Manila Standard - 2023 November 2 - Thursday

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President joins millions of Filipinos in flocking to cemeteries for Undas

By Charles Dantes

HONORING THE DEPARTED. People

PRESIDENT Marcos joined millions of Filipinos across the country who paid their respects to dead loved ones on Wednesday, All Saints’ Day. The President visited the tomb of his father, the late President Ferdinand Next page

flock to the Manila North Cemetery to pay respects to their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.

(Inset) President Marcos, together with his family, attends a mass for his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Norman Cruz and PPA Pool

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 260 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

1st batch escape war-torn Gaza 2 Filipino doctors among group of foreigners to flee to Egypt

By Rey Requejo

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FIRST group of foreigners and dual nationals fleeing wartorn Gaza arrived in Egypt on Wednesday, mostly women and children, an Egyptian official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Parents with strollers and elderly people were seen among those getting off a bus on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing in footage broadcast by an Egyptian TV channel close to the intelligence services.

Two Filipino doctors working with the international humanitarian organization Doctors without Borders were among foreign nationals allowed to exit Gaza, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said.

“This is just the initial list,” De Vega said. “We are engaging with Israel to prioritize Filipinos among the nation nationalities to be first allowed exit. Right Next page

ESCAPE AT LAST. Scores of foreign passport holders trapped in Gaza make a mad dash to enter the Rafah border crossing that was opened for the first time for evacuees on Nov. 1, 2023 since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Inset photos show Palestinian health ministry ambulances crossing the gate to enter the border crossing to Egypt while a man leads a donkeydrawn cart carrying luggage outside the Rafah gate. AFP

IPU seeks speedy action on case vs. Duterte

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Wednesday called for speedy action on House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro’s grave threat complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The IPU, a global organization of national parliaments from 180 coun-

tries—including the Philippines--made the call in a resolution adopted on Oct. 27 at its assembly in Luanda, Angola.

“The Governing Council of the InterParliamentary Union is appalled that the former President of the Philippines directly threatened on air the life of a member of parliament,” the group said.

IPU also said it fears that the alleged threat may deter other lawmakers from

speaking out.

“The IPU demands that, in light of the serious concerns arising from this situation, the treatment of Ms. Castro’s complaint will proceed speedily; and wishes to be kept informed in this regard,” it added.

In the same resolution, the IPU also called out the Office of the Ombudsman, led by Ombudsman Samuel MarNext page

Congress to hold special joint session for Japan PM

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta CONGRESS will hold a special joint session on Nov. 4, Saturday, to welcome Japanese Prime Fumio Kishida who will be in the country for a two-day official visit – only the fifth time in the legislature’s history that such an honor is extended to a foreign head of state Speaker Martin Romualdez said Kishida’s visit from Nov. 3 to 4 is expected to open new doors of collaboration that are mutually beneficial to the two countries.

“We are optimistic that through our

discussions, new pathways for collaboration and development will emerge, promising enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for all Filipinos, here and in Japan,” Romualdez said.

“The House of Representatives, as the honored venue host of this significant event in the Batasang Pambansa Complex, is committed to exerting all efforts to ensure that Prime Minister Kishida’s visit is both fruitful and memorable,” he added.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri even deeper than government ties are the “people-to-people Next page

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

DILG backs plan to file charges vs. teachers, cops over delays in BSKE

By Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Wednesday he supports a plan to file charges against teachers and police officers who backed out of poll duties at the last minute during the barangay and Sangguiniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

Abalos said an investigation should be conducted first to determine if these poll workers had valid reasons for suddenly quitting.

“I am supporting [that plan]. Why? Because preparation has been made.

They were trained. And the day of the actual elections was important.

This is suffrage. This is the right to vote,” Abalos said.

“Think about it, just because of the act, we will be denying people [their] right to suffrage. That’s unthinkable…

Unless, of course, there was a valid reason,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) vowed to file Next page

3 inmates won village council seats–Comelec THREE inmates were elected as village councilors while a village chief and two SK chairperson won via drawing of lots and coin toss, respectively, the Commission on Elections said yesterday. * Comelec chairman George Garcia identified the three inmates who won as barangay kagawad in the BSKE as follows: one detained at the Tanay Municipal Jail elected in Barangay Kay Buto, Tanay, Rizal; one detained at the Dasmariñas City Jail-Male Dormitory elected in Barangay Datu Esmael, Dasmariñas City, Cavite; and one detained at the Cagayan de Next page

NEWS

A2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Almost half of Pinoy families rate themselves ‘poor’ —SWS survey

By Vito Barcelo and Gabriellea Pariño

N

EARLY half of Filipino families consider themselves poor, according to a new survey from the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The SWS estimated that the number of self-rated poor families was 13.2 million as of September, an increase of about 700,000 families from June.

The SWS survey, conducted from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, also revealed that 27 percent of Filipinos viewed themselves as “borderline” cases.

In the latest survey, 48 percent of Filipinos rated themselves as poor in September, up from the self-rated poverty rate of 45 percent in June.

The remaining 25 percent considered themselves not poor.

The three-point rise in the nationwide self-rated poor figure between June and September 2023 was due to increases in all areas, with Mindanao recording the highest increase in families who rated themselves poor at 71 percent, which is a seven-point increase from the previous 54 percent.

Self-rated poor families in Balance Luzon also jumped to 39 percent from

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criminal and administrative charges against teachers and cops who delayed the 2023 BSKE due to their sudden withdrawal from poll duties.

“It is a criminal offense and an administrative offense at the same time. We cannot just let it go because it will happen over and over again,” the Comelec chairperson, George Garcia, said “It would be fine if you withdraw before election day because election service is not mandatory. But if you already trained, and we already spent for training, then on election day, you will withdraw from poll service. And worse, even the replacements also withdrew,” he added.

Garcia said about 2,530 teachers backed out of their voluntary election day service in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Asked what made even the police officers, the backup Board of Election Inspectors, also beg off, Garcia said the police said they were caught off guard by the sudden need to render election service.

The poll body chief, however, was not satisfied with the explanation.

“They said it was about a short amount of time. Yes, it was a short time, but we trained them for it,” Garcia said.

On Wednesday, Garcia said the Comelec may enter a data-sharing agreement with the Office of the Ombudsman to prevent persons with pending criminal cases or those who are perpetually disqualified from holding public office from filing their certificates of candidacy in future elections.

Garcia said without such information, the Comelec has on option to deny COCs to aspiring candidates.

“We can only reject the COCs of those who are over-age for Sangguniang Kabataan positions and individuals who have residency issues,” Garcia said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

now, they are prioritizing members of international organizations.”

Out of the 136 Filipinos in Gaza Strip, 57 are already at the Rafa crossing, he said.

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos in the Gaza Strip, is awaiting contact with a family of 10 Filipinos.

“The Embassy thinks that they are not included in those who died,” the official stressed.

De Vega said 165 Filipinos are also currently awaiting repatriation in Lebanon amid the escalating tensions there between Israel and the Islamist group Hezbollah, a known ally of Hamas.

The evacuation of the first people to escape war-torn Gaza provided a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise desolate humanitarian crisis, with more than 8,500 killed in Israeli bombing, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Ambulances rushed wounded Palestinians out of Gaza for urgent medical care in Egypt Wednesday, with hundreds of desperate foreign passport holders also poised to flee the territory devastated by three weeks of war with Israel.

AFP reporters saw a phalanx of 40 white ambulances streaming through the Rafah border crossing, as crowds of foreign and dual national families gathered nearby, hoping to leave the catastrophic conditions of Gaza behind them.

At least two children were seen in the ambulances, one with a large bandage wrapped around his stomach, as medics examined the wounded and transferred them to stretchers.

“We are overwhelmed... Have mercy on us. We are Egyptians and can’t cross

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“We look forward to the address of a leader of a nation that is a robust trading partner, a strong security ally, a lending hand during calamities, and an investor in Philippine progress,” he said.

The last time the House of Representatives and the Senate convened to hear and receive a message from a visiting head of a nation was in February 2006 for Indian President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.

The other four instances were the visits of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in April 2005; Chinese President Hu Jintao also in April 2005; US President George W. Bush in 2003; and US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

“This visit, symbolizing the deep and longstanding bond our nations have forged, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a unified vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, signifies the strength of our bilateral ties,” Romualdez said.

Japan is the Philippines’ largest bilateral source of official development assistance.

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A1 Oro City Jail-Male Dormitory elected in Barangay Ipunan, Cagayan de Oro City.

“We allowed the PDLs to vote because of the Supreme Court decision on the case of Aguinaldo versus Comelec and Bureau of Corrections. In that case, they are not finally convicted or there is no final judgment saying they are guilty. Therefore, they still have the right to vote and be voted for,” Garcia said. The poll chief, however, admitted that the three inmates

President...

From A1 E. Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Simon and Vincent.

His mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, and sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta, were also present.

Earlier in the day, President Marcos issued a statement urging Filipinos to join the Catholic community in observing All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. He said the observance of these holy days by the Filipino people has given rise to traditions that embody the essence of Filipino culture, which places great emphasis on faith and family.

Carrying flowers, candles and bags of food, hundreds of thousands of people fanned out across sprawling graveyards in Metro Manila to hold picnics on tombs or pray quietly in front of a

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35 percent, while self-rated poor families in Metro Manila also climbed to 38 percent from 35 percent.

Self-rated poor families in the Visayas increased to 59 percent from 57 percent.

“Compared to June 2023, the percentage of poor families rose by 3 points from 45 percent, while borderline families fell by 6 points from 33 percent, and not poor families rose by 3 points from 22 percent,” the SWS report said.

The SWS said almost 2 million families consider themselves to be newly poor, meaning they did not see themselves as poor at least five years ago.

“Of the estimated 13.2 million selfrated poor families in September 2023,

1.8 million were newly poor, 1.7 million were usually poor, and 9.7 million were always poor,” said the SWS. The new survey also found that the self-rated poor increased in all areas except for Balance Luzon, which is the areas outside of Metro Manila.

“We note that the survey was conducted after a series of typhoons hit the country, which also affected food prices,” the report quoted National Economic and Development authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon as saying. “This could have resulted in feelings of insecurity among the families who were directly affected by the typhoon and those who did not have the means to cope with the increase in prices.”

into our country,” Umm Yussef, a dual Palestinian-Egyptian national, told AFP on the Gaza side.

“Let us in. We are exhausted. We can’t sleep or eat.”

AFPTV images showed whole families, struggling to carry their worldly possessions, rushing through the heavily fortified crossing towards Egypt, which was expected to take at least 400 refugees and 90 of the most badly wounded and sick.

Israel has relentlessly pounded Gaza in retribution for the worst attack in the country’s history, when Hamas gunmen stormed across the border, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “continue until victory” over Hamas, despite “painful losses” in brutal fighting inside Gaza that cost 11 Israeli soldiers their lives Tuesday.

AFP reporters saw more tanks pour over the border into northern Gaza, as Israel stepped up its ground incursion launched late last week.

Images provided by the military showed troops picking through bombed-out houses searching for militants or some of the 240 hostages seized

by Hamas.

The temporary border opening with Egypt provided the first glimmer of hope in the f laring humanitarian crisis in Gaza which the UN and other aid agencies have described as “unprecedented.”

A strike on Gaza’s largest refugee camp killed at least 47 people Tuesday – including a Hamas commander involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, according to Israel.

A large explosion ripped through the densely packed Jabalia camp before nightfall, tearing facades off nearby buildings and leaving a deep, debris-

littered crater.

AFP witnessed at least 47 corpses being recovered.

Horrified resident Ragheb Aqal, 41, likened the blast to “an earthquake” and spoke of seeing “homes buried under the rubble and body parts and martyrs and wounded in huge numbers.”

Israel said its warplanes had struck a “vast” tunnel complex at the site, killing “many Hamas terrorists,” including local battalion commander Ibrahim Biari.

But the strike sparked a chorus of condemnation from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and also further afield in Bolivia, which cut off diplomatic ties in protest – a decision Israel labelled “surrender to terrorism.”

Hamas said seven hostages, including three foreign passport holders, had died in the strike, a claim impossible to verify.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains desperate, with food, fuel, and medicine for the 2.4 million residents all running short, according to aid groups.

Surgeons are conducting amputations on hospital floors without anesthetic, and children are forced to drink salty water, said Jean-Francois Corty, vicepresident of Medecins du Monde, which has 20 staff on the ground.

Palestinian residents told AFP they had evacuated from northern Gaza, as demanded by Israel, but they were still under threat.

“We’ve been told people are evacuating from Gaza City towards the central area of the Strip beyond the valley, so we headed there. After 20 days, we were bombarded. Three of our kids lost their lives and we all got injured,” Amen Al Aqlouk told AFP. “There is no hope in the Gaza Strip.

It is not safe anymore here. When the border opens, everybody will leave and emigrate. We encounter death every day, 24 hours a day.”

will have “very limited participation” in their barangays. * In Cagayan de Oro, election officials declared a village chairperson aspirant as winner via drawing of lots after he and his rival obtained equal number of votes on Monday. Omar Pasawilan was declared the winner after the drawing of lots. Pasawilan and his rival, Sukarno Utto, both earned 997 votes. “This is allowed by law. A special election is not an option,” said Cotabato City Election Officer Norpaisa Paglala Manduyog. * In Pampanga, the SK chairman-

ship race in two villages in the provinces of Aurora and Zambales was decided by a coin toss after the elections resulted in a tie. In a best-of-three coin flips, Alex John Agabao won against Noriel Torre in the SK chair race in Barangay 7, Casiguran, Aurora. Both SK candidates got 52 votes each. A similar scenario likewise happened in Barangay San Guillermo, San Marcelino, Zambales. SK candidates Jenelyn Dalit and Jemimah Faith Gongora agreed to resolve the deadlock with a one-time coin toss. Dalit, a re-electionist, emerged as the winner.

tires, over its inaction on the complaint lodged by former Kabataan party-list representative Sarah Elago over senior military and government officials’ statements linking her to the armed communist or terrorist movement.

“The IPU remains concerned that Ms. Elago’s complaint regarding her alleged red-tagging is still pending with the Ombudsman with no sign of it being actively examined. The IPU also calls on the Ombudsman to take the necessary action to examine the complaint along with any steps its findings may warrant; and wishes to be kept informed in this regard,” the IPU said.

Castro welcomed the IPU statement.

“The complaints we filed at the IPU were, one, our right to a speedy disposition of the court on the trumped up charges filed against me and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and two, a complaint against formerPresident Rodrigo Duterte for his death threat against me,” Castro said.

“We welcome the IPU decision supporting our complaints,” she said.

“I also hope that justice will prevail and that the threat against my life and other Makabayan solons would stop because we are only fulfilling our mandates as parliamentarians,” Castro added.

In filing the complaint against Duterte, Castro cited the following statements made by the former leader in an SMNI interview which went, “Kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin. Sabi ko sa kanya [Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter], magprangka ka na lang. Itong intelligence fund na ito gagamitin ko para sa utak ng mga Pilipino kasi ito ang target ko, kayong mga komunista andiyan sa Congress. Prangkahin mo na ‘yan si France Castro.’” (“It’s you communists who I want to kill. I told her (Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter), be frank. Say I will use this intelligence fund for the mental development of Filipinos because my targets are you communists there in Congress. Be frank with France Castro.”)

Duterte made the comment in defense of her daughter, after the House of Representatives removed some P650 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education which she also heads, on the principle that such funds should be given to agencies with actual national security responsibilities.

Castro filed grave threat charges against the former president in reaction to his televised threat.

It was the first criminal complaint filed against Duterte since he left office.

Duterte was protected from prosecution when he was president, but now that he is an ordinary citizen he can be charged for alleged crimes committed.

In her complaint, Castro said Duterte’s threats were “factually baseless and clearly malicious,” but she could not dismiss them as “figurative, joking, or otherwise benign.”

Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo dismissed the complaint as having “no legal basis” and was only filed “for propaganda purposes.”

“It’s not a threat. Because a threat is: ‘I will kill you.’ But when you say ‘I want to kill you,’ that’s only expressing a desire,” Panelo said in an interview with ANC’s Dateline Philippines.

Castro’s lawyer Antonio La Vina said the maximum penalty for “grave threats” was six years in jail and a fine of up to P100,000.

relative or friend’s final resting place.

Among the visitors at Manila North Cemetery was Zenaida Cruz, 77, who walked slowly with her husband to the tomb of her parents and grandparents to offer candles and a prayer.

Cruz used to leave flowers at the grave site, but inflation had pushed prices of even simple bouquets beyond her limited budget.

“As long as I can walk, I will still visit, because this is a tradition,” Cruz said.

“This tradition won’t fade, but of course, it won’t be as grand as before when there were many flowers and many candles.”

The annual ritual is an ancient Christian tradition honoring all saints and martyrs who died for the faith.

In the deeply religious Philippines, the day is a public holiday to enable people to travel hours to visit grave sites in far-flung parts of the country.

Police Col. Arnold Ibay said he expected about a million visitors to Ma-

nila North Cemetery, where poor families live alongside the dead in shanties and mausoleums.

Jenny Rose De Vera, 31, was joined by her friends, family and in-laws to offer her partner of 15 years pieces of prawn crackers from a fast-food chain and half a hot dog.

That had been his favorite food before he was killed in a road accident in September.

“It’s important (to visit the dead) so they can still feel that they are still important to us and that we will never forget them,” De Vera said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the celebration of All Saints’ Day was peaceful and well-organized, with no adverse incidents reported.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, reminded Filipinos to take time to remember and honor the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacri-

fice in service to the nation.

“This season is an invitation for us to honor all the saints, both known and unknown, and celebrate the lives of our departed loved ones. We also take the time to honor the legacy, memory, and patriotic deeds of our fallen comrades who selflessly dedicated their lives in service to the country and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Brawner said in a statement in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. He also reminded all Filipinos to use the opportunity given by these fallen heroes to rekindle their commitment to continue to serve the living and cherish the gifts of life and freedom.

Brawner noted that aside from strengthening the faith, the lives of these valiant soldiers could serve as an inspiration to all.

“I wish you a meaningful and solemn respite, and may the departed bless us with peace and grace during these days of remembrance,” he added.

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‘17m motorcycles running around sans registration’

By Maricel V. Cruz

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HILE the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported the registration of some 8.5 million motorcycles, its head has admitted that tens of millions more are not registered.

LTO chief and Assistant Secretary for Land Transportation Vigor Mendoza said numerous motorcycles either have expired registrations or are still in the name of the original owners due to the failure of the new owners to apply for transfer of ownership after purchasing the vehicle.

“The number (8.5 million registered) may seem big, but there are more motorcycles in the streets.

A lot of these are unregistered or have expired registration.

We are looking at 16-17 million (unregistered motorcycles),” he said.

“The concentration is the National Capital Region, Region 3 and Region 4,” Mendoza added.

As far back as 2003, Mendoza said, “there were 38 million fourwheeled vehicles and motorcycles on the road but only 13.9 million were registered, according to LTO data.”

“Majority of vehicles on the road are not registered,” he said.

Mendoza said some motorcycle owners fail to register their vehicles especially if they are in a 3- to

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE... Thick smoke bellows from a burning structure along Sisa St. in Sampaloc, Manila.

San Jose del Monte City loses HUC bid in plebiscite LTO chief and Assistant Secretary for Land Transportation Vigor Mendoza

5-year payment plan. Law enforcers should go after these unregistered motorcycles, he said.

He warned that failure to transfer ownership of vehicles could cause problems if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

“The registered owner is the one liable,” he said.

SAN Jose del Monte (SJDM) City’s bid to become a highly urbanized city (HUC) has been turned down by its electorate with over 800,000 voting “No” to the measure as opposed to more than 630,000 “Yes” votes.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) which tallied the results of the Oct.30 plebiscite in the city, a total of 820,385 voted “No” to the conversion bid, outnumbering the 620,707 voters who said “Yes.” A total of 1,608,004 out of registered 2,092,248 voters in the province joined Monday’s plebiscite, conducted simultaneously with the Barangay and Sang-

guniang Kabataan elections.

Proclamation 1057 issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2020, converts San Jose del Monte City into an HUC, subject to approval by majority of the local electorate in a plebiscite.

The proclamation was issued after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) of San Jose del Monte, through Resolution 2019-059-09, requested the chief executive to declare the city as an HUC. Under Section 452 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the city with a minimum

population of 200,000 inhabitants as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and with the latest annual income of at least P50 million based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the City Treasurer, can be classified as HUC. The proclamation earlier said the city has met the minimum requirements prescribed under Section 452 of RA 7160 for it to be classified as an HUC. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan’s then largest town in terms of land area and population, was proclaimed as a component city on Sept. 10, 2000 under Republic Act 8797.

DSWD retains 781k families as 4Ps beneficiaries

Bill seeks total modernization of crime investigation technology

A SENIOR official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday affirmed that some 761,150 households will be retained in the list of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay explained that the list of retained households was the result of a reassessment of beneficiaries in line with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

“That means, they will not graduate; they will continue to benefit from the program. Because of the assessment, our department saw that they are still poor and still need assistance under the 4Ps program,” Punay said in a television interview.

“The reason found by the department for this is the impact of the pandemic,” Punay added.

The retained households were part of the 1.1 million households earlier assessed as non-poor under the Listahanan 3 of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Of the 1.1 million 4Ps members, 339,660 households were assessed as Level 3 or self-sufficient and recommended for graduation or exit from the program.

“What we do here with our graduations, they are endorsed to local government units and we also provide them with various assistance or programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to still help them as they exit from the 4Ps program,” Punay explained.Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group pushes the passage of a bill that will allow law enforcers to get rid of “obsolete and unreliable investigation procedures” such as paraffin testing in favor of modern, science-driven forensic techniques in gathering and preserving evidence in crime scenes.

Yamsuan, a former assistant secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said House Bill 7975 which he filed will help the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to better secure evidence in crime scenes and improve their case buildup in court.

By Maricel V. Cruz

USUAL SIGHT. This image of relatives seemingly having a hard time looking for the remains of their departed is rather a usual sight in public cemeteries across the country amid the observance of All Saints’Day or Undas. Andrew Rabulan

Easy tax payment system will attract investments—senator

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian says the enactment of the proposed Ease of Paying Taxes Act is expected to drive foreign direct investments (FDIs) and enhance the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

“We are hoping that more investors will be encouraged to put their business in the country if paying taxes will be much easier,” he said The measure was recently approved by a bicameral committee and now awaits the signature of the President.

The chairman of the Senate ways and means committee noted that digitalization is the most important facet of the bill.

“And the measure seeks to mandate the Bureau of Internal Revenue to come up with its digitalization roadmap that will be submitted to Congress and updated regularly,” he said.

According to the senator, institutionalizing the BIR’s digitalization initiative ensures that the implementation of the program will be sustained in the years ahead.

“We have a bad habit in the country that with every change of administration, there is a change of plan, a change in roadmap, a change in projects. More often than not, this derails the implementation process because they completely change the system, the vendor, or the supplier that derails the project,” Gatchalian said.

He emphasized that such a digitalization roadmap is subject to regular review by Congress to ensure constant implementation.

“What we envision is to make it easier for medium-sized foreign companies to set up shops here. We need to make it easier for them to navigate our tax system and to be tax compliant as easily as possible,” said Gatchalian.

One of the priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), the proposed Ease of Paying Tax Act aims to provide more equitable and simplified tax compliance requirements, promote taxpayers’ welfare, and guarantee sustained revenue growth.

PCCI recognizes Bataan as ‘Most Business-Friendly province 2023’

By Butch Gunio

NEW VILLAGE CHIEF. Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez (right) administers the oath to erstwhile city public information officer Mar Jimenez as a newly elected chairman of Barangay Don Bosco.

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recognized Bataan as the Most Business-Friendly Province 2023 in a ceremony held recently in Manila.

Bataan received the same award in 2018 and 2021, making it the third time for the province to be conferred the distinction.

Asked during the final judging via Zoom how the province maintains being business-friendly, Gov. Joet Garcia explained; “First and foremost, we institutionalized our Public-Private Partnership and Investment Center several years ago. We have a team of experts ready to accommodate all business inquiries at the provincial level. They help facilitate linkages, from big-ticket projects to small projects, to potential

partners in order to set up their business in our province.”

The governor also said big-ticket infrastructure developments like the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, Coastal Road-Dike to Bulacan, and the Bataan Transshipment Hub, will be strategic for the province in positioning itself as an investment destination of choice in the Philippines.

“When it comes to our labor force, we have scholarship program which caters to 13,000 scholars. This is to make sure we have a supply of good and talented workforce,” Garcia pointed out.

He also said Bataan has a capacitybuilding program for barangays and encourages LGUs to use digital payments for government and business transactions throughout the peninsula.

“Out with the old, in with the new.

Our law enforcers should ditch outdated crime investigation methods and embrace technology and science in doing their job. This would not only ensure airtight cases against crime suspects, it would help build the public’s trust in police investigations,” Yamsuan stressed.

As envisioned by Yamsuan, modern investigation techniques should be complemented by continuing education and retraining on police operational procedures.

He said one obsolete technique—the use of paraffin tests on persons suspected of having fired a gun, has been ruled by the Supreme Court as unreliable more than 30 years ago, and abandoned as part of casework in other countries.

QC gov’t honors recipients of 21st MLQ awards THE Quezon City government has conferred the 21st Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal Award to outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the city and the country.

Fifteen QCitizens and institutions who have shown dedication and excellence were named as this year’s recipients of the MLQ awards, representing different fields including Justice and Law, Science and Technology, Social Work, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Environment and Sanitation.

“We are honored to have with us distinguished individuals and organizations who set the bar high in terms of active participation in governance, and whose achievements must be celebrated and emulated,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The awarding ceremony was held at the PETA theater.

“In one way or another, whether on their own volition or driven by circumstances, our awardees devoted their lives and careers in pursuing worthwhile causes, and in so doing, made positive impacts to the city, the country and even the world,” the mayor added.

Among this year’s awardees are Prof.

Ernesto Serote, the “Guru of Philippine Local Planning” who rationalized the local planning system in the country; Dr. Emma Porio who led the transdisciplinary action research project, Coastal Cities at risk: Investing in Climate and Disaster Resilience in the Philippines; and Dr. Laura T. David who pioneered ocean remote sensing. Maricel V. Cruz

A4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEWS Disaster funds not limited to 30%, says DOJ

HALLOWEEN AT THE ZOO.

Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan leads a Halloween celebration at the Manila Zoo on Tuesday.

More than 600 kids joined the celebration and participated in the ‘Best in Halloween Costume’ contest.

K R De Asis/MPIO and Gerry Ele/OM

By Rey E. Requejo

Carpio urges gov’t to challenge China’s claim in international court R

By Rey E. Requejo

ETIRED Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Wednesday called on the government to file an arbitration case before the International Court of Justice to challenge China on its territorial claims over Scarborough Shoal.

Carpio, who has been advocating for the assertion of Philippines sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone (EZZ) in the West Philippine Sea, made the statement after the Chinese military said that a Philippine military ship “illegally entered” waters near Scarborough

Shoal, which is located inside the Philippines’ EEZ. “Their claim is really, really dubious.

So what do we do now? We challenge China. Let’s go to an arbitral tribunal.

Let the arbitral tribunal decide who has sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal,”

Carpio said, in an interview with ANC news.

The Philippines also calls Scarborough Shoal as “Bajo de Masinloc.”

Carpio stressed that should China refuse to bring the territorial dispute to court, it is because “China knows… its claim is weak.”

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded that China had no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.’ China, however, has said that it does not recognize this ruling.

When asked how the 2016 ruling will

influence the new case, Carpio said different principles of international law will govern the territorial dispute.

Carpio emphasized that the decision of the International Court of Justice will be final and unappealable, saying parties are “bound to comply.”

A delegation from the Department of National Defense (DND) meanwhile visited two major South Korean defense equipment manufacturers amid growing calls from various sectors to expedite the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (AFPMP) in response to tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Technology department crafting policies to promote online safety

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-in collaboration with social media companies--said it is crafting policies to promote online safety and address online threats.

DICT Spokesperson Renato Paraiso said that the agency has partnered with Google, YouTube, TikTok, and Meta to intensify cybersecurity efforts as online scams and other cybercrimes.

Paraiso said the partnership will ensure that the social media platform community standards and regulations

ALLOCATION for the government’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) is not limited to 30 percent of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund set aside as QRF, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

The government’s QRF is under Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

QRF are standby funds for relief and recovery programs so that situations and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as soon as possible.

In a three-page legal opinion, the DOJ through Undersecretary Raul Vasquez stressed that the 30-percent allocation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management “merely provides the minimum allotment owing to the nature and purpose of the QRF.” “Without divesting importance to activities addressing disaster risk reduction or mitigation, prevention and preparedness activities like training of personnel, procurement of equipment and capital expenditures, the law will become futile and ineffective for its avowed purposes and intentions when needed assistance for people in disaster in the affected areas are left to fund themselves by reason of restrictive application of the provision of the law,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ rendered the legal opinion in response to the request sent by Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director, seeking clarification on whether the allocation for the QRF replenishment under Section 22 ( c ) of R.A. 10121 is limited to 30 percent.

The NDRRMC believes that the intent of Section 22 ( c ) is to only set a minimum funding allocation for quick disaster response by designating 30 percent of the NDRRM Fund as QRF.

NEARLY EMPTY.

they have set forth are aligned with the goals and policies of the government toward online safety.

“Current collaborations have made responses to reports more immediate when it comes to cybersecurity, data privacy, and other related matters,” he added.

As reported by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) under the Office of the President, the total number of online scams – such as those that happen across social media – went up to nearly triple what it was in the same period of 2022, in the first half of 2023, reaching 4,446 reported cases.

A portion of EDSA Avenue is clear of traffic during All Saints’ Day on Wednesday, Nov. 1, which is a national holiday.

Manny Palmero

‘More funds for water impounding DOTr seen submitting provision on fuel subsidies projects to reduce dry spell impact’

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is working on a water management plan to help reduce the impacts of the dry spell on farmers and farmlands.

Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Savellano said the DA is increasing the allotted budget for small water impounding projects (SWIPs) to disperse more SWIPS to the provinces, especially at the onset of El Niño.

“It’s a matter of managing our water resources. You’d think it’s a joke why we have so much water during the rainy season and almost none during the dry

season. If we have SWIPs and we start practicing rain harvesting, it will be easier for us to deal with El Niño, whenever it comes,” he said.

Savellano said he has been pushing for bigger allocation to bring SWIPs to more provinces, especially, rice-growing and vegetable-producing provinces.

“We have streams, brooks and rivers where we can source water to fill SWIPs. A SWIP doesn’t cost that much, still, the budget for these projects has remained minimal over the years,” he added.

Crop production will be severely impacted if El Niño will not be managed as early as the last quarter of 2023.

HONORING HEROES. A member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines lights a candle at the Libingan ng mga Bayan in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The Philippine Army has conducted a synchronized lighting of candles on Oct. 31 to commemorate fallen soldiers and Filipino heroes. Angelica M Valderrama, OACPA

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will submit the proposed revision in the 2024 budget provision on fuel subsidies to shorten the trigger period for the subsidies to one month.

“This was proposed by DOE to DOTr and approved by the President. I think DOTr will do the necessary amendment at the Senate level budget deliberation,” DOE oil industry bureau director Rino Abad said.

Abad said the DOE proposed the improvements but the DOTr has the budget for the fuel subsidy. “This was proposed during a Cabinet-level presentation and approved by the President,” Abad said.

He said that once the average price of crude reaches $80 per barrel anytime next year, it will trigger the release of the subsidy.

“That’s what I understand of Sec. Lotilla’s proposal. I hope it will be strictly followed during the Senate deliberation,” Abad said.

President Marcos on Tuesday ordered

the shortening of the trigger period for the release of fuel subsidies from three consecutive months to only one month when the Dubai price per barrel exceeds $80.

Mr. Marcos issued the directive during a review of the mitigating measures for high fuel prices in a sectoral meeting at the Palace on Tuesday.

Lotilla said the President also ordered agencies to simplify the release requirements as it took time to release the funds for fuel subsidies in the past.

Saudi lifts ban on PH seafood products 3 dead, 6 injured THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has lifted the ban on Philippine marine and aquatic products, except shrimps, through a note verbal issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

In an update by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Export Management Bureau (EMB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) said the ban on shrimps stays due to the presence of infectious diseases like Hematopoietic Necrosis, White Spot Syndrome, and Acute Hepatopancreatic Disease.

The ban on meat products has also been lifted as a result of various discussions between the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the SFDA. Meat establishments in the Philippines that intend to export to KSA may now apply for accreditation to export.

Philippine authorities are also required to submit a list of establishments that plan

to export meat and aquatic products.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will handle the certification process for fresh and frozen products and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prepared, processed, and preserved products.

The Philippines is now consolidating a list of establishments that intend to export to KSA for ocular inspection by SFDA, earliest in 2024, as part of the accreditation process.

Establishments that have completed the accreditation process will be able to export to KSA. The KSA has, previously, required the submission of a system evaluation form from all countries exporting meat, poultry, and marine products.

Pending the review and approval of the submitted System Evaluation Form, the SFDA has imposed a ban on the importation of Philippine meat, poultry, fish, and aquatic products. Othel V. Campos

in Calamba City road accident

THREE people were killed while six others were wounded in a road crash in Calamba City in Laguna on Tuesday morning, authorities reported.

A couple and their two children aged 4 and 11 were killed after a pickup truck slammed into two tricycles along the national highway of Barangay Bucal, said city police chief, Police Lt. Col. Milany Martirez.

Police identified the fatalities as Gilbert Palupit, and his passengers Aileen Palupit and Maria Aleisha Gale Palupit.

The couple’s other children aged 8 and 12 were in critical condition and are under intensive medical supervision. Vince Lopez and Roy Tomandao

OPINION

Faith in life after physiological death HALLOWEEN in the Catholic areas of this Southeast Asian archipelago, its marked variations notwithstanding, is among the country’s age-old religious tradition that dates back to the 16th century.

Halloween, thought to have influences from Christian beliefs and practices, comes from “All Hallows Eve,” being the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows Day (All Saints Day) on Nov. 1 and All Souls Day Nov. 2.

Folklorists have used the name ‘Samhain’ to refer to Gaelic ‘Halloween’ customs up until the 19th century. Since the later 20th century Celtic neopagans and Wiccans have observed Samhain, or something based on it, as a religious holiday.

In Metro Manila and nearby provinces, residents refer to the celebration as the “undas,” or “araw ng mga patay” which is called by those in Central Visayas as “kalag-kalag,” or “piesta dagiti natay” among Ilocanos, who also have “semana ti ar-aria” for the week-long bash to All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Most often, masses are also offered in the graveyards where the priest, beyond the request of a grieving kin nearby, also prays for those who have been forgotten, their resting places abandoned for years In the run-up to the two days, by law non-working regular holidays in this predominantly Christian country, which received the Cross in 1521, people who hack out a living in the metropolis but have their roots in the provinces begin a stress-filled exodus back to the countryside — by buses for northerners and boats and aircraft chiefly for southerners.

It is an annual trek that has become a solemn affair — among instances when the living visit the graves of their departed dead in public or manicured private memorial parks.

Halloween in these parts is marked differently by the communities — one tradition in a Central Luzon town being the kin of the dead gathering in the graveyard on All Saints Day for some prayers, feasting, and merry-making.

The merry-making extends to rides in ferris wheels and roller coaster swings

in the metropolis — in stark contrast to the different practices in the provinces where surviving kin remember their dead with prayers and, sometimes, five minutes of funeral marches played by the town band around the stone marker or epitaph of the dead relation.

In the Christian areas of the Philippines, Halloween can be said to be actually more of an observance than a ‘celebration’ or a day to remember the dead.

During the Halloween season, Filipinos go to the cemeteries to visit their dead, clean their tombstones, sometimes repaint them, light candles, and offer flowers and prayers for the dead.

Most often, masses are also offered in the graveyards where the priest, following the request of a grieving kin nearby, also prays for those who have been forgotten, their resting places abandoned for years.

Some kibitzers have seen whole families camping in cemeteries and sometimes even spending the whole night or two near their dead relative’s tomb.

During this time, card games are played, ghost stories are told, and there are eating, drinking, singing, and merriment in commemoration of the departed loved ones. The occasion is more like a family reunion or banquet or family picnic.

Halloween also coincides with the day, often on Oct. 31, when relatives clean up the tombstones and graves — repainting the stones or uprooting covering wayward grass, including the “cadena de amor” which is a familiar sight in Philippine countryside cemeteries.

Some in Cebu, like Mary Anne and her siblings, will be going to Tindog on the northern side of the island province to visit the grave of their mother for prayers before they drive back to Minglanilla town south of the capital city for additional prayers for their father and two brothers at the town’s graveyard.

But in some areas of Negros Oriental, orphaned relatives will visit the graves of their dead kin for an overnight stay — on shifts — at the cemetery for what they call the “kalag-kalag,” which is also practiced by some in Negros Occidental.

In some towns in Ilocos Norte, the “piesta dagiti natay” — literally feast of the dead — is marked by nine masses at home or masses arranged to be celebrated in churches, either Aglipayan or Catholic, with the ninth culminating on All Saints Day or All Souls Day. Read full article on manilastandard.net

He saw his grandfather’s ghost – so they told him

By Ben Cal GHOSTS – apparitions of dead people believed to appear or become manifest to the living as indistinct or faint images — are real.

I myself saw the ghost of my grandfather when I was a two-year-old toddler – if I were to believe narrations of my elders two years after the specter.

His ghost apparently came into sight from a huge wooden post inside our house in Tagbilaran in Bohol one evening during the nine-day prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

His sudden emergence sent the noveva crowd, including my maternal grandmother, Magdalena Clarin Bautista, my parents, Pedro Cal and Milagros Bautista, as well as relatives hastily darting to different directions, leaving my lonesome me.

When I was four years old, I remember my grandma and my parents asked me whether I saw the spirit of my grandfather, Dr. Andres Bautista, that night on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, 1947. He died eight days earlier.

They related to me in detail what transpired that evening when suddenly – from their memory – they quoted me as shouting, “Lolo, Lolo, Lolo,” (Grandpa,

EvEryman Grandpa, Grandpa), pointing to a huge wooden post in the receiving room of our house.

I told them I could not recall anything, but their dash for their lives when I shouted “Lolo, Lolo, Lolo” suggested sufficient confirmation I must have seen his ghost, apparently to make his presence felt.

Ghosts are real, indeed (Old Testament: Isaiah 19:3, 1 Samuel 28; as well as the New Testament: Matthew 14:6, Luke 24:37, Mark 6:49).

(Editor’s Note: In Isaiah 19:3 the Egyptians talk about the spirits of the dead; in 1 Samuel 28, Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” In Matthew 14:6, the text is about Herod’s birthday; Luke 24:37, the people were startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death.

And Mark 6:49, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out.)

To some extent I remember Lolo Andres propping me up on his chest while he lay in his bed, giving me “broa” (cookies) which they said I rel-

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

D

Exodus of nurses ON’T look now, but we’re likely to lose nearly 30,000 of our nurses to hospitals in the United States soon.

That’s because there’s likely to be a fresh wave of mass migration of Filipino nurses seeking the proverbial greener pastures primarily to the United States.

The result: Our own hospitals and other medical and health facilities could end up seriously understaffed and unable to provide adequate care to our own growing population.

The fear is real.

As things now stand, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, 18,644 nurses went overseas in 2019, a total 16,711 of them as temporary migrants and 1,933 as permanent migrants.

Because of the migration ban during the pandemic, POEA recorded 5,787 temporary nurse migrants in 2020 and 10,610 in 2021.

A 2020 study by the University of the Philippines showed there were 8.2 nurses per 10,000 nationwide, below the WHO-prescribed ratio of 1:1,000, or 10:10,000.

The standard nurse-to-patient ratio set by the Department of Health is 1:12 but according to other studies, in most government hospitals, the usual

The surge in the number of nursing graduates from the Philippines taking the US licensure examination portends an alarming decline in the number of nurses who can take care of our own people nurse to patient ratio in general wards is 1:20.

The Professional Regulation Commission reported a total 475,995 licensed nurses in the country in 2021.

According to DOH data, there are around 10,600 registered nurses annually and Philippine schools produce some 80,000 nursing graduates every year.

The House committee on higher and technical education has noted 26,972 Filipino nurses took their first US li-

censure test from January to September this year.

This number is more than double the 12,399 who took the test during the same nine-month period in 2022.

The US National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc., which administers the National Council Licensure Examination, has reported 49 percent of Philippine-educated nurses pass the exam on their first take.

Passing this exam is the final step in the US nurse licensing process.

The surge in the number of nursing graduates from the Philippines taking the US licensure examination portends an alarming decline in the number of nurses who can take care of our own people.

What is to be done?

The government should take firm action now to incentivize our nurses to stay here.

House Bill 5276 would raise the lowest monthly base pay of nurses employed by government hospitals by 75 percent – from P36,619 to P63,997.

This will increase the minimum base pay of government nurses by six notches to Salary Grade 21 under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019.

Congress should pass the proposed measure soon as the WHO has warned that overseas migration could result in a nurse shortfall in the Philippines of 249,843 by 2030.

Government red tape

RED tape is the scourge of every Filipino transacting business with the government both local and national.

It has gotten so bad over the years that the ubiquitous fixers are needed when transacting business with any government agency.

Reason why Congress passed the Anti-Red Tape Act or R.A. 9485 in 2007 to ease doing business with any government agency.

This was further amended by R.A. 11035 in 2018 but, as we know, the law has not completely eradicated the problem. This is because we still find fixers in many government agencies.

Both R.A. 9485 and R.A. 11035 go to a lot of detail on how government agencies should not be so fixated and strict in adherence to multi-layered or redundant procedures and allow certain flexibility for efficiency and faster service.

There is such a thing as the 3-7-20 rule which ensures promptness of service.

This means that depending on the complexity of the transaction, simple transactions should only take three days, seven days for a little more complicated ones and 20 days for the most complex cases.

Had this been followed, the problem of red tape would have disappeared forever.

Unfortunately, many government

agencies are unresponsive to reform.

Instead of streamlining and shortening procedures, layers continue to be added, prolonging government transactions.

It has not occurred to many bureaucrats that streamlining procedures can be more efficient and saves time.

Many agencies also often make decision making very centralized, making these agencies rigid and inflexible, thereby ensuring it will take eternity before anything gets done.

For many ordinary citizens, going to government offices is like negotiating a difficult obstacle course We all have a story to tell about red tape experiences in transacting business with government agencies.

A friend of mine just related to me there is currently one government agency whose main office in the National Capital Region does not allow people following communications personally because someone created a ruckus using some kind of weapon apparently because of red tape.

The person became so frustrated being given the run around that he simply snapped and went berserk.

Now, it has become harder than ever to find out the status of a complaint or an ongoing case if one does not know anyone in the building.

With the number of people in this country transacting business with government agencies both local and

ried late.

As a physician, he was considered the I myself saw best doctor with thousands of patients in town, having graduated from a medical the ghost of my school in the United States in the early grandfather when I 1900s. was a two-year-old He returned to Manila where he practiced his profession then sailed on to toddler – if I were to Bohol where he met my grandmother, believe narrations of Magdalena Clarin, whom he eventually my elders married.

My grandmother recalled when my Lolo was gravely ill, he apparently knew death was soon, and called her ished. and their other children – Milagros, my I presumed he was fond of me as his mother, Jose and Antonio. my uncles – eldest grandson, considering he had his to say good-bye. first grandchild at age 65, having marBefore he breathed his last, he final-

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

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

national, it would be interesting if a survey is conducted to find out how satisfied the public is when it comes to the concept of bringing the government closer to the people.

I suspect the result will not be very flattering to the government.

This is perhaps one reason why we often hear people saying one must know, must have a relative in government or be in government to get things done.

For many ordinary citizens, going to government offices is like negotiating a difficult obstacle course. While there are admittedly government agencies genuinely trying to better the services being provided, many agencies continue with old inefficient procedures or simply refuse to reform.

With the way things are going in this area, it is hard for the public to be optimistic that changes are in the air.

Maybe this is one reason why people everywhere want to join the government service either via elections or other civil service jobs because of the many fringe benefits.

Even at the Barangay level, which is supposed to be non-political positions, people are flocking to be elected and even willing to buy votes.

But look at the just concluded Barangay elections where scores of candidates were killed due to political violence.

About 19 people lost their lives.

Was it all worth it?

Maybe we can understand if the political stakes are much higher but at a Barangay level?

What could be there that people want it so badly even at the cost of losing their lives? Read full article on manilastandard.net

ly acceded to call a priest to confess his sins.

Fluent in Spanish, his last words were: “Adios, Magdalena (good-bye Magdalena).”

My grandfather died a happy death.

Thank God! As we observe with solemnity All Souls Day, I pray to God for the eternal repose of the souls of my departed parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends.

(The Bohol-born author started out as an agriculture and defense reporter of the government-run Philippines News Agency in Manila where he retired years later as executive editor.)

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

WORLD

B2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump’s adult sons to testify in fraud trial NEW YORK—Donald Trump’s two adult sons are expected to begin taking the witness stand this week in the civil trial for financial fraud that threatens to deal a heavy blow to his business empire.

If all goes according to the court schedule, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, 45, will take the stand on Wednesday, followed on Thursday his younger brother Eric Trump, 39.

Both are executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, a sprawling network of companies managing residential and office skyscrapers, luxury hotels and golf courses around the world.

New York state attorney general Letitia James accuses the brothers -- and their father -- of fraudulently inflating the value of the group’s assets by billions of dollars to obtain more favorable bank loans and insurance deals.

If the trial advances on schedule, 77-yearold Donald Trump Sr will be questioned next Monday, a day shy of one year before the November 5, 2024 presidential election that he hopes will sweep him back into the White House.

Ivanka Trump, who left the Trump Organization in 2017 to join the White House as an advisor to her father, will follow two days later. She is not the target of the lawsuits.

Long associated with the family busiManila ness, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump took Standard TODAY control when their father entered the White House. They fervidly support their father, displaying loyalty on a daily basis in the Manila media and on social networks. AFP Standard TODAY

Job Vacancy

10 Customer ServiceERRORS Associate & NOTICE

Qualifications: Extra Judicial • 1 – 2 years experience in customer service.

Settlement of • College graduate Estate • Experience with an online booking system.

•Notice Experience in the Travel is hereby given or to hospitality (Hotel) industry.

•the Fluent in Chinese public that theMandarin intestate and English (verbal and written) •estate 35 WPM Typing of the late Domenciano •S. Ability to use MShas Officebeen applications including Excel, Word, Macaibay extrajudicially settled among Outlook surviving heirs as per Deed •his Can operate computer in Chinese Mandarin Characters

OMISSIONS

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day of Extra Judicial Settlement the advertisement is of Estate with Appointment Submit your applications thru email at of Property Administrator and published. We will not MNLHumanResources@webbeds.com Attorney-in-Fact enteredSHARED in the DOTW SERVICES, INC. Book of Consul Grace Ann G. be responsible for any CityNet 1 – No. Unit119; G10, Bulos as Doc. Page183 EDSA, Barangay Wack-wack, No. 6; Book No.Mandaluyong XLVIII, Series City, Philippines incorrect1555 ads not reported of 2022. to us immediately.

Manila

Job Vacancy Standard (MS-OCT. 12, 19 & 26, 2023)

10 Customer Service Associate TODAY

NOTICE

Qualifications:

is hereby given that the intestate estate of •Notice 1 – 2 years experience in customer service. lategraduate ROY JONATHAN B. ALVAREZ has been •the College settled by andsystem. among his heirs by •extrajudicially Experience with an online booking of a Deed of Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate •way Experience in the Travel or hospitality (Hotel) industry. of Mandarin Rights and andEnglish Donation •with FluentWaiver in Chinese (verbal executed and written) in by (1) Amelita J. Cruz and Joyce Winifred •counterparts 35 WPM Typing Alvarez-Quimpo as Doc. No 370, •C. Ability to use MS Officeentered applications including Excel,Page Word,No. 75, Book No. 13, Series of 2023 in the notarial books Outlook Atty Rodrigo de Real Jr. a Notary for Makati •of Can operate computer in Chinese MandarinPublic Characters City, Metro Manila; (2) Roy Jonathan C. Alvarez Jr. your applications thru email atRodriguez, entered in Submit the notarial records of Joseph MNLHumanResources@webbeds.com Notary Public for the State of Texas and duly apostilled; DOTW SHARED SERVICES, (3) Faye C. Alvarez-Olympia entered INC. in the notarial CityNet 1of– Bonnie Unit G10, 183 EDSA,Notary Barangay Wack-wack, records Sugawara, Public of the (MS-OCT. 12, 19 & 26, 2023) Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1555 State of California duly apostilled.

LEAVE OR ELSE. Members of an Afghan refugee family load their belongings on a truck as they prepare to depart for Afghanistan, in Peshawar on Tuesday. More than 10,000 Afghans living in Pakistan rushed to the borders, just hours before a deadline for 1.7 million people to leave Pakistan voluntarily or face arrest and deportation. AFP

Afghan exodus as deadline to leave Pakistan arrives P

untarily or be forcibly removed.

On Wednesday, thousands joined a snaking queue that stretched for seven kilometres at the busiest border point, where at least 29,000 had crossed back into Afghanistan the day before.

Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the majority of Afghan migrants live, will launch a widespread operation to arrest undocumented families who refuse to leave, Feroz Jamal, a spokesman for the provincial government, told AFP. Forty-nine holding centres, some capable of holding several thousand peoThe government hasQualifications: given 1.7 million ple, were set to open across the country • College graduate Afghans it says are living illegally in the on Wednesday to process and deport Af• Previous travel or data entry work experience. country until November 1 to leave vol- ghans, state media said.

• Good knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Office & Outlook.

ESHAWAR, Pakistan—Hundreds of thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan faced the threat of detention and deportation on Wednesday, as a Vacancy governmentJob deadline for them to leave sparked a mass exodus.

3 Data Entry Associate

A fourteen-year-old Afghan girl, who and imposed its harsh interpretation of AFP has not named for security reasons, Islamic law. YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA said she would stay in Pakistan as long Pakistan has said the deportations are as possible, despite not having legal to protect the country’s “welfare and papers. security” after a sharp rise in attacks, “We are not going back home, be- which the government blames on miliCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK cause my education in Afghanistan tants operating from Afghanistan. would come to a grinding halt,” she told The policy has widespread support AFP in Peshawar. from Pakistanis, observers say, with “Our father has told us that if he is a protracted refugee presence putting arrested by Pakistani authorities, we a heavy burden on the country’s infrashould not leave even then. Because we structure. will have no life in Afghanistan.”

Authorities on the Afghan side of the Millions of Afghans have poured into border have been overwhelmed by the Pakistan in recent decades, fleeing a se- scale of exodus as they attempt to prories of violent conflicts, including an es- cess those returning—some of whom timated 600,000 since the Taliban gov- are stepping foot in Afghanistan for the ernment seized power in August 2021 first time in their lives. AFP

• Good English skills (verbal and written)

Australian towns endure night of bushfires

Submit your applications thru email at MNLHumanResources@webbeds.com DOTW SHARED SERVICES, INC. CityNet 1 – Unit G10, 183 EDSA, Barangay Wack-wack, Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1555

YELLOWISH HAZE. Pedestrians walk Job Vacancy on an overpass

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

3 Data Entry Associate

as traffic snarls amid haze from air pollution in Beijing on Wednesday.

Qualifications: A thick haze • College graduate has smothered • Previous travel or data entry work experience. swathes of of MS Word, Excel, Office & Outlook.

• Good knowledge • Good English skills (verbal and written) northern China this week as the Submit your applications thru email at region fights MNLHumanResources@webbeds.com some of its worst DOTW SHARED SERVICES, INC. CityNet 1 – of Unit G10, 183 EDSA, Barangay Wack-wack, air pollution Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1555 the year. AFP

NOTICE OF WITDRAWAL OF LICENSE The public is hereby notified that TECHNIDATA ASIA, a Regional Operating Headquarters (“ROHQ”) in the Philippines, with registered address at Unit 1404-1402, Liberty Center Bldg. 104 HV Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, shall cease to operate in the Philippines effective 31 May 2023. The withdrawal of license of the ROHQ will take effect upon approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(MS-OCT. 19, 26 & Nov. 2, 2023)

Republic Republic of of the the Philippines Philippines REGIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT National National Capital Capital Judicial Judicial Region Region BRANCH BRANCH 226 226 -- QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY rtc1qzn226@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1qzn226@judiciary.gov.ph +63 +63 910-907-8610 910-907-8610 IN IN THE THE MATTER MATTER OF OF THE THE INTESTATE INTESTATE ESTATE ESTATE OF OF THE THE LATE LATE PUE PUE SIN SIN CHUA CHUA ENRIQUEZ ENRIQUEZ JOSEPH JOSEPH GO GO ENRIQUEZ, ENRIQUEZ, Petitioner, Petitioner, -- versusversus-

SP SP PROC. PROC. No. No. 21-10386 21-10386 YU SON JUN ENRIQUEZ, JEANE YU SON JUN ENRIQUEZ, JEANE ENRIQUEZ ENRIQUEZ MONTEVERDE, MONTEVERDE, JOCELYN JOCELYN ENRIQUEZ ENRIQUEZ YOUNG, YOUNG, and JORGE and JORGE YU YU ENRIQUEZ, ENRIQUEZ, Oppositors.

Oppositors. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x

Northern China chokes under severe pollution BEIJING, China—Tens of millions of people across northern China were under severe pollution warnings, with authorities urging them to reduce outdoor activities as a greyish smog enveloped the region.

Several areas of north China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, home to over 100 million people, are suffering from some of the worst pollution they have seen in months.

In the capital Beijing, authorities Monday issued an orange alert -- the country’s second-highest pollution warning.

Heavy smog suffocated the region for a fifth day Tuesday, with hundreds of flights canceled and road and rail transport grinding to a halt under the low visibility conditions.

More than 20 cities have entered a state of red alert since Friday evening, implementing emergency measures aimed at cutting emissions and protecting public health from the toxic miasma.

“There has been more smog in the past two days... it really has an effect,” said office worker Fu Dalin, 27.

“Because the smog is so serious, I won’t go out for a run like usual, and will just have to stay at home,” he told AFP in a business district in downtown Beijing.

Another resident of the capital, Xu Gengying, said the pollution wouldn’t stop her from going about her everyday life.

“We still go out when we need to, if there’s something to do. Just avoid doing some exercise outdoors -- no jog-

ging,” she said.

In several areas in densely populated Hebei province, which surrounds the capital, authorities issued their highest red alert.

Air quality monitoring firm IQAir on Tuesday listed Beijing as the fifth most-polluted major city on Earth, just ahead of Indian megalopolis Mumbai.

Authorities urged residents to “to reduce going out and strenuous outdoor exercise in the near future,” according to state news agency Xinhua.

They were also limiting the number of construction and transport vehicles allowed on the roads.

In parts of Hebei, one official forecast showed that hazy conditions brought visibility down to lower than 50 meters. AFP

SYDNEY, Australia—Helicopters buzzed over bushfire-scarred swathes of eastern Australia on Wednesday, assessing the damage left by “shocking” blazes that raged overnight.

Water bombing aircraft swooped on fires smoldering in Queensland and New South Wales, while fire crews raced to dig containment lines as conditions eased on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters toiled through the night to repel bushfires on the border between the two states, while more than 50 houses have now been razed by a separate blaze on Queensland’s Western Downs -- one of Australia’s most vital food bowls.

“It was a really shocking day for firefighters and residents on both sides of the border,” NSW fire chief Rob Rogers told Sky News.

Aerial fire service footage showed cars fleeing as a fire front swept towards Wallangarra on Tuesday evening, a rural town of about 500 people that is about three hours’ drive south from Queensland’s capital Brisbane.

A small number of homes had been destroyed but fire crews were able to prevent more significant destruction, officials said.

About 30 firefighters were flown from Sydney on Tuesday afternoon to reinforce crews protecting the northern NSW town of Tenterfield, which was surrounded by a ring of seven “dangerous” bushfires.

“These crews will support local firefighters to establish containment lines, reduce threat to properties and plan for coming days,” the NSW Rural Fire Service said on Wednesday. AFP

NOTICE NOTICE TO TO CREDITORS CREDITORS TO TO WHOM WHOM IT IT MAY MAY CONCERN: CONCERN: Pursuant Pursuant to to the the Order Order of of the the Court Court dated dated September September 30, 30, 2023, 2023, NOTICE NOTICE is is hereby hereby GIVEN GIVEN to to all all persons persons having having money money claims claims against the Intestate Estate of the late PUE SIN CHUA ENRIQUEZ, against the Intestate Estate of the late PUE SIN CHUA ENRIQUEZ, arising arising from from contract, contract, express express or or implied, implied, whether whether same same be be due, due, not not due, due, or or contingent, contingent, claims claims for for funeral funeral expenses expenses and and expenses expenses for for the the last last sickness sickness of of the the decedent, decedent, and and judgments judgments for for money money against against the the decedent, decedent, to to file file their their money money claims claims with with the the Office Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City at of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City at Room Room 206, 206, Hall Hall of of Justice, Justice, Quezon Quezon City, City, not not earlier earlier than than six six (6) (6) months months nor nor later later than than nine nine (9) (9) months months reckoned reckoned from from the the date date of of the the first first publication, publication, serving serving a a copy copy thereof thereof upon upon JOSEPH JOSEPH GO GO ENRIQUEZ, ENRIQUEZ, the appointed Regular Administrator, with residential address the appointed Regular Administrator, with residential address 490 490 G. G. Araneta Araneta Ave., Ave., Brgy.

Brgy. Doña Doña Imelda, Imelda, Quezon Quezon City, City, and and his his counsel counsel on on record record SANIDAD SANIDAD & & ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES LAW LAW OFFICES, OFFICES, with with office office address address Top Top V V Compound, Compound, Brgy.

Brgy. San San Jose, Jose, Narvacan, Narvacan, Ilocos Ilocos Sur. Sur. Let Let this this Notice Notice be be published published at at the the expense expense of of the the Regular Regular Administrator Administrator once once a a week week for for three three (3) (3) consecutive consecutive weeks weeks in in MANILA MANILA STANDARD STANDARD a a newspaper newspaper of of general general circulation circulation within within Metropolitan Metropolitan Manila Manila and and selected selected by by raffle raffle as as required required by by law. law.

Let Let the the notice notice be be further further posted posted for for the the same same period period in in four four (4) (4) public public places places in in said said Metropolitan Metropolitan Manila Manila and and in in two two (2) (2) public public places in Quezon City. places in Quezon City.

WITNESS WITNESS THE THE HON. HON. MANUEL MANUEL B. B. STA. STA. CRUZ, CRUZ, JR. JR. ,, Presiding Presiding Judge Judge of of this this Court, Court, this this October October 2, 2, 2023.

2023.

(Sgd.) (Sgd.) ATTY. ATTY. RICHARD RICHARD JOHN JOHN MARK MARK I. I. TUBOSA TUBOSA Clerk Clerk of of Court Court V V (MStandard (MStandard -- Oct. Oct. 19, 19, 26 26 & & Nov. Nov. 2, 2, 2023) 2023)

Elderly Japanese hostage taker of 2 women ‘had grudge’with post office; police probing TOKYO—Japanese police on Wednesday were probing the motives of an 86-year-old who took two women hostage in a post office after reportedly first setting his home on fire and shooting into a hospital.

Two people were wounded at the hospital in Saitama, outside Tokyo, while the two hostages were unharmed after an eight-hour ordeal at the hands of the irate and armed pensioner on Tuesday.

Media reports said Tsuneo Suzuki had a grudge against the postal service and was angry with a doctor at the hospital.

“He demanded to police officers at the scene that he wanted to see a

specific someone,” a Saitama police spokesman told AFP, adding only that an investigation was ongoing.

In addition to a handgun attached to a cord around his neck, Suzuki reportedly had with him two knives as well as an 18-liter container and two bottles containing an unspecified liquid, according to major media including TV Asahi network.

He also confirmed to police that he was behind the hospital shooting, which resulted in two injuries, and the fire at an apartment where he lived, local media said.

Broadcaster NTV said Suzuki told police he had “shot” a gun at the hospital and “burned my house.” AFP

LONG ORDEAL. Suspect Tsuneo Suzuki (right), 86, who barricaded himself in a post office, is transferred by a police vehicle in Warabi city, Saitama prefecture.

Japanese police detained the man after allegedly holding several people hostage in a post office after apparently shooting into a hospital and injuring two people on Tuesday. AFP

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Panama Canal to reduce ship crossing amid El Niño drought

DIVERSITY AWARD.

Aboitiz Land, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, is among those honored with the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award under the Diversity Company of the Year category of the Asia CEO Awards at the Manila Marriott Hotel on Oct. 24, 2023. The recognition highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of its culture.

Asian stocks advance ahead of Fed action, yen falls on official’s warning

H

ONG KONG, China—Most stocks rose Wednesday ahead of an expected pause in the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate campaign, while the yen fell from its 2023 highs after Japan’s top forex official said authorities were “on standby” to intervene.

With the Israel-Hamas conflict so far showing few signs of spilling over into a wider war -- keeping oil subdued -- traders were able to turn their focus back to the economic outlook.

The Fed is widely expected to keep borrowing costs on hold, with observers saying there is growing optimism that it has run its course after more than a year of hikes that have helped bring inflation down.

Elevated bond yields are also seen as acting as a substitute for further tightening, though decision-makers have for

some time warned that rates will likely need to be kept high to completely win the battle against surging prices.

“The Fed is done, not just for this meeting, but for the cycle and the next move will be a rate cut,” said Saxo Asia Pacific’s Charu Chanana in a commentary.

The post-meeting news conference “could be key here, and more push on the ‘higher-for-longer’ message could still come as officials try to avoid the market undoing the work it has done for the Fed.” “This could mean they could con-

tinue to leave the door open for further tightening if needed.”

Kristina Hooper, at Invesco, said policymakers were also likely worried about going too far, telling Bloomberg News “there is a real risk that the Fed commits overkill if it hikes rates any more than it already has”.

Hopes the Fed has finished hiking helped Wall Street, with all three main indexes rising for a second straight day.

Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and Wellington all rose but Hong Kong dipped.

London opened higher, as did Paris and Frankfurt.

Tokyo rallied more than two percent after the Bank of Japan stopped short of fully tweaking its monetary policy on Tuesday, even as it hiked inflation expectations.

Officials announced a minor change

to its yield curve control program, which allows bonds to rise and fall within a certain band, though there had been talk it would widen that band.

The news battered the yen, and on Wednesday it continued to fall, hitting 151.72 per dollar, its weakest level since touching a 32-year-low 151.95 in October last year and spurring an intervention.

It also touched a 15-year low against the euro.

The yen has tumbled in 2023 against its major peers as the BoJ refuses to budge from its ultra-loose policy, even as the Fed and other key central banks pushed rates to multi-decade highs to combat inflation.

But it picked up in early Asian trade after currency official Masato Kanda said Tokyo was ready to move if needed to step into forex markets.AFP

FINSI commits to building more towers to improve connectivity

By Darwin G. Amojelar FIBER Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. (FINSI) said Wednesday it is boosting nationwide digital connectivity through accelerated tower construction.

FINSI constructed communication towers in vital locations such as Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cagayan and Ilocos Norte in the first six months of 2023. These efforts played a pivotal role in strengthening businesses and local communities by providing them with improved connectivity.

FINSI set ambitious goals to complete additional tower builds in Batangas and Laguna in the coming month, with a focus on eventual nationwide integration.

“With our unwavering commitment to enhancing engineering and infrastructure, FINSI is dedicated to contributing to the nation’s progress by strate-

gically erecting towers in key areas in the country,” FINSI general manager Marc Kerveillant said.

FINSI’s proficiency extends across a wide array of infrastructure solutions, including not only project management and implementation but also network and infrastructure management, quality and safety oversight and the management of facilities, assets and materials.

“Driven by our commitment to improving people’s lives through digital transformation, FINSI’s efforts are aligned with our core mission. As FINSI extends its reach beyond the telecommunications sector and ventures into the tower erection industries, our ultimate goal remains to bridge the connectivity gap and foster nationwide growth and progress,” Asticom Group of Companies president and chief executive Mharicar Castillo-Reyes said.

Statistics Authority.

The Department of Agriculture has already assured sufficient rice supply in early 2024 following the harvesting of palay, or unhusked rice, in the current wet season. Rice imports that arrived in the third quarter of 2023, not the rice price cap, will also help the country’s stock.

DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the country’s national rice stock inventory was at a comfortable level of 77 days of supply in October.

Once the wet season harvest ends this month, the national stock inventory is expected to last for 94 days.

“With our inventory plus imports, going into the first quarter of next year, the supply of our rice throughout the country will be stable,” de Mesa told a weekly news forum in Quezon City.

The easing of rice supply and the resulting lower prices in the market are significant because the reduced inventory spiked the inflation rate in October and the months before. Food inflation, which includes rice supply as a key factor, has become a major contributor to the overall inflation rate.

The PSA released data on Oct. 13 showing that the average farmgate prices of palay (dry) in the Philippines in September 2023 jumped 16.6 percent to P19.90 per kilogram from P17.06 in

PANAMA CITY—The operator of the Panama Canal, the passageway for cargo ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, said Tuesday that it would gradually limit the number of daily crossings due to drought.

Traffic will be reduced to 25 ships a day from Friday, down from 29, and will drop to 18 ships a day

by February, the Panama Canal Authority said.

The interoceanic waterway, through which about six percent of global maritime trade passes, welcomed an average of 39 ships a day in 2022, with the number decreasing for months due to water shortages.

“This month of October is the driest since the earliest registers, 73 years ago. The drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon continues to impact the Panama Canal’s reservoir system and, as a result, water availability has been reduced,” the canal authority said.

The 50-mile (80-kilometer) long waterway provides direct access between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, bypassing the South American continent.

Each ship passing through requires 200 million liters of freshwater to move it through the canal’s locks system, which functions like water elevators and is supported by two artificial lakes fed by rainfall.

The lakes also supply drinking water to half of Panama, a country of about 4.2 million people.

But the nation has faced a biting drought, which has forced canal administrators to restrict the waterway to ships with a maximum draft (water depth) of 43 feet (13 meters).

To save water, daily crossings were reduced this year from 39 ships to 32, and then to 29.

The Pacific warming phenomenon known as El Nino, which can cause drought in some nations and flooding in others, is making the situation worse, meteorologists say. AFP

Siliman, First Gen unit renew power supply contract

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DESLUDGING SCHEDULE. Manila Water is bringing its desludging caravan

to 70 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila and Rizal province to provide septic tank siphoning at no additional cost in November 2023. Manila Water emptied 39,712 septic tanks in for the first half of 2023 through its desludging caravan which goes around scheduled barangays in its service areas in the east zone every month.

The telltale signs of lower rice prices and inflation in October THE sight of yellowing rice fields along the stretches of the North Luzon Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway in the month of October is a clear signal that harvest time for most of our farmers has come. It is an unmistakeable indication that the wet season is about to end and with it, the beginning of a new planting season for the dry months.

Last month’s harvest is part of the telltale signs that the nation’s rice stocks has been boosted. The rice fields along the two major expressways in the north are found in major producing provinces of Central Luzon. The two toll roads cut across Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan provinces. One can hope that the palay harvests will lead to lower rice prices and reduced inflation rate in October.

Rice production in Central Luzon, according to latest official data, increased 12.2 percent during the first quarter of the year, making it a consistent top producer of palay in the country. The region that includes the top producing province of Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Aurora and Zambales accounted for 18 percent of the nation’s overall output.

Western Visayas and Cagayan Valley followed at 14 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively, according to the latest available data from the Philippine

B3

the same month last year. The prices were also higher by 10.2 percent from P17.06 in August. The Ilocos region registered the highest price at P22.67 per kilo.

The same PSA data showed that a kilogram of regular milled rice retailed at P48.14 during the first five days of September 2023. “Compared with its average retail price of P45.57 per kilogram in the second phase of August 2023 (Aug. 15 to 17, 2023), it increased by 5.6 percent,” the PSA said.

It also noted a 16.8-percent rise in the average retail price per kilogram of regular milled rice from P41.23 per kilogram in the first phase of August 2023 (Aug. 1 to 5, 2023).

A farmers group, meanwhile, had predicted on Oct. 10 that rice prices would drop toward the latter part of the month as supply rose due to the harvest.

“The harvest has begun so the supply of rice will increase, but it will take a little time. The rice will be milled before reaching the market. Within the next two weeks, expect the price of rice to drop a bit,” Leonardo Montemayor, chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers Cooperative, told radio dzBB, speaking in Filipino.

A bank analyst agrees and confirms a likely reversal in the inflation trend last month. Rizal Commercial Banking

Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort sees the inflation rate easing in October from 6.1 percent in September despite the latest round of fuel price hikes.

Ricafort says the relatively better weather condition in October and late July to September could have helped stabilize prices of vegetables and other agricultural products.

“The harvest season from mid-September 2023 to October 2023 that increased local palay/rice supply could have also helped stabilize or even helped ease local palay and rice prices, which account for nearly 9 percent of the CPI basket,” says Ricafort.

The rice situation in October will play a big role in the overall October inflation rate and the decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to keep or adjust further its interest rates. The yellow rice fields of Central Luzon and in other regions in the Philippines may serve as the harbinger.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN learning institution Silliman University renewed its retail electricity contract with First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group.

This is the university’s third contract renewal with First Gen, which would continue to supply 2.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from its pure renewable energy arm, Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

First Gen will supply Silliman University with 2.1 MW in the first year, 2.3 MW in the second year and 2.5 MW in the third year of the contract.

“Being an institution that [helps] mold young minds, (Silliman University’s) action directly impacts the younger generation to be more conscious of choosing sustainability. We look forward to celebrating more milestones. We hope that besides supplying you with renewable energy, we can explore projects with your students that we can partner with, as well as provide energy solutions that can help with SU’s energy efficiency,” said First Gen power marketing and sales head Arlene Soriano.

Siliman is the only university in Negros Island and one of the few in the country to be 100-percent powered by renewable energy as part of its sustainable development programs.

Siliman president Dr. Betty Cernol McCann said renewing the partnership with First Gen is a testament to the institution’s commitment since 2018 to “finalizing its environmental Principles, Policies, and Guidelines which highlight the university’s commitment to a green and sustainable campus.”

“One of the identified ways for the university to demonstrate its sustainable operations is through the use of renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint,” McCann said.

She said the university chose to stay with First Gen for its full load requirement not only because the power that it provides through EDC is clean, renewable and reliable but also cheaper, based on its experience when it first shifted to the RE provider’s geothermal power or Geo 24/7 four years ago.

A part of Siliman’s power supply also comes from its own solar power panels.

B4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 Roderick T. dela Cruz Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Inflation likely slowed down in October—BSP

By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said inflation in October likely eased to as low as 5.1 percent from 6.1 percent in September on reduced prices of rice and petroleum products.

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It said the October inflation might have settled within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.9 percent. The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official figure on Nov. 7.

“Lower prices of rice, meat and vegetables along with the reduction in the prices of petroleum products could contribute to downward price pressures,” the BSP said in its latest monthly forecast.

It said that “higher prices of electricity, LPG, fruits and fish, as well as the recent adjustment in jeepney fares are the primary sources of upward price pressures in October.”

Inflation peaked at 8.7 percent in January 2023 before easing in the next six months. It accelerated again to 5.3 percent in August and 6.1 percent in September on the back of higher food and fuel prices.

The BSP raised last week the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 6.5 percent in an off-cycle move to rein in inflation.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona said he was not expecting inflation to settle within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent this year, hinting that monetary authorities might further increase the interest rate by another 25 bps if needed.

He said any tweak in the policy settings would be data dependent, meaning the BSP’s Monetary Board would take into account the latest developments, particularly the inflation print in October and the gross domestic product to be announced prior to the Nov. 16 policy meeting.

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. earlier said the Monetary Board might maintain the current monetary

INTERNATIONAL EXPO. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (center) delivers his keynote address at the opening of this year’s three-day Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 International Franchise Expo with the theme ‘Fun.Frienship.Franchising’ at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Oct. 27. With Pascual are PFA officers led by president Chris Lim (second from right), chairman Sherill Quintana (third from left), vice chair Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco (third from right), Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 Conference and Expo overall chair Joseph Tanbuntiong (left), Franchise Asia Philippines International Expo chair Steve Benitez (right) and World Franchise Council general secretary Simon Bartholomew (second from left).

San Miguel power unit signs P40-b financing deals for energy storage

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BSP Governor Eli Remolona

policy settings in the last two meetings of the year.

“Moving forward, we think the BSP will keep its policy rate steady at 6.50 percent in the November and December Monetary Board meetings. After all, core inflation is still threading downwards, which means the BSP’s tight monetary stance is already in the works,” HSBC said in a report.

HSBC said that as the off-cycle hike was pre-emptive in nature, “we don’t think the BSP will hike interest rates in its November rate-setting meeting, even if the Fed hikes in November.”

The British bank said the BSP maintained a very hawkish tone and might continue doing so.

UNIVERSAL Power Solutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.

(SMGP), signed financing agreements worth P40 billion for its battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

SMGP said in a report to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx) the financing would be divided into two tranches of P28 billion for tranche A and P12 billion for tranche B. The company, in its capacity as shareholder of UPSI, said it also entered into such relevant agreements as sponsor and shares security grantor of UPSI in the project financing.

SMGP is building a nationwide BESS network which is seen as critical to improving power quality and helping power the country’s clean energy transition with a combined capacity of 1,000 megawatt-hours (mWh) estimated to cost $1 billion.

It is building 32 battery storage stations, the first and largest network in the country, and among the largest in-

tegrated battery storage networks in the world.

The BESS projects, targeted to be completed this year, is part of SMC’s and SMGP’s aggressive medium-term goal for power system decarbonization and resilience.

San Miguel Corp. president and chief executive Ramon Ang said during the inauguration ceremonies of the BESS facilities in Bataan early this year that BESS is an important global innovation in the energy sector, one that would enable stable and reliable power to reach even far-off areas.

“Our BESS facilities will support the country’s power grid by storing excess power from existing plants, and injecting this power back, when and where it is needed, within milliseconds—ensuring power quality is stable, and reaches users all over the country,” Ang said.

Ang said the BESS network could enable the integration of capacity from small-to-medium scale renewable energy sources into the grid and help encourage more investments in renewables.

DOF sees higher gov’t revenues in fourth quarter DEPARTMENT of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he expects an improvement in revenue collections in the remaining months of the year amid the more vibrant economic activity during the Christmas season.

Diokno said in a statement the manageable inflation that affected consumer spending in the past months would help the government rake in more revenues.

“This [revenue collection] is expected to increase further in the fourth quarter as government agencies implement catch-up plans,” Diokno said.

“As we enter the fourth quarter of 2023, we expect to see improvement in tax revenue collections as economic activity increases amid the holiday season, while the government further increases its spending,” he said.

“The expected deceleration in inflation for the remaining months of the year could also provide support to consumption, a significant tax base,” he said.

Diokno said the administrative measures by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs would enhance their revenue collections in the remaining months of the year.

These programs include a tax compliance verification drive; the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE); Oplan Kandado; Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) task force; strike team; and digital transformation programs of the BIR. The BIR stepped up its drive to detect and penalize buyers, sellers and certified public accountants (CPAs) using fraudulent invoices and receipts through the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) campaign.

The BOC vowed to fully implement the fuel marking program; intensify post-audit clearance of importers; enhance trade facilitation; and strengthen border control. Julito G. Rada

INDUSTRIAL PARK. Representatives from AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) and Makati Development Corp. (MDC) mark the completion of land development works at Laguindingan Technopark phase 1. Located in Barangays Moog and Tubajon in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, the 65-hectare phase 1 of the industrial park forms part of Ayala Land’s master-planned mixed-use development, Habini Bay. Inspecting the site are (from left) MDC field engineer James Darrel Dairo, ALLHC Technoparks sales and marketing officer Anabell Tapang, ALLHC Technoparks head Gail Santos and MDC safety associate Virgilio Alajar III.

Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares

Globe to charge subscribers P50 for late payment

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Wednesday it will charge P50 from postpaid subscribers who will fail to settle their accounts on time starting December.

“Starting Dec. 1, 2023, a P50 fee will be charged to your account for payments made after your due date.

We encourage you to pay on time to keep your services active,” the telecom unit of the Ayala Group said in an advisory to postpaid subscribers.

Globe said that as of end-June 2023, it had a postpaid subscriber base of 2.55 million.

Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares opposed Globe’s plan to penalize its postpaid subscribers for late payments, saying many subscribers came to him complaining about the penalty.

“I think that Globe should be considerate to their subscribers and scrap this fee. It should also improve its service, instead of thinking about profit first,” Colmenares said.

“Why is it that when there are disruptions in Globe’s signal or services, for days and times, there is no reduction in the monthly fee of the subscribers, but now they are asking automatic P50 for late payment? They have not even given the refund to consumers when they overcharged their texting fees years back,” Colmernares said.

He said Bayan Muna filed a petition before the Supreme Court against Globe and Smart Communications Inc. for alleged overcharging in the text messages that their subscribers sent.

“We urge the Supreme Court to decide the case,” he said.

Meralco readies bidding for 3,000 MW to replace terminated supply contracts POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is set to conduct a competitive selection process or bidding for a combined 3,000 megawatts of baseload capacity this year.

Meralco’s 2023 power supply procurement plan involves the conduct of the CSP for 1,200 MW and 1,800 MW of baseload supply.

“Meralco needs both. The 1,200 MW will replace the emergency PSAs that were used to temporarily tide us over the termination of the 2019 PSAs of SMC [San Miguel Corp.],” Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.

Meralco’s 1,200 MW baseload CSP will replace the terminated South Premiere Power Corp. deal under ERC Case No. 2019-081RC, San Miguel Energy Corp. (now known as Sual Power Inc.) PSA under ERC Case No. 2019-083RC and the failure of negotiations with Solar Philippines Batangas Baseload Corp. for

execution of the 200-MW PSA. The 1,200 MW capacity will have a 15-year contract starting Mar. 26, 2024.

“In accordance with DOE approved PSPP, the CSPs for both will need to start this 2023,” Fernandez said.

He said the DOE asked Meralco to commence the CSP on or before Nov. 15, 2023.

Meanwhile, the 1,800-MW would replace the terminated power supply agreements with Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) for contract capacity of 1,200 MW and Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL) for 600 MW. EERI and MPPCL sent notices of termination of the PSAs effective April 1, 2023 after they failed to get regulatory approval during the prescribed period.

The termination was approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), prompting Meralco to move forward with preparations for the CSP.

Meralco said it would proceed to in- PSPP, consistent with the ERC orders clude a CSP for the 1,800 MW baseload dated Sept. 5, 2023. supply requirement in its revised 2023 Alena Mae S. Flores

FEDEX EXPANSION. A B767 freighter of FedEx Express receives water salute to mark the start of four-times weekly flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Asia and Europe through the FedEx Asia Pacific Hub in Guangzhou, China. Exporters shipping from Southern Vietnam will benefit from faster transit times for shipments to the Philippines and major Asian markets in one business day and two business days to Europe with the new flight.

SPORTS

THURSDAY,, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

MEMORABILIA FOR PBBM. President Ferdinand R. Marcos receives a 19th Hangzhou Asian Games memorabilia from Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino” at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum recently. The memorabilia consists of 40 gold coins with the images of the 40 sports disciplines played in the Asian Games.

NLEX Road Warriors assembling competitive team for PBA season

By Peter Atencio

T

Another key player in Kevin Alas has rejoined the team after playing for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s team in the Hanzhou Asian Games, where the nationals emerged champion.

Lim said the team is getting in shape and ready for action in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Road Warriors will have NBA veteran Thomas Robinson as their import.

The 32-year-old Robinson was supposed to play for the San Miguel Beermen last season, but a back injury kept him from joining the team.

Robinson has NBA career averages of 4.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in 313 games when he played for the Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Army Navy Southtri, Loolaba Tri Club, Les Sables Vendee, La Rochelle Tri and KOA Sports with more teams expected to join the hunt.

The points will be counted based on results and number of participants from each tri club.

Registration is ongoing. For details, log on to ironman.com/im703-puertoprincesa-register, according to the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. Mayor Bayron has also provided money prizes in other categories, including P60,000 each for the top overall male and female finishers in the event backed by Global premier partners Vinfast, Active, Gatorade, HOKA, ROKA and Breitling 1884 and Global technical partners Athletic Brewing Co., Fulgaz,

Hyperice, Qatar Airways, Red Bull, Santini and Wahoo.

The team with the fastest cumulative time of top five members regardless of age and gender will also receive P 50,000 while the top relay all male and all female and mixed teams will each get P10,000.

The fastest in swim, bike and run events will also net P10,000 each.

With the hosting of the Asia TriClub and Relay Championship, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa expects to surpass the success of its inaugural staging last year as the it joins the 2023 Global IRONMAN TriClub Championship Series as the 10th event internationally.

The IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa is part of the Global TriClub Championship

LOS ANGELES—A horse due to take part in this week’s Breeders’ Cup in California died suddenly on Tuesday shortly before Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo scratched from the meeting’s $6 million Classic.

A statement from Breeders’ Cup organizers said Practical Move, who was due to compete in the Dirt Mile, died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest following a morning gallop at Santa Anita Park.

“Breeders’ Cup is saddened to report the loss of Practical Move after what is suspected to be a cardiac event while returning from his gallop this morning at Santa Anita Park,” the statement said.

“His rider was uninjured, and the horse was immediately tended to by veterinarians from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), 1/ST Racing, and Breeders’ Cup.” The death of Practical Move cast a somber pall over preparations for this week’s racing festival, reviving memories of the slew of equine fatalities at Santa Anita in recent years.

Dozens of horses died in racing at Santa Anita, just outside Los Angeles, in 2019 although an investigation by local prosecutors later found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or animal cruelty.

In a separate development on Tuesday, Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo was withdrawn from this week’s meeting after failing to recover from an injury to his left hind hoof.

Trainer Jena Antonucci told the TVG betting site that the three-year-old had “run out of time” to be ready for the race. AFP

Games Thursday (Santa Rosa Sports Complex, Laguna) 2 p.m. – PLDT vs Nxled 4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Galeries 6 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Petro Gazz

Ricci Rivero

Top teams brace for IRONMAN 70.3 showdown TRI SND Barracuda, the best triathlon team in the country, Fit PH and Baguio Benguet Triathlon, along with the eight other leading teams, look to reach peak form in time for the spirited battle for top honors in the IRONMAN 70.3.

Puerto Princesa serving as first-time host to the Asia TriClub and Relay Championship on Nov. 12 in Palawan.

The City of Puerto Princesa, headed

by Mayor Lucilo Bayron, is putting up P500,000 prize for the top club to emerge in the premier endurance race to be disputed over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1k run distance over an exacting course in what has long been considered as the city in the forest.

Making up the early roster in the Asia TriClub are Gas Coaching, Las Vegas Tri Club, Heroes Hotel Adventure,

Breeders’ Cup horse dies, Belmont winner Arcangelo out

Angels, Cargo Movers face off in key duel

HE presence of incoming rookie and former University of the Philippines standout Ricci Rivero in the NLEX Road Warriors’ roster will be a great help to the team in the coming 46th season of the Philippines Basketball Association.

Coach Frankie Lim believes that Rivero’s versatility and ability to play two positions can help the Road Warriors get far in the second conference.

“Ricci will be able to help us more. Nakita ko ang kaya niyang gawin. He’s a twinner. He can play the 1 and 2 spots,” said Lim, appreciating Rivero’s flexibility on being able to shift from a point guard and a shooting guard.

The 63-year-old Lim, who took over after Yeng Guiao left the squad, is assembling a competitive lineup, with three players coming back and two set to recover from injuries.

While Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser is still set to return in the third week of November from his MCL injury, the coaching staff will find out if Anthony Semerad can also play, after he sustained a sprained ankle.

Series held across five regions, including Panama, Oceanside, Marbella, Australia, Victoria, Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Steelhead, Maine, and Wisconsin.

Ushering in the IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa are the Princesa Run, a 5K fun run on Nov. 10, and the IRONKIDS Philippines, featuring youngsters aged 6 to 15, on Nov. 11.

Other supporters of IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa, also staged to boost domestic and international tourism, are Asia supplier partners Always Advancing, Compressport, Ekoi and Nirvana, media parners Outside+ and Sportograf.com, venue host City of Puerto Princesa and event partners RLC Residences, Sante Barley, Lightwater, Prudential Guarantee, Regent Foods, The Philippine Star, One Sports+ and Cignal.

PETRO Gazz stakes its unbeaten slate in pursuit of another lead share, facing its most challenging test thus far against a team on a rebound from an opening game slip as the PVL on Tour makes its fourth stop in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna Thursday.

(See related story on C2) F2 Logistics, which shook off a tough five-set defeat to Akari last Oct. 17 with a pair of shutout wins over lightweight rivals, is more than ready to take on the Angels head-on in their 6 p.m. encounter in a match tipped to last the distance.

The Angels and the Cargo Movers are coming off 3-0 romps over the Nxled Chameleons and the Galeries Tower Highrisers, respectively, in faraway Candon, Ilocos Sur over the weekend and both are deemed to have recovered from the rigors of the long trip and be in top form come gametime.

“We need to prepare kasi yan (Petro Gazz) un mga teams na matitibay na. Hopefully, ung mga natutunan namin sa mga past games ay mailabas namin,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego.

“But we’ll do our best and hopefully no more injuries.”

Wembanyama, Spurs stun Phoenix in last-gasp thriller LOS ANGELES—Victor Wembanyama scored 18 points as the San Antonio Spurs staged a dramatic comeback to snatch a lastgasp 115-114 victory over Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

San Antonio, coming off a brutal 40-point mauling by the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, looked to be heading for another heavy defeat after Phoenix cruised into a 20-point lead early in the third quarter.

But a thrilling duel in Phoenix was turned on its head by San Antonio in the fourth quarter, who outscored the Suns 33-19 in the final frame to secure victory.

French prodigy Wembanyama, the No.1 NBA Draft pick, played a crucial role in the comeback, with a jump shot from 15 feet

making it a three-point game with 49 seconds left on the clock.

The 7ft 4in (2.24m) tall teenager then tipped in a dunk to make it a one-point game with seven seconds remaining.

The decisive play however came from forward Keldon Johnson, who wrestled the ball away from a stunned Durant before driving to the basket for a layup that handed San Antonio their first lead of the game with just two seconds remaining.

There was still time for Durant to launch an attempted buzzer-beater, but his shot missed to leave San Antonio celebrating their first road win of the season.

“It wasn’t our prettiest game but we’re learning every day and we’re on the right

C1

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

path,” the 19-year-old Wembanyama told broadcaster TNT after the win.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich saluted his team’s ability to keep grinding away in search of a victory.

“We made a gazillion mistakes -- but it’s a game of mistakes. And so does every team,” Popovich said.

“But we just kept playing and that’s the best thing about the group. I was really proud of them.”

- ‘Eager to sacrifice’ Wembanyama was one of five San Antonio players who finished in double figures.

Johnson led the Spurs scoring with 27 points while Wembanyama also had eight rebounds and four blocks. AFP

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns corrals a rebound away from Victor Wembanyamaof the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of their teams’ NBA game at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. AFP

SPORTS

C2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Saudi Arabia only bidder for 2034 World Cup

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz spins his tennis racket during his men’s singles match against Roman Safiullin on Day 2 of the Paris ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament at the Accor Arena - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy - in Paris. AFP

LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Saudi Arabia is in line to host the 2034 World Cup after FIFA announced that the kingdom had submitted the only “expression of interest” in hosting the tournament.

The decision will be ratified officially at the end of next year, providing all of the technical criteria are met.

Saudi Arabia, which has invested heavily in football as well as Formula One and golf, is set to take over from an unprecedented tri-continental line-up for the 2030 event, which will be shared between Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with three matches in South America.

The bid comes one year after neighbouring Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East, where the Saudi national team scored a stunning group stage victory over eventual winners Argentina.

At this point, only “expressions of interest” have been submitted.

After the full bids for 2030 and 2034 are handed over, they will be evaluated by FIFA and put to a vote at two separate congress meetings at the end of 2024.

But the absence of any competition leaves little room for suspense, while also raising numerous questions about the environmental impact of the 2030 event and the compatibility of the 2034 tournament with FIFA’s human rights commitments.

Saudi Arabia was initially interested in bidding for the 2030 World Cup alongside Egypt and Greece but that idea was abandoned in June, leaving the path open for the tri-continental bid.

Saudi Arabia announced its intention to bid for the 2034 event on October 4, as soon as the procedure had been launched.

As a result of the continental rotation, FIFA had only “invited” member countries of the Asian and Oceanian confederations to apply -- thus ruling out the traditional footballing heartlands. AFP

No. 2 Alcaraz stunned by qualifier in Paris Masters, Zverev eyes finals

P

ARIS—Carlos Alcaraz slipped to a shock defeat on his return from injury on Tuesday at the Paris Masters while Alexander Zverev needed three sets to see off Marton Fucsovics.

Spanish world number two Alcaraz, who was making his return to the court following injuries to his lower back and left foot, had been given a bye in the first round but had no answer to Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin who eased through 6-3, 6-4.

“He didn’t surprise me at all because I knew that he has been playing a great level these last few months, beating big guys, reaching finals,” said a disconso-

late Alcarez.

“I knew that he was going to play a high level.”

Safiullin, ranked 45 in the world, cancelled out an early Alcaraz break in the first set and then never looked back as he ran on to claim the opener 6-3.

The same scenario then played out in the second set, with Alcaraz breaking for an early lead only for his opponent to strike back immediately.

Having only announced he would play in the tournament last Wednesday, Alcaraz looked far from his sharpest.

“I just didn’t feel well, you know, on the court,” he said. “A lot of things to improve, a lot of things to practice.

“I think I didn’t move well. In the shots, I think I had a good quality of shots. But physically, in terms of movement, I have to improve a lot.”

However, much credit must go to Safiullin, who was relentless in getting over the line for a career-boosting win in what was his first meeting with the Spaniard.

The 26-year-old held his nerve under pressure from the Wimbledon champion to serve out for the win, despite facing several deuce points in

HD Spikers strike back, halt Chargers’ run CIGNAL checked its two-game slide while snapping Akari’s own two-game roll as the HD Spikers fashioned out a 25-18, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20 victory on Tuesday night to get back into the swing of things in the Premier Volleyball League AllFilipino Conference elims at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Though Cignal hardly moved to eighth in a field of 12 with a 2-2 card, the hard-earned victory carved out in back-and-forth fashion marked by a number of long exchanges provided the HD Spikers with the much-needed momentum and confidence as they looked ahead to their matches against the Farm Fresh Foxies on Saturday and the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Nov. 7.

The HD Spikers never wavered in a fiercely-fought battle in the pivotal frame, rattling off five straight points on superb passing and hitting to turn a 17-19 deficit into a three-point lead. With help from Eli Soyud and Dindin Manabat, who yielded the next two points on service and attack miscues, Cignal took command on sets, 2-1, on a Jovelyn Gonzaga power blast that came after Fifi Sharma scored on a power tip.

The Cignal HD Spikers celebrate

Almost even on attacks, 16-17, and blocks 3-2, the HD Spikers capitalized on the Chargers’ six unforced errors compared to their own two as Cignal bounced back from losses to Creamline and Choco Mucho after an opening game 3-1 win over sister team PLDT. “Sobrang happy and thankful for the win. Grabe and pinagdaan namin before the game. We sacrificed a lot but we know what we are capable of,” said Cig-

nal coach Shaq delos Santos. “Hopefully, we’ll get better in our future games.”

Vanie Gandler did dish out an impressive 14-hit performance, matching skipper Ces Molina’s output, while capping her big night with 14 excellent digs, next to Molina’s 16.

“My team motivates me,” said Gandler, who took the game’s top honors. “I know how hard we’ve been working and I know that we can do it. We’ve

just been struggling a little bit but I can see that everyone is finding a way to learn from all our mistakes.

But my teammates really helped me. Without them, I wouldn’t have done this.”

Gonzaga finished with 11 markers, Riri Meneses added nine points, Chin Basas had seven markers and Roselyn Doria wound up with six points although the HD Spikers lost by one, 57-58, in spikes.

So close was the match that Cignal finished just two blocks, 7-5, better than Akari, while the latter had more aces, 3-2.

But the HD Spikers pounced on the Chargers’ 28 unforced errors while yielding just 18 of their own.

Manabat continued to pace Akari’s offense with 21 points, including 20 on attacks, while Erika Raagas sizzled on the wings and finished with 16 points but Faith Nisperos settled for a 10-point game and Sharma chipped in eight markers.

Cignal actually squandered a couple of early four-point leads in the fourth set and fell behind, 1213, on a Gonzaga wide attack. But they regrouped and closed out with a 13-7 run marked by a couple of spectacular hits from the Gizelle Sy-Doria combination.

the final game.

“Even if he’s not in the best shape it’s tough to beat him,” said Safiullin. “So, I’m really happy that I made it.”

Zverev eyes ATP Finals The German 10th seed Zverev also had his difficulties, having to come back from a set down to beat Hungarian Fucsovics 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the round of 64 at Bercy Arena.

“It was just one or two points (that made the difference),” said Zverev.

“He was playing incredibly well and tactically I think he was unbelievable.

“His slice was effective as I did not know what to do on this surface here.

It was a very difficult match, and I am happy to be through. I found my level and I am happy with that.” AFP

Thai football ref suspended over alleged racist slur BANGKOK—Thai football authorities said Wednesday they have suspended a referee accused of using a racist slur to a ThaiGhananian player during a third division game.

Prachinburi City FC player Abdul Qadiri Hamit, 22, said the referee made the remarks to him during a match on Sunday, local media reported.

“The Football Association has suspended the referee from all competitions,” the Thai FA said in a statement.

The suspension will remain in place while a “fact-finding investigation” is carried out, the statement said.

Hamit’s club expressed their support in a statement reported by local media earlier this week.

“We oppose racism, insults, or insults based on race, religion, or ethnicity,” Prachinburi City said.

The referee is accused of using the Thai equivalent of the N-word, and the club said it was “not the first time” the player had faced such remarks on the pitch. AFP

From F1 to CR7, oil-rich Saudi Arabia’s sports shopping spree RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Saudi Arabia was named as the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, a major success that follows a string of high-profile sports acquisitions.

The conservative Gulf monarchy, often criticised over its human rights record, is attempting to burnish its image and attract tourists and investment as it tries to diversify its economy away from oil.

Here are some of the moves that have turned Saudi Arabia into a major player in sports: Winter sports Saudi Arabia, a mostly desert country where summer temperatures touch 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), raised eyebrows last October when it was chosen to host the 2029 Asian Winter

Games.

The event, which has already earned the wrath of environmental campaigners, will be held at NEOM, an under-construction $500 billion megacity that is planning a year-round winter sports complex.

Five years later, the same year as the World Cup, the capital Riyadh will put on the 2034 Asian Games, an Olympic-sized multi-sports event. Hosting an Olympics is the kingdom’s “ultimate goal”, Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal told AFP last August.

Formula One The glitzy world of F1 zoomed in to Jeddah, the Red Sea city that is a gateway for pilgrims to Mecca, in 2021 with a night race flanking the coastline. It is one of four grands prix to be held in the wealthy Gulf this year.

The 2022 edition was overshadowed by an attack by Huthi rebels from Yemen, Saudi’s war-torn neighbour, that left oil facilities belching black smoke within sight of the circuit during practice sessions.

Football Saudi Arabian clubs -- backed by the Public Investment Fund sovereign wealth vehicle -- have been on an extraordinary buying spree this year, starting with AlNassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in January on a two-and-a-half-year deal said to total 400 million euros.

It opened the floodgates, with Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema joining AlIttihad, Neymar leaving Qatar-owned Paris Saint-German for Al-Hilal and a stream of other late-career stars making their way to the Saudi Pro League. AFP

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.

ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

C3

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

Wilbert Ross

on overcoming depression, finding strength through music

By Angelica Villanueva Filipino songwriter Jake Lanting

Trusty trustee at your service IT IS fulfilling to learn from the masters when attending a songwriting camp. This I experienced when the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) staged its own for the first time some years back.

Such a privilege is equal to the value of meeting fellow artists I previously didn’t know and who eventually became blessings to my life one way or another.

Jake Lanting, whom I became friends with after we both ended up under camp mentor Ebe Dancel, fitted the bill. He’s a guy you’d want to interact with once you go beyond just meeting some hitmakers and having selfies with them. He enjoys the company of other songwriters, willingly learns from them regardless of whether they have hits or have yet to score one, and sincerely extends help despite dealing with personal challenges himself.

Thus, when Jake became a member of FILSCAP’s Board of Trustees, it felt like someone you can identify yourself with – a down-to-earth soul with praiseworthy talent and an inspiring story to tell - had been given an extra voice to speak. The seat he won via election among members reflected his amiable character.

Mr. Lanting expresses himself directly to the point. So when asked who he thinks should best join FILSCAP, he singled out the “legit songwriters na may mga puso, talent, at passion sa songs.” He is pertaining to those seriously writing, recording, and determinedly doing everything to get their songs on radio, social media, and public places. That’s saying that FILSCAP members are for people who have embraced songwriting as a calling from the time they discovered their craft, which also means it won’t hurt if you help others get their break, too.

Jake’s story is another proof that being at the right place and meeting the right person can lead you somewhere. He was at a party for Ricky Lee, the scriptwriter who had now become a National Artist, when he met Bagets director Maryo J. de los Reyes. They chatted and he gave him a copy of his album. After two weeks, the decorated director called and expressed he wanted his music for some GMA-7 teleserye.

Direk Maryo’s 2014 soap Niño made use of Jake’s composition “Liyab” as interpreted by Aicelle Santos.

Twenty years ago, when he joined the Metropop Song Festival, his composition “Siguro Nga” made it to the Qualifying Top 100 Stage, while another song he penned, “Lala,” got past the Preliminary Stage.

He shared, “I’ve always dreamt of becoming a songwriter. So one day I joined Metropop and my first composition got into the Top 100 out of almost 5,000 entries. Doon nagsimula na mas ma-inspire ako na magsulat at gumawa pa ng kanta.”

His other songs “Nangangamoy” and “Bahala Na Si Batman” had been sung by Dong Abay and Solabros. com, respectively.

Jake’s personal success is only part of his beautiful story. His willingness to reach out to address other people’s concerns makes him a tunesmith whose glory shines even brighter after enjoying a good streak of his own.

As a FILSCAP trustee, he’d personally assist songwriters with concerns about copyright or something related to it. He’d volunteer to provide solutions for those who don’t have official receipts when claiming royalties. He likes addressing personal problems that songwriter-members face, always aiming to continuously help, which in his own words, “sa benefits ng bawat miyembro kagaya ng medical assistance, calamity assistance, loan, burial at iba pa.”

Jake wants to continue supporting his fellow musicians and composers, especially in helping the members of FILSCAP grow.

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CTOR-SINGER Wilbert Ross opened up about his struggles with mental health years ago and how they have shaped him into the better person he is right now.

The 26-year-old actor revealed that he was clinically diagnosed with severe depression in 2019. He also disclosed that there were times when he tried hurting himself as a means of coping with the pain.

“It was really dark for me. I had problems with my family, and career, and I was alone. I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I didn’t want to burden my family or my friends in Hashtags,” said Wilbert.

Wilbert rose to fame as a member of It’s Showtime’s boy group Hashtags, formed in 2017.

“Disappointments. I knew I had the potential, but I couldn’t still make it. I would compare myself to my fellow members: ‘Why do they have this?

Why don’t they appreciate me?’” he continued.

The actor shared that being alone had helped him to become stronger and prepared him for what the future had in store for him.

“It molded me. I learned to grow and become independent. After all those struggles, I would say no one could break me because I was able to overcome anything on my own,” he said.

During the dark phase of his life, the former Hashtag member added that to cope with his depression, he tried writing songs that would inspire him.

He turned those dark days into beautiful songs of survival, love, and hope. One of which is “Benteng Ukit,” which he described as his “depression song.”

“That’s what I wrote during the time when I was at the peak of my depression,” said Wilbert.

The song is one of the six tracks included in his new extended play titled “Lampara,” along with “Nakangiti,” “Dramatic Actor,” “Byahe Ng Buhay,” “Andito Lang Ako,” and “Handa Ako.” When asked why he named his EP “Lampara,” he shared that he believed that each of us has

our own lamp.

“Lampara because we always have that lamp that will always give light to our dark nights,” he explained.

The singer-songwriter also shared that it was his plan to release his EP this October to coincide with the celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. Wilbert explained that “Lampara” delved into the importance of mental health issues.

“The music video itself tackles things that are not often discussed, such as mental health and depression.”

When asked by Manila Standard Entertainment who his “Lampara” is, Wilbert answered, “I’m very independent now. I can say that my own lamp is myself. I can motivate myself.”

Wilbert is in a good place with Viva as his agency, and he’s grateful for their creative freedom and support.

He’s also happy to be able to do music and acting at the same time.

Wilbert is also excited about his nomination for Best Male Performance at the 36th AWIT Awards, and he hopes to work with Moira Dela Torre and Sarah Geronimo in the future. For his dream roles, he’d love to take on a challenging role as a psycho, Joker-type, or even a drag queen.

Now that he’s in the spotlight, Wilbert promises to do his best to prove his dedication. He’ll keep releasing songs constantly, and he has plans for a tour next year titled Singer, Songwriter Din Po Ako Tour.

He’s also looking forward to releasing a new song called “Makaluma.”

Wilbert shares that he’s grateful to Viva for giving him creative freedom and its full support of his music journey

Battle round begins in ‘The Voice Generations’

‘The Voice Generations’ coaches (from left) Billy Crawford, Chito Miranda, , Julie Anne San Jose, and SB19’s Stell

AFTER fighting through the Blind Auditions and The Sing-offs, the four coaches and their respective teams were now making their way to The Battle Round on The Voice Generations last October 29.

Coach Billy Crawford’s Team Bilib features the Ayta Brothers, G-CODE, Fources, and P3.

Coach Chito Miranda’s Parokya ni Chito has Sorority, Twirali, Kris N’ Cha, and The Queens.

Coach Julie Anne San Jose’s JulesSquad is represented by Alliyana Trio, Music & Me, Mamaland, and O Duo. Coach Stell’s Team Stellbound includes Vocalmyx, Luntayao Family, Fortenors, and Mark & Willy.

In The Battle Round, each coach will create two battles between the talents, with the winner of each battle moving on to the semi-finals. The pressure is sure to be high, as each talent will give their best to outshine their opponent and impress their coach.

Host Dingdong Dantes will help navigate the happy, but sometimes heartbreaking journeys of the talents in the competition.

The Voice Generations airs every Sunday at 7:35 p.m. on GMA Network and Pinoy Hits. The program also airs at 10:45 p.m. on GTV.

Rod Stewart announces ‘Live in Concert, One Last Time’ Asia tour ROCK legend Sir Rod Stewart is set to make his triumphant return to Asia with his Live in Concert, One Last Time tour, which will kick off on March 4 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, followed by stops in Bangkok, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Stewart has been a global superstar for over five decades, and his hits include “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Forever Young,” and many more.

He has sold over 250 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

“It’s been 15 years since my last Asian tour, which is far too long!”

Stewart said in a statement. “I truly cannot wait to return with a setlist of all my biggest hits and one of the most extraordinary productions of my career. It’s going to be quite a bash!”

Stewart will be performing at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on March 13, 2024, as part of his Live in Concert, One Last Time tour. The tour has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, with Rolling Stone calling it “a knock-down, drag ‘em out, triumph.”

Stewart’s setlist includes chart-

toppers including “Maggie May,” “You Wear it Well,” “Hot Legs,” “You’re in My Heart,” “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” and many more. He will be accompanied by a 12-piece band and backup vocalists.

Live Nation PH members can secure tickets first during the exclusive Live Nation PH pre-sale on Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. (local time). General sale will start November 17 starting at 12:00 p.m. (local time) via SM Tickets.

For more information, visit liveLegendary rock 'n' roll singer Sir Rod Stewart nation.asia.

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

A sweet dream

of inclusive and effortless skincare

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CTRESS and entrepreneur Dimples Romana has embarked on the journey of creating a skincare line that caters to both men and women with a vision rooted in inclusivity and simplicity.

Her aim was to break down the barriers in the world of skincare, making it accessible and effective for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their gender.

In a beauty industry often marked by complexities and exclusivity, Dimples sought to bring forth a skincare solution that demystifies the process, offering a versatile and straightforward approach to skincare.

Her commitment to inclusivity and simplicity reflects her belief in making quality skincare a shared experience, enhancing the well-being and confidence of everyone who embraces it.

“With everything that I have to deal with every day, I would prefer applying the least amount of thinking for skincare because it’s often taken for granted.

We aim to adapt to that mindset. I feel that skin is skin, and the only difference lies in the activities we engage in. That’s why we designed the skincare line to be as generic as possible, suitable for all skin types,” Dimples told Manila Standard Life during the launch of Dreamcake, a skincare line born in Korea but designed for Filipino skin.

“Dreamcake is a versatile

Dimples Romana launches her skincare line, ‘Dreamcake,’ meticulously crafted to cater to both men and women

Actress and entrepreneur Dimples Romana

Dimples flanked by models at the launch of her own skincare line

and pocket-friendly marvel for all skin enthusiasts,” the 38-year-old actress added.

Dimples articulated their vision for Dreamcake, emphasizing their goal to create products that are not only versatile and portable but also destined to become household names.

“Our aim is for these products to resonate with people from all walks of life, transcending gender and social status barriers,” she explained.

“In a world where time is a precious commodity, our vision for Dreamcake is to craft products that offer the utmost convenience and require minimal time while delivering maximum effectiveness and results. We understand the demands of modern life, and we want our products to be a seamless addition to one’s daily routine, ensuring that self-care becomes effortless and impactful,” she continued.

The product launch was graced by the Dreamcake team, led by the dynamic Chief Operating Officer, Maebelle Sacdalan, and the imaginative Creative Director, Gian Gonzales.

Priced at a suggested retail price (SRP) of P1200, but currently available at an introductory offer of P999, Dreamcake allows customers to dive into the Dreamcake experience without breaking the bank. Each multipurpose product is a toner, serum, moisturizer, essence, and even a primer, offering skin-savvy users the benefits of a

comprehensive skincare regimen bundled into one.

“It’s a dream come true to be here, especially because this has been my passion project, my love letter, my dream skincare for as long as I can remember! I love dessert, and I love skincare, and I thought... wouldn’t it be a dream if I marry the two?” Dimples expressed, succinctly capturing the creative inspiration behind this innovative skincare line.

“That’s why I teamed up with the Dream Team—skincare experts from Korea—to create a versatile skincare line that also brings you the joy of your favorite dessert,” added the actress-turned-entrepreneur with a touch of wit.

Dreamcake unveils two products: the Skin Glaze First Essence and the Face and Body Icing. Certified by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) for brightening and fine-line reduction and approved by the Philippine FDA, these products are meticulously crafted and poised to transform your skincare routine.

Dreamcake masterfully combines quality and affordability, ensuring that every individual can savor the experience.

The Dreamcake Skin Glaze First Essence and Dreamcake Face and Body Icing are available on their website (https://www. skinbydreamcake.com/) and can also be found on popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada.

Tea tree gets better

By Tet Defensor TEA tree oil was truly heaven-sent when The Body Shop introduced the ingredient decades ago.

Known to reduce blemishes and treat various skin irritations, the brand recently upgraded its best-selling skincare line. The skin toner and facial wash have been enriched with salicylic acid, also known as BHA. The brand is known for ethically sourced and naturally based skin and beauty products. For its tea tree oil line, the main ingredient is sourced from independent farmers in Kenya under the brand’s community trade fair program.

The leaves are steam-distilled within 12 hours from the time of harvest to ensure the oil’s purity and potency.

Tea tree oil is perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin, helping to control pimples, acne, and other forms of irritation, and reducing the appearance of unwanted blemishes.

The purest form of the oil is still available in small bottles at all Body Shop stores, while the skin toner and

facial wash under the new tea tree oil line are now enriched with salicylic acid or BHA. “We reformulated the line to include salicylic acid or BHA, which actually helps control blemishes and keeps them at bay,” explained Emily S. Koa, AVP for Marketing and Store Development during the Editor’s Room session featuring The Body Shop.

Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble ingredient that can effectively penetrate pores. It can benefit those with oily and acne-prone skin by helping to remove acne-causing debris.

The Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner and Facial Wash from Body Shop cleanse and refresh the skin, removing excess oil without the dry or tight feeling.

The tea tree line also comes in new bottles inspired by nature’s diversity.

In 2019, the company opened refilling stations for its products.

Their plastic packaging is made from 100 percent recycled material. They source natural ingredients for their products that support ecosystems,

The Body Shop’s newest collection, the Tea Tree Oil line, is perfect for oily and blemishprone skin

helping to address climate change. Their formulations are 100 percent vegetarian and 60 percent vegan, and of course, the products are not tested on animals.

Dr. Anne Caoile and Dr. Marjorie Lalaine Salazar of Elyse Aesthetics

Reimagining confidence through aesthetic enhancement

By Angelica Villanueva

Beauty Edit's Nicole Morales (left) and The Body Shop's Emilly Koa

ELYSE Aesthetics, a beauty and wellness clinic in the Philippines, aims to help people reimagine their confidence through transformative surgical procedures and aesthetic treatments. Led by two highly skilled and experienced doctors, Anne Caoile and Marj Salazar, Elyse Aesthetics offers a wide range of services, from rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty to 360 liposuction and non-surgical facelifts.

Dr. Anne is renowned for her expertise in cosmetic surgery, while Dr. Marj is known for her artistic flair and meticulous attention to detail. Together, they have helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals and boost their self-confidence.

One of the most popular procedures at Elyse Aesthetics is the signature 15-minute nose lift. This non-surgical procedure combines nose threads and fillers to create a more defined and balanced profile. Another popular treatment is the Elyse European Threadlift-Aptos, a non-surgical facelift that can rewind the appearance of aging by 5 to 10 years.

Elyse Aesthetics also offers a variety of other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, 360 liposuction, Botox, and fillers. These procedures can be customized to meet the individual needs of each patient,

helping them achieve their desired results.

At Elyse Aesthetics, the goal is not only to help patients look their best but also to feel their best. The team at Elyse Aesthetics understands that aesthetic treatments can be a powerful tool for transformation, and they are committed to helping their patients achieve their full potential.

For some of Elyse Aesthetics’ patients, their enhancements serve as stepping stones in prioritizing self-care, taking risks, and stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue their goals with unwavering determination.

Aesthetic treatments have the incredible ability to unlock a person’s mindset of limitless potential. They involve accepting vulnerability, learning from setbacks, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Through cosmetic surgeries and aesthetic treatments, people can experience a powerful transformation, enabling the full realization of their potential and encouraging them to seize new opportunities and fearlessly pursue their dreams.

“This is the ultimate aspiration for every patient at Elyse Aesthetics: Confidence, reimagined—a mindset shift that allows individuals to fulfill their potential and live life with boldness, authenticity, and a deep sense of self-belief.”