequences.

If the MTRCB’s ruling becomes final and executory, ABS-CBN ought to reconsider keeping Viceral on television.

By Melandrew T. Velasco

EvEryman Recently, SMC has expanded its collaboration with the government to rehabilitate water bodies with its “SMC’s Adopt a River Program.”

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between SMC and DENR, DPWH, Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, and Navotas City Mayor John Ray Tiangco manifested SMC’s commitment to rehabilitate three more river systems and tributaries in Luzon.

To be rehabilitated are the river systems in Bulacan, Pampanga River, Marangondon River and other tributaries in Cavite, waterways in Navotas City, San Pedro River in Laguna, and San Juan River.

The river systems in Bulacan to be rehabilitated will include the Meycauayan, Maycapiz-Taliptip, and Mailad Rivers, the Bambang Creek, Marilao River, Sta. Maria River, Guiguinto River, Pamarawan River, Labangon-Angat River, Malolos River, and Hagonoy River.

Pampanga River, the second largest river in Luzon after Cagayan River, traverses Pampanga, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. It drains into Manila Bay. Maragondon River, one of the six major rivers of Cavite, originates from multi-sources from the neighboring upland municipalities and through its tributaries empties into Manila Bay. San Pedro River in Laguna outflows into Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. Waterways in Navotas to be cleaned up

ManilaStandard

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Clean and peaceful polls

D

Saving our bodies of water WATER pollution is a global concern.

Agricultural runoff, industrial wastes, plastics, and sewage and wastewater are among the leading causes of water pollution that has affected the country’s bodies of water.

Government programs to address the water pollution include the Adopt-an- Estero Program, a collaborative undertaking between and among the estero community, donorpartner, local government units concerned, other national government agencies and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

According to the website https://water. emb.gov.ph/ , there are 551 adopted water bodies and 1,136 donor partners.

The program responds to the Supreme Court’s continuing mandamus for agencies to clean up Manila Bay. The esteros and waterways with the wastes, debris and silt empty into Manila Bay and thus, contribute to its pollution.

San Miguel Corporation is among the partners of DENR in the government effort to clean and rehabilitate the water bodies to mitigate flooding with the hope of restoring the marine life that has been destroyed.

The first collaboration between DENR and SMC involved the rehabilitation of the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system, a major tributary of Manila Bay. The clean-up involved the extraction of 1.12 metric tons of wastes from the river and Php1 billion financing by SMC. Started in 2020, the project was completed in 2022.

The other water body being cleaned by SMC is the Pasig River.

EDITORIAL

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

O FILIPINOS take elections far too seriously that they are willing to go to great lengths fair and foul and even to maim and kill their political opponents just so they can win and hold public office?

We ask this question amid reports of vote-buying, on the one hand, and intimidation and outright violence against political adversaries, on the other, in certain places.

If these reports are validated by authorities, then we cannot help but be worried that these could taint this political exercise and keep us from achieving our goal of clean and peaceful elections.

Clean elections are crucial in a democratic political system.

But if candidates resort to premature campaigning, post campaign materials anywhere they please, ignore the rules set by the Commission on Elections, and resort to vote-buying, whether face-to-face or through online cash transfers, the effect is the same: they make a mockery of our election system and are likely to abuse their power and influence once they are in office.

Peaceful elections are indispensable in

If candidates resort to premature campaigning, post campaign materials anywhere they please, ignore the rules set by the Commission on Elections, and resort to vote-buying...the effect is the same: they make a mockery of our election system and are likely to abuse their power and influence once they are in office making the results of the elections credible.

That’s why the Philippine National Police imposed a strict ban on the carrying of unauthorized firearms outside residence, business or office even way before the campaign period, during the actual voting, and even after the counting of votes.

It appears, however, that some politicians really want to win at all costs.

In Abra, for instance, the Philippine National Police investigated reports that 250 candidates in today’s election had backed out from the race.

Did they back out on their own free will because they thought they had no chance of making it to the winning column?

Or they withdrew because of pressure from their own supporters?

Or perhaps they were paid or even intimidated to do so by their political rivals?

According to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., the candidates cited alleged security threats during a recent meeting.

“That number is alarming, so we are having it investigated,” he said, adding candidates should be able to exercise their right to run for public office without any threat or intimidation.

The Comelec had also urged the PNP to intensify its campaign against loose firearms amid the spate of killings and violence in connection with the BSKE. Comelec Chairman George Garcia had expressed concern over recent violent incidents in Masbate, Pangasinan, Maguindanao and Bohol and asked the police to take action and arrest those behind recent killings and election-related violence.

Our hope is that today’s political exercise will be honest and peaceful, free of any irregularities, intimidation and outright violence that have tainted our elections in previous years.

After all, free and fair elections are hallmarks of a mature democracy.

Weaponized TROs A TEMPORARY Restraining Order, or TRO, is a type of court order designed to stop a person, organization, or any institution, public or private, from doing certain things for a specific period.

You might have heard of TROs in relation to domestic violence cases and other dangerous situations, like stalking or sexual assault.

However, TROs have been issued against government projects oftentimes by losing bidders or by parties that would allegedly be disadvantaged or suffer immediate and irreparable harm if the order isn’t issued.

TROs are meant to protect people from harm, but they can sometimes be misused.

For instance, someone or some group might make false accusations to get a TRO out of spite or even to harass by repeatedly filing or escalate, causing financial stress to the accused party.

Another motivation is to gain an advantage over the restrained party.

Sadly, instead of being a legal way of relieving an affected party from potential harm, TROs can be a weapon that, beyond the effect to the subject of the restraining order, will have a radiating hit to other stakeholders that a national or local government project is supposed to benefit.

Imagine you’re building a house, but someone takes you to court, and you’re ordered to stop construction.

That’s what a TRO can do to a government project.

Plus, when people see a project getting stuck in legal issues, they start losing faith in the government’s ability to get things done.

This will cause investors who have committed to partnering with the government to rethink or even back out.

News spreads quickly in the international community and will make it more difficult for the Philippines to compete with other developing countries vying to attract big capital for big ticket infrastructure programs.

And don’t forget, these projects are key

Although it takes some time for a water body to heal from its polluted state, there is hope that its waters will become once more safe for recreation and as habitat of marine life, and a source of livelihood for fisherfolk will cover Muzon River, Batasan River, and the Navotas Filipinos.

The rehabilitation of the rivers is a commitment of SMC in pursuit of environment protection.

All cost in undertaking the project will be shouldered by SMC. “We are doing this as a public service,” said SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

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

drivers of economic growth -- so any delay can slow down the economy too.

So, while TROs have their place, they can have quite a significant impact when used against government projects.

To counter what has become an anticipated risk in every government tender, Republic Act 8975, titled “An Act to Ensure the Expeditious Implementation and Completion of Government Infrastructure Projects

by Prohibiting Lower Courts from Issuing Temporary Restraining Orders, Preliminary Injunctions or Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, And for Other Purposes,” was enacted into law in November 2000.

The NCAP’s oppositors are mostly violators caught on camera who want to get away with bad driving It stops lower courts from putting a hold on government infrastructure projects.

You might be wondering why that’s a big deal.

Well, imagine you’re in charge of a major project that’s going to benefit millions of people and boost the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

But then, a legal dispute pops up and the project gets put on hold.

Deadlines pushed back, thousands of employments and linked business opportunities are stymied, and people can’t benefit from the project.

That’s where this law comes in.

This is critical for Public-Private Partnership projects, which often involve big invest-

Rehabilitating water bodies require huge investments and technical know-how.

SMC, with its dredging equipment and experienced manpower involved in prior river rehabilitation works, is an ideal partner of government in similar projects.

During the signing ceremony, Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga commended SMC for its support to government activities geared toward achieving its objectives especially where the environment is concerned.

Once the rivers are rehabilitated, the communities living in the areas will reap benefits.

With the rehabilitation of the TullahanTinajeros river system which resulted in the increase of its water-carrying capacity, flooding in the low lying areas abated.

With the inclusion of Maragondon River in the Adopt-a-River Program of SMC, flooding in Cavite is expected to be minimized, if not totally eradicated.

Although it takes some time for a water body to heal from its polluted state, there is hope its waters will become once more safe for recreation and as habitat of marine life, and a source of livelihood for fisherfolk.

Rehabilitating water bodies brings to my mind former US president Lyndon Johnson

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

ments and have a huge impact on economic development.

Last Friday, it took me one and half hours to negotiate a mere six-kilometer drive from Makati to Ortigas Center.

While stuck in the car, frustrations on how bad our road and mass transport system came to mind.

No short term solution to that, but what peeved me most was how undisciplined many drivers regardless of vehicle, are, which has been identified by many studies as a major cause of the daily and very costly “carmageddons” in the roads of Mega-Manila.

I wrote about this in my column on the TRO against the No Contact Apprehension Program wherein I said only bad drivers are afraid of NCAP because they have been caught with violations and are being charged corresponding penalties for it.

Even a Pulse Asia survey revealed that 8 out of 10 Filipinos agree “NCAP will be effective in achieving its objective of disciplining motorists to improve road safety.”

The NCAP’s oppositors are mostly violators caught on camera who want to get away with bad driving. They are protecting their own interests, not the public’s. They cause traffic problems and endanger other road users.

The NCAP is a good example whereby the LGUs were even empowered in keeping with the Local Government Code as they entered into a PPP to implement the program.

Similarly, this is attuned to PBBM’s pronouncement in his first SONA that LGUs must participate more in joint venture and PPP projects. As data from LGUs have proven NCAP has been effective in making drivers behave.

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who said that no one has the right to use rivers and waterways as a sewer.

“The banks of a river may belong to one man or one industry or one State, but the waters which flow between the banks should belong to all the people,” he was quoted as saying.

The collaborative effort of SMC and the government to rehabilitate the rivers is the biggest so far in the country.

While there are private companies willing to help in government programs for environment protection, every Filipino can help nurture the environment by managing ones wastes to complement the programs.

This noble deed by SMC has earned plaudits from the officials of the local government units involved in the program.

Cavite Governor Remulla said it spot on: “(Ramon Ang) brings us together to realize there is hope for this country if we act together.”

(The author is president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-profit group advocating tree planting and watershed protection. He is also a book writer and publisher of biographical and coffee table books)

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Healthcare scope of services must reach IPs—solon

By Maricel V. Cruz A PART-LIST legislator on Sunday vowed to support the healthcare needs of indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

“The healthcare needs of our indigenous people’s communities should not be neglected and the services provided by the government should reach them no matter where they are situated,” AnaKalusugan Rep. Ray T. Reyes stressed as his group recently led medical missions for IP communities in San Jose Del Monte, for the Dumagat Tribe in Dona Remedios Trinidad, and the Mangyans in Mindoro.

Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, said even after the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Act, providing healthcare services to the IP communities remains a challenge because they live in remote areas.

“Medical services should be accessible, and we will continue to push for programs and legislation that would allocate more funds to bring health services closer to the people, especially our indigenous communities,” Reyes pointed out.

He said AnaKalusugan party-list will continue to bring health and social services closer to indigenous people’s communities.

Reyes recalled that in the past year, the party-list led vaccination drives in Bauan, Laurel, Balete, Sta. Teresita, Malvar, and Nasugbu towns in the province of Batangas.

The party also held medical and dental missions in Norzagaray, Angat, San Jose del Monte City, and Sta. Maria, in the province of Bulacan; in Hamtic, Bugasong, Pandan, Valderra-

END OF PREPARATIONS FOR BSKE.

Local election officials prepare poll materials paraphernalia at Magat Salamat Elementary School in Tondo Manila ahead of today’s barangay and Sangguniang Bayan elections. Inset photo shows preparations have also entered the last phase at the Quezon City Commission on Elections office. Manny Palmero

CJ vows fast release of cleared PDLs

By Rey E. Requejo

C

HIEF Justice (CJ) Alexander G. Gesmundo has assured an expeditious review of appeals in criminal cases and the speedy release of judgments of acquittal to hasten the freedom of qualified prisoners from the country’s penitentiaries.

Gesmundo made the assurance during his visit to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City last Friday, as the country celebrated the National Correctional Consciousness Week from Oct. 22 to 28.

The country’s top magistrate was accompanied by Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez and

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda who arranged the visit.

They met inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are studying at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA - Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES).

The CJ lauded UPHSD-BES’ commitment to education as a means of

rehabilitation.

“It is inspiring to see your dedication to education as a path towards rehabilitation. I heard that almost 2,000 student-PDLs are currently studying at UPHSD across various levels—grade school, high school, and vocational programs—as part of their journey towards transformation,” he said in addressing the student-PDLs. “Whether it is freedom or justice that you await, may you continue to find strength, hope, and guidance from the Divine. Keep dedicating yourselves to your studies and embracing this path of rehabilitation as preparation for your return to your families and communi-

ties,” Gesmundo said.

He emphasized the importance of his jail visit as an opportunity to personally observe and monitor the conditions of the PDLs as he pointed out that “the justice system does not end within prison walls but extends to rehabilitation until PDLs are able to reintegrate into society.”

Gesmundo admitted that the Supreme Court is aware of the challenges the PDLs are facing, including the deficiency in facilities and space within prison facilities.

He assured that the SC is doing its best to help through its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).

2 agencies link up to better serve housing beneficiaries

EARLY SANTA CLAUS.

A boy, riding on the shoulders of his father, reaches out for a Christmas present from Santa Claus at the SM City’s ‘Holiday Dreams of Sparkle’ as the centrepiece, along with carols by the Celtics Chorale, of the local mall’s Yuletide features which, of course, is not complete with the usual gift giving.

Norman Cruz

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have signed an agreement, fortifying the two agencies’ partnership on skills development for beneficiaries of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and TESDA deputy director general Vidal Villanueva, representing Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, sealed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will provide skills training and education to housing program beneficiaries of the government.

Acuzar expressed gratitude to TESDA for the support the agency is extending to

the “Pambansang Pabahay”, especially focusing on the underprivileged.

The housing czar also reiterated the call of President Marcos Jr. for government instrumentalities to come together to revitalize the country as one, by extending necessary support to the marginalized.

He emphasized the President’s marching order, that is, “ibigay lahat ng tulong… hindi lamang basta pabahay, kundi pati na rin livelihood para sa ating beneficiaries (to give all assistance, not only in housing, but also in livelihood for the beneficiaries).”

The MOA between DHSUD and TESDA is expected to fill in the gaps in existing industries in areas where the beneficiaries of housing projects are located. Maricel V. Cruz

All SSS branches NHA to distribute 5k housing titles to Yolanda victims in Tacloban nationwide open on Oct. 31 THE Social Security System (SSS) on Sunday announced that its branches nationwide will remain open on October 31, 2023, to accommodate its members and claimants.

SSS branches are ready to serve employers, members, pensioners, and their beneficiaries who may opt to conduct their transactions on the said date, the state pension agency said in statement.

All branch offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and accept various SSS transactions, including tellering services in SSS branch offices with tellering facility.

SSS members and claimants may also transact 24/7 online using the My.SSS portal and the SSS Mobile App. SSS-accredited bank and non-bank collecting partners are also ready for members who wish to pay overthe-counter and online.

Earlier, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular 38, which implemented a work from home arrangement in government offices on October 31, 2023, to allow government employees to travel to and from the different regions in the country to properly observe All Saints’ Day on November 1, 2023.

Maricel V. Cruz

NATIONAL Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Joeben Tai has conducted a site inspection in preparation for the upcoming awarding of 5,000 housing titles to Super Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Tacloban.

The distribution of titles set for November 8, 2023 will be led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and was initiated

by Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand

Romualdez in time for the 10th-year commemoration of the natural disaster.

In a statement, the NHA said among the project sites for the housing beneficiaries are the North Hill Arbours 1; North Hill Arbours 2; St. Francis Village; St. Francis Village 2; Villa Diana; Villa Sofia; New Hope Village; Greendale Residences 1; Guadalupe Heights 1; Guadalupe Heights 2; and Guadalupe

Heights 3, all in Tacloban City.

Tai said this year’s planned awarding ceremony of titles is being done through the assistance and cooperation of the city government of Tacloban.

“The NHA is continuously coordinating with various local government units hard-hit by the super typhoon to fast-track the provision of adequate and safe housing for Yolanda survivors,” Tai

A BIRD IN HAND IS... A farmer

manifests extreme happiness as he holds in his hand a “tukling” nestling which he caught while harvesting rice at his farm in Laoac, Pangasinan.

Robert Gines

Follow set rules on Undas observance—Along

By Jun David CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan has called on Caloocan residents and visitors to follow the guidelines set by the city government to maintain peace and order during the observance of this year’s All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, locally known as Undas.

Among the guidelines are the schedules of certain activities, wherein tomb cleaning and repainting are allowed until October 27, while burials in public cemeteries will be suspended starting on October 29 and will resume on November 2.

Prohibitions on dangerous objects, gambling, loud noises, and alcoholic drinks inside the cemeteries will also be strictly implemented.

said in a statement.

Upon his assumption as NHA head, Tai introduced the Build Better and More Housing Program to further improve NHA’s various programs and projects not only for victims of calamities but also for informal settler families, indigenous peoples, overseas Filipino workers, and government employees.

Maricel V. Cruz

Villar airs invite to 12th OFW-Family summit

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar called on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to register for the upcoming 12th OFW and Family Summit to be held November 10 at The Tent, Vista Global South, C5 Road, Las Piñas City.

Villar said the theme for this year’s summit is “Masaganang Kabuhayan Para sa OFWs and Families.”

“My family and many OFWs always look forward to this event because it has evolved into an occasion where OFWs and their families gather and interact with private and government institutions for concerns ranging from access to financial services, social benefits, legal assistance, among others,” Villar said.

“We hope to inculcate financial literacy among OFWs, which will equip them with the necessary tools to grow their money in their homeland,” also Villar, a known advocate of the rights and welfare of migrant workers.

During the one-day summit which starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., participants will be taught to wisely invest hard-earned money and to avoid falling victims to human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and investment scams.

NEWS

A6 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t vows to buy local materials

By Vince Lopez

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is looking forward to purchasing locally manufactured building materials that will be used for future infrastructure projects.

In a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Infrastructure Cluster, Mr. Marcos welcomed the council’s recommendation as he recognized the importance of giving preference and priority to locally manufactured building materials.

The Chief Executive said the proposal forwarded by PSAC, headed by businessman Sabin Aboitiz, is a step

toward the right direction as preference and priority in the procurement of government projects should be given to local products that meet the specified or desired quality.

Mr. Marcos ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to closely coordinate with the PSAC in coming up with the list of specific construction materials that can be used for govern-

ment infrastructure projects.

The President also ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the Government Procurement Policy Board, to complement the policy of giving preference to local materials through relevant guidelines, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

President Marcos stressed the need to specify which materials will be procured by the government to avoid any conflict in the future.

Members of the PSAC asked the government’s support to patronize the local industry as they emphasized that the Philippines have a lot of talents

and products that are world-class quality, “if not at par even better” from its neighboring countries.

Particularly, the PSAC assured Mr. Marcos that local manufacturing industries are producing cement, steel and other construction materials that conform with the Philippine national standard designed to withstand the country’s climate and other natural disasters.

“Our advocacy is really to promote our buy local, Filipino-made products for Filipinos … it’s just fair for our government to take the lead, sir, in also patronizing our own locally-made products,” Aboitiz said.

Rody leading poll for senators, publishers say FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is leading the race in a survey of potential senatorial candidates, the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) said.

The PAPI said it conducted the survey in select barangays nationwide from October 2 to October 8 involving 1,000 respondents, aged 18 to 50 years old The survey also showed former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in second place, followed by Sagip Party list representative Rodante D. Marcoleta in third.

Senator Imee Marcos landed the fourth spot, followed by Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong” Go in fifth; former senator Vicente Tito Sotto III in sixth; and former radio/TV personality and ACT-CIS Party list congressman Erwin Tulfo in seventh.

Next to Tulfo is Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla (8th), followed by Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa (9th), and Manuel “Lito” Lapid (10th).

The PAPI survey was for the Top 20 senatorial candidates.

ECOWASTE PROTEST. Members of the Ecowaste Coalition hold a protest rally at Plaza Sta Cruz in Manila calling for global ban on cosmetic products containing mercury. Norman Cruz

Luzon power rates increase in October

By Alena Mae S. Flores LUZON electricity spot market prices soared in the first half of October to as high as P7.58 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or an increase of P2.71 per kWh from the September rates due to higher demand and lower supply.

Average electricity prices, however, settled at P6.74 per kWh as of Oct. 28, 2023, subject to pricing corrections, but still P1.87 per kWh higher from the September rates.

Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) showed that available power supply declined from Oct. 1 to 15 to 12,150 megawatts (MW) from 13,307 MW the previous month.

IEMOP operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the trading floor of electricity.

“During the first half of October billing month, supply margin went down from 3,462MW to 2,307MW as a result of planned and forced outages,” IEMOP chief operating officer Robinson Descanzo said.

Descanzo said total outages reached as high as around 6,950MW which were caused by the planned and forced outages of major coal and natural gas plants in Luzon.

He said these incidents resulted to the clearing of high-priced plants (mostly oil-based plants). Demand also inched up to 9,638 MW from 9,377 MW last month.

IEMOP data showed that Visayas electricity prices also went up during the first two weeks of October to P8.49 per kWh from P6.36 per kWh in September despite an increase in available power supply.

Visayas power demand was slightly higher at 1,884 MW from 1,846 MW last month.

Meanwhile, Mindanao electricity prices declined to P4.96 per kWh from P5.71 per kWh in September due to higher available power supply.

WORLD

39 dead in Mexico after Acapulco hurricane Kazakhstan ACPULCO, Mexico—Acapulco was struggling Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to recover from the extraordinarily powerful Hurricane Otis, which claimed 39 lives and provoked widespread power, water and telephone outages.

The picturesque Mexican tourist haunt, which once lured Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley, had never experienced a Category 5 hurricane like Otis, which roared ashore Wednesday and made local landmarks built over decades look like they had been bombed.

A lack of phone signal has left survivors desperate to communicate with loved ones. Some 200,000 homes were damaged, with a number of restaurants and businesses in ruins.

“We must restart the reconstruction of Acapulco as soon as possible,” President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said.

As aid finally began to arrive after the storm’s devastating landfall -- initial estimates report $15 billion in damage -- the government on Saturday upped the death toll from the previous report of 27.

Secretary of Security Rosa Icela Rodriguez said in a video on social media that at least 10 people remain missing, up from four previously reported.

A security force of some 17,000 has been deployed across the area after reports that supermarkets had been looted, authorities said.

Additionally, the Mexican army and navy have established an air bridge “to accelerate the distribution of humanitarian aid,” a government statement said.

Thousands of liters of water and food

SURVIVORS DESPERATE.

Sri Lanka lets Chinese ship do research COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Sri Lanka has granted 48 hours for a Chinese vessel to conduct marine research off the island’s west coast under supervision, the foreign ministry said Sunday, despite Indian concerns that it could be a spy ship.

Ministry spokesman Kapila Fonseka said Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6, which has been in Colombo since Wednesday, would be allowed to carry out work for two days starting Monday.

Earlier, Sri Lanka allowed the vessel to enter the main port of Colombo only for “replenishments” over concerns raised by neighboring India that the craft could be used to spy against them.

New Delhi is suspicious of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed halfway along key east-west international shipping routes.

A spacecraft-tracking Chinese vessel last year raised security concerns from India, and Sri Lanka prohibited it from undertaking any research activities while in its waters.

Fonseka said local scientists will be onboard Shi Yan 6 during two days of research activities along the western seaboard of the island. AFP

supplies have been distributed in the resort city, home to 790,000 people.

The government said victims in need of specialized care were being flown to hospitals elsewhere in Mexico.

Despite the government efforts, many survivors around the area were still struggling to contact family and friends elsewhere in Mexico.

Andrea Fernandez, who is eight months pregnant, said she was distraught -- unable to let her husband in another state know that she is fine. AFP

Damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico during the weekend, exacting 39 dead after the extraordinarily powerful hurricane blasted the Mexican resort city, according to the government. AFP

mourns 36 miners killed

KARAGANDA, Kazakhstan—Kazakhstan was in nationwide mourning Sunday after 36 people died in a fire at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst such disaster in years which has prompted the nationalization of the company’s local affiliate.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations said at 10:00 am local time, “the bodies of 36 miners were found and 10 workers were still being sought.”

The chances of finding them alive are, however, “very low,” the rescuers warned the night before, due to the lack of ventilation in the mine and the force of Saturday’s explosion, which spread over two kilometers.

Kazakhstan’s President KassymJomart Tokayev traveled to the scene of the incident Saturday and ordered cooperation with ArcelorMittal be “brought to an end”.

Speaking to victims’ relatives at the Karaganda mine in the country’s center, Tokayev called ArcelorMittal “the worst enterprise in Kazakhstan’s history in terms of cooperation with the government.”

The Kazakh government and the steel giant announced a preliminary agreement to “transfer ownership of the (local) firm in favor of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov stated. AFP

Trump pledges to reimpose Muslim ‘travel ban’ at Jewish gathering LAS VEGAS, Nevada—Donald Trump used a speech to a Republican Jewish convention Saturday (Subday in Maila) to promise reimposition of a controversial travel ban that targeted a slew of mostly Muslim countries if he gets re-elected.

“We will keep radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country,” Trump told the audience attending the annual summit of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

“You remember the travel ban? On

day one I will restore our travel ban.”

At the start of his presidency in 2017, Trump imposed sweeping restrictions on the entry of travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and, initially, Iraq and Sudan. The order was quickly challenged in court as discriminatory against a religious group, but the bans, along with Trump’s hard-line anti-immigration agenda, were popular with his base.

President Joe Biden reversed the ban

in his first week in office in 2021.

Biden “was proud to overturn the vile, un-American Muslim ban enacted by his predecessor,” a White House spokesman said.

The former US leader was among several Republican hopefuls lining up at the gathering of influential Jewish donors to pledge unwavering support for Israel in its war against Hamas.

Trump told the event, held in Las Ve-

gas, in the southwestern state of Nevada, that he would “defend our friend and ally in the State of Israel like nobody has ever.”

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is “a fight between civilization and savagery, between decency and depravity, and between good and evil,” said Trump, who received the warmest response from attendees, as he took aim at the Biden administration and avoided criticizing his rivals. AFP

BUSINESS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

A7

Roderick T. dela Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BSP: 25 bps interest rate hike possible in November

By Julito G. Rada MONETARY authorities will likely opt for a 25-basis-point increase if another interest rate adjustment is warranted next month, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said over the weekend.

“If there is a hike, [it’s] more likely 25 [basis points] than 50, but [it] depends on the data…if there is a hike,” Remolona told reporters at the sidelines of an event late Friday afternoon at the BSP headquarters in Manila.

“The likely scenario is… I’m not sure 25 would be justified. There is a good chance we won’t hike. There is a good chance we will pause. There is a chance we might hike, but 50 [bps] is a bit of a stretch,” Remolona said.

Remolona also clarified that local monetary authorities decided to raise the policy rate by just 25 basis points to 6.5 percent on Thursday, instead of

the bigger 50 basis points because they were waiting for the latest data.

“We were not sure because there were incoming data. So we were a bit conscious about the data,” Remolona said.

He was referring to the October inflation data which would be released in the first week of November and the thirdquarter gross domestic product figures which would be announced before the next policy meeting on Nov. 16.

Remolona said last week that he was hoping the coming data would be nicer to monetary authorities, otherwise another rate hike might happen.

He also said that he was no longer expecting inflation to return to the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent this year.

“I think from March to July next year, inflation will be above 4 percent…That is what our model says. Beyond July [2024], it will be somewhere around 3 percent and stay there for the rest of 2024,” he said.

new proposal to the Marcos administration for MRT3 O&M. MPIC, through unit Light Rail Manila Corp., operates the LRT Line 1, while San Miguel is building the MRT Line 7.

San Miguel president Ramon Ang, however, is now a board director of MPIC after investing in the Manuel Pangilinan-led infrastructure firm on a personal capacity.

The DOTr earlier said that it was eyeing to privatize the O&M of MRT 3 and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 as a bundle by early 2025.

The build-lease-transfer (BLT) agreeTransportation Secretary Jaime Bautista ment between the government and private company Metro Rail Transit Corp.

Rival Metro Pacific Investments for MRT3 is set to lapse by 2025. The Corp., on the other hand, submitted a government operates the MRT3, while

the MRTC, owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, is responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.

Formed in 1995, MRTC started building MRT 3 in October 1996, completed it in December 1999 and started full operations in July 2020.

MRTC and the government through the former Department of Transportation and Communications signed the BLT agreement in 1997 to construct and maintain MRT 3.

MRTC financed the construction of the modern rail system stretching along EDSA’s 16.9-kilometer stretch from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City. The company infused P4.49 billion worth of equity into the project.

CEBU PACIFIC’S SUPPORT. Cebu Pacific signs a memorandum of understanding with United Filipino Global (UFG), a nongovernment organization that helps Filipino migrant workers, to collaborate on projects aimed at improving the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW). The MOU aims to provide free flights to select OFW beneficiaries and endorse potential scholarship grants to OFW children. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) Philippine National Police deputy chief administrator Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao, United Filipino Global president Gemma Sotto, Cebu Pacific chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration director Rosalia Catapang.

DOTr eyes bidding for MRT 3 operations

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is likely to auction off the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 after the government received unsolicited proposals from two conglomerates.

“Most probably our direction is solicited [bid] because there are two proposals. Normally, if there are more than one unsolicited proposal, we are studying to make it solicited instead of unsolicited,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

“We have engaged ADB [Asian Development Bank] to help us refine the

terms of reference,” The DOTr, under the Duterte administration, earlier granted San Miguel Corp. an original proponent status (OPS) to operate and maintain the MRT3 system. An OPS gives a company a competitive advantage during the Swiss Challenge for the project.

Real Steel taps TotalEnergies for solar system

Clark investors poured in $5.5b in first semester

By Alena Mae S. Flores REAL Steel Corp. (RSC) signed a partnership with Singapore-based TotalEnergies ENEOS over the weekend to install a 16.8 megawatt solar rooftop system at its cuttingedge manufacturing facility in San Simon, Pampanga.

RSC said in a statement the project aims to significantly reduce operational expenses and the carbon footprint of the nation’s first high-speed rolling mill.

“Real Steel Corp. is dedicated to spearheading sustainable practices within the steel industry. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines will be focused on infrastructure development and this will propel the steel demand,” RSC chief finance officer William Chen said.

“By implementing the largest rooftop solar PV system in the Philippines, we are accelerating the production of lower carbon, high-quality steel products for the Philippine market,” Chen said.

The solar rooftop project will generate 26,000 megawatt- hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually from the over 22,000 solar modules to be installed.

This will lead to a substantial cost savings for the RSC facility and a reduction in the company’s carbon emissions by about 12,800 tons of CO2 per year. The reduction is equivalent to planting 200,000 trees.

Under the agreement, and through a tailored business model, TotalEnergies ENEOS will install and maintain the PV system, while RSC will be the operator and owner of the asset from the commissioning.

TotalEnergies ENEOS proposed a business model that ensures a neutral cash flow for RSC for the first 10 years of engagement.

RSC will fully benefit from the asset for its entire lifespan of around 30 years.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with RSC in providing their facilities with renewable energy and to actively contribute to their long-term sustainability and growth objectives. We are dedicated to supporting RSC as a ‘green lane strategic investment’ in the Philippines Development Plan 2023-2028,” TotalEnergies ENEOS renewables distributed generation Asia director Elodie Renaud said.

By Othel V. Campos

ALL IN THE FAMILY. The father-daughter tandem of Nelson Antolin and Jamie Antolin of the law firm Ocampo, Manalo, Valdez and Lim (OMLAW) carves a niche for themselves in the legal world, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Jamie decided to join OMLAW 10 years ago because of the firm’s full-service practice. It offers its lawyers many opportunities to practice various branches of law. Her father, 76-year-old Nelson, better known as ‘NTA’ is a testament to the adage that age is just a number. His mind, sharper than individuals half his age, is a treasure trove of legal knowledge and experience Joining OMLAW earlier this year, he brought with him a wealth of expertise and a legacy that few can match. At the heart of OMLAW’s practice is a deep-seated commitment to their clients, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining strong client relationships, a philosophy that sets OMLAW apart in a competitive field.

Converge improves ESG risk score in Sustainalytics report FIBER broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. earned an upgraded Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk rating and is now classified as “low risk,” based on the recent assessment by ESG and corporate governance analytics firm Sustainalytics.

The company improved its overall ESG risk score to 19.6 or “low risk,” which reflects the reduced level of unmanaged risks it has, from its “medium-risk” rating of 23.4 last year and “high-risk” rating of 30.7 in 2021.

The lower score also indicates a lower likelihood of ESG issues adversely affecting the company’s economic value.

“Over the past year, we have strived to strengthen our policies and practices in our pursuit of sustainability. This upward ESG rating affirms our commitment to long-term value creation by managing potential risks related to our impacts on people, the planet, and prosperity,” said Converge chief strategy officer and chief sustainability officer Benjamin Azada.

Converge was classified as “strong” in terms of risk management, with a score of 54.0, which indicates how well it handles relevant ESG issues through robust programs, policies and practices.

Converge has a board risk oversight committee that looks after its ESG strategy development and implementation. It adopted a board diversity policy that ushers the selection of its board of directors without regard to gender, ethnicity, nationality or culture. This was exemplified by the appointment of former Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe as another female member of the Converge board.

The company also focused on driving responsible business practices across the organization by driving adherence to its Code of Business Ethics.

Concerning environmental risks, Converge shifted to 100-percent clean energy for its Pasig and Pampanga data centers, while relevant infrastructure investments are made to strengthen resilience to natural disasters and manage physical climate risks to its networks.

Converge makes relevant infrastructure investments to strengthen its network and manage physical climate risks. The company has embarked on end-to-end automation for its network operations through the Network Intelligence and Automation Platform (NIAP).

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) said over the weekend investments reached $5.5 billion in the first half of 2023 from varied industries including several electric vehicle (EV) and related projects.

CDC president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera said locators started expanding, with many renewing leases while others starting projects that were stalled when the pandemic hit.

“We have facilitated $5.5 billion in the first semester. Last year was really low, we were still in pandemic. Many companies are expanding and we are expecting more projects since we have the lowest power rate in all economic zones in the Philippines. That alone is a big come on,” Devanadera said in an interview at the sidelines of the recently concluded 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) at the Manila Hotel.

She said Royce Hotel and Casino added P1 billion in investments in the first half for expansion and improvement of amenities, bringing its total investments to P10 billion.

Royce is an all-Filipino venture in leisure and entertainment.

Devanadera said revenues were also in the upswing, posting 43 percent in incremental output from the same period in 2022. CDC is looking at doubling revenues by endDecember 2023.

She said the huge increment was unexpected as the corporation did not set any target for revenue generation.

Meanwhile, remittances to national government amounted to P1.2 billion as of May 2023. CDC aims to increase its remittance to P1.5 billion in 2024.

“We remit half of our net income to the national government, and the other half we reinvest in our infrastructures. We don’t get support for the national government,” Devanadera said.

The agency is hosting 1,113 business locators with employment of 136,836, according to August figures released by CDC.

ENVIRONMENT

A8 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

& SUSTAINABILITY

RAY S. EÑANO, Editor rayenano@yahoo.com • extrastory2000@gmail.com

DENR seeks responsible dumping of of e-waste

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources intensified efforts for the safe and responsible disposal of electronic waste and to raise awareness on their health and environmental impacts.

The DENR and its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) have teamed with public interest and advocacy network EcoWaste Coalition for an e-waste exchange initiative geared towards consumers.

The “Together WEEE Can!” initiative calls on consumers to tradein their e-waste for a concert ticket featuring some of the country’s leading performers like Kean Cipriano, Chrstn, 7th, Shortone and Kenaniah. The concert will be held on November 5 at the Marikina Sports Center.

The concert is set to bring together environmentally-conscious individuals, young activists, community leaders, and organizations for a collective celebration of eco-friendly practices.

Aside from live music from artists, there will be interactive workshops, and eco-friendly exhibits, aiming to educate and inspire attendees to incorporate responsible e-waste disposal into their daily lives.

“This campaign aims to tackle the detrimental effects of e-waste; enhance awareness regarding responsible e-waste management; and encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take proactive measures in reducing e-waste and ensuring its proper disposal,” said EMB director and DENR Assistant Secretary Gilbert Gonzales.

E-waste, also referred to as waste electrical and electronic equipment or WEEE, comprises discarded electronic products such as appliances, tools, toys, and telecommunication devices like laptops, broken mobile devices, old batteries, desktop computers and retired home appliances.

Small items like a mobile phone is equivalent to one concert ticket, medium-sized item like toasters, small TVs, and microwaves equates to two tickets, while large items such as refrigerators and washing machines are worth three tickets.

To qualify for the tickets, the e-waste traded in must be a whole item and not spare or loose parts. DENR News

Women sell dried fish at a market in Visakhapatnam, India. FAO

UN chief calls for sustainable food systems to deal with climate crisis T HE United Nations said the world is “going backwards on our goal of zero hunger by 2030,” with 735 million people going hungry last year and three billion unable to afford a healthy diet.

Addressing the UN-backed meeting of the Committee on World Food Security meeting in Rome last week, UN secretary-general António Guterres said the session was taking place “at a moment of crisis for global food security” and provided some sobering statistics.

“Last year, 735 million people went hungry.

More than 3 billion cannot afford a healthy diet,” said the UN chief in a video message, adding that “we are going backward on our goal of zero hunger by 2030.”

He stressed that hunger and malnutrition were not just problems but human rights violations

“on an epic scale,” painting a vivid picture of the dire consequences of the rolling crisis.

“When nutritious food is out of reach because of cost or geography; when bodies are eaten away by hunger; when parents watch helplessly as their children suffer and even die from a lack of food,” this is nothing less than “a human tragedy—a moral catastrophe—and a global outrage,” Guterres said.

He made it clear the world has the resources to address this crisis. “There is more than enough food to go around. And more than enough resources to ensure that every person on the planet has enough to eat.”

He emphasized the role of governments in ensuring access to nutritious food, saying that while they have a responsibility to provide it, many governments lack the resources to do so.

Guterres called for effective international solidarity to transform food systems for all people.

For that, explained the UN chief, massive investment, innovation, science, and technology

roundup

are essential –to build “sustainable food systems in harmony with nature and addressing the climate crisis.”

He commended the work of the CFS–which includes staff from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP)-stressing its importance in finding solutions.

“Your committee’s work is critical to this process. From reimagining agri-food systems, to boosting the collection and use of data, to ensuring that the needs of women and girls are at the heart of all that we do.”

Guterres implored the world to prioritize this fundamental human right: “Let’s give the fundamental human right to food the investment and urgent action it deserves.”

Established in 1974, the Committee on World Food Security was reformed in 2009 to become an inclusive international and intergovernmental platform tasked to ensure food security and nutrition for all. UN News

Climate change dangerous for albinos

Tons of dust harming air quality THE UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a new report last week that around 2,000 million tons of dust enter the atmosphere every year, “darkening skies and harming air quality in regions that can be thousands of kilometers away.”

WMO chief Petteri Taalas said this was partly due to poor water and land management. The phenomenon was also exacerbated by higher temperatures and drought brought on by a warming climate, leading to higher evaporation and drier soils.

WMO said that exposure to dust particles has been associated with heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Sand and dust storms also pose risks to aviation and ground transportation as well as agriculture.

According to WMO in 2022, hotspots with significantly higher Photo by WMO dust concentrations were identified in Central and South America, most of Central Africa, Spain, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in Iran, south Asia and northwest China.

Taalas stressed WMO’s commitment to help countries improve dust storm forecasting skills and early warning services. He said more are needed to be done in the face of continuing environmental degradation and fast-advancing climate change. UN News

AND staying with climate change, its impacts on skin cancer in people with albinism are both deadly and largely overlooked, a UN-appointed independent rights expert said last week.

Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the special rapporteur on albinism issues, said that in Africa alone, persons with albinism are up to 1,000 times more likely to develop skin cancer, with many dying by the age of 40.

She says she has camChinsisi paigned tireJafali, a lessly for 14-yearsunscreen old with to be made albinism freely availin able to perMalawi. sons with un.org albinism, as a “life-saving medical product that can prolong and improve the quality of life for many who don’t have the means to afford it.”

People with albinism also have visual impairment, the expert said, and as such are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters.

Miti-Drummond called for the inclusion of people with albinism in all fora related to climate change and disaster management, saying that for many of them, climate change is “a matter of life and death”. UN News

Tourism goes green: Malaysia serious on waste management Conclusion WASTE management has been a constant struggle even for larger and more developed islands, where approximately 60 percent of collected wastes are disposed of in non-sanitary landfills, 35 percent illegally burned and disposed, and 5 percent being dumped directly into the ocean. This situation persists despite the installation and use of mini-incinerators, which in recent years have come under scrutiny due to their below-par performance and questions on suitability.

Ocean action Another concern relates to coral reefs, which are vulnerable to the impacts of waste due to their proximity to the main sources of refuse and dumping.

Research has shown that the immediate impacts of micro-plastics and other marine waste on reef corals and associated biota include physical damage, smothering of the seabed, entanglement of plants and animals, and gut blockages if items are ingested.

With shallow coral reefs declining at unprecedented rates worldwide, and litter pollution escalating exponentially, it is critical to manage and curb the effect of anthropogenic litter on marine ecosystems.

Innovative solutions To jointly address the issues of tourism sustainability and island waste management, UNDP Malaysia launched the Integrated Island Waste Management in Malaysia project and subsequently the Sustainable Tourism Recovery project, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.

A worker (left) pushes a jetski onto a trolley at Teluk Bahang beach near George town on the Penang resort Island in Malaysia on March 9, 2023. AFP

The IIWM project is currently being implemented in two states: Terengganu and Johor. In the former, UNDP is collaborating with the Terengganu State Government on its two islands, Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. In Johor, UNDP is partnering

with a local NGO, Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) that specializes in biodiversity management.

The IIWM project works along two inter-related axes: firstly, pilot demonstrations of integrated waste management systems are being inaugurated

on vulnerable islands, serving as a model for other areas on Malaysia’s coasts; and secondly, project staff and partners actively educate local communities and service providers about responsible waste management and sustainable tourism practices.

Cleaner islands The IIWM project has found that plastics and food waste comprise a significant proportion of the waste generated on islands (70 percent); from resorts, food establishments and local communities.

A waste survey conducted under IIWM captured a more than 10-fold increase in waste collected during the holidays compared to pre-holiday waste collection, which highlights the importance of the private sector taking a larger and more proactive role in the waste management system on the islands.

To address development challenges, collective local action on waste management―underpinned by the public-private-CSO partnership―is a fundamental building block for progressive tourism development and co-designing beneficial local solutions for waste management on the islands.

There is a critical need to address island waste management to ensure improvements are introduced at all levels of the waste management process, from prevention and minimization to proper segregation, treatment, and disposal.

This in turn can lead to a significant reduction in pollution accreting in marine ecosystems, which provide the underlying ecosystem services for economic activities such as eco-tourism, fish farming, and community livelihoods. UN News

SPORTS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

B1

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Growling Tigresses stretch win run to 4

UST’s Awa Ly drives to the basket against a De La Salle defender in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament.

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas stretched its winning run to four games in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament after walloping De La Salle University in wire-to-wire fashion, 93-67, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses improved their record to 7-2 to tie the UP Fighting Maroons at second place. They have accrued an average winning margin of 16.75 in this streak.

Tacky Tacatac led all scorers with 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

“I’m very happy na nakuha namin yung panalo today,” said Tacatac, a 24-year-old guard out of Tigbauan, Iloilo who is in her fourth year. “Nu’ng huli medyo nag-relax lang kaya kailangan pa namin ‘yun i-improve. Kailangan talaga start strong then finish strong every single game.”

UST, which also blasted La Salle in their first round encounter, 91-57, last October 8, showed no mercy right from the get-go.

Kent Pastrana, Tacatac, Santos, and Tantoy Ferrer pounded the Lady Archers to earn a 50-29 cushion by the

Swimmer Gawilan sets sights on ‘24 Paris Paralympic Games

By Randy Caluag

A

FTER successfully defending his Asian Para swimming title in the 400-meter freestyle S7 title, Ernie Gawilan is now setting his sights on the Paris Paralympics set next year in France.

“‘Yan naman ang paghahandaan namin ni coach (Tony Ong),” said Gawilan after capping his stint in the Hangzhou Para Asiad with a 4th-place finish in the men’s 100m backstroke - S7 at the Hangzhou Sports Center’s Aquatics Arena on Thursday night.

The 32-year-old swimmer from Samal Island in Davao said they will focus on improving his time in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event, where he won the gold with a time of four minutes and 58.29.

His new time was a bit slower than his personal best of 4:51 clocking he achieved in Jakarta in 2018 when he won the gold in record-setting fashion.

“We will work harder to make it (time) better,” added Gawilan, who said his clocking is good from 5th to 8th in the qualifying system of the paraswimming that will have the world top 16 players in the 2024 Paris.

Gawilan, however, will have to wait for the formal announcement of the qualifiers in February next year when

all qualifying tournaments have already been completed.

Summing up his overall performance in his third Asian Para Games, Gawilan admitted that it’s better to focus his energy on middle-distance races, although he is still satisfied with the results.

“Ayos naman po. Kahit papano, na-depensahan ko pa din ‘yung isang event ko. ‘Yung dalawa nakuha nila pero ayos pa rin naman, nakalaban pa rin naman,” said Gawilan in summing up his performance highlighted by a gold and a bronze medal men’s 200m Individual medley.

“Maganda ang laban ko sa long distance, kung meron pa nga sanang mas mahaba pang race pero hanggang 400 meters lang kasi sa Para (Games),” he said.

Gawilan first saw action in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ernie Gawilan is joined by Philippine Sports Commissioner Walter Torres, during the awarding of his gold medal in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 of the swimming competition at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. (PSC Media Pool)

Araneta steps down as football president

By Peter Atencio BUSI NESSMAN-SPORTSMAN Mariano “Nonong” Araneta’s time as president of the Philippine Football Federation is up.

The 68-year-old Araneta is stepping down as president at the end of November when the PFF holds an election for its next chief and set of officers.

He is only allowed two four-year terms under the federation’s charter and a new set of leaders will take over when the polls are held on Nov. 25.

The current PFF chief has already served two terms after replacing Jose Mari Martinez, who was ousted in 2010.

Araneta was re-elected in 2019 in one of the most heated elections in

Mariano Araneta

PFF history.

Representing Iloilo in the PFF, Araneta beat Negros Occidental Football Association president Ricky Yanson Jr. during polls held in 2019 for his second term.

“I have to step down. Everything is there. The structure (in the PFF) is there. It’s just a matter of coming up with new ideas and implementing them,” said Araneta.

The PFF chief said this after informing Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino of the situation in the PFF. In contention for the next president of the PFF are DavaoSouth Regional FA president Henry Sabate, Stallions FC’s Filbert Alquiros and Bukidnon’s Johnny Gutierrez.

Changes in the leadership of the PFF have already taken place after Atty. Edwin Gastanes quit as its General Secretary last month due to family matters.

Organizer Mikhail “Coco” has already taken Gastanes’ place until elections are held.

While Araneta is set to step down, he will still remain as FIFA Council member until 2027. He will also keep his posts in the Asian Football Confederation and the ASEAN Football Federation.

halftime break.

The Growling Tigresses continued to compound the Lady Archers’ woes despite virtually putting the game to bed that early.

Tacatac, Pastrana, Nikki Villasin, Rocel Dionisio, Pastrana, Santos, and Rachelle Ambos worked together to bring UST’s lead to as much as 81-45 in the dying seconds of the third quarter.

Brigitte Santos followed Tacatac’s lead for UST with 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Ambos had a very efficient game as she produced 11 points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 10:29 on the floor.

Ferrer got 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists while Pastrana tallied double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Apple Maglupay seized 13 rebounds to go along with her five points.

“I think this is what we wanted,” said long-time Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong. “The scoring output for UST is distributed with the whole team. Our defense today was not consistent as I’d want but the important thing is we got the W today.”

Pinays face stern test in Taiwan golf WITH seven of the Top 10 in the LPGA of Taiwan rankings in the fold and a multi-titled Thai ace eager to shoot for a fourth leg victory, the 16-player strong Philippine crew brace for a tough challenge in the Party Golfers Ladies Open set to fire off Nov. 8 at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Guanxi Township in Taiwan.

Frontrunner Ya-Chun Chang, winner of the recent Da Da Digital Open, and PK Kongkraphan headline the crack international field in the NT$4 million championship marking the return of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour’s leading players to the TLPGA after a four-year absence due to pandemic.

But Pauline del Rosario, Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Harmie Constantino, Florence Bisera and amateur Mafy Singson will be in for an uphill battle in the 54-hole event given the depth of the field that includes the big guns from Thailand LPGA, which like the LPGT, also holds co-sanctioned tournaments with the TLPGA. Del Rosario, however, has previously won in the TLPGA, specifically in the TLPGA and Royal Open in 2017 when she mounted an impressive comeback from seven shots down in the final round and won by one.

Another thing going for the 25-year-old del Rosario is that she will be coming into the event brimming with confidence following a successful campaign in the LPGA Q-School Stage II that kept her in the hunt for a dream LPGA Tour card next year.

With three victories in the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized LPGT, Uy is also optimistic about her chances. She tied for fourth when the Filipinas last competed in the Party Golfers Ladies Open in 2019.

Avaricio is also coming into the event in good form following a series of stints in the Epson Tour and elsewhere while Constantino and Bisera are both ready to take up the challenge and Singson has demonstrated her ability to compete against the pros with a victory at Valley, where she also won in an amateur event recently, last June.

Buhain calls for cooperation in aquatics community THE Philippine aquatics community can now enjoy peace and harmony as the legality issues raised against the Philippine Aquatics, Inc., headed by its president Michael ‘Miko’ Vargas and Secretary General Eric Buhain have been resolved through its recognition from the World Aquatics and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

According to Buhain, who also serves as Congressman for the 1st District of Batangas, the process of achieving full compliance was very tedious, starting from the time the previous administration (Philippine Swimming, Inc.) was suspended, to the consequential decision of the International Swimming Federation and the POC. “On behalf of our president Michael “Miko” Vargas, I would like to thank the World Aquatics Bureau, headed by president Husain AL Musallam and Executive Director Brent Nowicki for the full recognition of Philippine

Aquatics Inc .as Regular member.,” said Buhain, an Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-ofFamer.

In a memorandum sent to Vargas, dated October 18, the World Aquatics Bureau confirmed the formal recognition of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. as a member of the World Aquatics.

“This decision has been taken by unanimous vote of the World Aquatics Bureau in accordance with Articles 5.3 and 5.4 of the World Aquatics Constitution,” said the memo, signed by WA Executive Director Brent J. Nowicki and copyfurnished to POC President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino.

The WA recognition of PAI was the vital piece of document used by the POC General Assembly during its meeting last October 27, in formally accepting the group of Vargas as the official swimming body in the country, replacing the suspended PSI. Buhain also expressed thanks to the Philippine

Olympic Committee General Assembly for unanimously voting to approve their recognition as the only NSA for Aquatics in the country.

“With this recognition, we can now honorably represent the Philippines in international competitions,” said Buhain.

With renewed leadership thrust, Buhain urged full cooperation and understanding of the whole aquatics community as the PAI will start a new system for tryouts to make pre-identified international and/or local competitions as National Team members.

The tryouts will serve as the selection process for members of the Philippine Team for the 46th SEA Age Group Aquatics Championship in Thailand, from August 15 to 18, 2024.

Interested swimmers whether based locally or internationally must participate in person during this tryout to be considered for pre-identified swimming competitions for 2024, according to Buhain.

PAI president Michael ‘Miko’ Vargas (left) and Secretary General Eric Buhain

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK Manila

Manila Manila Standard Standard Standard TODAY TODAY

SPORTS

TODAY

B2 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

Messi favorite to win an 8th Ballon d’Or P The prestigious award has been dominated over the last 15 years by Messi and his old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won it 12 times between them.

Only two other players have won the Ballon d’Or since Ronaldo claimed his first in 2008 -- Luka Modric won it in 2018 and Karim Benzema was crowned last year following a brilliant season with Real Madrid.

Messi is set to benefit from a recent change which means the award is now based on a player’s CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK record over the last season, rather than over the course of the calendar year.

Last season saw Messi lead Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored seven times and was named the tournament’s best player.

It was the crowning moment of his astonishing career, and is likely to mean Messi sees off the considerable competition elsewhere among the 30 nominees. AFP

ARIS— Lionel Messi is the favorite to win the eighth Ballon d’Or of his remarkable career when this year’s ceremony to crown the planet’s best footballer takes place in Paris on Monday, while Spain’s World Cup-winning star Aitana Bonmati is tipped to take the women’s prize.

Republic ofof the Philippines Republic the Philippines Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region National Capital Judicial Region National Capital Judicial Region Branch 278 Branch Branch278 278 Mandaluyong City Mandaluyong MandaluyongCity City 0961-6010335/0283559497 0961-6010335/0283559497 0961-6010335/0283559497 rtc1mdl278@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1mdl278@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1mdl278@judiciary.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, PHILIPPINE PHILIPPINESAVINGS SAVINGSBANK, BANK, Plaintiff, Plaintiff, Plaintiff, -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-21-01747-CV -versusCIVIL -versusCIVILCASE CASENO. NO.R-MND-21-01747-CV R-MND-21-01747-CV For: Recovery ofofPossession with For: For:Recovery Recovery ofPossession Possessionwith with Application for Preliminary Writ ofof Application Applicationfor forPreliminary PreliminaryWrit Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Replevin Replevinwith withAlternative AlternativePrayer Prayerfor for Sum of Money Sum SumofofMoney Money SPS. SHERYL D.D.CINTO, AND SPS. SPS.SHERYL SHERYL D.CINTO, CINTO,AND AND LUCAS Q. CINTO, AND JOHN DOE, LUCAS LUCASQ. Q.CINTO, CINTO,AND ANDJOHN JOHNDOE, DOE, Defendants.

Defendants.

Defendants. x-----------------------------------------------x x-----------------------------------------------x x-----------------------------------------------x

PRAYER PRAYER

ACCORDINGLY, it is respectfully prayed that: O G ACCORDINGLY, it is respectfully prayed that: 1. A writ of replevin be issued ordering the seizure of the mortgaged motor vehicle, complete with all m 1. A writ of replevin be issued ordering the seizure of themmortgagedmmotor vehicle, complete with all its equipment, attachments and accessories from the defendants and its delivery to the plaintiff for m m m the defendants and its delivery to the plaintiff for its equipment, attachments and accessories from purposes of foreclosure, to satisfy defendants’ obligation; purposes of foreclosure, to satisfy defendants’ obligation; 2. Judgement be rendered confirming and ratifying as legal and valid the seizure of the mortgaged m m 2. Judgement be rendered confirming and ratifying as legal and valid the seizure of themmortgaged motor vehicle and its delivery to plaintiff for purposes of extra judicial foreclosure, in accordance mmotor vehicle and its delivery to plaintiff for purposes of extra judicial foreclosure, in accordance with the provisions of the Chattel Mortgage; on the alternative cause of action, in the event that with the provisions of the ChattelMMortgage; on the alternative cause of action, in the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be recovered and delivered to plaintiff, to render judgement m m m the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be recovered and delivered to plaintiff, to render judgement in favor of plaintiff, ordering defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff total amount due and m in favor of plaintiff, ordering defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff total amount due and collectible amounting to NINE HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND EIGHTY SEVEN PESOS AND m O G O collectible amounting to NINE HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND EIGHTY SEVEN PESOS AND 04/100 (P990,087.04) inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive of accruing 04/100 (P990,087.04) inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive of accruing other charges and legal expenses under the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage from due m m due other charges and legal expenses under the Promissory Note with ChattelMMortgage from date until fully paid; date until fully paid; Other appropriate relief are likewise prayed for.

OOther appropriate relief are likewise prayed for.

Makati City for Mandaluyong City, 19 July 2021.

MMakati City forMMandaluyong City, 19 July 2021.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

WHEREAS, ininthe Order dated August 2023, the Court directed that WHEREAS, dated0909 2023, the directed WHEREAS, in the the Order Order 09 August August 2023, the Court Court directed that that summons upon defendant Lucasdated Q. Cinto be effected through publication; summons summonsupon upondefendant defendantLucas LucasQ. Q.Cinto Cintobe beeffected effectedthrough throughpublication; publication; WHEREAS, the publication ofof said summons was raffled toto “MANILA WHEREAS, the publication said summons was raffled “MANILA WHEREAS, the publication of said summons was raffled to “MANILA STANDARD,” a anewspaper ofofgeneral circulation ininthe Philippines, chosen byby STANDARD,” general circulation Philippines, chosen STANDARD,” anewspaper newspaper of general circulation inthe the Philippines, chosen raffle conducted on 1515August 2023 ininthe Office ofofthe Executive Judge of theby raffle on raffleconducted conducted onMandaluyong 15August August2023 2023 inthe theOffice Office ofthe the Executive ExecutiveJudge Judgeofofthe the Regional Trial Court, City; Regional RegionalTrial TrialCourt, Court,Mandaluyong MandaluyongCity; City; NOW THEREFORE, summons is effected bybypublication to defendants Lucas NOW NOWTHEREFORE, THEREFORE,summons summonsisiseffected effected bypublication publicationtotodefendants defendantsLucas Lucas Q.Q.Cinto.

Q.Cinto.

Cinto.

Defendant isisdirected to file his Answer totothe Complaint for Recovery ofof Defendant directed file his Complaint for Defendant isApplication directed toto for filePreliminary his Answer AnswerWrit to the the Complaintwith for Recovery Recovery of Possession with of Replevin Alternative Possession with Application for Preliminary Writ Replevin with Alternative Possession with Application forSIXTY Preliminary Writ ofof Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Sum ofofMoney within (60) DAYS from the date ofof the last Prayer for Sum Money within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date the Prayer for Sum of Money within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of the last last publication hereof, serving a copy of his Answer upon the plaintiff, through publication publication hereof, hereof, serving serving aa copy copy ofof his his Answer Answer upon upon the the plaintiff, plaintiff, through through counsel. counsel. counsel.

Failure totododososoasasaforesaid, the prayer ofofthe plaintiff bebegiven due Failure the plaintiffmay may due Failure to Court do so after as aforesaid, aforesaid, the prayer prayer of the the mayprayed be given given due course bybythe demand from the Court of plaintiff the reliefs for in course course by the the Court Court after after demand demand from from the the Court Court ofof the the reliefs reliefs prayed prayed for for inin the Complaint. the theComplaint.

Complaint.

Let this Summons and the Complaint be published at the expense of the Let Summons and be atat the expense the Let this this Summons and the the Complaint Complaint be published published the expenseinofof the plaintiff in “MANILA STANDARD,” a anewspaper ofofgeneral circulation plaintiff STANDARD,” circulation inthe the plaintiff inin “MANILA “MANILA STANDARD,” a newspaper newspaper of general general circulation Philippines, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, and letlet a acopy of in thethe Philippines, once for consecutive weeks, and copy Philippines, onceawith aweek week fortwo two(2) (2)so consecutive weeks, and letby aregistered copyofofthe the Summons together the Complaint with its annexes be sent Summons together with the Complaint so Summons together withlast theknown Complaint sowith withits itsannexes annexesbe besent sentby byregistered registered mail to defendants at his address. mail mailtotodefendants defendantsatathis hislast lastknown knownaddress. address.

SO ORDERED. SO SOORDERED. ORDERED. Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 22 August 2023.

Mandaluyong MandaluyongCity, City,Philippines, Philippines,22 22August August2023.

2023.

By: By:

(Sgd.) ATTY. RAFAEL ELOY A.A.BELLO (Sgd.) (Sgd.)ATTY. ATTY.RAFAEL RAFAELELOY ELOY A.BELLO BELLO Branch Clerk ofofCourt Branch BranchClerk Clerk ofCourt Court

Republic the Philippines Repub cofoof he pp nes Republic thePh Philippines REGIONAL REG ONALTRIAL TR ALCOURT COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Na onaCapital Cap aJudicial Jud c aRegion Reg on National Capital Judicial Region Branch BBranch anch278 278 278 Mandaluyong City Manda uyong CCity y Mandaluyong 0961-6010335/0283559497 0961 6010335 0283559497 0961-6010335/0283559497 rtc1mdl278@judiciary.gov.ph c1md 278@ ud c a y gov ph rtc1mdl278@judiciary.gov.ph

PHILIPPINE PH L PP NESAVINGS SAV NGSBANK, BANK PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff, PPlaintiff, -versusCIVIL NO. R-MND-21-01747-CV CCIVIL V LCASE CASE MND CV -versusCASENO NO.RR-MND-21-01747-CV For: Recovery of Possession with FFor: RRecovery ofPPossessionwwith Application for Preliminary Writ of AApplication for PPreliminary m W Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for RReplevin wwith AAlternative PPrayer for Sum Money SSum mof of MMoney SPS. SHERYL D. CINTO, AND SPS NTO AND SPS.SHERYL SHERYLDD.CCINTO, AND LUCAS Q. CINTO, JOHN LUCAS NTOAND AND OHNDOE, DOE LUCASQQ.CCINTO, AND JOHN DOE, Defendants.

DDefendants. x-----------------------------------------------x x-----------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION SUMMONS BY PUBL CAT ON SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

WHEREAS, in the Order dated 09 August 2023, the Court directed that WHEREAS WHEREAS, in the OOrder dated 09 AAugust 2023, the CCourt directed that summons defendant Sheryll D. Cinto be effected through publication; mm upon summons upon defendantSSheryllDD.CCinto be effected through publication; WHEREAS, the publication of said summons was to “MANILA WHEREAS mm wwasraffled MAN LA WHEREAS, the publication of said summons raffled to “MANILA STANDARD,” a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, chosen by STANDARD w STANDARD,” a newspaper of general circulation in thePPhilippines, chosen by raffle conducted on 15 August 2023 in the Office of the Executive Judge of the raffle conducted on 15AAugust 2023 in theOOffice of the EExecutive Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Mandaluyong City; RRegionalTTrialCCourt,MMandaluyongCCity; NOW THEREFORE, summons by publication to defendants Sheryl NOW mm is effected NOWTHEREFORE THEREFORE, summons is effected by publication to defendantsSSheryl D.DCinto.

D.CCinto.

Defendant is directed to file his Answer the Complaint for Recovery of DDefendant w to to m is directed to file his AAnswer the CComplaint for RRecovery of Possession with Application for Preliminary Writ of Replevin with Alternative PPossession wwith AApplication m W for PPreliminary Writ of RReplevin wwith AAlternative Prayer for Sum of Money within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of the last PPrayer for SSum m of MMoney wwithin SSIXTY XTY (60) DAYS m the date of the last DAYS from publication hereof, serving a copy of her Answer the plaintiff, through w upon publication hereof, serving a copy of her AAnswer upon the plaintiff, through counsel. counsel.

Failure to do so as aforesaid, the prayer of the plaintiff may be given due FFailure to do so as aforesaid, the prayer of the plaintiff mmay be given due course after demand Court of the reliefs prayed for in the Complaint. m from mthethe CCourt m course after demand from of the reliefs prayed for in theCComplaint.

Let this Summons and the Complaint be published at the expense of the mm m Let this SSummons and the CComplaint be published at the expense of the plaintiff in “MANILA STANDARD,” a newspaper of general circulation in the MAN LA STANDARD w plaintiff in “MANILA STANDARD,” a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, and let a copy of the PPhilippines, once awweek for w two (2) consecutivewweeks, and let a copy of the Summons together with the Complaint so with its annexes be sent by registered SSummons mm m togetherwwith theCComplaint sowwith its annexes be sent by registered mail to defendants at his last known address. mmail to defendants at his last known w address.

SO ORDERED. SO SOORDERED ORDERED. Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 22 August 2023.

MMandaluyongCCity,PPhilippines, 22 AAugust 2023. (ss gd.) ATTY. RAFAEL ELOY A. BELLO (sgd.)ATTY ATTY.RAFAEL RAFAELELOY ELOYAA.BELLO BELLO Branch Clerk of Court BBranch CClerk ofCCourt

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITALJUDICIAL REGION NATIONAL CAPITALJUDICIAL REGION NATIONAL CAPITALJUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL COURT REGIONALTRIAL TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY MANDALUYONG CITY MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH 278 BRANCH 278 BRANCH 278

PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, PHILIPPINE PHILIPPINESAVINGS SAVINGSBANK, BANK, Plaintiff Plaintiff Plaintiff - versus CIVIL CASE NO.R-MND-21-01747-CV - -versus CIVIL versus- CIVILCASE CASENO.R-MND-21-01747-CV NO.R-MND-21-01747-CV FOR: RECOVERY OF POSSESSION FOR: FOR:RECOVERY RECOVERYOF OFPOSSESSION POSSESSION WITH APPLICATION FOR WITH WITHAPPLICATION APPLICATIONFOR FOR PRELIMINARY WRIT OF REPLEVIN PRELIMINARY PRELIMINARYWRIT WRITOF OFREPLEVIN REPLEVIN WITH ALTERNATIVE PRAYER FOR WITH WITHALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVEPRAYER PRAYERFOR FOR SUM OF MONEY SUM SUMOF OFMONEY MONEY SPS. SHERYL D.D.CINTO AND SPS. SPS.SHERYL SHERYL D.CINTO CINTOAND AND LUCAS Q. CINTO AND JOHN DOE, LUCAS LUCASQ. Q.CINTO CINTO AND ANDJOHN JOHNDOE, DOE, Defendants; Defendants; Defendants; x ------------------------------------------------------- x xx------------------------------------------------------xx ------------------------------------------------------COMPLAINT COMPLAINT COMPLAINT Plaintiff, PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, by counsel, respectfully alleges that:

Plaintiff, Plaintiff,PHILIPPINE PHILIPPINESAVINGS SAVINGSBANK, BANK,by bycounsel, counsel,respectfully respectfullyalleges allegesthat: that: 1. Plaintiff Philippine Savings Bank (PSBANK for brevity), is a thrift banking corporation organized 1. Plaintiff Savings Bank (PSBANK for brevity), isisaathrift banking organized PlaintiffPhilippine Philippine Savings Bank (PSBANK brevity), thrift bankingcorporation organized and1.existing under Philippine Laws, with principal for office and place of business atcorporation 4TH Floor PSBank PSBank and existing under Philippine Laws, with principal office and place ofofbusiness at 44THTHFloor Floor and existing under Philippine Laws, with principal office and place business Center, #777 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sedeño St., Makati City with branch located atatCIFRA BldgPSBank 641 Center, #777 Paseo cor. Sedeño St., Makati City with branch located at CIFRA Bldg 641 Center, #777 Paseode deRoxas Roxas Boni Avenue Mandaluyong City; cor. Sedeño St., Makati City with branch located at CIFRA Bldg 641 Boni Avenue Mandaluyong City; Boni Avenue Mandaluyong City; 2. Defendant/s SPS. SHERYL D. CINTO AND LUCAS Q. CINTO, both Filipino, both of legal age, 2.2.Defendant/s SPS. SHERYL D. CINTO AND LUCAS Q. CINTO, both Filipino, both ofoflegal age, Defendant/s SPS. SHERYL D. CINTO AND LUCAS Q. CINTO, both Filipino, both legal age, with given address at: with withgiven givenaddress addressat: at: BLK208, LOT 12, PH7A, LAS VILLAS DE STO NINO, BAHAY PARE MEYCAUAYAN BULACAN BLK208, LOT 12, PH7A, LAS VILLAS DE STO NINO, BAHAY PARE MEYCAUAYAN BULACAN BLK208, LOT 12, PH7A, LAS VILLAS DE STO NINO, BAHAY PARE MEYCAUAYAN BULACAN 3020 01 3020 3020 302001 013020 3020 - where they may be served with summons and other judicial processes.

- -where wherethey theymay maybe beserved servedwith withsummons summonsand andother otherjudicial judicialprocesses. processes.

3. Defendant John Doe, whose real name and address is unknown to the plaintiff, is whoever 3.3.Defendant John Doe, real name and totothe isiswhoever Defendant Doe,whose whose name andaddress addressisisunknown unknown theplaintiff, plaintiff, whoever may be in actualJohn possession of thereal motor vehicle described below if it is not in the custody of may be beininactual actualpossession possessionofofthe themotor motorvehicle vehicledescribed describedbelow belowififititisisnot notininthe thecustody custodyofof themay defendants; the thedefendants; defendants; 4. For value received, the defendants jointly and severally executed and delivered to FREEWAY 4.4.For the jointly severally executed and totoFREEWAY Forvalue valuereceived, received, thedefendants defendants jointlyand and anddelivered delivered FREEWAY MOTOR SALES OF BALIUAG CORP. (Dealer, for severally brevity) aexecuted Promissory Note attached hereto MOTOR SALES OF BALIUAG (Dealer, for brevity) a Promissory Note hereto SALES OFNOVEMBER BALIUAGCORP. CORP. (Dealer, Promissory Noteattached attachedin hereto as MOTOR ANNEX “A” dated 29, 2017 with a for facebrevity) amounta of P1,132,000.00 payable 60 as “A” NOVEMBER 29, with amount P1,132,000.00 payable inin60 asANNEX ANNEX “A”dated dated NOVEMBER 29,2017 2017beginning withaaface face amountofof payable 60 months at a monthly installment of P27,982.00 JANUARY 2, P1,132,000.00 2018 and on the 2ND day months atataamonthly installment ofofP27,982.00 beginning JANUARY 2,2,2018 and on the 2ND day months monthly installment P27,982.00 beginning JANUARY 2018 and on the of every succeeding month thereafter, with late payment penalty of 5% per month from due2ND dateday ofofevery succeeding month thereafter, with every succeeding withlate latepayment paymentpenalty penaltyofof5% 5%per permonth monthfrom fromdue duedate date until the entire obligationmonth is fullythereafter, paid. until untilthe theentire entireobligation obligationisisfully fullypaid. paid.

5. To secure the payment of the Promissory Note, the defendants also executed in favor of the 5.5.To the payment ofofthe Promissory Note, the defendants also executed ininfavor ofofthe Tosecure payment the Promissory29, Note, defendants executed favor the Dealer, asecure Chattelthe Mortgage dated NOVEMBER 2017the over the motoralso vehicle described below: Dealer, Dealer,aaChattel ChattelMortgage Mortgagedated datedNOVEMBER NOVEMBER29, 29,2017 2017over overthe themotor motorvehicle vehicledescribed describedbelow: below: MAKE/TYPE: 2017 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT MAKE/TYPE: 2017 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT MAKE/TYPE: 2017 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT MOTOR NO.: 4N15UBP9197 MOTOR NO.: 4N15UBP9197 MOTOR 4N15UBP9197 SERIAL NO.NO.: : MMBGJKR10HH022668 SERIAL SERIALNO. NO.: :MMBGJKR10HH022668 MMBGJKR10HH022668 NO: NO: NO: - together with the body built or that may be built thereon and all the equipment, attachments and - -together body built ororthat may be built thereon and all equipment, attachments and togetherwith withthe the body that may built andadded allthe theto equipment, accessories which may nowbuilt or from time to be time be thereon used with, or attachedattachments to the motorand accessories which may from time be with, added totoororattached to the motor accessories maynow noworor timetototime time beused used with, vehicle, coveredwhich by a Certificate of from Registration attached hereto as added Annex “B”. attached to the motor vehicle, vehicle,covered coveredby byaaCertificate CertificateofofRegistration Registrationattached attachedhereto heretoas asAnnex Annex“B”.

“B”.

6. On NOVEMBER 29, 2017 the Dealer assigned to the plaintiff all its rights, title and interest over 6. On 29, Dealer to the all title interest OnNOVEMBER NOVEMBER 29,2017 2017the the Dealerassigned assigned theplaintiff plaintiff allits itsrights, rights, titleand and interestover over the6.Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage through atoDeed of Assignment indicated in paragraph the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage through aaDeed ofofAssignment indicated in paragraph Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage through Deed Assignment 17 the of the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage marked as ANNEX “A-1”. indicated in paragraph 17 17ofofthe thePromissory PromissoryNote Notewith withChattel ChattelMortgage Mortgagemarked markedas asANNEX ANNEX“A-1”.

“A-1”.

7. In the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage, it is stipulated among others that the default in 7. InInthe Note Mortgage, ititisisstipulated among others the in thePromissory Promissory Notewith withChattel Chattel Mortgage, stipulated othersthat that thedefault default the7.payment of any installment/other stipulated charges due and/oramong the violation of other terms in the payment installment/other stipulated charges due and/or the terms paymentof ofany any installment/other stipulated charges due and/or theviolation violationofofother other terms andthe conditions shall make the unpaid balance and the time of such default, immediately due and and shall make the balance and ofofsuch default, due and andconditions conditions make theunpaid unpaid balancepossession andthe thetime time such default,immediately immediately payable and shall shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain of the mortgaged motor vehicledue fromand payable and shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the mortgaged motor vehicle from and who shall are entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the vehicle of from thepayable defendants bound, on demand, to deliver the same to mortgaged the plaintiff motor for purposes the who are bound, demand, totodeliver the same totothe plaintiff for of thedefendants defendants whomay areforeclose bound,on on demand, deliver sameat theplace plaintiff forpurposes foreclosure, and who such mortgaged motorthe vehicle any where itpurposes may be of foreclosure, and who may foreclose such mortgaged motor vehicle foreclosure, and may such mortgaged motor vehicleat atany anyplace placewhere whereititmay maybe be found or situated or who where theforeclose plaintiff may have its principal or branch office; found foundororsituated situatedororwhere wherethe theplaintiff plaintiffmay mayhave haveits itsprincipal principalororbranch branchoffice; office; 8. Defendants violated the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage 8.8.Defendants violated the and ofofthe Promissory Note Mortgage Defendants theterms terms andconditions conditions the Promissory Noteand andChattel Chattel Mortgage when they failed toviolated pay at least two monthly installments falling due on DECEMBER 2, 2020 and when failed atatleast monthly installments falling due on DECEMBER 2, 2020 and whenthey theyinstallments failedtotopay pay leasttwo two monthly installments subsequent plus other stipulated charges if any; falling due on DECEMBER 2, 2020 and subsequent subsequentinstallments installmentsplus plusother otherstipulated stipulatedcharges chargesififany; any; 9. Notwithstanding, the waiver of the defendant/s in the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage to 9.9.Notwithstanding, the of the defendant/s in the Note with Mortgage toto Notwithstanding, thewaiver waiver thePromissory Promissory Note withChattel Chattel receive a demand before the filingofofthe thedefendant/s complaint, in plaintiff still sent oral and/or written Mortgage demands receive aademand the of the plaintiff still sent oral and/or demands receive demandbefore before thefiling filing thecomplaint, complaint, sentfor oral and/orwritten written demands upon the defendant/s to surrender the of subject mortgagedplaintiff motor still vehicle purposes of foreclosure upon the defendant/s totosurrender the subject mortgaged motor of foreclosure defendant/sobligation, surrender thepay subject motorvehicle vehiclefor forpurposes purposes foreclosure to upon satisfythe defendant’s or to theirmortgaged loan obligation.

However, despite theofsaid oral totosatisfy defendant’s obligation, or to pay their loan obligation.

However, despite the said oral obligation, or to pay they their still loanfailed obligation.

However, and/orsatisfy writtendefendant’s demands upon the defendant/s, and continued to despite refuse tothe paysaid theiroral and/or written demands upon the they still continued totorefuse totopay and/or writtenA demands upon thedefendant/s, defendant/s, theyFEBRUARY stillfailed failedand and refuse paytheir their loan obligation. copy of the Demand Letter dated 03,continued 2021 is hereto attached as loan A copy the Demand Letter dated FEBRUARY 03, 2021 isishereto attached as loanobligation. obligation. copyofof theand Demand Letter FEBRUARY hereto attached ANNEX “C”. Total A amount due collectible as dated of JULY 12, 2021 is03, at 2021 P990,087.04 inclusive of as ANNEX “C”. amount as ofofJULY 12, isisatatP990,087.04 inclusive of ANNEXinterest, “C”.Total Total amountdue dueand andcollectible collectibleof asaccruing JULYother 12,2021 2021 P990,087.04 inclusive penalties: attorney’s fees and exclusive charges and legal expenses, as of penalties: interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive ofofaccruing other charges and legal expenses, as penalties: interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive accruing other charges and legal expenses, as per Statement of Account dated JULY 12, 2021 attached hereto as ANNEX “D”. per Statement of Account dated JULY 12, 2021 attached hereto as ANNEX “D”. per Statement of Account dated JULY 12, 2021 attached hereto as ANNEX “D”.

10. The Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage further stipulate that any legal action arising 10.

The Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage further stipulate that any legal action arising 10.

The Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage further stipulate that any legal action arising therefrom, may be instituted at plaintiff’s option, in the court of competent jurisdiction in Metro Manila therefrom, may instituted atatplaintiff’s option, ininthe court ofofcompetent jurisdiction in Metro Manila therefrom, maybe be plaintiff’s option, the competent or in any province, cityinstituted or municipality where plaintiff hascourt a branch office; jurisdiction in Metro Manila ororininany anyprovince, province,city cityorormunicipality municipalitywhere whereplaintiff plaintiffhas hasaabranch branchoffice; office; 11. Pursuant to Sec. 2 Rule 60 of the Revised Rules of Court and in support of plaintiff’s application 11.

Pursuant totoSec. 22Rule 60 ofofthe Revised Rules ofofCourt and ininsupport ofofplaintiff’s 11.

Pursuant Sec. Rule 60 the Revised Rules Court and support plaintiff’sapplication application for a preliminary writ of replevin attached is plaintiff’s Affidavit of Merit; for foraapreliminary preliminarywrit writofofreplevin replevinattached attachedisisplaintiff’s plaintiff’sAffidavit AffidavitofofMerit; Merit; 12. Plaintiff is willing to file a good, sufficient and solvent bond executed to the defendants in an 12.

Plaintiff isiswilling totofile aagood, sufficient and solvent bond executed totothe defendants ininan 12.

Plaintiff willing file good, sufficient and solvent bond executed the defendants an amount double the actual market value of P495,250.00 of the mortgaged motor vehicle to warrant amount double the value ofofP495,250.00 of the mortgaged motor vehicle theactual actualifmarket market value P495,250.00 thepayment mortgaged motor vehicletoof towarrant warrant its amount return todouble the defendants its return be adjudged and forofthe to the defendants such its totothe defendants ififits return itsreturn return the defendants its returnbe beadjudged adjudgedand andfor forthe thepayment paymenttotothe thedefendants defendantsofofsuch such sums as it may recover from the plaintiff: sums sumsas asititmay mayrecover recoverfrom fromthe theplaintiff: plaintiff: ALTERNATIVE CAUSE OF ACTION ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVECAUSE CAUSEOF OFACTION ACTION 13. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference, the preceding paragraphs; 13.

13.Plaintiff Plaintiffincorporates incorporatesherein hereinby byreference, reference,the thepreceding precedingparagraphs; paragraphs; 14. In the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be found, seized and foreclosed, that 14. InInthe that the motor vehicle cannot be seized and that theevent event themortgaged mortgaged motor cannot befound, found, seized andforeclosed, foreclosed, the14. defendants, theirthat successors, assigns and vehicle such other persons as may be required by law, bethat the defendants, their successors, assigns and such other persons as may by the defendants, their successors, assigns and such other persons maybe berequired required bylaw, law,be be held liable, jointly and severally to pay total amount due and collectibleasamounting to P990,087.04 held jointly severally totopay amount due collectible amounting totoP990,087.04 heldliable, liable, jointlyand and severally paytotal total dueand and amounting P990,087.04 inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees amount and exclusive ofcollectible accruing other charges and legal inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive of accruing other charges and legal inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive accruing other expenses under the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage fromof due date until fullycharges paid. and legal expenses expensesunder underthe thePromissory PromissoryNote Notewith withChattel ChattelMortgage Mortgagefrom fromdue duedate dateuntil untilfully fullypaid. paid.

WITNESSES AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE WITNESSES AND DOCUMENTARY WITNESSES DOCUMENTARYEVIDENCE EVIDENCE TOAND BE PRESENTED TO TOBE BEPRESENTED PRESENTED 15. Plaintiff will present ENRIQUE A. DE ROJAS, or in case of his unavailability, LE ANNE FAY 15.

15.Plaintiff Plaintiffwill willpresent presentENRIQUE ENRIQUEA.A.DE DEROJAS, ROJAS,ororinincase caseofofhis hisunavailability, unavailability,LE LEANNE ANNEFAY FAY A. FLORES; A.A.FLORES; FLORES; 16. The said witnesses will testify on the following: 16.

16.The Thesaid saidwitnesses witnesseswill willtestify testifyon onthe thefollowing: following: 16.1 That defendants obtained a loan from plaintiff to finance the purchase of the motor vehicle 16.1 defendants obtained 16.1That That obtainedaaloan loanfrom fromplaintiff plaintifftotofinance financethe thepurchase purchaseofofthe themotor motorvehicle vehicle subject of thedefendants case. subject subjectofofthe thecase. case.

16.2 That defendants executed a chattel mortgage over the subject motor vehicle in favor of 16.2 defendants executed aachattel 16.2That That defendants chattelmortgage mortgageover overthe thesubject subjectmotor motorvehicle vehicleininfavor favorofof plaintiff as security for theexecuted loan. plaintiff plaintiffas assecurity securityfor forthe theloan. loan.

16.3 That defendants defaulted in the payment of their/his/her loan obligation and the latter has 16.3 That defaulted ininthe of their/his/her loan obligation and the latter Thatdefendants defendants defaulted thepayment payment their/his/her andas the latterhas has an 16.3 outstanding balance payble to plaintiff coveringofthe principal ofloan theobligation loan as well accruing an balance payble totoplaintiff covering the ofofthe loan as as anoutstanding outstanding plaintiff covering theprincipal principalNote the loan aswell well asaccruing accruing interest, penalties balance and otherpayble charges pursuant to the Promissory with Chattel Mortgage. interest, interest,penalties penaltiesand andother othercharges chargespursuant pursuanttotothe thePromissory PromissoryNote Notewith withChattel ChattelMortgage.

Mortgage.

16.4 That by reason of defendants default, plaintiff has become entitled to the possession of 16.4 That by of defendants default, plaintiff has become to the of Thatmotor byreason reason defendants default, hasdetained becomeentitled entitled thepossession possession the16.4 subject vehicleofbut defendants have plaintiff wrongfully the sametowhen they failed of the motor vehicle but defendants have detained the when failed thesubject subject vehicle defendants havewrongfully wrongfully detained thesame same whenthey they failed and/or refusedmotor to deliver it tobut plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure, despite oral and/or written and/or to deliver itittotoplaintiff for purposes ofofforeclosure, and/orrefused refused plaintiff purposes foreclosure,despite despiteoral oraland/or and/orwritten written demands, contrarytotodeliver the provisions of thefor chattel mortgage. demands, demands,contrary contrarytotot the provisions of the chattelmmortgage.

16.5 In the alternative, in the the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be recovered mmortgagedmmotor vehicle cannot be recovered In the to alternative, in the the event that the and16.5 delivered plaintiff, defendants are liable to jointly and severally pay plaintiff the principal and delivered to plus plaintiff, defendants are liable to jointly and severally plaintiff the principal amount of the loan all accruing interest, penalties and other charges pay under the Promissory m m amount of the loan plus allfrom accruing interest, Note with Chattel Mortgage due date until penalties fully paid.and other charges under the Promissory m due date until fully paid.

Note with ChattelMMortgage from 17. The said witness will also testify on and identify the documentary evidence to be presented by m 17.

The said witness will also testify on and identify the documentary evidence to be presented plaintiff consisting of the documents namely: Promssory Note with Chattel Mortgage, Certificate of by m m m MMortgage, Certificate of plaintiff consisting the documents namely: Promssory Note with Chattel Registration, DemandofLetter and Statement of Account attached hereto as ANNEXES “A” to “D” m m Demand Letter and Statement of Account attached hereto as ANNEXES “A” to “D” andRegistration, sub-markings, respectively. m and sub-markings, respectively.

18. Also attached hereto as ANNEX “E” is the Judicial Affidavit of the said witness.

18. Also attached hereto as ANNEX “E” is the Judicial Affidavit of the said witness.

19. Plaintiff reserves the presentation of such other witnesses and documentary and/or object m 19. Plaintiff thebecome presentation of such other witnesses and documentary and/or evidence shouldreserves the same necessary based on meritorious grounds in the course of object the m become m necessary based onmmeritorious grounds in the course of the evidence should the same trial. trial.

SERVICE OF SUMMONS OUTSIDE O MMO O SERVICE OF SUMMONS OUTSIDECOURT THE JUDICIAL REGION OF THE HONORABLE G O OOF THE HONORABLE O O O THE JUDICIAL REGION COURT 20. The given address of defendants is outside the judicial region of the Honorable Court. Hence, 20. The given address defendants is outside the judicial of be theauthorized Honorable to Court. plaintiff is attaching heretoofas Annex “F” an ex-parte motionregion for it to serveHence, the m plaintiff upon is attaching heretopursuant as Annex “F” an ex-parte for it 14 to of bethe authorized serve summons defendant/s to Sections 2 and 3 motion of the Rule Rules ofto Court asthe mm summons uponNo. defendant/s pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 of the Rule 14 of the Rules of Court as amended

by A.M. 19-10-20-SC. m M No. 19-10-20-SC. amended

by A.M. 21. The Special Power of Attorney and Secretary’s Certification naming the representative of plaintiff m 21.

Power of Attorney and Secretary’s Certification naming the representative of plaintiff who isThe dulySpecial authorized to serve the summons is attached as Annex “G” and “H”. mm G and “H”. who is duly authorized to serve the summons is attached as Annex “G” 22. The Special Power of Attorney authorizing counsels to represent the plaintiff is hereto attached The “I”.

Special Power of Attorney authorizing counsels to represent the plaintiff is hereto attached as 22.

Annex as Annex “I”.

Bacoor, Batangas trip rivals in semifinal-round openers

FAINA E. PILAR-CHUANICO O FAINA E. PILAR-CHUANICO Roll of Attorneys No. 42989 of Attorneys No. 42989 IBP LifetimeRoll Member No. 07082, Ilocos Norte m MMember m IBPNo. Lifetime No. 07082, Ilocos Norte PTR 8531130; 01/04/2021; Makati City MMakati City PTR No. 8531130; MCLE Compliance No.01/04/2021; VI-0002049/1-4-2020 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI-0002049/1-4-2020 Email add: FPChuanico@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add: FPChuanico@psbank.com.ph DANILO S. SALGADO O S. SALGADO G O DANILO Roll of Attorneys No. 38262 Roll of Attorneys No. 38262 IBP Lifetime Member No. 03789, Pasig City m MMember m No. 03789, PasigCity City PTR IBP OR Lifetime No. 8531201; 01/04/2021; Makati OOR No. 8531201; 01/04/2021;MMakati City MCLE PTR Compliance No. VI-0003256 issued on 10/09/17 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI-0003256 issued on 10/09/17 Email add: DSSalgado@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add: DSSalgado@psbank.com.ph NOLI A. CABRERA O A. CABRERA Roll of NOLI Attorneys No. 51998 of Attorneys No. Batangas 51998 IBP Life Roll Member No. 07324, M m No. 07324, Batangas PTR OR IBP No. Life MKTMember 8597511, Makati City, 2/10/2021 OOR No.MMKT 8597511,MMakati City, 2/10/2021 PTR MCLE Compliance No. VI issued on 6/13/19 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI issued on 6/13/19 Email add: NACabrera@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add: NACabrera@psbank.com.ph MAICA MARIS D. MARANAN MMAICAMMARIS D.MMARANAN Roll of Attorneys No. 66074 Roll of Attorneys No. 66074 IBP OR No. 122233; 01-04-2021; Laguna Chapter IBPO ORMKT8535060; No. 122233; 01-04-2021; PTR No. 01-05-2021;Laguna Makati Chapter City M No.MMKT8535060; 01-05-2021; City MCLE PTR Compliance No. VI - 0002939; issuedMakati on 8/08/17 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI - 0002939; issued on 8/08/17 Email add: MDMaranan@psbank.com.ph m M @ m Email add:MMDMaranan@psbank.com.ph MOUJECK STEVE O. CABALES MO O CABALES MOUJECK STEVE Roll of Attorneys No.O.69661 Roll of Attorneys No. 69661 IBP No. 144489 / 6 January 2021/PPLM M IBP 6111568/4 No. 144489 / 6 January PTR OR No. January 2021/2021/PPLM Las Piñas City PTROOR No. 6111568/4 January 2021/ Las Piñas MCLE Compliance No. VI-0003285/ 26 May 2021 City MMCLE Compliance m MMay 2021 No. VI-0003285/ 26 Email add: MOCabales@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add:MO MOCabales@psbank.com.ph JON VINCENT B. DIAZ DE RIVERA O VINCENT B. DIAZ DE RIVERA JON Roll of Attorneys No. 69740 Roll of Attorneys No. 69740 IBP Lifetime Member No. 016871 m MMember m IBP Lifetime No. 016871 PTR No. 8533476/01-05-2021/Makati City M PTR No. No. 8533476/01-05-2021/Makati City MCLE Compliance VI-0021190 issued on 03/14/2019 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI-0021190 issued on 03/14/2019 Email add: JBDiazderivera@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add: JBDiazderivera@psbank.com.ph STEFAN ELLISE A. BERNARDO O STEFAN ELLISENo. A. BERNARDO Roll of Attorneys 69523 Roll of Attorneys No. 69523 IBP O.R. No. 122157; PPLM Chapter; 01/04/2021 O M Chapter; 01/04/2021 No. 122157; PPLM PTRIBP ORO.R. No. MKT-8530480; Makati City, 01/04/2021 OOR No.MMKT-8530480;MMakati City, 01/04/2021 PTR MCLE Compliance No. VI-0017041; 12/28/18 MMCLE Compliance m No. VI-0017041; 12/28/18 Email add: SABernardo@psbank.com.ph m @ m Email add: SABernardo@psbank.com.ph AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT TO SUPPORT APPLICATION OOFMMERIT TO O SUPPORT O O AFFIDAVIT APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF REPLEVIN AND CERTIFICATION O WWRITOOF REPLEVIN AND CERTIFICATION O FOR OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING OOF NON-FORUM O O M SHOPPING O G

PSBank Centre, I, JOAN F. TAGNIPEZ, of legal age, Filipino and with postal address at 4th Floor, O G Floor,inPSBank Centre, JOAN F. TAGNIPEZ, of legalSedeño age, Filipino and with at 4thsworn 777I, Paseo de Roxas St., corner St., Makati City,postal after address having been accordance 777 Paseo dedepose Roxas and St., state cornerthat: Sedeño St.,MMakati City, after having been sworn in accordance with law, hereby with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the duly authorized representative of plaintiff pursuant to the Secretary’s Certification m the duly authorized representative of plaintiff pursuant to the Secretary’s Certification 1. I am attached as ANNEX “H”. attached as ANNEX “H”.

2. I cause the preparation of the complaint and read its contents; and all allegations therein are m 2.

I cause the based preparation of personal the complaint and read contents; and all allegations therein true and correct on my knowledge anditsauthenticated record/documents in theare m true and of correct based onmmy compliant personal knowledge record/documents in the possession PSBank; the instant is not being and filed authenticated to harass, cause unnecessary delay, m PSBank; instant compliant is not filedallegations to harass, cause delay, or possession needlessly of increase thethecost of litigation; and thebeing factual thereinunnecessary have evidently or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and the opportunity factual allegations therein have evidently support or will have evidentiary support after a reasonable for discovery. support or will have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery.

3. I further certify plaintiff has not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same mm m 3. Iinfurther certify plaintiff has notthat commenced other action orno proceeding involving the same issue another tribunal or agency; to the bestany of my knowledge, such action or proceeding m knowledge, no such action or proceeding issue in in another tribunalCourt, or agency; that of toAppeals, the best of is pending the Supreme the Court themy Regional Trial Court, or any other tribunal m is pending the Supreme the Court Appeals, theaction Regional Trial Court, has or any other tribunal or agency andinthat if I shouldCourt, thereafter learnofthat a similar or proceeding been filed or m or agency and that if I shouldCourt, thereafter learn of that a similar action or proceeding filed or is pending before the Supreme the Court Appeals, the Regional Trial Courthas or been any other m Court, the Court of Appeals, the Regional Trial Court or any other is pending beforeI undertake the Supreme tribunal or agency. to promptly inform the Honorable Court of that fact within five (5) m m tribunal or agency.

I undertake days from my knowledge thereof. to promptly inform the Honorable Court of that fact within five (5) m m days from my knowledge thereof.

4. Philippine Savings Bank is the mortgagee/assignee under a Chattel Mortgage dated on M 4. Philippine Bank is vehicle the mmortgagee/assignee NOVEMBER 29, Savings 2017 of the motor described below: under a Chattel Mortgage dated on O M NOVEMBER 29, 2017 of themmotor vehicle described below: MAKE/TYPE: 2017 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT MMAKE/TYPE: 2017MMITSUBISHIMO O SPORT O MONTERO MOTOR NO.: 4N15UBP9197 MO O NO.: O 4N15UBP9197 MOTOR SERIAL NO. : MMBGJKR10HH022668 O :MM G SERIAL NO. MMBGJKR10HH022668 NO: O NO: - with all its equipment, attachments and accessories which defendants mortgaged to secure the m m - with all equipment, attachments and accessories whichNOVEMBER defendantsmmortgaged to secure payment of its a Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage dated 29, 2017 with a facethe m m M O M payment of a Promissory Note in with dated NOVEMBER 29, 2017beginning with a face amount of P1,132,000.00 payable 60 Chattel months Mortgage at a monthly installment of P27,982.00 m mmonths at ammonthly installment m amount of in 60 P27,982.00 beginning JANUARY 2, P1,132,000.00 2018 and on thepayable 2ND day of every succeeding month thereafterofuntil fuIIy paid; m JANUARY 2, 2018 and on the 2ND day of every succeeding month thereafter until fuIIy paid; 5. The estimated market value of the mortgaged motor vehicle is approximately P495,250.00. m mmarket value of themmortgagedmmotor vehicle is approximately m 5. The estimated P495,250.00.

Moreover, upon the lapse of one year, the determination of the Estimated Market Value of the MMoreover, upon the lapse of one year, the determination m m MMarket Value of the theProcedure Estimated mortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond is based on the Policyofand Guideline of the mmortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond is based on the Policy and ProcedureGGuideline of the bank which states that: bankwwhich states that: “1.8.4 Determination of Estimated Market Value of the mortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond. m m MMarket Value of themmortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond.

“1.8.4 Determination of Estimated a. The estimated value of the mortgaged unit shall depend on the year model and the appraised m a. per TheCAMS/ILS estimated value of themmortgaged unit shall depend on the yearmmodel and the appraised value M value per CAMS/ILS b. At the time of the filing of the case, the estimated value of the unit is computed for the first year m of the filing of the case, the estimated m m b. Atofthe value of the unit is computed for whichever the first year at 80% itstime appraised value and a corresponding depreciation of 10%, 15% or higher, % of its appraised value and a corresponding depreciation of 10%, % 15% % or higher, whichever at 80% is applicable shall be allocated every year thereafter. is applicable shall be allocated every year thereafter. c. The amount of the Replevin Bond shall be twice the estimated value arrived at after allocating m m The amount of the Replevin Bond shall be twice the estimated value arrived at after allocating thec.said percentage. the said percentage. d. The estimated value shall have a minimum amount of P100,000.00.” m m m amount m d. The estimated value shall have amminimum of P100,000.00.”

The above-quoted percentage for the computation of the estimated market value is adherent to the m m mmarket value is adherent to the The above-quoted percentage for the computation of the estimated current international financial standards. current international financial standards.

6. In the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage it was stipulated among others that the default in m M m In the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage it was stipulated among others thatother the default the6.payment of any installment / other stipulated charges due and/or the violation of their terms in m m m payment of anymake installment / otherbalance stipulated and/ordefault, the violation of their other terms andthe conditions shall the unpaid at charges the timedue of such immediately due and mmake the unpaid balance at the time m of such default, mm and conditions shall immediately due payable and shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the mortgaged motor vehicle from theand mmortgagedmmotor vehicle from m payable and shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the defendant who are bound, on demand, to deliver the same to the plaintiff for purposes of foreclosurethe m m are bound, demand, tomotor delivervehicle the same to the plaintiff for purposes foreclosure anddefendant who maywho foreclose suchonmortgaged at any place where it may beof found or m m m and who such vehicle anyits place where itmmay office; be found or stipulated or may whereforeclose the plaintiff as mortgaged mortgagee /motor assignee mayathave principal of branch stipulated or where the plaintiff asmmortgagee / assigneemmay have its principal of branch office; 7. Defendants defaulted/violated the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note and Chattel m m 7. Defendants defaulted/violated of installments the Promissory and Chattel Mortgage when they failed to paythe at terms least and two conditions (2) monthly dueNote thereon and MMortgage when they failed to pay at least two (2) mmonthly installments m due thereon and subsequently installments; m subsequently installments; 8. In view of defendants’ default / violation plaintiff has become entitled to the possession of the m entitled to the possession of the 8. In viewmotor of defendants’ default plaintiff has to become mortgaged vehicle which the/ violation defendant appears have wrongfully detained to defeat mmortgaged mmotor vehicle which the defendant appears to have wrongfully detained to defeat plaintiff’s mortgage lien thereon, when they failed and/or refused to deliver the same to the plaintiff m m to the plaintiff lien thereon, they failed and/or refusedcontrary to deliver for plaintiff’s purposesmortgage of foreclosure, despitewhen oral and/or written demands, to the the same provisions of the m for purposes of foreclosure, despite oral and/or written demands, contrary to the provisions of the Chattel Mortgage; ChattelMMortgage; 9. The mortgaged motor vehicle has not been taken for any tax assessment or fine pursuant to law, mmotor vehicle has not been taken for any tax assessment m 9. Themmortgaged pursuant or seized under an attachment or execution against the property of the plaintiffororfine if so seized, to thelaw, m or seized under ansuch attachment same is exempt from seizure;or execution against the property of the plaintiff or if so seized, the m is exempt m m such seizure; same from 10. Plaintiff is willing to file a good, sufficient and solvent bond executed to the defendants in Plaintiff is willing to filevalue a good, sufficient and solvent bond executed thereturn defendants an 10. amount double the actual of the mortgaged motor vehicle to warrantto its to the in m mmotor vehicle to warrant its return to the an amount actual value of the them mortgaged defendants if itsdouble return the is adjudged and for payment of the defendants of such amounts as they m m defendants if itsthe return is adjudged and for the payment of the defendants of such amounts as they may recover from plaintiff on the action; mmay recover from m the plaintiff on the action; (Sgd.) JOAN F. TAGNIPEZ O G (Sgd.) JOAN F. TAGNIPEZ Affiant Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 29th day of JULY 2021; affiant exhibiting to me her WO m this 29th day of JULY 2021; affiant exhibiting tomme her SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before Driver’s License No. C11-18-018723 issuedme

by Land Transportation Office valid until June 11, 2023.

Driver’s License No. C11-18-018723 issued by Land TransportationOOffice valid until June 11, 2023.

Doc. N o. 411; Doc. N 84; o. 411; Page No. Page Book No.No. 34;84; BookofNo. 34; Series 2021.

Series of 2021.

(sgd.) ATTY. ROMEO S. MASANGYA, JR. OM O S.MMASANGYA, G (sgd.) ATTY. ROMEO JR. rOLL NO. 45164 O O 45164 rOLL NO. NOTArY PuBLIC FOr MAKATI CITY O O MMAKATI CITY NOTArY PuBLIC FOr APPOINTMeNT NO: M-27 uNTIL deCeMBer 31, 2022 O M O MM-27 uNTIL deCeMBer M APPOINTMeNT NO: 2022 MCLe COMPLIANCe NO. vI-0014090, APrIL 14. 31, 2020 M OM O vI-0014090, APrIL 14. 2020 COMPLIANCe NO. IBPMCLe LIFeTIMe NO. 018663.

01 / 03 / 2018 MAKATI CITY M O 018663. 01 / 03 / 2018MMAKATI CITY IBP PTrLIFeTIMe NO. MKT NO. 8533524 01/04/2021 MAKATI CITY O MMKT 8533524 01/04/2021 MMAKATI CITY PTr NO. MessANINe FLr. PsBANK CeNTer NO. 777 PAseO de rOxAs MMessANINe FLr. PsBANK CeNTer NO. O 777 PAseO O de rOxAs O COr. sedeNO sT., MAKATI CITY O O sT.,MMAKATI CITY COr. NO. (02)8511 -8042 TeLsedeNO TeL NO. (02)8511 -8042

ANNEX “A” ANNEX “A”

ANNEX “B” ANNEX “B”

L one Mess

CHUANICO SALGADO GORDOVE O SALGADO G O GO O CHUANICO GORDOVE & Associates & Associates In-House Counsels for Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) In-House Counsels for Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) 4th Floor PSBank Centre Bldg. th 4 Floor PSBank Centre Bldg.

777 Paseo de Roxas corner 777 Paseo Roxas corner Sedeño St., de Makati City St.,MMakati City Tel No.Sedeño 02-885-8208 local 8733 Tel No. 02-885-8208 local 8733 Emaile add: inhouselitigation@psbank.com.ph m @ m Emaile add: inhouselitigation@psbank.com.ph

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BACOOR and Ba angas subdued he r r va s on Sa urday and boos ed he r dr ve oward he MPBL (Mahar ka P p nas Baske ba League) F f h Season Sou h D v s on f na s a he S r ke Gymnas um n Bacoor Cav e The Bacoor S r kers gh ened up on defense and s owed down he pace o repu se Zamboanga Fam y’s Brand Sard nes 61-56 n he n gh cap and keep n s ep w h he Ba angas C y Embassy Ch A he cs who hwar ed he GenSan Warr ors 81-75 n he opener of he w n bes -of- hree sem f na ser es Jhan McHa e Nerma s ruck he hardes for he S r kers w h 20 po n s 8 rebounds 2 s ea s and 2 b ocks o c nch bes p ayer honors over eamma e James Kweku eye w h 11 po n s 8 rebounds 2 s ea s and 1 b ock Jhaymo Equ os Bacoor’s bes p ayer n s 2-game sweep of I o o n he quar erf na s se ed for 6 po n s bu snagged 10 rebounds n add on o 2 s ea s 2 ass s s and 1 b ock W h Nerma and Kweku eye con r bu ng 7 po n s each he S r kers surged ahead 46-35 hen que ed Zamboanga’s repea ed ra es o move w h n a w n of he r f rs f na s appearance n he 29- eam eague He d score ess n he f rs hree quar ers Joseph Gabayn poured a of h s 10 po n s n he f na can o bu h s effor s fe shor as Zamboanga m ssed a of s 12 f e d goa a emp s n he as hree m nu es

Jhan McHa e Ne ma o Bacoo

Triple Giga gun for 3rd straight PBA 3x3 crown CAN TNT make it three in a row in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference?

The Triple Giga will try to ride the momentum of their winning run as Leg 3 of Season 3 kicks off on Holiday Monday at the Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces.

The telecommunication franchise has been nothing but dominant so far after claiming the first two legs of the conference on consecutive weeks.

It won the opening leg with an 1816 win over Cavitex, and then routed Terrafirma, 21-11, last week to make it two-in-a-row worth P200,000.

Coach Mau Belen opted to bring back the same unit of Almond Vosotros,

Gryann Mendoza, Ping Exciminiano, and Chester Saldua as the team eyes a third straight leg championship.

Cavitex, which went down against Terrafirma in a 20-19 stunner in last week’s quarterfinals, along with the Dyip and third placer Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays are the teams that made significant moves halfway through the conference in their bid to upend TNT. The Braves placed top gun Jorey Napoles in the reserve list for Bong Galanza, the Dyip are bringing back Jeremiah Taladua in lieu of Mark Anthony Francisco, while the Katibays will sit out Denice Villamor for

Enrique Caunan Jr. The rest of the teams will continue to parade with the same rosters they had in Leg 2 including last week’s semifinalist Blackwater Smooth Razor led by scoring leader Wendell Comboy.

As leg winner and top seed, TNT leads Pool A along with Cavitex and guest team MCFSolver Tech.

Pool B will have runner up Terrafirma being joined by Meralco, San Miguel, and Northport, while third placer Pioneer Elastoseal is bracketed in Pool C along with Blackwater, Barangay Ginebra, and Purefoods.

Fury wins split decision vs. MMA bet Ngannou RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury beat mixed martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou in a split decision after their boxing bout went the distance in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Ngannou knocked Fury down in round three but the 35-year-old British fighter, though shaken, was able to continue.

The undefeated Fury, who earlier this week laughed off his opponent as a “big fat sausage”, afterwards acknowledged NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE Notice No ce issis hereby he eby Notice hereby given ggiven ven that ha he es ae that the the estate estate ofoof the he alate e NELIE NEL E the late NELIE RODRIGUEZ RODR GUEZ GARCIA GARC A RODRIGUEZ GARCIA was was ex a ud c a ysettled se ed wasextrajudicially extrajudicially settled among among he s asas pe among heirs heirs as per per Doc. Doc No 57 Page No Doc.No. No.57; 57;Page PageNo. No. 13; 13 Book No Se es 13;Book BookNo. No.III;III;Series Series ofoof2023, 2023 be o e Notary No ay 2023,before before Notary Public Pub c Atty.

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that the 37-year-old Cameroonian had effectively kept him off-balance.

“He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher and I respect him a lot,” Fury said of Ngannou, adding that it was “probably my toughest fight in 10 years”.

Fury was the overwhelming favourite against boxing novice Ngannou.

“This was my first boxing match, great experience –- I’m not giving any excuse,” Ngannou said in a ringside interview.

“I know I come up short, I’m go-

ing to come back and work harder... now I know I can do this.”

Fury came out swinging in the first round with a hard right hand but sustained a cut to the forehead in the second round and looked especially sluggish after hitting the mat in the third.

The final rounds dragged as both men tired, neither able to land a decisive blow.

“I don’t know how close it was, but I got the win and that’s how it was,” Fury said. AFP

B a n s Tyson Fu y eac s a e de ea ng Came oon an F ench F anc s Ngannou AFP

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PBA Privilege Membership Card renewals now open THE Philippine Basketball Association will start entertaining renewals of its Privilege Membership Cards (PMCs) for the 48th Season from November 5, 2023 onwards.

New applicants may apply starting November 15,2023.

PMC prices are ₱9,000.00 for Premium/VIP, ₱8,000.00 for Patron A seats at the SMART Araneta Coliseum and Special Ringside seats at the MOA Are-

na and ₱6,000.00 for Patron C at the SMART Araneta Coliseum and Lowerbox seats at the MOA Arena.

Interested parties may call the PBA Ticketing Office at 84703258/59 and look for Gerry Mesias or Samuel Aurellano.

PBA Season 48 promises to be another year of top-notch sports entertainment that is sure to excite fans here and around the globe.

CYAN CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK

ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

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

Conquering Miss Universe with unique 6th EDDYS Awards brand of beauty to honor

Michelle is heading to El Salvador aiming to take home the country’s fifth crown

The 6th EDDYS Awards will be hosted

by Piolo Pascual

B

EAUTY queen Michelle Dee dazzled on the red carpet at her send-off party, draped in a dark green gown and brimming with confidence.

In a few days, she’d embark on her Miss Universe journey, armed with a determination to bring home the fifth crown for the Philippines.

“I am leaving on October 31. Personally, I am in my core, mind and body, prepared,” the Miss Universe Philippines titlist said at her send-off event.

“I believe everything in life is your destiny, it’s what’s meant to happen for you. And, hopefully, what’s meant for me — for all of us rather — is the fifth crown,” she added.

The 28-year-old actress and model will carry the hopes and dreams of the pageant-crazy nation as she strives to win the coveted crown following in the footsteps of Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran-Floriendo, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray.

Dee, who advocates for mental health, autism awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights, expressed gratitude to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization for granting her creative freedom to execute her unique vision for the competition. She cherished the organization’s openness to her artistic spirit.

“I am such a creative at heart, I always have a vision of how I want a story to be told. So I’m very grateful to the organization for giving me that freedom,” she said.

“With or without pageantry, I continue to work on my advocacy. I’ll always be there, present and being their spokesperson and goodwill ambassador. Win or lose, I will champion them and their amazing campaigns that have been going on for years,” Dee carried on.

In terms of her preparation, the beauty queen is leaving no stone unturned, focusing on the minutest details to ensure she arrives in El Salvador “200 percent ready.” She expressed her desire for the Filipino people to feel immense pride in their representative during the competition, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee (left) and Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee

Matthew Perry is known for playing Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom, ‘Friends’

outstanding Filipino films

pledging to showcase bravery, fearlessness, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.

“I am somebody who wants to take charge of every aspect of my competition — from the smallest little detail to the biggest requirement so, what’s running in my head right now is to make sure that I am 200 percent prepared when I arrive in El Salvador,” she said.

“The Michelle you will see is brave, definitely fearless, but obviously very kind and friendly as well — I mean staying to Filipinos’ brand of hospitality,” she added.

Dee made a bold choice by opting for a shorter hairstyle for the competition, a departure from the typical look of beauty queens.

This change, she believed, not only better suited her personality but also aimed to challenge stereotypes and inspire others.

“Not only does it represent my personality better, but I really feel that it can empower so many people around me, to realize that you don’t have to fit into a stereotype to be a beauty queen. Of course, the times are changing, the world is progressing. I hope a mere gesture of cutting my hair will stay true to my identity. I hope that sends a positive message not just to myself but to everyone,” she pointed out.

The 72nd Miss Universe coronation, scheduled for November 18 in El Salvador, loomed ever closer.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee

Michelle Dee (left) and Pauline Amelinckx

‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry dies from alleged drowning

By Angelica Villanueva AMERICAN-CANADIAN actor Matthew Perry, Perry who played Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday.

He was 54.

Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub at his home and could not be revived. Law enforcement said there were no signs of foul play.

Perry was best known

for his portrayal of the sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing on Friends, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004.

The show was a massive success, and Perry and his co-stars became some of the most popular celebrities in the world.

Perry starred in the sitcom alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

Perry cited that he had a long history of battling addiction to painkillers and

alcohol. He attended rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions, and in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” he described his struggles going through detox 65 times and spending $9 million in attempts to get sober.

Perry also experienced health problems due to his drug usage, including a burst colon in 2018. He dedicated his memoir to “all of the sufferers out there,” and wrote in the prologue: “I should be dead.”

‘It’s Showtime’ returns after 12-day suspension VICE Ganda led the grand opening production of the much-awaited return of It’s Showtime on Saturday, capturing the top spot on the nationwide trending list on X. Alongside Vice, Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Amy Perez, Karylle, Ion Perez, Ryan Bang, Teddy Corpuz, Jackie Gonzaga, and Cianne Dominguez all joined in a spirited rendition of Backstreet Boys’ “Larger than Life.”

The hosts also thanked the family of It’s Your Lucky Day for spreading joy and entertainment to the “madlang people” or the last 12 days. Vice also said that viewers should watch out for the surprises for the show’s 14th anniversary and “Magpasikat.”

Aside from the explosive opening number, the show also crowned its new Mini Ms. U grand winner, Arianah Lasam, after she garnered the highest total combined score from the judges, Niño Muhlach, Janice de Belen, Gladys Reyes, Snooky Serna, and Maricel Soriano.

As the grand champion, the Pampanga cutie queen won an exclusive management contract with Star Magic’s Polaris, P300,000, and a trip for four to Hong Kong Disneyland for three days and two nights, including airfare and accommodation.

Starting today, viewers can watch It’s Showtime on weekdays at an earlier time slot, 11:30 a.m.. Also, catch the show’s new dance segment next week.

‘It’s Showtime’ treats its audience to a grand opening production

THE 6th edition of The EDDYS, or Entertainment Editors’ Choice by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), originally scheduled for O c t o b e r 22, is now happening on November 26 at the Aliw Theater.

Under the leadership of Eugene President Asis,, The EDDYS honors outstanding Filipino films exhibited commercially in cinemas and digital platforms from the past year. The awards night will be directed by Eric Quizon and will be hosted by Pascual. actor and producer Piolo Pascual In an official statement released

by SPEEd, Asis explained that the postponement was necessary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. As a result, the date and venue of the awards night were rescheduled. The organizer and producer also extended their apologies to the nominees and everyone involved in the production and the eagerly awaiting audience.

Meanwhile, five Filipino films that made a mark and grabbed the spotlight last year will compete in the 6th The EDDYS. The nominees for Best Film are Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin from Firestarters and Viva Films, Blue Room by Heaven’s Best Entertainment, Eyepoppers Multimedia Service, and Fusee, Doll House by MavX Productions, by Family Matters CineKo Productions, and Nanahimik ang Gabi from Rein Entertainment.

Nominated for Best Director are House), MaMarla Ancheta ((Doll Doll House an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan (Blue Room), Real S. Florido ((Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin), Nuel Crisostomo Matters), and Naval ((Family Family Matters Shugo Praico ((Nanahimik Nanahimik ang Gabi).

In the Best Actress category, the contenders are Kim Chiu (Always), Max Eigenmann (12 Weeks), Janine Guttierez (Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin), Nadine Lustre (Greed), Heaven Peralejo (Nanahimik ang Gabi), and Rose Van Ginkel (Kitty K-7).

Competing for the Best Actor title are Elijah Canlas (Blue Room), Baron Geisler (Doll House), Noel Trinidad (Family Matters), Ian Veneracion (Nanahimik ang Gabi), and JC de Vera (Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin).

The Best Supporting Actress nominees include Mylene Dizon (Family Matters), Matet de Leon (An Inconvenient Love), Althea Ruedas (Doll House), Ruby Ruiz (Ginhawa), and Nikki Valdez (Family Matters).

For the Best Supporting Actor category, the nominees are Nonie Buencamino (Family Matters), Mon Confiado (Nanahimik ang Gabi), Soliman Cruz (Blue Room), Sid Lucero (Reroute), and Dido dela Paz (Ginhawa).

The EDDYS is an annual awardgiving body that encourages local filmmakers, producers, writers, and actors to pursue their passion for creating films that reflect the realities of our society. The awards show is committed to shining a spotlight on the exceptional talents and unwavering dedication of the individuals who breathe life into our narratives.

Presented by Airtime Marketing Philippines, led by Tessie Celestino-Howard, it will have a delayed telecast on A2Z Channel.

LIFE

B4 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

A drone’s view of Banwa Private Island

T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has embarked on a laudable project, to introduce domestic and international visitors to the country’s lesserknown attractions. This Philippine Experience Program has, so far, covered Mindanao, CALABARZON, and the Bicol Region. More destinations are being lined up for the next few months.

If there is one world-class destination here in the country that visitors should discover and will surely enjoy, it is Banwa Private Island, a multi-award-winning all-villa retreat nestled in the heart of Palawan.

This garden island offers a sanctuary of privacy and tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty and features contemporary beachfront villas ensuring exclusivity and serenity for discerning travelers. With its commitment to sustainable practices and immersive experiences, Banwa Private Island sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

As if to affirm its standing in the global arena of luxury island resorts, it has been honored as the prestigious “Private Island of the Year” by Destination Deluxe Awards for the third consecutive year. This recognition underscores Banwa Private Island’s unwavering commitment to providing an extraordinary and sustainable experience for its guests.

Upon receiving the honor, Banwa Private Island’s Commercial Director, Pamela Balce, expressed her joy, stating, “We are truly humbled by this recognition as it highlights the dedication of our team to sustainability, authenticity, and exceptional service.

Banwa Private Island’s commitment to

The aesthetically laid out veranda of a villa at the resort

Private island of the year creating an extraordinary guest experience remains unwavering, and we are honored to be acknowledged alongside environmental innovations by the Aquos Foundation.”

The Destination Deluxe Awards, which celebrate leaders and pioneers in wellness and travel, are a testament to the exceptional quality, transparency, and originality that the island resort consistently delivers. Evaluated by a distinguished panel of 20 judges, including well-respected industry experts, the awards recognize and applaud change-makers who push the boundaries and innovate in their

respective fields.

In addition to this remarkable recognition, Banwa Private Island was recently honored with another award: “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island, or Upcountry Resort” in the inaugural Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, further solidifying its status as a premier destination in the region.

Moreover, Banwa Private Island

ascended to a rarefied pantheon of global luxury hospitality as it was handpicked by the editors of the illustrious Robb Report for inclusion in their inaugural list of “The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth”. Robb Report, known for its discerning standards, has meticulously curated this select list, which features classic hotels from around the world that transcend trends and achieve genuine

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: It’s a four-minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 45-minute walk from the pub to my house. The difference is staggering.

and sustained greatness.

Needless to say, this Palawan island resort is another gem in our country’s treasure chest of destination jewels, another reason why the continuously increasing number of tourists “love the Philippines.”

More information on Banwa Private Island is available through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864 or reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Travel app launches series that taps into shared experience with mom

CebPac’s inaugural Narita to Manila SAF flight is a testament to its ongoing efforts toward making air travel more sustainable

First PH carrier to operate sustainable aviation fuel takes off CEBU Pacific operated Flight 5J 5055 from Narita to Manila powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it the first Philippine carrier to use SAF in a commercial flight from Japan.

The leading Philippine carrier’s SAF flight was operated with an Airbus 321neo, using 40 percent blended SAF produced by Neste Corporation and supplied by Itochu Corporation. This combination resulted in a 44 percent reduction in carbon emissions per passenger, setting a new record for CEB’s SAF-powered flights.

“As we await sufficient SAF supply to meet the demand of the entire aviation industry, this inaugural Narita to Manila SAF flight represents Cebu Pacific’s ongoing efforts toward making air travel more sustainable,” said Alexander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.

“Other decarbonization programs that we have put in place include investing in fuel-efficient NEOs, optimization of flight plans, and adoption of fuel efficiency best practices to minimize fuel consumption.

All these are concrete sustainability initiatives that bolster our commitment and support for the aviation industry’s goal of flying net-zero by 2050,” Lao added.

Itochu, which acts as the branded distributor of SAF in Japan, lauded the collaboration.

“We look forward to partnering with Cebu Pacific as we strive towards sustainable aviation. Our collaboration underscores the growing demand for

A typical bedroom at the resort

SAF in the Asia-Pacific region and we are ready to meet that need,” said Atsushi Onishi, Senior Officer of Itochu’s Energy Division.

Passengers on the inaugural flight were part of the celebration, receiving commemorative tokens and engaging in in-flight activities. The initiative was also warmly welcomed by Narita International Airport.

“We are honored that Cebu Pacific has chosen Narita International Airport for this initiative. Being one of the select airlines to mount SAF flights in Japan, Cebu Pacific’s commitment to sustainability is commendable,” said Toshio Tashiro, Executive Officer of Narita International Airport.

Prior to the commercial flight, CEB signed a strategic partnership with Neste to work towards establishing a long-term supply of SAF across the Asia-Pacific.

This initiative aligns with the airline’s sustainability goal to gradually integrate SAF into its operations, thereby reducing its carbon emissions footprint and promoting environmental consciousness.

CEB operated its first passenger flight powered by SAF in September 2022 from Singapore to Manila, making it the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate SAF in its commercial operation. The airline aims to integrate blended SAF for its entire commercial network by 2030.

For more information about CEB’s sustainability initiatives, visit: www. cebupacificair.com.

IN A series of newly released videos, Klook Philippines pokes fun at quintessential Filipino mom behavior, from asking—nay, forcing— children to take photos with the weirdest backgrounds to bribing a son to prioritize family time over friends, all with the iconic “taas-kilay” look.

These videos tap into a shared experience we all can relate to and while it can be frustrating at times, we know that our Moms have our best interest at heart. The first video is something we’ve all seen or experienced.

While we all go for the aesthetic views and vibes in our travel photos, some moms, dads, titos or titas would insist on photos with the strangest things – tables, antiques, and vases, regardless of the destination - and upload all 67 takes in one Facebook album.

Klook The second video is Philippines perhaps even more common. It pokes fun showcases the angry morning at typical mom who nags her son to fix Filipino mom his room, and not without behavior reason. In spite of the mom’s such as visible frustration at the insisting her chaotic bedroom state, the kids take son even manages to ask photos

permission to go on a sleepover at a friend’s house on Christmas Eve, no less, consequently enraging the mom even more.

True enough, moms are usually in control - from fixing issues to planning the best experiences and vacations for the family to enjoy together.

Lucky for them, they know where to keep looking.

A quick launch of the Klook app instantly opens up a world of possibilities - from finding things to do in Singapore, or spontaneously planning a trip to Japan among other destinations.

This Christmas A typical Filipino mom’s look whenever you season, Klook is ask permission before leaving the house launching the Sleigh Your Family Holiday Campaign with offers of up to 70 percent off on a wide array of options in and outside the Philippines for families to find their own definition of joy.

Don’t miss out on booking your favorite destinations through the Klook website or mobile app. For more information, follow Klook on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Revolutionizing travel to create magical experiences THE Philippines has now welcomed The 11th Travel Madness 3.87 million foreign tourists since the Expo is happening from July 12 start of the year, representing more to 14, 2024, at Halls 1 to 4, SMX than 80 percent of the country’s Convention Center Manila, Pasay 2023 target of 4.8 million arrivals.

City. Categories for participation At the opening of the 2023 include: Travel Agencies and Tour Philippine Travel Exchange in Cebu, Operators, Airlines and Cruise on September 21, the country’s tourism Lines, Hotel and Accommodation department revealed there had been Providers, Trade Associations, Travel 3,877,183 arrivals between 1 January Technology Solutions, Destination and 19 September 2023. This means Marketing Organizations, Travel the Philippines is already sitting at 80.8 Accessories and Gear, Financial and percent of the agency’s full-year target Insurance Services, Trade Services and on track to comfortably exceed 5 and Exporters, Automobile Dealers, million arrivals. and many more.

Thanks to various travel TME 2024 is calling all exhibitors promotions for this feat. to be part of this magical experience.

One of them is the Travel Eye Catching Circus, sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau KL Secure your slot now and grow your Madness Expo (TME) which boasts Office, performs at the Travel Madness Expo 2023 business to endless possibilities. to be the source for the best travel Contact: Viber 09499891193 c/o about strong support from the travel industry deals in the last 10 years. TME’s Monica - TME 2024 Secretariat Office. successful display of destinations and cultures making it a must-visit trade show for travel For more information, visit www.travelmadness.org from around the world in the past years brought enthusiasts. and facebook.com/TravelMadnessPH.