Manila Standard - 2023 November 7 - Tuesday

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P20/kl rice ‘not possible today’ Laurel cites high prices in world market, need to change laws

By Othel V. Campos and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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GRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday said President Marcos’ campaign promise of bringing rice down to P20 per kilo is not possible at present, even as the country is headed for a record-high paddy rice output of over 20 million metric tons (MT) this year.

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 265 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Maharlika Fund rules finalized, Marcos reveals

“The P20 per kilo was an aspiration, in a mix of English and Filipino, at his right? The problem now is that we are first press briefing as head of the Deat a 15-year high in the world market… partment of Agriculture (DA).

Today that is not possible,” Laurel said Next page

AFP, DND told to maximize deployment PRESIDENT Marcos directed the Department “As we move now from focusing on ensuring inof National Defense and the Armed Forces of ternal security for the country, we now have to bolthe Philippines to maximize the deployment of ster the country’s external defenses. And I exhort forces as the country faces current and future the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically Next page geopolitical challenges.

By Vince Lopez THE revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund have been finalized, President Marcos said yesterday.

“Upon our approval, we will swiftly establish the corporate structure, getting the MIF up and running,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.

The IRR of the country’s first sovereign fund was released in August and was supposed to take effect in September, but the Palace suspended its implementation “for further study” last month.

Among those who met with Mr. Marcos at the Palace prior to his announcement was Government Service Insurance System head Jose Arnulfo Veloso.

Under the original IRR, the Maharlika Investment Corporation, with an authorized capital stock of P500 billion, shall act as the

PROTEST BUOY. Fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales release a giant buoy effigy on Monday at the island of San Salvador to convey their hunger and anger toward China because of the Chinese maritime militia’s continued harassment and aggression of Filipino fishers at Scarborough Shoal. Joey O. Razon

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Sketch of radioman’s killer out as NBI probe starts House won’t back down to critics, threats, ‘divisiveness’—Speaker

By Vince Lopez, Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio Araja

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday released a composite sketch of the man who shot and killed radio anchor Juan Jumalon while he was livestreaming his program in Calamba town, Misamis Occidental on Sunday.

At the same time, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is already investigating the case, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said, adding that he expected an initial report in 24 hours.

“It’s very sad. I cannot imagine this happening just like that. It’s really gruesome and it’s difficult to believe that it actually happened. So we will not allow this to go unresolved and we will do everything to get the perpetrator or perpetrators. We will also determine the real motive Next page

FACE OF A KILLER. Police on Monday release a composite sketch of one of the suspects in the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon. MisOccPPO

PNP: PROGRESS MADE ON CAMILON’S CASE NEWS / A3

Diesel leads price rollback of fuels, cut by P1.10/liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL companies rolled back pump prices of diesel fuel by as much as P1.10 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms also cut the price of kerosene by P1.05 per liter and by P0.45 per liter for gasoline.

“These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in its advisory.

Industry sources said last week there would be a rollback for diesel at P1 to P1.30 per liter, kerosene at P0.85 to P1.05 per liter, and gasoline by P0.40 to P0.70 per liter.

The Department of Energy said these price adjustments resulted in a year-to-date net increase of P14.20 per liter for gasoline, Next page

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on Monday warned those “seeking to sow divisiveness” that he will not stand down and will vigorously defend the House of Representatives and its members against threats and intimidation from any source.

“I will stand against anyone who would threaten us to do what they want. I will stand up -- all of us -- for the sake of the people,” Romualdez said as the House resumed its session yester yesterday following the All Saints-All Souls Days or Undas holiday break.

“Even though we have different views and beliefs, we stand united when our institution is at-

tacked. We will also not allow anyone to stop us from fulfilling our mandate to our countrymen,” he added.

The House on Monday also adopted a report on a resolution defending the integrity and honor of the institution and supporting the leadership of Romualdez amid repeated baseless and unfounded attacks following their decision to scrap certain confidential and intelligence funds.

Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe sponsored the report on House Resolution 1414, adopted by the Committee of the Whole, that seeks to protect the 310-strong House of Representatives from being maligned further.

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IN DEFENSE OF THE HOUSE. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez addresses the House of Representatives as the chamber resumed its session Monday, vowing to vigorously defend the chamber’s actions and decisions against its critics. Ver Noveno FREE RIDES FOR KIDS.

CHINA DROPS 2 PH RAILWAY PROJECTS BUSINESS / B4

In these photos posted

by ABS-CBN’s Twitter account, Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT) personnel assist children 18 and younger as they avail of the ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) at the MRT North Avenue station in Quezon City on Monday in celebration of National Children’s Month.

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A2 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pinoy evac from Gaza stalls anew

By Joel E. Zurbano, Rey Requejo, and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said the evacuation of Filipinos from war-torn Gaza City through Rafah Crossing will be further delayed after the Gaza-Egypt border, which was supposed to open over the weekend, remains closed for the third straight day.

This developed as 22 more Filipino workers from Israel were safely flown home on Monday, arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 3:20 p.m. on board Etihad Airways Flight EY 424.

In a media briefing at NAIA Terminal 3, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de

Vega disclosed that foreigners, including Filipinos, from the Gaza Strip will not be able to cross the Rafah border after it closed over the weekend because of a spate of new attacks.

“Unfortunately, we did announce that they would start going home but this is beyond our control. The border is still

Maharlika...

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P20/kl...

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sole entity to mobilize and utilize the MIF for investments in transactions that will generate optimal returns on investments while contributing to the overall goal of reinvigorating job creation and accelerating poverty reduction by sustaining the economy’s high growth trajectory.

The MIC’s board of directors will be composed of the Secretary of Finance as ex officio Chairperson; the President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) of the MIC as ViceChairperson; President and CEO of the LBP; President and CEO of the DBP; two Regular Directors; and three Independent Directors from the private sector.

Under section 14, the MIC is authorized to invest in a wide-range of products, activities and projects, such as cash and other tradable commodities; fixed income instruments issued by sovereigns; domestic and foreign corporate bonds; listed or unlisted equities; and Islamic investments, such as Sukuk bonds, among others.

The MIC may issue all kinds of bonds, debentures, and securities but these will not be guaranteed by the Philippine government.

The Palace has yet to release the revisions on the original IRR. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in an interview last week, said the board of directors of MIC will likely be named this month.

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

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

The remaining P50 billion of MIC’s initial capitalization will come from the national government.

One of the sources is dividend remittances of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. BSP has already remitted P31.859 billion for 2023.

“But with the President’s directive to modernize, irrigate, use the right seeds, mechanize, and all of that, we are getting ready to do our best, to try to make rice affordable for the people,” he added.

Laurel said it was possible to lower the price of rice, but did not say by how much.

“It is possible to lower the price, definitely. But we have to have our silos, we have to have buffer stock, we have to change some laws,” he said.

Among those are laws on fisheries and regulations on imports.

“Present laws in general are okay, but [they need] to be tweaked. Of course, we have to consult with the authors of the law. We have to change some laws,” he said.

Laurel also proposed the revival of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) which was under the DA until the previous administration put it under the Philippine Statistics Authority.

He said to have the “right balance” in agriculture, data management is key, and bringing back the BAS will help.

Laurel, who replaced Mr. Marcos as the DA secretary on Friday, said the President’s order to him was to increase production across all agriculture sectors, particularly on rice.

“I am not pro-importation. I am pro-

Diesel...

From A1 P10.45 per liter for diesel, and P5.04 per liter for kerosene.

On Nov. 1, oil companies raised the price of cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P0.45 to P0.50 per kilo per kilo, equivalent to P4.95 to P5.50 per kilo for an 11-kilo tank used primarily by households.

DOE director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero confirmed on Friday the anticipated rollback in pump prices based on the four-day trading.

“We will be expecting another round of rollback on prices of petroleum products. This rollback adjustment is attributed to the contained situation of the Israel-Hamas war; additional crude production outputs from OPEC and US; slowing fuel demand growth due to weakening global economic growth,” Romero said.

On Oct. 31, 2023, the oil companies made mixed adjustments to the price of petroleum products.

The firms cut the price of kerosene and diesel by P1.20 and P1.25 per liter, respectively, but hiked the price of gasoline by P0.45 per liter.

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From A1 behind this killing,” Remulla said in a press briefing.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that based on the composite sketch, the suspect was 5’5 to 5’6 tall, about 40 years old, with a brown complexion.

The suspect was wearing a red hat, a green shirt, and black shorts when the crime was committed.

CCTV footage showed a second man had entered Jumalon’s home with the killer.

Jumalon, also known as DJ Johnny Walker of Calamba Gold FM 94.7, was shot inside his home studio in Purok 2, Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri around 5:35 a.m. on Sunday, while live streaming the program “Pahapyod sa Kabuntangon.”

He was declared dead on arrival at Calamba District Hospital.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. condemned the attack against Jumalon.

“It was a direct assault on press freedom and to a greater extent on our democracy. Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the

House...

From A1 Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga) and six Deputy Speakers -- Ralph Recto (Batangas), Camille A. Villar (Las Piñas), Vincent Franco Frasco (Cebu), Roberto V. Puno (Antipolo), Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur), and Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP) -- signed the resolution.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro earlier filed a grave threat complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Castro cited the following statements made by the former leader in an SMNI interview which went, “Kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin.

PAGASA says amihan recedes, warm days ahead

closed,” De Vega said.

“I can’t say when it will happen other than it’s not today. It will be closed for the third straight day,” the DFA official further said.

The batch of Filipino evacuees, including 20 Filipinos, should have crossed Rafah into Egypt on Saturday, but this was delayed because of the recent attacks there.

Meanwhile, the repatriates were welcomed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) OIC Hans Leo Cacdac, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, and other senior officials from various government agencies.

Of the 22 returning workers, 19 are caregivers while the remaining three

are hotel workers.

They will receive immediate assistance from various government agencies, including financial assistance worth P100,000 from DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, P20,000 livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); skills training vouchers from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and psychosocial evaluation and assessment services from the Health Department and DSWD. Cacdac assured the repatriates of all the necessary assistance, including sustained employment facilitation, and comprehensive reintegration support for the workers and their families. With AFP

production. I [was] a producer in my past life (as a businessman) While I import, I produce more. So, I believe, Filipinos can produce a lot more,” he said.

Laurel also used his first press conference to dispel concerns about a conflict of interest, saying he has divested himself of his stake in his companies.

“DA is a full-time job. I have no time to do anything else,” he said.

Before his appointment as DA secretary, Laurel was the president of Frabelle Fishing Corp. He also was chairman of the Westpac Meat Processing Corp., president of Markham Resources Corp., and chairman of Bukidnon Hydro Energy Corp.

Opposition senators had raised the possibility of a conflict of interest upon learning of Laurel’s appointment.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said “unfortunately, chosen was a successful businessman who’s in the agri sector.”

Laurel also denied that his appointment was payback for his contribution of P30 million to Marcos’ presidential campaign, saying taking the job was “a sacrifice.”

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, meanwhile, said the relatively good weather and the lack of destructive typhoons in 2023 made the bumper harvest this year possible.

“By the end of the year we expect more than 20 million MT of harvested rice. By the end of the wet cropping season, end-November, we will have

higher output,” he said.

The country loses an average of 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons of planted rice, annually, to typhoons.

The Philippines achieved recordhigh rice harvest in 2021 with an output of 19.96 million MT of paddy rice. In 2022, rice production dropped slightly to 19.76 million MT. De Mesa said the DA expects the national inventory to be at 90 days’ volume, including imports, which could last until the dry season cropping in March to April 2024.

“This is all in good timing. We still have imports that will come in the first quarter to bump up national inventory.

I guess we’re good until the summer season. We won’t have any problems,” he added.

As of the third quarter, rice imports reached 3.8 million MT. The government expects more imports to arrive before the end of the year, but this will not exceed the volume that has already arrived in the first three quarters.

The DA said the local harvest will support the demand for the staple should imports arrive late.

The department also assured farmers that the price at which the government buys rice would remain constant, at P23 per kilo for dry palay and P18 for wet palay.

The occasional increase in the buying price is caused by traders who are buying local production in earnest as the global price of rice is on the rise, De Mesa said.

PNP has already activated Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) ‘Johnny Walker’ to run after and send the perpetrators behind bars,” Abalos said in a statement.

“We expect to have breakthroughs in this case at the soonest time possible.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Mr. Jumalon,” he added.

Meanwhile, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said the NBI received information on the case early and is working on leads to find the unidentified gunman.

The DOJ official said the bureau is also coordinating with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

The Police Regional Office 10 has said that it will create a special investigation task force to investigate the fatal shooting.

Earlier, President Marcos condemned the killing and ordered the PNP to investigate the crime and arrest the perpetrator.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday condemned Jumalon’s murder, saying journalists should be able to do their job without fear for their safety.

“The freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Romualdez

said. “Any attack or violence against members of the media is unacceptable and deeply troubling. We must ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.”

To Filipino journalists: Your voices matter. Your stories matter. We stand with you and will continue to advocate for your safety and the right to perform your duties without intimidation or harm.

Together, we will strive to put an end to these senseless acts of violence and uphold the sanctity of free expression in the Philippines,” Romualdez said.

Senator Mark Villar cited the need for increased protection of journalists.

He said a bill he filed to protect journalists would provide insurance coverage such as disability and death benefits, and reimbursement of medical costs for journalists and employees of media entities.

Senator Bong Revilla challenged law enforcement agencies to bring Jumalon’s killers to justice, calling the murder “an affront to our free press.”

Senator Grace Poe urged the police and military to curb the proliferation and use of unlicensed guns.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched a quick response operation in Region X and tasked its director to conduct an independent motu proprio investigation into the killing.

review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities,” Mr. Marcos said during the 67th Founding Anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) in Sangley Point, Cavite.

“Let us also continue harnessing the skills of our specialized units in preparing for all contingencies. The NAVSOCOM, with its expertise in Sea, Air, and Land, or SEAL, operations, must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security,” he added.

The President also encouraged the Navy to strengthen their unit’s capabilities by partnering with forces from likeminded states toward upholding shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace and stability, and the rule of law.

As this developed, a group of fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales released a giant buoy effigy on Monday in the island of San Salvador to denounce China’s continued harassment and aggression at Scarborough Shoal.

The Association of Masinloc Fishermen said the giant buoy, with the inscription “Atin Ang Pinas,” represents the fishermen’s claim on their source of livelihood.

According to Kagawad Richard Pascual, the incoming barangay captain of the island of San Salvador, the island is dependent on the bounty of the ocean.

“The constant harassment and aggression against our fishermen in the Scarborough greatly affects their livelihood,” Pascual said.

“Our only appeal is the peaceful sailing in our ocean to secure livelihood for our family,” he added.

The Philippines is preparing to file an environmental case against China over the “destruction of marine habitat” at the West Philippine Sea early next year, the Department of Justice earlier said.

Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo

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 his daughter after the House 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.

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

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a global organization of national parliaments from 180 countries — including the Philippines -- earlier called for speedy action on Castro’s case.

“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.

Romualdez, for his part, hit back at those criticizing the institution he heads, saying they are “a dissatisfied few whose only intention is to sow divisiveness.” “[We will] remain steadfast and become fiercely united whenever the in-

stitution we courageously devote our efforts to, or any individual member of this chamber for that matter, is being threatened by opportunistic motives that aim to distract us from fulfilling our mandate,” he said.

He likewise defended the manner in which the House exercised its power of the purse by approving certain realignments in the proposed 2024 national budget.

“The House was never lenient, nor did it favor anyone. The entire process was dedicated to uplifting the lives of our fellow citizens and staying true to the fundamental principles of the system of checks and balances in the government,” he said.

The Speaker said he and his colleagues only did their job the best way they could.

DAYS will be warmer in Metro Manila and other parts of the country due to a weaker “amihan” or northeast monsoon, weather bureau PAGASA said.

PAGASA forecasters said the amihan could cause rains in Batanes and Babuyan Islands but is unlikely to cause thunderstorms.

The agency expects the amihan to strengthen in the coming months.

Easterlies will also affect Palawan, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Generally fair weather and isolated rain showers will prevail over most areas in the country, PAGASA forecaster Obet Badrina said.

Palawan, however, will experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Moderate to heavy rains may result in flash floods and landslides.

Isolated light rains caused by the northeast monsoon will prevail over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

The rest of the country will have isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms and easterlies.

Meanwhile, Northern Luzon will have moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, PAGASA said.

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DOJ files charges versus leader, members of Socorro alleged cult

By Rey E. Requejo

LABOR ISSUES. Members of Defend Workers Southern Tagalog and the Organized Labor Association in line Industries and Agriculture conduct protest actions in front of the Supreme Court building in Manila. The groups are calling for employee regularization, among other issues. Norman Cruz

Higher penalties for cars using carousel lane

By Joel E. Zurbano BEGINNING Monday next week, private motorists using the exclusive bus lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) will face penalties of up to P30,000.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution increasing penalties for those using the exclusive city bus lane or bus carousel lane along EDSA as the agency noted private vehicles repeatedly disregarding the rules. Fines for violations range from P5,000 to P30,000.

The MMC, composed of the 17 local chief executives in the National Capital Region, is the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA. MMDA chairman Romando Artes said there are many errant drivers of private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles who continually use the exclusive bus lane despite constant warnings and reminders.

The bus carousel lane is for the exclusive use of public utility buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.

“To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose a corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of the offense,” he said.

Currently, the prescribed fine for the violation of the exclusive bus lane regulation is P1,000 for each offense.

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said criminal charges have been filed against Jey Rence Quilario, alias “Senior Agila,” and other officials of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI).

Quilario is said to be the leader of SBSI which is allegedly operating like a cult in Socorro town.

“We have 21 cases filed for qualified trafficking in person, facilitation of child marriages, and solemnization of child marriages and child abuse. This is just the beginning since there are still many angles being looked at,” Remulla said in a media briefing.

“All from Sitio Kapihan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. It includes Senior Agila and many others,” he said, adding that the charges have been filed in a court in Surigao Del Norte.

But Remulla explained that the filing of the cases before the local court is a temporary one since the prosecution will move for its transfer to Metro Manila or other venues.

“Preliminary filed in Surigao because we believed it should be transferred to Manila or other venues where the interest of justice will not be affected

PNP reports ‘significant progress’ in probe of missing beauty queen A

UTHORITIES said the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon in Lemery, Batangas has produced “significant progress.”

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. also said that he has called on the perpetrators to surrender.

“What can I say, there is significant progress in the investigation. And that’s why I am appealing now to those who are involved to surrender,” Acorda, quoted by reports, said.

Acorda however said he cannot yet divulge other details of the case presented by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Reports said the reward for the information on the location of Camilon is currently P250,000, which came from Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, a business sector in the region, and the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The PNP earlier said that they are looking into two persons of interest in the case, including a cop and a former owner of Camilon’s vehicle.

According to the authorities, a close friend of Camilon reached out to her sister, Chin-chin,

and told her of the alleged relationship between the missing beauty queen and the cop.

The police officer was reportedly the person Camilon was supposed to meet on the day of her disappearance. He also allegedly gave her the vehicle she was seen in as she left her house, authorities said.

Authorities also said the police officer in question has been temporarily relieved from his post pending results of the investigation.

The said officer was also placed under the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit while waiting for the approval of the Commission on Elections.

During the election period, Gaoiran said all movements in the police organization should be approved by the Comelec as stated in the poll body’s resolution.

Meanwhile, the former owner of Camilon’s vehicle, who allegedly used a fake address on the deed of sale of the car, is facing carnapping and estafa complaints. According to the police, the former owner might be involved in a carnapping group.

Reports said on October 16, Chin-chin, took to social media to ask netizens for help in locating her sister. Five days after Chin-chin’s social media post, Camilon was declared a “missing person.”

Based on CCTV footage captured on October 12, Camilon’s vehicle was seen passing some towns in Batangas. Police said Camilon did not appear to be alone. Vince Lopez

Taguig City gives shoes, uniforms to 200k students

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Taguig City government on Monday started the distribution of new public school uniforms and shoes to more than 200,000 students from preschool to senior high school.

Local officials said 1,632 students at Tibagan High School in Barangay East Rembo and 5,483 students at Bagumbayan National High School received the items.

The local government came up with the distribution also in time for the celebration of National Children’s Month aims to give Filipino children access to a healthy environment, good education, and healthcare.

Mayor Laarni Cayetano said all public school students in Taguig City, including those from the 10 Embo barangays now under the city’s jurisdiction, will receive a school package depending on their grade level that includes a bag, school supplies, uniforms, socks, black shoes, rubber shoes, and a full set of school materials from the local government.

Additional supplies for kindergarten and daycare pupils include emergency contact cards and a health kit with a bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel, and alcohol spray.

by people who might interfere with the process,” he said, without elaborating who these people are.

The DOJ earlier said the filing of the cases against Quilario and other SBSI officials in the province has encountered obstacles due to the multiple inhibitions of local prosecutors.

This is the reason why the DOJ has formed another panel of prosecutors for the conduct of a preliminary investigation.

Remulla said he is confident the court will issue a warrant of arrest against those charged due to the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, many of them, he added, are still at large.

“Four of them are still detained in the Senate,” he said, referring to Quilario, Mamerto Galanida, Janeth Ajoc, and Karren Sanico who were cited in contempt for evading questions during the Senate hearing on the issue last September.

The four drew the ire of senators for parrying inquiries about child marriages and other abuse supposedly happening in Sitio Kapihan, the base of SBSI. As to the basis used by state prosecutors in charging before the court the SBSI leaders, Remulla said the “thing speaks for itself.”

FATAL CRASH. A traffic enforcer stands beside the wreck of a vehicle that rear-ended a truck on Marcos Highway in Antipolo City early morning Monday. The crash killed the car’s four occupants, authorities said. Teddy Brul

SSS urges 2 firms to settle delinquencies

By Rio N. Araja THE Social Security System (SSS) is urging the owners of a pharmacy and a household appliances retail store to settle their contribution delinquencies during a recent Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation in Taguig City.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said the two establishments were among the six delinquent employers who received notices of violation from the SSS for failure to remit the contributions of their workers and non-

production of records.

He said the employers incurred P3.4 million in unpaid workers’ contributions and penalties.

Commissioner Robert Joseph de Claro representing the Employers’ Group joined Ledesma in their RACE operation.

Ledesma warned the concerned employers that they have only 15 days to coordinate with the SSS and settle their contribution delinquencies, otherwise they could face civil, criminal and administrative cases for violating Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

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PNP looking into reports of Chinese sleeper cells in PH

NEW BATCH OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS. Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos and Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos administer the oath to the newly elected barangay officials in the city in ceremony held at the Mandaluyong Gymnasium on Monday. Inset shows Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval also presiding at the mass oath-taking of the newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials at the Malabon Sports Complex. Manny Palmero and Andrew Rabulan

Año cites planned reciprocal access accord with Japan NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said the planned reciprocal access agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan will greatly boost the military cooperation between the two countries, aside from improving regional security.

“The proposed RAA will facilitate the procedures and set guidelines when Philippine forces visit Japan for training and joint exercises, and vice versa,” Ano said in a statement.

He also said Japan’s commitment to provide coastal surveillance radars and support through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) program is a “testament to Japanese dedication in strengthening the security and deterrence capabilities of partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region.”

“We are honored to be the first beneficiary of this program, which aligns with our efforts to improve our maritime domain awareness capability, maintain regional stability, and protect the rulesbased international order,” Ano said.

Año added that the ongoing trilateral cooperation between Japan, the Philippines and the United States is pivotal in safeguarding the freedom of the seas in the West Philippine Sea and promoting international law.

“Japan’s support in the form of equipment, technology cooperation, and patrol vessels will further enhance our maritime law enforcement capabilities,” he noted.

Año said the Philippine government is looking forward to the negotiations and implementation of these agreements and initiatives, which will “undoubtedly strengthen the partnership and contribute to a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.”

Acorda: No reason for cops to join destabilization plot

By Vince Lopez

P

HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Monday gave assurance that there is no reason for his men to join any destabilization plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Acorda issued the statement even as national security officials including the national security adviser and the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have also dismissed such alleged adventurism among the uniformed personnel.

“We are happy with our President. He is very much sensitive with the sentiments — with the plight — of our police officers. And I do believe even with the military,” Acorda said.

AFP chief Romeo Brawner, Jr. maintained that he was quoted out of context in news reports about alleged destabiliza-

tion plot in the military against the Marcos leadership.

Brawner declined to comment further on the issue. “No more, no more, so that the controversy would fade away, “he told reporters seeking an interview with him.

Acorda pointed out that he was in constant communication with police officers to immediately address their grievances.

“All these issue are properly addressed and there is no reason to be demoralized ,and for the PNP members to actively participate in destabilization,” Acorda said.

During his watch, President Rodrigo Duterte raised the salaries in the uni-

formed services in 2019, but proposed reforms to the pension system for military and uniformed personnel prompted warnings of potential demoralization in the ranks.

Acorda said over the weekend that the issues with pension reform had already been settled.

Meanwhile, former Senator Panfilo Lacson, himself a former PNP chief, said talks about alleged destabilization plot was triggered by the so-called TNTrio rally, mostly participated in by retired uniformed personnel in support of former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Eliseo Rio’s crusade for future clean and honest elections.”

Lacson explained that the protest was primarily against Smartmatic and the Commission on Elections for alleged failure and refusal to clarify the 20 million votes mysteriously counted over an unbelievably short period of time.

KIDS ARE US.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano immerses with the children from the Pasay Social Welfare Development Department Day Care in celebration of the National Children Month.

Joseph Muego

‘Some physicians refuse gov’t-issued Bill ensures safety and welfare of BPO workers guarantee letters’

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR from the Bicol Region has revealed that some private doctors refused to accept government guarantee letters (GLs) as payment for their services for several reasons, including avoidance of paying taxes.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte made the disclosure during the previous hearing of the Commission on Appointments where he shared this concern to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

Villafuerte, majority leader for the House contingent of the CA, said some doctors, especially those who will get P100,000 or more in professional fees for their services, refuse to accept government GLs. GLs were provided under the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program and can be used by patients to pay their hospital bills.

Villafuerte cited complaints he received from families of indigent patients confined in local hospitals such as the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City.

“Pag pumasok sila (indigent patients) sa regional hospital, covered ng PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Program), pupuntang Malasakit, then merong MAIP,” Villafuerte said.

LAS Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar has filed a bill seeking to enable the government to ensure the safety and welfare of the workers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

House Bill 9342, or the proposed BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act of 2023 mandates a “fair and kind-hearted treatment” of all workers in the outsourcing industry.

Villar noted that the Philippine government has offered a wide range of priv-

ileges to BPO companies, among them tax perks and incentives, to attract more investments in the sector and to keep the country’s status as a top outsourcing destination for global investors.

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines has said the industry’s workforce could reach 1.7 million and revenue hit $35.9 billion or P2 trillion this year.

“With the importance of the BPO industry in the Philippine economy, it is

but fitting to establish standards to ensure the safety, well-being and rights of employees working in the BPO sector.

BPO workers, who are often working night shift hours and sacrificing their health and time for their families, need protections like occupational health and safety, work-life balance, fair compensation, anti-discrimination, medical and health benefits, transportation perks, and right to self-organization,” Villar said. Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that they are looking into the report of alleged Chinese sleeper cells in the country.

In a press briefing, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. described the report as “alarming.”

“With regards to these sleeper cells, there were some accomplishments our other law enforcement units, the National Bureau of Investigation have collected,” he said.

“This is alarming. We are looking into this. Of course, it’s not remote. All other countries are doing that. We should watch out for this as part of the security cluster of the country,” Acorda stressed.

For his part, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig.

Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the report on the supposed sleeper cells is not yet proven.

Nevertheless, the NCRPO chief said the police will still check on the operations of establishments to identify possible spies from foreign governments.

“When the police looks back and all of these agencies invoking their visitorial power, we can avoid what can be avoided like the usual violations,” Nartatez said.

On Friday, the Chinese Embassy belied allegations that China has placed clandestine forces in the Philippines and that the suspects recently arrested in Pasay City were among the sleeper cells deployed in the country.

“We strongly oppose and condemn such baseless allegations and malicious spreading of disinformation,” Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said. Vince Lopez

Comelec defers pre-bidding meet for P18.8-b lease of poll machines THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has deferred the pre-bidding conference for the P18.8-billion lease contract for automated vote counting machines to be used for the 2025 midterm polls, Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said.

Laudiangco was referring to the prebidding conference for the lease of Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC).

Asked for reason for the postponement, Laudiangco cited the issuance of Bid Bulletin No. 1 by the Special Bids and Awards Committee on the Automated Elections System for the 2025 National and Local Elections “clarifying matters and answering initial queries from prospective bidders.”

Comelec chairman George Garcia earlier said the poll body has officially opened the bidding for the lease contract for FASTrAC since the procurement process for such project was already posted in the PHILGEPS or the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

“Ine-engganyo po natin ang lahat ng suppliers nationwide and worldwide na mag-participate po sa procurement, (We are encouraging all suppliers nationwide and worldwide to participate in the procurement),” Garcia said at a press conference on October 31.

Garcia said the procurement will include the hardware, software, transmission and internet voting for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The Comelec chairman has consistently advocated for the conduct of fully automated polls, saying an automated system will guarantee fast and accurate results and prevent human intervention and election-related violence.

Abalos sees end of PH jail congestion problem

JOYRIDE GIVES TO MMDA RIDING ACADEMY. Metro Manila

Development Authority Undersecretary.Frisco San Juan tries for size one of the 21 motorcycles donated by Joyride for the MMDA motorcycle riding academy. Present during the turnover ceremony are MMDA chairman Romando Artes and Joyride senior vice president for public Affairs Noli Eala and other officials. Manny Palmero

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Monday expressed optimism that the perennial problem of overcrowding in jails across the country would soon be resolved once a national jail decongestion summit pushes through Abalos issued the statement after the high-level meeting was proposed following the visit of Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s visit to the Pasay City Jail on Oct. 29, in observance of the National Correctional Consciousness Week.

Gesmundo said the summit will be participated in by major stakeholders and players led by the SC, the DILG and its attached agency, the Bureau

of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Abalos described the summit as a “significant step towards addressing the persistent issue of jail congestion in the country.”

He also sees it as an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and chart a course towards more effective, humane, and equitable incarceration practices that could lead to meaningful and lasting reforms.

“Our department sincerely appreciates the Supreme Court’s commitment to helping us address and reform the conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). It is a significant move towards achieving a fair and just criminal justice system,” Abalos said in a statement.

OPINION A PEN Perth member’s experience here PEN Philippines recently marked its 66th anniversary with its biggest event for the year – the National Congress attended by members, teachers, and students as well as some members of PEN Centers abroad who were here for a workshop conducted by PEN International.

Some of the PEN members from abroad were here in the Philippines on their first visit.

One of them, a young member from PEN Perth (Australia), was so struck by her experience that she wrote about it.

Here is an excerpt from Frances An’s essay of her Manila trip. Some information is redacted for privacy: “Arriving with questions: A cheese-yellow taxi with a round roof took me from the airport to [a small hotel in Manila].

“The streets seemed to be a combination of a modern American city and Spanish heritage.

“There were fluorescent buildings and street vendors cooking huge pots of fried food or pressing juices and ladling them into plastic cups.

Thank you, Frances An, for clearly articulating some of the issues and concerns we discussed at the Congress. We appreciate your impressions of the Philippines, which lends us all more food for thought “The taxi driver beeped at crowds of cars, tuk-tuks, and motorcycles that almost switched lanes into us. Even in the safety of a closed vehicle, my fingers pressed into the seat cushion. Lane markings, it seemed, were a social construct.

“My [hotel] room … on the sixth floor overlooked the multi-layered city.

“Towards me were flat rusty roofs, stray dogs, and street sellers wheeling their wares in hand trolleys.

“Further away, colorful shirts hung from the balconies of tall apartment buildings.

The whole structure appeared like a block of rainbow-sprinkled nougat with liquorice windows.

“During a rainy first evening, [a PEN International member] and I had a long discussion about PEN’s changing relevance and relationship with other free speech debates.

“We sat in the lobby that played jazz piano remixes of Christmas songs despite it only being October. “In addition to attending as a PEN delegate, I had my own questions to bring about the politics surrounding freedom of expression and polarization […]

“My questions coincided with some of [their] concerns about PEN’s changing relevance in the realm of advanced cyber and information wars, and how PEN’s aged

profile hindered its capacity to keep up with new literary and technological trends.

“PEN International’s struggle was between maintaining a reasonable middle ground by avoiding clickbait-y issues […] while trying to stay contemporary and relevant […]

“Nevertheless, the discussion […] was only one of many that reinvigorated my motivation to contribute to PEN’s mission of intellectual collaboration and freedom of expression.

“The literature and dignity of Filipino people: The PEN Philippines Congress (25 October) occurred in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a tiered concrete building that is both artistic and austere in its stark contrast to the spontaneous street stalls where owners cook and ladle food for customers passing by.

“After traveling through humid 35+ Celsius degree heat, the air-conditioned atmosphere vacuum-shut our skin pores.

“The first panel, The Filipino Writer and AI, explored the legal and professional perils that artificial intelligence (AI) presents to the creative industry. “[AI and technology expert] Dominic Ligot focused on the legal and logistical consequences of AI. “He started with the fact that it is not constrained by the same copyright and slander laws as humans are and that training an AI system to, say, eliminate disturbing material requires sweatshops (many based in the Philippines) where workers experience mental stress from constant exposure to graphic material.

“In addition, there was the fear of AI taking many of the white-collar jobs based in the Philippines (e.g., call centers, technical support services).

“Some like [educator] Clarissa Militante saw AI, which only regurgitates existing information, as the antithesis to writing which is about resistance and originality.

“She discussed the struggle to maintain a trust system among creative writing students in hoping they would not resort to using AI for class exercises.

“Against the backdrop of a social media algorithm programmed to segment and polarize us, the speakers floated the idea of social media companies requiring regulation under some kind of convention.”

Thank you, Frances An, for clearly articulating some of the issues and concerns we discussed at the Congress.

We also appreciate your impressions of the Philippines, which lends us all more food for thought.

PEN Philippines, founded in December 1958, aims to promote free expression and speech in literature and other written works.

Writers, poets, journalists, please visit https://thephilippinepen.wordpress.com/ membership/ to sign up to join.

The spirit of synodality THE month-long Synod on Synodality assembly, overseen by Pope Francis, has concluded, with its participants giving their approval to an ambitious document that advocates enhanced “joint accountability” among all Church members in their mission to promote the faith.

The Summary Report, titled “A Synodal Church in Mission,” is a 42-page summary report that features several noteworthy recommendations.

These suggestions encompass the creation of new roles for laypeople, increased involvement of the laity in decision-making processes, the implementation of assessments for bishops, a reevaluation of how the Church deals with contentious issues, and an expansion of the scope of future synodal assemblies.

The final report highlights the central importance of collective responsibility throughout the Church and underscores that every Christian plays a missionary role in the world.

The synod delegates, including women and non-bishops for the first time as well as four Filipinos (Cardinal Chito Tagle, Archbishop Jose Advincula, Bishop Ambo David, and Bishop Mylo Vergara), gave their approval to the eagerly awaited text, paragraph by paragraph.

This document, which summarizes the assembly’s efforts from October 4 to 29, puts forward the concept of a “synodal Church” that aims to integrate synodality into various aspects of Church governance, theology, mission, and the process of discerning doctrine and addressing pastoral matters.

The Summary Report has been released as the church anticipates the upcoming second session in 2024. This document provides insights and suggestions regarding various themes, including the involvement of women and laypersons, the responsibilities of bishops, the priesthood and diaconate, the significance

of impoverished and migrant communities, digital missionary efforts, ecumenism, and addressing instances of abuse.

However, the report consistently underscores the foundation of synodality in Scripture, tradition, and the teachings of Vatican II, while also stressing the need for further development and integration of this concept into the Church’s theology and canon law.

The report itself provides a comprehensive definition of synodality, characterizing it as the collective journey of Christians with Christ toward the kingdom.

This journey involves assembly and communion at various ecclesial levels, active listening, dialogue, communal discernment, consensus-building as an expression of Christ’s presence through the Spirit, and differentiated shared responsibility in decision-making.

The Report encompasses a wide range of topics, including Christian initiation and the role of missionaries in the digital domain.

It explores areas of agreement and disagreement among the synod members who engaged in discussions from October 4 to October 28.

In the section addressing controversial issues, the document notes that the final text omits the term “LGBTQ+ people,” although it was present in the working document guiding assembly discussions. Nevertheless, the report highlights the assembly’s support for those who experience isolation due to their adherence to traditional Church teachings on marriage and sexual ethics, and it calls

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EDITORIAL

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Building up bonds

HINGS are looking up, with the planned reciprocal defense equipment and radars would be to strengthen the Philippines’ access agreement or RAA between the Philippines provided law enforcement capability at sea, and Japan which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Kishida said.

Japan has supplied a dozen patrol would benefit both countries.

The plan surfaced during the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida who expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The 66-year-old Japanese head of government underlined that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force in both areas was unacceptable.

President Marcos himself said the RAA would benefit both the defense and military personnel of Manila and Tokyo and contribute to maintaining peace and stability.

The two leaders agreed to start negotiations for a key defense pact that would allow their troops to enter each other’s territory for joint military exercises, a move considered part of efforts to strengthen their alliance in face of China’s agitating aggressiveness in the region.

Last weekend, Kishida became the first Japanese head of government to address a joint session of the Philippine congress, underlining how the Asian nations’ ties have transformed into what he called “Golden Age”since Japan’s

The Reciprocal Access Agreement will greatly boost the military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, aside from improving regional security brutal occupation of the Philippines in World War II. Congressional leaders were hopeful the Philippines’ planned reciprocal access agreement with Japan will be implemented smoothly.

Kishida, during his two-day visit, also announced after holding talks with Mr. Marcos a coastal surveillance radar would be given to the Philippines through a grant, making the Philippines the first beneficiary of a newly launched Japanese security assistance program for allied militaries in the region.

Additional Japanese patrol vessels,

ships in recent years to the Philippines, now largely used by Manila to defend its territorial interest in the disputed South China Sea. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año himself said the RAA will greatly boost the military cooperation between the two nations, aside from improving regional security.

“The proposed RAA will facilitate the procedures and set guidelines when Philippine forces visit Japan for training and joint exercises, and vice versa,” he added in a statement Sunday.

Año added the ongoing trilateral cooperation among Japan, the Philippines and the United States is crucial in safeguarding the freedom of the seas in the West Philippine Sea and promoting international law.

“Japan’s support in the form of equipment, technology cooperation, and patrol vessels will further enhance our maritime law enforcement capabilities,” he noted.

Like our security authorities, we look forward to the negotiations and implementation of these agreements and initiatives which doubtless would strengthen partnership and contribute to a more stable Indo-Pacific region.

Grave threats case vs. Duterte should be dismissed LAST month, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte appeared in the budget hearings of the House of Representatives of Congress.

She requested the House to appropriate additional funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education in the amounts of P500-million and P150million, respectively, for use as confidential and intelligence funds.

That request for an extraordinary amount of public money prompted three members of the House to question the requested appropriation.

The solons objected to the idea of confidential and intelligence funds for both offices primarily because it is not the function of either the OVP or the DepEd to engage in intelligence work.

They also questioned why both offices need confidential funds.

The representatives who opposed Sara Duterte’s budget request are from the socalled Makabayan bloc.

They are composed of Partylist Representatives France Castro, Arlene Brosas and Raoul Manuel. The administration of President Duterte has associated this group with the local communist movement.

Eventually, public opinion began to turn against any grant of intelligence and confidential funds to the OVP and the DepEd. In the end, the House voted against the grant of the extraordinary funds.

At the height of the House deliberations on the OVP and DepEd funds, former President Rodrigo Duterte decided to air his piece. Sara Duterte is the former president’s daughter.

On October 11, 2023, former President Duterte appeared on the television program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa broadcast on the SMNI News Channel owned and operated by his staunch ally, the controversial church leader Apollo Quiboloy.

From the way he spoke on the television program, Duterte was very upset with the

May the spirit of Synodality continue to animate the Church at all levels upon Christian communities to listen to and accompany such individuals.

The report presents substantial proposals related to ecclesial decision-making and the expansion of synodal structures. It advocates for the canonical recognition of continental assemblies and the implementation of synodality at regional, national, and continental levels.

The document also suggests revisiting the composition of the Synod of Bishops and advocating for greater involvement of women in decision-making processes and positions of

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

opposition to the request for intelligence and confidential funds pressed by Sara Duterte.

According to news reports, Duterte also said – “Pero ang una mong target d’yan intelligence fund mo, kayo, ikaw France, kayong mga Komunista ang gusto kong patayin.” (But your first target in intelligence fund of yours, you, France, you communists are who I want to kill (sic).”

Although Duterte mentioned only a certain “France” and the communists, Representative Castro later told the press she is certain she is the “France” referred to by the former president, because her full name was mentioned earlier in the program.

Thus, Castro filed a criminal complaint for the crime of grave threats and for violating Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, against Duterte before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City.

Duterte is no longer immune from suit because he is no longer an incumbent president.

Naturally, Castro drew a lot of publicity for herself in the print and broadcast media.

As expected, anti-Duterte personalities had a heyday in denouncing the former president.

Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s presidential legal counsel during his administration, asserted that no crime was committed by the former president.

Panelo said Duterte’s statement is a not a threat, because a threat embodies an intention

to kill, as in “I will kill you.”

He further pointed out that the statement “I want to kill you” is not a threat but is merely an expression of a desire.

Under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code, the crime of grave threats pertains to “any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family or any wrong amounting to a crime.”

I agree with Panelo.

What former President Duterte said is a mere expression of a wish or desire.

As former Senator Richard Gordon observed, it was in all likelihood triggered by a loving father’s natural propensity to protect his daughter from her critics.

More importantly, Duterte’s expressed wish or desire to kill those he mentioned is premised on the assumption he has control over Sara Duterte’s intelligence fund.

Precisely because he does not have such control to begin with, and in the end, no such intelligence fund was granted by Congress to the ex-president’s daughter, the “grave threats” attributed by Castro to the former president has no factual or legal basis.

Jurisprudence states for the criminal case to prosper, the accused must actually be in a position to carry out the threat.

Since ex-President Duterte’s perceived “grave threats” to Castro is impossible for the ex-president to carry out from the very start, then the criminal case for “grave threats” against the latter should be dismissed.

For the same reasons, the criminal case for cybercrime also has no leg to stand on, and should also be thrown out by the city prosecutor’s office.

I don’t think Castro seriously felt threatened by Duterte’s statement.

Duterte’s statement on television was simply a convenient excuse for Castro to generate for herself the publicity all populist politicians like her crave for.

responsibility within the Church.

It further recommends increased engagement of bishops with their local communities, including the establishment of mechanisms to assess the bishops’ work and the mandatory introduction of diocesan pastoral councils, calling for a revision of the criteria used to select new bishops, with broader consultation, including input from laypeople, and highlights the importance of providing seminarians with synodal formation.

The assembly’s proposals also address the way the Church approaches contentious issues and open questions.

They call for initiatives that allow for collective discernment on these matters, involving experts and individuals directly affected.

The document contemplates the possibility of decentralizing the Church’s teaching authority and granting bishops’ conferences more decision-making power in local matters,

especially regarding liturgy.

The concept of synodality is applied across various Church issues, such as the Church’s engagement with the poor, efforts to foster Christian unity, and strategies for reaching young people through digital missionaries.

The report recommends the creation of new Church ministries, including expanding the role of lectors and establishing ministries for married couples. It also underscores the importance of listening to groups that have suffered harm at the hands of the Church, including victims of clerical sex abuse.

The synthesis report does not serve as the final document but rather lays the foundation for the next phase of the Synod on Synodality in October 2024. Synod members will return to their respective dioceses to gather feedback and promote a synodal culture within their communities.

May the spirit of Synodality continue to animate the Church at all levels.

Duterte’s expressed wish or desire to kill those he mentioned is premised on the assumption that he has control over Sara Duterte’s intelligence fund

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WORLD

Blinken tries to soothe Turkey’s anger over Gaza ANKARA, Turkey – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was holding tough talks in Turkey on Monday, aimed at soothing the anger of one of Washington’s most strategic but difficult allies about the bloodshed in Gaza.

Blinken’s first visit since Israel went to war with Hamas in reprisal for the militants’ October 7 attack comes with fury at both Israel and the West boiling over on the streets of Turkey and inside the palace of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of protesters who marched on an air base housing US forces in Turkey’s southeast hours before Blinken’s arrival Sunday.

Erdogan himself plans to travel across Turkey’s remote northeast Monday in a seeming snub of Washington’s top diplomat.

Blinken’s talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were set to be packed with problems even before Israel launched a relentless bombing and expanding ground campaign aimed at eradicating Hamas.

The Hamas-run health ministry said at least 9,770 people had been killed in more than four weeks of war in Gaza.

The operation started after the militants killed more than 1,400 people and took over 240 hostages in the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. AFP

Zelensky ‘not ready’ for talks with Russia still on war zone KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said he was “not ready” for talks with Russia unless its invading troops withdraw, as Kyiv investigated a deadly strike on its soldiers.

The sprawling frontline between the warring sides has remained mostly static for almost a year despite a muchtouted Ukrainian counter-offensive, with Russian forces entrenched in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Officials from the United States and Europe -- Kyiv’s key allies -- are reported to have suggested holding negotiations to end the grinding 20-month-old conflict, which Zelensky denied on Sunday.

The United States “know I am not ready to speak with the terrorists, because their

word is nothing”, he told NBC television, referring to Russia.

“They have to go out from our territory, only after that, the world can switch on diplomacy,” Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian leader conceded the war was in a “difficult situation” and reiterated his need for more air defences to end Russia’s control of the sky.

A Russian missile strike killed multiple Ukrainian soldiers at what media described as an “award ceremony” this week, leading Kyiv to open a criminal investigation.

Local media said the attack, which is reported to have killed at least 20 troops, took place on Friday as a brigade gathered to receive awards in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region. AFP

China’s Xi to welcome PM Albanese in Beijing BEIJING – Chinese leader Xi Jinping will welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Beijing on Monday, a high-water mark in their nations’ ties following years of tensions that cut billions of dollars in trade.

Beijing is Canberra’s biggest trading partner, but relations plummeted in 2020 after Australia’s then-conservative government barred Chinese tech giant Huawei from 5G contracts and called for an inquest into the origins of Covid-19.

A furious Beijing then slapped punitive tariffs on a slew of Australian commodities ranging from coal, to barley, to wine as the relationship de-

scended into a deep freeze.

But China has reversed course since Albanese took power in May last year, lifting most of its restrictions on Australian goods and saying it wants “healthy and stable” ties.

Ahead of the talks in Beijing on Monday, Albanese -- the first Australian leader to visit China in more than seven years -- said he saw “promising signs” that relations were improving and predicted a “constructive discussion” with Xi. “We’ve already seen a number of the impediments to trade between our two nations removed,” he said.

“China is our most important trading partner,” he added. AFP

BACKWASH OF WAR. Graves are prepared at a cemetery in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Thousands of civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since Oct 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. AFP

Biden vs. Trump: Unwanted rematch for America’s soul W ASHINGTON, DC – While the stakes could hardly be higher for American democracy, voters are increasingly turned off by the apparently inevitable rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

“It’s hard to be excited about it,” said Keely Catron, 22, from Arizona, a swing state that Biden narrowly won in 2020. “It’s frustrating that our only two options seem like very old white men.”

The education sciences student said she would still vote for the 80-year-old Democrat again in the election on November 5, 2024, albeit without much enthusiasm.

As he eyes a second term, Biden has no serious rivals for the Democratic nomination, de-

spite suffering from perpetually low approval ratings and growing concerns about his age.

In a related development, Trump is expected to testify Monday (Tuesday in Manila) in the New York civil case threatening to upend his real estate empire and deal him a damaging financial blow as he seeks to retake the White House next year.

The 77-year-old Republican is due to take the stand at 10:00 am, sitting next to Arthur Engoron, the judge overseeing the case whom Trump has repeatedly derided as “unhinged” and a “Trump-hating radical left, Democrat operative.”

Engoron has responded by slapping Trump with two fines -- one for $5,000, another for $10,000 -- when he ruled the onetime reality television star had violated a partial gag order imposed after he bashed the judge’s clerk on social media.

Trump, meanwhile, is the clear Republican frontrunner despite him facing multiple criminal trials including one over alleged election

interference.

And their race for the White House is already on a knife edge.

A series of fresh polls published Sunday suggested Trump currently enjoys a slight advantage, with a New York Times survey putting him ahead in five key battleground states that Biden won in 2020.

While a lot can change in 12 months, another poll by the CBS network pointed to a widespread sense of disenchantment among voters, with 73 percent saying the country was moving in the wrong direction.

What’s at stake is huge.

A commentary in the New York Times said it would be “the most important election since 1860” -- when Abraham Lincoln was elected president, triggering the US Civil War. The United States is still deeply polarized after hard-right populist Trump tried to overturn the result when Biden beat him in 2020, and there are fears of deeper civil strife this time around. AFP

Iran says US ‘encouraging’ Israel to kill

POET’S CENTENNIAL. This picture taken on October 5, 2023 shows a partial view of the tomb of

Lebanese-American writer, poet, and visual artist Gibran Khalil Gibran at his museum in his hometown of Besharre (Bsharri) in northern Lebanon. Nestled in the mountains of northern Lebanon, a museum dedicated to Gibran in his hometown of Bsharre has been celebrating the centennial of “The Prophet,” the renowned author’s most famous work. AFP

Kahlil Gibran’s Lebanon hometown celebrates ‘The Prophet’ centennial BSHARRE, Lebanon – Nestled in the mountains of northern Lebanon, a museum dedicated to Kahlil Gibran in his hometown of Bsharre has been celebrating the centennial of “The Prophet,” the renowned author’s most famous work.

Since it was first published in the United States in 1923, millions of copies of “The Prophet” have been sold worldwide, with the book becoming a literary classic that has been translated into dozens of languages from the original English.

“Every reader, no matter

where they’re from, feels that this book relates to them and moves them deeply... whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jewish” or atheist, said museum director Joseph Geagea.

It “touches the spirituality of each individual, dealing with death, life, friendship, love, children” and other topics, he added.

A collection of poetic prose, “The Prophet” tells the story of Almustafa, who before returning to his homeland, speaks to residents of the city of Orphalese about various aspects of life.

Divided into 26 chapters,

verses from “The Prophet” are often quoted at births, weddings and funerals around the world.

“Biblical style is pervasive” in “The Prophet”, Lebanese author Alexandre Najjar said during a recent reading in Beirut, also noting the influence of Islam’s mystic Sufi tradition.

“The Prophet” captured the hearts of students and hippies in the 1960s, Najjar said, including for the passage: “Your children are not your children... they come through you but not from you.” AFP

TEHRAN – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday accused the United States of “encouraging” Israel to kill and carry out “cruel acts” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Gunmen from the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas stormed across Gaza’s border with Israel on October 7, killing about 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking over 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

Since then, Israel has relentlessly bombarded Gaza and sent in ground troops, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory saying more than 9,700 people have been killed, also mainly civilians.

“The aid from the United States to the Zionist regime (Israel) is encouraging them to kill and commit cruel acts of neglect against the Palestinian people,” Raisi said at a joint news conference in Tehran with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

“We believe that the bombings must stop as soon as possible, that a ceasefire must be declared immediately and that aid be provided to the oppressed and proud people of Gaza,” Raisi said.

“These horrible crimes against humanity are a genocide, which is carried out by the Zionist regime (Israel) with the support of the United States and certain European countries.” AFP

Amid the rubble, desperate Gazans look for survivors “ARE there any survivors?” shouted Said al-Najma, as he tried to shift the blocks of concrete strewn across the road after another night of Israeli bombings that reduced houses to rubble.

Seven multi-storey buildings in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the centre of the Gaza Strip were razed in the

strikes on Saturday night, killing 45 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Among them are four of video-journalist Mohammed Alaloul’s children, as well as four of his brothers, and several of his nieces and nephews.

Gaza has been relentlessly bombarded by Israel since Hamas gun-

men stormed across the border from the territory on October 7 in an unprecedented attack that killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli authorities.

Over 9,700 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s response to the attack, according to the Hamas-run ministry.

Israel says it aims to destroy Hamas and rescue the over 200 hostages believed to be held in the territory.

After the latest strike, Alaloul’s neighbor Najma and dozens of other residents work to clear the debris to find survivors among the fallen slabs of concrete, covered in large patches of blood. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

BUSINESS

TODAY

Stocks, peso rise ahead of inflation, GDP reports L

By Jenniffer B. Austria

OCAL stocks and the peso rose Monday ahead of the release of October inflation and gross domestic product reports and on bullish momentum of Asian markets.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 88.76 points, or 1.48 percent, to close at 6,078.03, while the broader all-shares index gained 29.10 points to settle at 3,292.15.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Claire Alviar said investors were betting on the upcoming economic data including inflation and the gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

The strong domestic manufacturing

data and drop in US long-term treasury yields also helped lift the Philippine market back to the 6,000 level, analysts said.

Value turnover, however, remained thin at P3.21 billion.

The peso breached the 55-a-dollar territory on continued hawkish signals from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The peso closed at 55.91 against the greenback on Monday, up from 56.10 a dollar Friday.

Meanwhile, Asian markets also rallied Monday following another strong performance on Wall Street, as belowforecast US jobs data fanned optimism that the Federal Reserve had reached the end of its interest rate hiking cycle.

After a tough year for traders, the bank’s decision last week to pause on monetary policy for a second meeting and hint that it would not tighten further has provided some much-needed vigor, and sparked talk of a new year cut.

Those hopes were given a boost Friday by figures showing far fewer jobs than expected were created in October, while other data pointed to a slowing economy, easing pressure on policymakers to lift rates further. with AFP

Alfamart installs solar panels at Cavite distribution center ALFAMART, the minimart chain under SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), said Monday it installed its first solar project in its distribution center in Silang, Cavite.

SMIC said in a statement Alfamart installed 117 solar panels, equivalent to 55,370 watts in the roof deck of its 30,000-square-meter distribution center.

The company targets to finish the second phase of the project with an additional 100,000 watts by December 2023 to lessen the reliance of the distribution center on the community’s power supply while also lessening power costs and its carbon emissions “As Alfamart continues to expand and reach out to different areas, we are cognizant of our impact on the environment and the community. We are committed

to integrating sustainability in our operations as we continue to serve communities,” said Alfamart chief operating officer Harvey Ong. SMIC said Alfamart is also keen on replicating the initiative in its new stores depending on this initial phase. The company has a total of 1,590 stores as of September 2023.

The solar panels are designed to power the operations of Alfamart’s back offices despite the changing seasons. Any excess of generated electricity is utilized by the 24/7 operational warehouse.

SMIC said Alfamart and all its four distribution centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga and Laguna were strengthening their initiatives towards sustainability by using electric forklifts and electric movers in their operations. Jenniffer B. Austria

JAPAN RECOGNITION. Japan announces the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on Egmidio Cesar Jose, former chairman of the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee Inc. and president of the Laguna Technopark Association Inc., in recognition of his contributions in strengthening the bilateral economic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

B3

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Burned out, but better, Part 2 GREEN LIGHT AMANDO L.V.C. CLEMENTE III I TOOK those six months of being unemployed to “reset” myself.

While looking for my next job, I read books on management—not just any business management book, but those that discussed building the right culture and nurturing employees.

I now wanted to be a manager whom the team respects, not because he was an ogre, but because he was a mentor and coach. To do that, I knew I had to work with a manager and an organization that were aligned with my values. It took a while, but I eventually found them.

The next company I worked for —my current one—isn’t as big as the previous one, but it still has a fairly large footprint in the country and in the region in general. I was given a team to run, just like I had in my last role. My managers, though, are very different from the ones I had before. They show that they care for the employees, not just the numbers. When I look to them for guidance, they give it. I give the same to my team.

Although my management style has completely changed, I am still able to hit my targets, to my surprise.

The team is able to perform despite (because of) my caring for their wellbeing. The company culture truly focuses on what matters most: overall value, not just profit.

I enrolled in the MBA program not just to add a title to my already long name. I want to develop my business

management skills further. I do not want my sole purpose to be just making a profit for the organization I work for. I envision myself developing the capability, skills and business acumen of the team members under my supervision and hopefully help them in their careers.

I commit to being a leader who cares for people and not just for profit. I commit to being a mentor to my team leaders and their direct reports. Aside from just delivering targets, I will prioritize my people’s health, safety and personal development by sharing value learning. My idea is to guide them in balancing work and life, prioritizing the most important aspects of life and not just pushing them to meet targets. More than anything, I want to leave them with career lessons and business knowledge that they can use as they move up their career ladders by establishing learning sessions alongside routine meetings.

With the proper balance of business management and transparency with the team, these goals, along with hitting our targets, can and will be achieved.

Now, I know what I want to become.

The author is an MBA freshman at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University.

He wrote this reflection paper for his class on Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. He can be reached at amando_clemente@dlsu. edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its administrators.

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ALPHALAND CORPORATION will be held on Friday, December 5, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety, welfare and convenience of the Company’s stockholders and other attendees, the meeting will be conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform to discuss the following agenda:

Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ALPHALAND BALESIN ISLAND CLUB, INC. will be held on December 5, 2023, at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon at The Clubhouse, Balesin Island Club, Barangay Balesin, Polillo, Quezon. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety and welfare of the Company’s stockholders and other attendees, the meeting will be conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform to discuss the following:

Please take notice that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of THE CITY CLUB AT ALPHALAND MAKATI PLACE, INC. will be held on December 5, 2023, at 12:00 pm. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety and welfare of the Company’s stockholders and other attendees, the meeting will be conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform to discuss the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Call to order Certification of Notice and Quorum Review and approval of the minutes of the previous annual stockholders meeting Annual report of Management and approval of the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 Ratification of all acts and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees of the Board of Directors, as well as Management since the last annual stockholders meeting held on May 26, 2022 Election of members of the Board of Directors (including Independent Directors) Appointment of External Auditor Other matters

Only stockholders of record as of November 10, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders who intend to participate or be represented in the virtual meeting shall first submit the following via email to ASM@alphaland.com.ph not later than November 10, 2023, subject to validation procedures, to gain access to the secure online meeting link.

Once validated, a confirmation along with access credentials to the secure online meeting link shall be sent to the stockholder’s email as provided.

WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR PROXY.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Review and Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on February 15, 2023 Annual Report of Management and Approval of the Audited Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2022 Ratification of Acts of the Board of Directors, Committees and Management Election of Directors Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of November 10, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders who confirm their attendance may participate or be represented in the virtual meeting shall first submit the following via email to asm@alphaland.com.ph not later than November 15, 2023, subject to validation procedures, to gain access to the secure online meeting link. Attached is the voting procedure.

Once validated, a confirmation message along with access credentials to the secure online meeting link and a copy of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 15, 2023 shall be sent to the stockholder’s email as provided. For ASM-related queries, stockholders may send an e-mail to asm@alphaland.com.ph.

WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR PROXY.

Copies of the following documents will be posted at the Company’s website (alphaland.com.ph): (i) Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 26, 2022; (ii) Information Statement with Management Report; (iii) Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Copies of the following documents will be made available to stockholders upon request: (i) Information Statement with Management Report; (ii) Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

October 20, 2023.

October 20, 2023.

CHARLES EDWARD M. CHENG Corporate Secretary For ASM-related queries, please send an email to ASM@alphaland.com.ph.

For account updating/validation concerns, please get in touch with the Company’s Stock Transfer Agent, AB Stock Transfers Corporation (Attention: Haydee D. Gallarde), via PLDT line +63.2. 5337.2031 local extension 169; via mobile number +63.917.5448417; or via email to hdgallarde@atok.com.ph.

AGENDA Explanation

1. Call to order The Chairman will formally open the meeting at approximately 10 o’clock in the afternoon.

AGENDA Explanation 1.

Call to order The Chairman will formally open the meeting at approximately 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

2.

Certification of Notice and Quorum The Corporate Secretary will certify that written notice for the meeting was duly sent to stockholders and that a quorum exists for the transaction of business.

3.

Review and approval of the minutes of the previous annual stockholders meeting The minutes of the meeting held on February 15, 2023 will be made available to stockholders. Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below:

2. Certification of Notice and Quorum The Corporate Secretary will certify that written notice for the meeting was duly sent to stockholders and that a quorum exists for the transaction of business.

3. Review and approval of the minutes of the previous annual stockholders meeting The minutes of the meeting held on May 26, 2022 is available at the Company’s website: alphaland.com. ph. Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below:

“RESOLVED, that the Stockholders of the Corporation hereby approve the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on February 15, 2023.”

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 be, as the same are hereby, approved.”

The Company’s Annual Report, Audited Financial Statements and Information Statement will be posted at the Company’s website: alphaland.com.ph. Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below:

“RESOLVED, that all acts, resolutions, and deeds of the Company’s Board of Directors and its Committees, as well as Management from the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on February 15, 2023 up to the date of this meeting be as they hereby are, confirmed, ratified and approved.”

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 be, as the same are hereby, approved.”

5. Ratification of all acts and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees of the Board of Directors, as well as Management since the last annual stockholders meeting held on May 26, 2022

7. Appointment of External Auditor Endorsement to the stockholders the election of the external auditor who will conduct an independent verification of the Company’s financial statements and provides an objective assurance on the accuracy of its financial statements for the ensuing year. Below is the proposed resolution for approval: “RESOLVED, that Reyes Tacandong & Co., Certified Public Accountants, be, as they hereby are, re-appointed as external auditors of the Company for the year 2023-2024.”

ELECTRONIC VOTING IN ABSENTIA 1.

b) c) d) •

Multiple Owners

Stockholders

or

Joint

a) b) c) d)

•

Corporate Stockholders

a) b) c) d)

3.

4.

Margarito B. Teves Lorenzo V. Tan Cesar C. Ching

PROCEDURE FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

•

Individual Stockholder

d) •

PARTICIPATION VIA REMOTE COMMUNICATION

Multiple Stockholders or Joint Owners

a) b) c) d)

Corporate Secretary’s Certification of the Board resolution appointing and authorizing the proxy to participate in the meeting A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the proxy Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the proxy

Once the registered stockholder, or the proxy, has finished voting on the agenda items, he/she can proceed to submit his/her electronic ballot by clicking the ‘Submit’ button. The stockholder, or the proxy, will then be redirected to an online webpage containing a summary of the votes cast. After the electronic ballot has been submitted, the registered stockholder may no longer make any change.

a) b) c)

Proof of authority of stockholder voting the shares signed by the other registered stockholders A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the representative stockholder, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the representative

All agenda items indicated in the Notice of the Meeting will be set out in the digital absentee ballot and the registered stockholder, or his/her proxy, may proceed to vote. Each outstanding share of stock entitles the registered holder to one vote. For all items on the agenda for approval, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote and represented at the meeting will be required for approval. The stockholder may either vote for (Yes) or against (No) the item presented for approval, or Abstain from voting. The election of directors will be by plurality of votes and every stockholder shall be entitled to cumulate his votes. All votes received shall be tabulated by the Office of the Corporate Secretary. The Corporate Secretary shall report the results of voting during the meeting.

Review and approval of the minutes of the previous annual stockholders meeting The minutes of the meeting held on October 20, 2022 will be made available to stockholders. Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below: “RESOLVED, that the Stockholders of the Corporation hereby approve the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on October 20, 2022.”

4.

Annual report of Management and approval of the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 The Company’s Annual Report, Audited Financial Statements and Information Statement is attached to the Information Statement. Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below:

5.

Ratification of all acts and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees of the Board of Directors, as well as Management since the last annual stockholders meeting held on November 26, 2021. Below is the proposed resolution for approval:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 be, as the same are hereby, approved.”

“RESOLVED, that all acts, resolutions, and deeds of the Company’s Board of Directors and its Committees, as well as Management from the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on October 20, 2022 up to the date of this meeting be as they hereby are, confirmed, ratified and approved.”

•

Corporate Stockholders

a) b) c) d)

Regular Directors:

Independent Directors:

Anna Bettina Ongpin Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada Mario A. Oreta

Margarito B. Teves Lorenzo V. Tan

7.

Appointment of External Auditor Endorsement to the stockholders the election of the external auditor who will conduct an independent verification of the Company’s financial statements and provides an objective assurance on the accuracy of its financial statements for the ensuing year. Below is the proposed resolution for approval:

8.

Other matters The Chairman will open the floor for comments and questions by the stockholders. Stockholders may raise other matters or issues that may be properly taken up at the meeting.

“RESOLVED, that Reyes Tacandong & Co., Certified Public Accountants, be, as they hereby are, re-appointed as external auditors of the Company for the year 2023-2024.”

PROCEDURE FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING In light of the ongoing community quarantine imposed in several areas of the country and in consideration of health and safety concerns of everyone involved, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved and authorized stockholders to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their right to vote in absentia through electronic voting via the online web address provided.

ELECTRONIC VOTING IN ABSENTIA 1.

Stockholders on record of the Company as of November 10, 2023 may exercise their right to vote on the agenda items in the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) through electronic voting in absentia. To be included in the determination of quorum, stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting by remote communication and vote in absentia must notify the Company of their intention to participate and vote remotely by sending an e-mail addressed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at asm@alphaland.com.ph and submit the following not later than November 15, 2023 (only registered stockholders as of November 10, 2023 shall be allowed to electronically vote in absentia or participate in the ASM by remote communication):

b) c) d) • Multiple Stockholders or Joint Owners

Once validated and verified, the stockholder, or the proxy, will be sent a confirmation correspondence and given access to the electronic link where he/she can register for the virtual meeting and cast his/her votes electronically. Deadline to vote in absentia through the electronic voting system is on December 5, 2023.

Beyond this date, stockholders may no longer avail of the option to vote in absentia.

3.

All agenda items indicated in the Notice of the Meeting will be set out in the digital absentee ballot and the registered stockholder, or his/her proxy, may proceed to vote. Each outstanding share of stock entitles the registered holder to one vote. For all items on the agenda for approval, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote and represented at the meeting will be required for approval. The stockholder may either vote for (Yes) or against (No) the item presented for approval, or Abstain from voting. The election of directors will be by plurality of votes and every stockholder shall be entitled to cumulate his votes. All votes received shall be tabulated by the Office of the Corporate Secretary.

The Corporate Secretary shall report the results of voting during the meeting.

Once the registered stockholder, or the proxy, has finished voting on the agenda items, he/she can proceed to submit his/her electronic ballot by clicking the ‘Submit’ button. The stockholder, or the proxy, will then be redirected to an online webpage containing a summary of the votes cast. After the electronic ballot has been submitted, the registered stockholder may no longer make any change.

1.

All questions and clarifications may be raised via e-mail prior to or during the meeting by sending an e-mail to ASM@alphaland.com.ph, and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting.

Only the Stockholders, or their proxies, who confirm their attendance and have successfully registered with the Company’s registration system may be given access to the livestream video service that will allow Stockholders to participate, or their proxies, in the ASM.

2.

The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format. Requests for access to the recorded webcast of the ASM may be sent to ASM@alphaland.com.ph.

All questions and clarifications may be raised via e-mail prior to or during the meeting by sending an e-mail to asm@alphaland.com.ph, and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting.

The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format.

(MS-NOV. 7 & 8, 2023)

b)

d) • Corporate Stockholders

a) b) c) d)

A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the stockholder and the proxy, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate If appointing a proxy, a legible copy of the proxy form duly signed by the stockholder (need not be notarized) E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the stockholder or proxy Proof of authority of stockholder voting the shares signed by the other registered stockholders A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the representative stockholder, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the representative Corporate Secretary’s Certification of the Board resolution appointing and authorizing the proxy to participate in the meeting A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the proxy Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the proxy

The Office of the Corporate Secretary of the Company shall validate the stockholder’s e-mail and its attachments. The Company may require additional data or documents to ensure the identity and right to vote of the stockholder.

2.

Once validated and verified, the stockholder, or the proxy, will be sent a confirmation correspondence and given access to the electronic link where he/she can register for the virtual meeting and cast his/her votes electronically. Deadline to vote in absentia through the electronic voting system is on December 5, 2023.

Beyond this date, stockholders may no longer avail of the option to vote in absentia.

3.

All agenda items indicated in the Notice of the Meeting will be set out in the digital absentee ballot and the registered stockholder, or his/her proxy, may proceed to vote. Each outstanding share of stock entitles the registered holder to one vote. For all items on the agenda for approval, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote and represented at the meeting will be required for approval. The stockholder may either vote for (Yes) or against (No) the item presented for approval, or Abstain from voting. The election of directors will be by plurality of votes and every stockholder shall be entitled to cumulate his votes. All votes received shall be tabulated by the Office of the Corporate Secretary.

The Corporate Secretary shall report the results of voting during the meeting.

4.

Once the registered stockholder, or the proxy, has finished voting on the agenda items, he/she can proceed to submit his/her electronic ballot by clicking the ‘Submit’ button. The stockholder, or the proxy, will then be redirected to an online webpage containing a summary of the votes cast. After the electronic ballot has been submitted, the registered stockholder may no longer make any change.

PARTICIPATION VIA REMOTE COMMUNICATION

2.

a)

c)

Corporate Secretary’s Certification of the Board resolution appointing and authorizing the proxy to participate in the meeting A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the proxy Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the proxy

2.

a)

• Individual Stockholder

The Office of the Corporate Secretary of the Company shall validate the stockholder’s e-mail and its attachments. The Company may require additional data or documents to ensure the identity and right to vote of the stockholder.

4.

Election of members of the Board of Directors (including Independent Directors) The profiles of the nominees are included in the Information Statement. Stockholders will be given the opportunity to elect the directors who will serve for the term 2023-2024. Below are the nominees to the Board:

Proof of authority of stockholder voting the shares signed by the other registered stockholders A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the representative stockholder, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the representative

Only the Stockholders, or their proxies, who have successfully registered with the Company’s registration system may be given access to the livestream video service that will allow Stockholders to participate, or their proxies, in the ASM.

(MS-NOV. 7 & 8, 2023)

3.

A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the stockholder and the proxy, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate If appointing a proxy, a legible copy of the proxy form duly signed by the stockholder (need not be notarized) E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the stockholder or proxy

1.

3.

Certification of Notice and Quorum The Corporate Secretary will certify that written notice for the meeting was duly sent to stockholders and that a quorum exists for the transaction of business.

Stockholders on record of the Company as of November 10, 2023 may exercise their right to vote on the agenda items in the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) through electronic voting in absentia. To be included in the determination of quorum, stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting by remote communication and vote in absentia must notify the Company of their intention to participate and vote remotely by sending an e-mail addressed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at asm@alphaland.com.ph and submit the following not later than November 15, 2023 (only registered stockholders as of November 10, 2023 shall be allowed to electronically vote in absentia or participate in the ASM by remote communication):

A legible copy of a valid identification card with photograph and signature of the stockholder and the proxy, that is issued by the government Stock certificate number/s or a legible copy of the stock certificate If appointing a proxy, a legible copy of the proxy form duly signed by the stockholder (need not be notarized) E-mail-address, mailing address, and telephone/mobile telephone number of the stockholder or proxy

Once validated and verified, the stockholder, or the proxy, will be sent a confirmation correspondence and given access to the electronic link where he/she can register for the virtual meeting and cast his/her votes electronically. Deadline to vote in absentia through the electronic voting system is on December 5, 2023.

Beyond this date, stockholders may no longer avail of the option to vote in absentia.

Call to order The Chairman will formally open the meeting at approximately 12:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

2.

ELECTRONIC VOTING IN ABSENTIA

The Office of the Corporate Secretary of the Company shall forward the stockholder’s e-mail and its attachments to the Company’s Stock Transfer Agent, AB Stock Transfers Corporation, for validation. The Company and the Stock Transfer Agent may require additional data or documents to ensure the identity and right to vote of the stockholder.

2.

Anna Bettina Ongpin Michael Angelo Patrick M. Asperin Rodolfo Ma. A. Ponferrada

Other matters The Chairman will open the floor for comments and questions by the stockholders. Stockholders may raise other matters or issues that may be properly taken up at the meeting.

1.

a)

Individual Stockholder

Independent Directors:

In light of the ongoing community quarantine imposed in several areas of the country and in consideration of health and safety concerns of everyone involved, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved and authorized stockholders to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their right to vote in absentia through electronic voting via the online web address provided.

Stockholders on record of the Company as of November 10, 2023 may exercise their right to vote on the agenda items in the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) through electronic voting in absentia.

To be included in the determination of quorum, stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting by remote communication and vote in absentia must notify the Company of their intention to participate and vote remotely by sending an e-mail addressed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at ASM@alphaland. com.ph and submit the following not later than November 10, 2023 (only registered stockholders as of November 10, 2023 shall be allowed to electronically vote in absentia or participate in the ASM by remote communication): •

Regular Directors:

CHARLES EDWARD M. CHENG Corporate Secretary

1.

“RESOLVED, that Reyes Tacandong & Co., Certified Public Accountants, be, as they hereby are, re-appointed as external auditors of the Company for the year 2023-2024.”

8.

In light of the ongoing community quarantine imposed in several areas of the country and in consideration of health and safety concerns of everyone involved, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved and authorized stockholders to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their right to vote in absentia through electronic voting via the online web address provided.

AGENDA Explanation

6.

Appointment of External Auditor Endorsement to the stockholders the election of the external auditor who will conduct an independent verification of the Company’s financial statements and provides an objective assurance on the accuracy of its financial statements for the ensuing year. Below is the proposed resolution for approval:

7.

8. Other matters The Chairman will open the floor for comments and questions by the stockholders. Stockholders may raise other matters or issues that may be properly taken up at the meeting.

PROCEDURES FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

WE ARE NOT SOLICITING YOUR PROXY. Copies of the following documents will be made available to stockholders upon request: (i) Information Statement with Management Report; (ii) Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

October 20, 2023.

Election of members of the Board of Directors (including Independent Directors) The profiles of the nominees are included in the Information Statement. Stockholders will be given the opportunity to elect the directors who will serve for the term 2023-2024. Below are the nominees to the Board:

6.

“RESOLVED, that all acts, resolutions, and deeds of the Company’s Board of Directors and its Committees, as well as Management from the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on May 26, 2022 up to the date of this meeting be as they hereby are, confirmed, ratified and approved.”

6. Election of members of the Board of Directors (including Independent Directors) The profiles of the nominees are included in the Information Statement. Stockholders will be given the opportunity to elect the directors who will serve for the term 2023-2024.

Once validated, a confirmation message along with access credentials to the secure online meeting link and a copy of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on October 20, 2022 shall be sent to the stockholder’s email as provided. For ASM-related queries, stockholders may send an e-mail to asm@alphaland.com.ph.

Ratification of all acts and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees of the Board of Directors, as well as Management since the last annual stockholders meeting held on February 15, 2023. Below is the proposed resolution for approval:

5.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Review and Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on October 20, 2022 Annual Report of Management and Approval of the Audited Financial Statements Ratification of Acts of the Board of Directors and Management Election of Directors Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of November 10, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders who intend to participate or be represented in the virtual meeting shall first submit the following via email to asm@alphaland.com.ph not later than November 15, 2023, subject to validation procedures, to gain access to the secure online meeting link. Attached is the voting procedure.

Annual Report of Management and approval of the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 The Company’s Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements are attached to the Information Statement.

Stockholders will be asked to approve the proposed resolution below:

4.

“RESOLVED, that the Stockholders of the Corporation hereby approve the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on May 26, 2022.”

4. Annual report of Management and approval of the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022

CHARLES EDWARD M. CHENG Corporate Secretary

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

PARTICIPATION VIA REMOTE COMMUNICATION 1.

Only the Stockholders, or their proxies, who have successfully registered with the Company’s registration system may be given access to the livestream video service that will allow Stockholders to participate, or their proxies, in the ASM.

2.

All questions and clarifications may be raised via e-mail prior to or during the meeting by sending an e-mail to asm@alphaland.com.ph, and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting.

The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format.

(MS-NOV. 7 & 8, 2023)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B4 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 Roderick T. dela Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

SM Prime’s 9-month profit increased 37% to over P30b

BUSINESSFRIENDLY LGU. Tagbilaran

City Mayor Jane Cajes-Yap (fifth from left) receives the Hall of Fame award for winning the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Most Business-Friendly LGU Award thrice in the last five years.

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) posted a net income of P30.1 billion in the first nine months of 2023, up 37 percent from P22 billion in the same period last year, boosted by higher revenues from its mall and residential businesses.

SMPH said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday nine-month revenues climbed 26 percent to P92.6 billion from last year’s P73.7 billion.

Nine-month consolidated operating income also increased 29 percent to P44.5 billion from P34.6 billion a year ago.

It said third-quarter net income also grew 35 percent to P10.7 billion from P7.9 billion as consolidated revenues went up 20 percent to P32.7 billion from P27.3 billion.

“Our strategic operations over the past months provided us remarkable results this quarter, which we expect to lead us to a stronger full-year performance. I would like to thank our customers and partners for their continued support that aim to deliver convenience and comfort to everyone,” SMPH president Jeffrey Lim said.

SMPH’s mall business, which accounts for 57 percent of the group’s consolidated revenues, booked P52.5 billion in sales in first three quarters of 2023. This was up by 37 percent from P38.2 billion in the same period last year.

Mall rental income grew 29 percent to P44.8 billion from last year’s P34.7 billion, while cinemas, event ticket sales and other revenues increased to P7.7 billion from P3.5 billion.

Residential business, led by SM Development Corp. (SMDC), reported nine-month revenues of P28.7 billion, up 10 percent from P26.1 billion in 2022.

SMDC’s reservation sales climbed 6 percent year-on-year to P89.3 billion.

SMPH’s other key businesses, which include offices, hotels and convention centers, delivered P9.5 billion in revenues in the first nine months of 2023, a 33-percent improvement from P7.2 billion in 2022.

The company’s office business segment posted P4.9 billion in revenues, or 14 percent higher than last year’s.

Its hotel and convention center revenues reached P4.6 billion, up 64 percent from a year ago.

China drops 2 more PH railways

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE government plans to terminate two more railway contracts before the end of the year after China dropped its financing for the projects.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said at the sidelines of the 2023 Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines economic forum in Manila the government has existing contracts for two major railway projects with Chinese companies.

The DOTr in 2022 awarded a P142billion contract to the joint venture of China Railway Group Ltd., China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group Co. Ltd. and China Railway Engineering

Consulting Group Co. Ltd. to build the first 380 kilometers of the Philippine National Railway Bicol Project from Banlic, Calamba to Daraga, Albay.

It covers the design, construction and electromechanical works of the project. The PNR Bicol will consist of a 565-kilometer railway, connecting Metro Manila to the provinces of Sorsogon and Batangas.

The government also signed a contract with China Railway for a project

management consultancy worth P14 billion. Bautista said of the total assistance from China, the government had drawn P1.4 billion.

The P51-billion Subic-Clark Railway project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Co. in December 2020.

The project is expected to provide highcapacity freight service to support the industrial areas along the Subic-Clark corridor by serving as the link to the airport at Clark Freeport Zone and the seaport at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Bautista said the government had to terminate these contracts because China would no longer finance them.

“For the Philippine National Railway Bicol Project, we will do it before the end of the year,” he said.

Moody’s unit sees faster PH growth in Q3

By Julito G. Rada

CMSA MILESTONE. Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit operating the Specialized Container Terminal 2 in the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico hits a new milestone with its handling of 14,400 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during the recent call of the CMA CGM vessel APL Vanda. The achievement underscores the growing importance of the port and confirms Contecon Manzanillo’s ability to handle the mega ships that have started to arrive on the shores of the Latin American Pacific.

Turkish firm keen on bidding for P171-b contract to modernize NAIA A TURKISH conglomerate bought bid documents for the P171-billion contract to rehabilitate, optimize and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, bringing to eight the prospective bidders for the project, the Department of Transportation said Monday.

“So far, eight prospective bidders have expressed interest to operate and maintain NIAA,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told the participants of the 2023 Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines economic forum.

“Since there was no loan, the contracts were not valid,” Bautista said.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier informed China that the Philippines was no longer inclined to pursue Chinese ODA financing for the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 - Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment (MRP-TDDS).

The P83-billion Mindanao Railway Project: Tagum-Davao-Digos segment was expected to reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours.

Bautista said the government was now in talks with the governments of Korea, Japan and India to fund these three railway projects.

He identified the latest prospective bidder as Turkey’s Limak Group of Companies.

Limak has interests in airport construction, tourism, cement, energy and infrastructure. The company built and operates Kosovo Pristina International Airport and LimakPort Iskendrun.

Other groups that earlier bought bid documents were San Miguel Corp., India’s GMR Group, Manila International Airport Consortium, Spark 888 Management Inc., Asian

Airport Consortium and Cengiz Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. “We are expecting that they will be able to meet the bid submission deadline on Dec. 27,” Bautista said.

The DOTr expects to award the contract by first quarter of 2024 and achieve financial closure by second quarter.

The department and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) serve as co-grantors for the project, which would have a 15-year concession and an option for a 10-year extension.

The NAIA project involves capital investment to improve the airport’s facilities to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other internationally-accepted standards.

This means modernizing the terminals, optimizing and enhancing the capacity of the airport to 62 million passengers a year, enhancing asset quality and passenger experience, improving the information and technology systems infrastructure and ensuring reliable operations over the period of the concession. Darwin G. Amojelar

Meralco’s core net income jumped 53% to P30b in first three quarters

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATION-BUILDER. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. receives an award as a rising tiger and nation builder from the Rising Tigers Magazine during its gala night on Oct. 23, 2023. The award is given to those who contribute to nation-building and to those who shape the future of the Philippines.

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Monday it expects full-year consolidated core net income (CCNI) to reach P37 billion.

The company said its CCNI jumped 53 percent in the first three quarters to P30 billion from a year ago.

Meralco said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its consolidated reported net income also went up by 44 percent to P28.4 billion from P19.8 billion in the comparative period last year.

“As we approach the close of 2023, it might be appropriate to provide our guidance for our full-year’s performance. In this regard, absent a Black Swan event,

Meralco’s CCNI for the full year is likely to land at P37 billion,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

Meralco attributed the higher CCNI in the nine-month period to increased energy volumes distributed; robust performance of the power generation business led by PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. Singapore and San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co; the turnaround of Global Business Power Corp. and completion of the distribution and asset true-up refunds totaling P49.1 billion since 2021.

The power generation business contributed P10.2 billion or 34 percent of CCNI, with significant earnings of operating power plants in Singapore and the Philippines with a combined capacity of 2,240.1 megawatts (MW).

MOODY’S Analytics, which operates independently of the Moody’s Investors Service credit rating agency, said Monday the Philippine economy likely grew faster in the third quarter compared with the 4.3-percent expansion in the second quarter on the back of higher government spending.

It said in a report the gross domestic product likely expanded by 5.1 percent from July to September.

“We look for a 5.1 percent yearon-year reading, an improvement from the 4.3 percent growth in the prior quarter,” it said.

“We expect government spending to lift on account of state agencies stepping up the implementation of certain projects,” it said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official third-quarter GDP data later this week.

Moody’s Analytics said higher inflation and interest rates would continue to affect consumer spending.

Inflation peaked at 8.7 percent in January 2023 before easing in the next six months. Higher food prices spiked again in August to 5.3 percent and 6.1 percent in September.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said last week the October inflation likely settled within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.9 percent.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona said inflation and the thirdquarter GDP data are two economic indicators they would consider in the next monetary policy setting.

The interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee said last week government disbursement accelerated significantly from 93.4 percent of the program as of June 2023 to 98.9 percent as of September.

The DBCC said disbursement reached P3.82 trillion as of endSeptember.

SPORTS

TUESDAY,, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

C1

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

Victolero praises reserve players

By Peter Atencio PLAYERS coming off the bench can give support to the key players of the team.

Coach Chito Victolero took comfort in this after his Magnolia Timplados Hotshots rolled to their first win at the start of the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Governor’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Victolero believes that it was because of their stint in the PBA On Tour, that the coaching staff was able to gain the confidence to trust their reserve players to step up and contribute to the team.

“The PBA On Tour gave us the confidence with the other guys on the bench. And it’s a big help to us that they can deliver,” said Victolero, who talked about the performance of the team’s reserve players following a 110-102 beating of the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday.

While new import Tyler Bey sizzled with a double-double of 31 points and 21 rebounds, bench players, led by Aries Dionisio, Jerick Ahanmisi, James Laput and Abu Tratter, helped the Hotshots win with their combined 41-point output.

The 6’7” Bey took time to get his game going, taking charge in the final period, and he got a busted lip from teammate James Laput’s elbow while he was busy unloading 15 points in the last period.

The 25-year old Bey, who played for the Irona Ness Ziona in the Israeli Premier Basketball League last year, gave the Hotshots a 15-point, 96-81 lead in the final 7:35 of the fourth with his layup.

Andy Barroca knocked in 15 points for the Hotshots, firing nine of it in the first period as Hotshots moved away with a 26-16 first quarter advantage.

Paul Lee made 13 points for the Hotshots, as he unloaded eight in the second quarter to push them to a 56-49 halftime spread.

Lee’s two charities with a second left in the third allowed the Hotshots to have a nine-point edge, 81-73, before the start of the fourth.

Dionisio strung up nine points in the second and third periods as the Hotshots built a 12-point lead, 83-71, going into the fourth period.

HONORED. Gilas Pilipinas players and officials were honored by the Philippine Basketball Association for the team’s achievement of winning the basketball gold medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games, a feat last achieved by the country 61 years ago.

SMB, Blackwater, Cavitex claim PBA 3x3 Leg 4 quarterfinal seats S

AN Miguel Beer, Blackwater, Cavitex, and TNT claimed the first four quarterfinal berths in Leg 4 of the PBA 3x3 Season 3 Monday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.

San Miguel’s Marvin Lee drives against Cavitex’s Tonino Gonzaga

The Beermen went off to a 2-0 start in Pool B with victories over Cavitex, 22-17, and Northport, 21-16, to advance in the knockout stage of the Second Conference for the very first time.

In the first three legs, San Miguel finished eighth twice and 11th last week.

TNT for its part, swept its Pool A assignments to take the top seed and remain on track of a fourth straight title this conference.

Taking advantage of the lastminute entry of leading scorer Almond Vosotros, who replaced the ailing Chester Saldua in the roster, the Tropang Giga turned back Blackwater Smooth Razor, 19-17, and whipped Terrafirma, 21-14, for

a 2-0 record at the end of their campaign in the pool stage.

Blackwater meanwhile, scored a 21-14 win over the Dyip to even its slate at 1-1 and take the remaining quarterfinals ticket in its group, while shutting the door close on Terrafirma’s bid.

Cavitex also made it to the next round with a 2-1 record in Pool B. The Braves won over Purefoods, 21-18, and Northport, 21-14, with their lone loss being dealt by the Beermen.

The four other berths to the knockout stage set on Tuesday are still being disputed as of presstime.

A prize money of P100,000 await the leg champion, while P50,000 and P30,000 will be given to the runner up and third placer, respectively.

36-team PNVF Challenge Cup kicks at Rizal Memorial Coliseum PSA Forum to discuss Pilipinas Super Liga, Pinoyliga WHAT’S in store for the new season of the Pilipinas Super League serves as the center of discussion in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum which resumes on Tuesday (Nov. 7) at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Basketball great Allan Caidic will talk about the 2023-24 season of the PSL as its newly-appointed commissioner during the 10 a.m. public sports program.

The league is set to kick off the President’s Cup on Nov. 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum featuring nine teams.

Basketball is also featured in the first part of the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Pinoyliga co-founder Benny Benitez will be guesting to discuss the Pinoy Liga Cup Clubs and NexMan Cup. The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares it on its official Facebook page

THE country’s top collegiate, club and local government unit (LGU)-based teams collide as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) launches the Challenge Cup starting Tuesday (November 7) at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Twenty squads in the men’s division and 16 in the women’s side duke it out in 15 days of intense volleyball action—the penultimate tournament the PNVF, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, is hosting this year.

“Three-peat” UAAP champion National University and reigning PNVF Champions League titlist Cignal headline the cast in the men’s division of the tournament supported by the Philippine

Sports Commission zon are Pool C as well as headed by chairman UAAP runner-up UniRichard Bachmann, versity of Santo Tomas, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Tacloban City-EV, Iloilo Foton and CBPI. D’Navigators, Santa NU is in Pool B with Rosa City and Emilio RTU-Basilan, Arellano Aguinaldo College are University, VNS Aserin Pool D. eht and University of the In the women’s diviEast-Cherrylume while sion, two-time reignCignal leads Pool A with ing NCAA queen ColKuya JM-Davao City, Salege of Saint Benilde vouge Aesthetics, Volida spearheads Pool A with Volleyball Club and UniVolida Volleyball Club, versity of Batangas.

UP Volleyball Club and PGJC Navy, 3B Parañaque City.

Marikina City, Angatleta-Orion, Bataan, Bunched in Pool B are Philippine Jose Rizal University and Plaridel, Que- Airforce, JRU, Davao City and Taclo-

ban City-EV while Arellano, Letran, University of Batangas and RTU-Basilan make up Pool C. Completing the fray are the University of the Philippines, San Beda, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and La Salle-Dasma in Pool D. St. Benilde and Paranaque open the hostilities at 8 a.m. today (Tuesday) in the women’s play followed by the clashes of RTU against Letran and La SalleDasmarinas against San Beda at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., respectively.

In the afternoon games, Cignal begins its campaign against Savouge Aesthetics at 2 p.m. and NU takes on RTU at 4 p.m. with UST and Sta. Rosa wrapping up the six-game opener at 6 p.m.

High hopes for Bisera in first overseas drive FLORENCE Bisera is filled with enthusiasm as she embarks on a new journey in her career, joining the crack 16-player Ladies Philippine Golf Tour crew in the Party Golfers Ladies Open unfolding tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 8) in Taiwan.

“I am super happy to be able to join this tournament, this is my first outside the Philippines,” said Bisera before leaving for the 54-hole championship offering a total prize fund of NT$4 million (P7 million).

But the tournament is more than just a competition. It’s also an avenue and a valuable experience for Bisera as she has her sights set on competing abroad more frequently in the coming year.

“I am excited to learn many things since this is a stepping stone and an ex-

perience because I plan to really compete abroad next year,” she said.

The third year Civil Engineering student at Mapua University had a careerdefining moment when she emerged triumphant in the LPGT South Pacific Classic in Davao last September, upstaging some of the best players on the LPGT. While that win was on a familiar turf, she is confident in her abilities and determination to achieve another top podium finish.

“I’ve been hitting my drives considerably well and my short game is quite okay, which I think is the most important thing. I’ve been focusing on my short game the last two months,” said the 21-year-old rising star with an impressive golfing lineage from one of Davao’s renowned golfing clans.

While she remains wary of the opposition from the best of the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and a band of aces from Thailand and Japan, Bisera is hopeful to figure in the title race coming off an intensive training for the blue-ribbon event.

“I did not prepare for this for a short time, I really took this opportunity seriously,” said Bisera, while stressing the need for her to polish her putting to get into the early mix and in contention in the final day.

“I think my putting because ever since I played golf it has been the most difficult part for me,” said Bisera, who hopes the make the most of her chance to familiarize herself with the unpredictable surface of the Lily Golf and Country Club layout Tuesday.

Florence Bisera

SPORTS

C2 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Gomera, Mercado shine in PPS Dumaguete

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns boxes out a Detroit player during a game vs the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. AFP

MCLEEB Gomera foiled doubles partner Kenzo Brodeth in a furious backand-forth duel in the decider, hacking out a tough 2-6, 6-3, 12-10 victory to claim the boys’ 16-and-under singles crown and complete a two-title romp in the Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria National Junior Tennis Championships at the Praxevilla courts in Dumaguete City on Sunday.

As he foiled Brodeth’s bid for another “twinkill” following the Ormoc City bet’s triumph in 14-and-U play, the top-seeded Gomera from Bacolod, Lanao del Norte posted his own “double” feat as he nailed the 18-and-U diadem via a 7-5, 6-0 triumph over Gerald Gemida.

Bulacan’s Chloe Mercado later shared the MVP honors with Gomera as she scored a 6-4, 4-3(ret.) win over Judy Ann Padilla to pocket the girls’ 18-and-U trophy in the Group I event held as part of the Negros Oriental Sports Development Program (NOSDEP) and sponsored

by Gov. Sagarbarria.

Earlier, Padilla, from Ozamiz City, also ended doubles pal Kimi Brodeth’s run of two-title romps in the PPS-PEPP circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro as she squeezed out a hard-earned 6-3, 4-6, 10-6 victory in the semis, only to cramp out against Mercado in the finals.

Durant leads Suns over Pistons; Cavaliers end Warriors’ mastery W

ASHINGTON—Kevin Durant scored 41 points to lead the Phoenix Suns over Detroit and former Suns coach Monty Williams on Sunday while Britain’s O.G. Anunoby sparked Toronto’s stunning NBA rally at San Antonio.

Toronto made a 22-point fightback to beat the Spurs 123-116 in overtime while the Cleveland Cavaliers sparkled as well, snapping a 12-game regularseason losing streak to Golden State dating to Christmas 2016.

Durant added five assists, four rebounds, three blocked shots and a steal to power the Suns past the host Pistons 120-106.

“He was terrific, scored the ball every way you can, really wants it,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “Just a really terrific performance. He’s really good at basketball and he showed it tonight.”

The Suns outscored Detroit in every quarter as Eric Gordon contributed 21 points and eight assists for Phoenix, which snapped a three-game losing skid.

“We’re excited because we finally

got a win,” Durant said.

Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 26 points in the first regular-season matchup between the Suns and their former coach Williams.

After Williams was fired as the Suns’ coach following a secondround playoff exit last season, Detroit signed him to a six-year deal worth $78.5 million.

The Suns were without Bradley Beal, sidelined by back spasms, and Devin Booker, out with a calf strain.

Raptors rally At Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Darius Garland added 24 to power the Cavaliers over Golden State 115-104.

“The biggest thing for us is that we put together a full game,” Mitchell said.

“We fought hard. That’s a tough team.

They have a lot of guys who have won championship rings and we’re trying to get to that level. We’ve got to continue this momentum.”

Evan Mobley added a game-high 16 rebounds for the Cavs.

“He was dominant,” Mitchell said.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points, hitting 7-of-11 shots from 3-point range, while Draymond Green added 18 points for Golden State, which saw a five-game win streak ended.

At San Antonio, 26-year-old English forward Anunoby scored 24 points for the Raptors, hitting a career-best seven 3-pointers to spark a shocking comeback over star French rookie Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs.

Scottie Barnes sparkled for Toronto with a game-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocked shots.

Anunoby sank the tying basket off a rebound with one second remaining to send the game into overtime at 110-110.

His 3-pointer in the extra session game

Toronto a 118-112 edge.

German guard Dennis Schroder added 24 points for the Raptors.

Keldon Johnson led San Antonio with 26 points while Zach Collins added 21 points and 11 rebounds and Wembanyama contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, five blocked shots and four assists for the Spurs.

Memphis finally wins Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Jaren Jackson added 27 to spark previously winless Memphis to victory, the Grizzlies improving to 1-6 with a 112-100 triumph at Portland.

At Dallas, Slovenian guard Luka Doncic had 23 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists to spark the Dallas Mavericks over Charlotte 124-118.

Kyrie Irving had 18 points and 10 assists for the Mavs, 5-1 overall and 3-0 at home, while Grant Williams scored 18 points and Dereck Lively added 15 points and 14 rebounds.

LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a triple double of 30 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. AFP

Batangas, GenSan dispute right to face Bacoor for title BATANGAS City and General Santos City dispute the right to challenge Bacoor for the South Division crown at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season Playoffs at the Batangas City Coliseum.

The GenSan Warriors bested the Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics, 61-55, at the same venue on Saturday to force the decider in their best-of-three semifinal series.

Batangas prevailed in the opener, 81-75, on October 28.

The winner between the Athletics and the War-

riors will advance to the best-of-three division finals against the Bacoor Strikers, who swept reigning South champion and last year’s runner-up Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, 2-0, in their semifinal series.

GenSan wasted a 15-point lead in the third quarter and needed a 7-point run by Hafer Mondragon and Enzo Joson in the last 1 minute and 7 seconds to dispose of Batangas, which briefly took control twice at 50-47 and 55-54.

For sure, the Athletics of Coach Cholo Villanueva have learned their lesson and won’t allow another

breakaway by the Warriors.

GenSan Coach Rich Alvarez, however, believes his wards have shown their will to win even in front of a hostile, loud crowd.

Alvarez will again call on Mark Cruz, John Wilson, Larry Rodriguez, Joson and Mondragon to deliver against the Athletics, who are bidding to regain the Anta Rajah Cup title they won in the MPBL inaugural season in 2018.

Levi Hernandez, Cedrick Ablaza, Jeckster Apinan, Jong Baloria and Rhaffy Octobre will lead the Athletics.

Kimi Brodeth earlier dominated Mercado to secure the 16-and-U diadem on a 6-2, 6-0 rout.

Meanwhile, Caroliean Fiel ripped Everett Niera, 4-1, 4-2, to clinch the 10-unisex crown and though she fell short of her bid in the 12-and-U finals after bowing to fellow Ormoc City bet Chrystell Laguna, 5-7, 6-3, 7-10, the young campaigner split the MVP honors with Mercado in their side of the competition.

Unranked Ma. Nina Torrejos, also from Ormoc, upended top seed Kate Imalay, 6-2, 2-6, 11-9, to snare the girls’ 12-and-U title, while local bet Armik Serillo blasted Tayasan, Negros Oriental’s Rafa Callao, 6-0, 6-2, to seal the boys’ 12-and-U crown.

Kimi Brodeth and Padilla later teamed up to rout Mae Gulagula and Angel Vosotros, 8-0, to bag the girls’ 18-and-U doubles title with Kenzon Brodeth and Gomera beating Manuel Joson and El Zylter Tagalog, 8-4, in the boys’ final.

Chrystell Laguna and Torrejos rammed past Darylle Pancito and Gillean Redulla, 8-1, while Christian Laguna and Andrian Rodriguez tripped Xian Calagos and Niere, 8-4, to share the 14-and-U doubles plums.

Fiel and James Estrella edged Clemente Barrera iii and Zack Gauran, 8-6, to win the 10-unisex trophy.

Flying Titans target 4th straight win vs. Chameleons Games Tuesday

(Philsports Arena) 2 p.m. – Nxled vs Choco Mucho 4 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs F2 Logistics 6 p.m. – Galeries vs Cignal

CHOCO Mucho expects to soar to another win against a side seeking to snap a threegame skid even as Cignal likewise looks to press on its own drive in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.

The Flying Titans have not dropped a single set since bowing to the Creamline Cool Smashers in four in the season-ending conference’s inaugurals last Oct. 15, driving past the Farm Fresh Foxies, the HD Spikers and the Galeries Tower Highrisers to gain solo fifth in the league record 12-team field.

Against the Nxled Chameleons in the 2 p.m. opener of another triple-bill, the Flying Titans do brace for a tough challenge but remain upbeat of their chances to sustain their run and inch closer to the unbeaten Cool Smashers (4-0).

After marking its league debut with a straight-set romp over fellow rookie team Gerflor, Nxled lost to three of the league’s top teams although unlike in its shutout losses to F2 Logistics and Petro Gazz, the Chameleons shocked the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the opening set but struggled in the next three to fall to ninth with a 1-3 (win-loss) mark.

With a loaded crew led by Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon, Regine Arocha, Caitlyn Viray and setter Deanna Wong, coach Dante Alinsunurin could opt for new combinations and give his bench some minutes to prepare them for the tougher grind ahead.

Counterpart Takayuki Minowa, meanwhile, hopes to build on his wards’ inspiring set win over PLDT and their hunger for recognition, pinning his hopes on Lycha Ebon, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Judith Abil, Camille Victoria, Jaja Maraguinot and playmaker Kamille Cal.

UST sets championship showdown with National U UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas, once on the brink of elimination, arranged a titular showdown with National University after thwarting Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, in the knockout semifinals of the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship Season 2 on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Super rookie Angeline Poyos sizzled with 21 points on 17 hits and four blocks as the Golden Tigresses stabilized their title bid in the nick of time after nearly squandering a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for UST in earning a rematch against reigning champion NU after their semifinal duel in the inaugural season.

UST and NU, which swept Adamson in the other semis bracket, slug it out on Friday for Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series of SSL Season 2 backed by Mikasa, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Sum-

Games on Friday

(Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 9 a.m. – AU vs ADMU 11 .m. – UE vs CSB 2 p.m. – AdU vs FEU 5 p.m. – NU vs UST

mit Bottle Water, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, R and B Milk Tea, Potato Corner, Rebel Sports, Converge ICT Solutions, Genius Sports and United Auctioneers, Inc. “Gusto ko ‘yung attitude ng mga bata.

Hindi sila basta bumigay. Nilaban nila ‘wag lang maulit ‘yung sa St. Benilde.

Hindi sila bumitaw. ‘Yun ang natutunan namin. Wala talagang bumitaw,” said deputy mentor Lerma Giron in lieu of head coach Kungfu Reyes.

The Golden Tigresses, indeed, never let up with two straight wins since a tough 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 11-15 loss to the Lady Blazers in Game 1 of the quarterfinals.

Armed with a win-once bonus, UST

took care of business with a 25-15, 2516, 19-25, 32-30 win over St. Benilde in Game 2 to march on to the semis – where it overcame FEU. Save for a second-set meltdown, the Golden Tigresses kept their poise in taming the Lady Tamaraws to earn another shot at the Lady Bulldogs.

UST bowed to NU in the SSL Season 1 semis, 23-25, 25-23, 21-25, 17-25, before losing to Adamson in the bronze-medal match to settle for fourth place.

The Golden Tigresses also absorbed a 19-25, 20-25, 16-25 defeat to the Lady Bulldogs in the elimination round this season but are hoping for a different result in the finale.

Meanwhile, Chenie Tagaod had 16 points to pace the Lady Tamaraws in a semis exit after topping the other playoff group of the SSL Season 2 in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Keryme Truz of FEU is foiled by Xyza Gula and Mary Coronado of UST. Roman Prospero

ENTERTAINMENT Korean superstar Park Hyung-sik gains popularity as An Min Hyuk in the hit series ‘Strong Woman Do Bong-soon’

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023

C3

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

Park Hyung-sik announces ‘SIKcret Time’ fan conference in Manila ACTOR Park Hyung-sik will be holding a major fan conference in the Philippines on February 17, 2024 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The fan conference, titled SIKcret Time, is organized by MQLive in partnership with TONZ Entertainment.

Park Hyung-sik is a popular actor and singer who is known for his roles in hit dramas such Soon as Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Youth Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, and Suits.. He debuted as a member of

the K-pop boy group ZE:A. “I am looking forward to meeting my Filipino fans. I cannot wait to see them again,” the actor said in a press statement.

“I am happy to be getting this chance through this Asian Tour. I will make sure to give a memorable SIKcret experience for Philippine fans to remember.”

The actor started his acting career back in 2011 and has appeared in multiple K drama series including The Heirs (2013), High Society (2015), Happiness (2021), and Our Blooming Youth (2023).

In 2022, he appeared in the HYBE reality show In The Soop: Friendcation which also featured Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Peakboy, and V of BTS, as the fivesome

embark on a four-day vacation trip together.

More recently, Park Hyung-sik delighted fans with a cameo: reprising his role as An Min Hyuk with co-star Park Bo-young who plays Do Bong-soo in Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023).

Next, he’ll play the lead role opposite Park Shin-hye on JTBC’s Doctor Slump as Yeo Jeong-woo, a star plastic surgeon who falls into the worst slump of his life.

Seat plan and fan premiums will be announced soon. Ticketing prices and selling dates will be released via TicketNet. MQLive is an events group owned by MQuest Ventures Inc. Contact info@mqlive.events to know more.

Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards explore idea of onscreen collab HEART Evangelista and Alden Richards were recently spotted at a block screening for the hit movie Five Break-ups and a Romance where they expressed their mutual admiration and support for each other.

“Everybody loves Alden!” Heart said.

“I’m thankful to Heart for her consistent support,” Alden replied.

“I remember when I had a block screening for my movie ‘Hello, Love Goodbye’ in 2019, she was there to show her support. She’s really very supportive, so my support for her endeavors is also there.”

Heart revealed that she cried while watching the film and praised the story for its realism and liberation.

“What’s good in contemporary cinema is that now, actors can say bad words or smoke on screen,” she said.

“It’s very realistic and liberating. It feels good that it’s possible at this point.”

Heart also admitted that she misses doing movies, and plans to have at least one movie project in the coming days.

Alden, meanwhile, expressed his interest in doing an on-screen project with Heart.

“That’s true!” he said. “Hopefully, our schedules will match.”

When asked what genre they would like their maiden screen collaboration to fall under, Heart revealed that she already has a storyline in mind.

“And I know the plot,” Alden added. “And I can say it’s beautiful.

The content is just nice. But Heart and I would first talk about it formally.”

Fans of Heart and Alden are excited about the possibility of seeing them collaborate on a project and are eager to learn more about the storyline that Heart has envisioned. *** Actress Lovi Poe is grateful for the understanding and support of her husband, Monty Blencowe, who has allowed her to

continue to pursue her career as an actress even after their marriage on August 26.

“Actually, a week after the wedding, I went straight to the taping of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo and I’m scheduled to fly to Italy for ASAP Natin ‘To,” Lovi shared in a recent interview. “It’s good that my husband is very understanding.”

Lovi says that her husband’s understanding and support is a huge factor in their easy set-up.

“When I’m filming, it’s me who’s always traveling, whether here or out of the country. We’re just taking it positively,” she said. “He wants to see me shine and succeed as an individual. I’m just very lucky that he is like that. I know that we’re on the next level but then, he still wants to see me shine.”

With their current long-distance relationship set up, Lovi says that having a baby is not part of their immediate plans.

“For now, we want to focus on work and being together,” she said.

“We have lots of plans like we want to produce a movie where I’ll be the main attraction and to be directed by a critically-acclaimed young director.

Hope it pushes through.”

Lovi and Monty’s decision to prioritize their career and relationship over having a baby is a reflection of their modern and forward-thinking mindset. They are both successful individuals who are passionate about their work, and they are not afraid to break traditional norms in order to achieve their goals.

Their story is an inspiration to many couples who are also trying to balance their careers and relationships. It is important to remember that there is no one-sizefits-all approach to family planning and that couples should make decisions that are best for their own unique situation.

Kapuso artists Heart Evangelista (left) and Alden Richards

Exclusive ‘Hamilton’ experience SMART Infinity celebrated its partnership with Hamilton in a grand event at The Theatre Solaire on October 20. The event, dubbed “Infinity Exclusives: The Hamilton Experience,” reaffirmed the telco’s dedication to combining top-notch service with worldclass entertainment during the musical’s ongoing Manila run until November 26.

Attendees were treated to pre-show cocktails that provided the perfect ambiance for guests to mingle, and share their favorite Hamilton moments in anticipation of the theatrical brilliance

that lay ahead.

Richard Mathew “Shing” Dimagiba, VP and Smart Postpaid Business Head, addressed the distinguished guests before the show.

“We are happy that we are able to bring you closer to a world-class musical experience, a Smart Infinity tradition that extends back to our partnership with the group responsible for previous musicals such as Phantom of the Opera,” said Dimagiba.

“At Smart we are not solely dedicated to technology. We are equally committed

Rivermaya

From left: Rivermaya’s original members Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, Rico Blanco, and Nathan Azarcon

OG members

reunite for 2024 concert

R

By Angelica Villanueva

I V E R M AYA , the iconic OPM rock band that left an indelible mark on the ‘90s music scene, is set to reunite for a highly anticipated onenight concert on February 17, 2024, at SMDC Festival Grounds.

Fans can expect an unforgettable night as the original Rivermaya lineup, featuring Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, Nathan

Azarcon, and Rico Blanco, will grace the stage to perform their timeless hits.

Concert promoter Live Nation Philippines broke the news on their social media platforms, emphasizing the historic significance of this muchanticipated reunion.

“Be a part of history as Live Nation Philippines stages its firstever OPM show with Bamboo, Mark, Nathan, and Rico—finally together in the country’s most coveted reunion,” Live Nation Philippines wrote in its social media post.

Tickets for this exceptional concert are set to go on sale on November 17, starting at 3 PM, and will be available through www. smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets. Prices range from P2,550

for the Bronze section to P14,750 for the VIP section.

Rivermaya’s journey began in 1994 with Bamboo as the original frontman, but he departed from the band in the late ‘90s. He was succeeded by singer-songwriter Rico Blanco, who left Rivermaya in the early 2000s.

Presently, Rivermaya is comprised of members Escueta, Azarcon, and Mike Elgar. The band made a return in 2022 with the release of the single “Casino” and continues to captivate audiences both locally and internationally.

Rivermaya is celebrated for its timeless classics, including “214,” “You’ll Be Safe Here,” “Elesi,” “Kisapmata,” “Awit ng Kabataan,” and “Liwanag sa Dilim,” which have left an indelible mark on the OPM scene.

to strengthening human connections, with an after-party where nurturing passions, making a positive media and Infinity members impact on society, and savoring the had the chance to interact and moments that truly matter. This is socialize with the Hamilton how we ensure that we don’t miss cast no less. our chance to live more fully in the Through Smart Infinity’s present,” he added.

Enhanced Infinity Plans, The highlight of the evening was Smart Infinity members get Hamilton, where guests were treated to enjoy unlimited text and to critically acclaimed performances, calls to all networks, monthly captivating music, and a compelling consumables, and data roaming narrative that has made the musical allowance. Smart Infinity a global sensation. For many, the extends a suite of lifestyle Jason Arrow, who portrays Alexander Hamilton, charms experience was more than just a fans with autographs at Smart Infinity's exclusive perks and privileges, personal showing, it was an immersion into 'Hamilton' afterparty Infinity Relationship Manager, the world of Alexander Hamilton, Dedicated 24/7 Hotline, our brought to life by the exceptional As the curtains drew to a close, the Worldwide Concierge and cast and production.

Infinity Exclusives evening continued Priority in Smart Stores.

LIFE

C4 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Revolutionizing interior design through innovation, creative inspiration

M

By Nickie Wang

OD and Noble is shaping the future of interior design with youthful innovation, high-end designs, and transformative solutions.

From left: Mod and Noble founders Jullienne Iris Taguinod, Jamelle Hyacinth Taguinod, and Roy Patrick Javier

Starting as an online furniture brand specializing in modernizing classic pieces, Mod and Noble evolved into a full-fledged interior design firm led by licensed designers with 20 years of experience, Jullienne Iris Taguinod and Roy Patrick Javier. Their journey began by offering consultancy services, and now they create spaces that inspire and captivate, turning aesthetics into reality.

Together with Jamelle Hyacinth Taguinod, they founded Mod and Noble realizing that it was high time to transition into a fullservice interior design firm.

The expansion into interior design marked a pivotal transformation for the company. Embracing their role as mentors, the company now doubles as a

teaching platform, nurturing the next generation of designers. Their design studio fosters collaboration, empowering emerging voices to shape design decisions.

“It’s our way of giving back and sharing our knowledge with the next generation of designers and innovators. We envision our design studio as an extension of a design school, where emerging designers have voices and can actively participate in the decision-making processes,” the founders stated.

With the growth of their clientele, Mod and Noble’s portfolio flourished. They’ve not only crafted homes but also ventured into designing restaurants, cafes, and entire businesses, resulting in a diverse and passionate team. This expansion includes architects, injecting fresh perspectives and innovative solutions into their projects.

As they celebrate their anniversary, Mod and Noble envisions soaring to new heights. Plans for expanding their office are in motion, enhancing client meetings and presentations while showcasing their collections, and providing a comprehensive Mod and Noble lifestyle experience.

Committed to forging collaborations with strategic partners, Mod and Noble seeks to elevate its expertise in architecture, interior design, and furniture design.

Overcoming past challenges, founders Iris and Roy developed the resilience and skills to exceed client expectations. Their significant achievement includes navigating the pandemic and emerging stronger and more resilient.

Their journey, founded without formal business degrees, symbolizes their perseverance and ability to build valuable relationships and connections.

“Through sheer determination and the right partnerships, we have built an organization that not only thrives but also creates opportunities for others,” the founders said.

Curated Home launches ‘Fantastical Christmas’ collection to bring joy and festivity into homes during the holiday season, infusing them with a warm and inviting atmosphere

Bringing new life into homes this holiday season

From left: Roberta Tamondong, Dr. Jerzel Ramos, Nicole Cordoves, Benedict Sy, President of Avignon Clinic Christopher Cachuela, CEO and Founder of Avignon Clinic Sam Santamaria, Rocio Escano, Dr. Christine Chio, and Dr. Red Deys

Aesthetic clinic wins Tala Awards for three consecutive years AVIGNON Clinic, the aesthetic, dermatology, and wellness destination of 5-star quality, prides itself in the numerous awards it has received through the years since it opened four years ago.

The awards prove that Avignon Clinic has built a name of its own, at par with the other clinics that have gone before them.

The very recent honor Avignon Clinic received for the third consecutive year from the Tala Awards is for its popular services – Ulthera 3-star award, Belotero 4-star award, and Xeomin 5-star award.

Avignon Clinic’s CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and founder

Christopher Cachuela, with president Benedict Sy, were on hand to receive the enviable distinction, along with Dr. Red Deysolong, Dr. Kimley Junio, Dr. Jerzel Ramos, and Dr. Christine Chio.

“The awards acknowledge the dedication of the entire team, as well as the trust of patients, support from ambassadors and industry friends, and the hard work of Avignon’s staff and doctors,” said Cachuela.

Brand ambassadors Nicole Cordoves, Roberta Tamondong, Sam Santamaria, and Rocio Escano also joined the founders and doctors in accepting the latest award, as well as Avignon leaders Faye Ramirez,

Bernadette Pambid, Clarice Pancho, Rachel Pahutan, and Paula Doromal.

The Tala Awards is an annual event hosted by Merz Aesthetics which recognizes the outstanding performance of their partner dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic institutions all over the country.

It was held on October 5 at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at The Fort, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.

Avignon has branches in BGC, Quezon City, and Baguio City.

Visit www.avignon.clinic for more infomation.

WHEN it comes to decorating our homes for the holidays, we usually go with what we’re familiar with.

We bust out Christmas decorations from years past – some even passed down by our elders – to add a festive vibe to each room and the outside of the house.

Of course, there will also be moments when we mix the old with something fresh and modern to change things up at home.

If you’re on the hunt for unique holiday decor that isn’t just your usual red and green, look no further as Curated Home, the premium home brand under Robinsons Department Store, recently launched its “Fantastical Christmas” collection.

This line of carefully curated items aims to bring joy and festivity into homes during the holiday season, infusing them with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Curated Home currently has a special promo across all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide for the “Fantastical Christmas” collection.

The collection is also available via GoCart, LazMall, and Shopee Mall.

Here’s what you can expect from this festive decor line: From elegant decor to practical essentials Add an elegant touch to your holiday spread and decor with colorful vases, decorative trays with eye-catching patterns, and minimalist art. Curated Home’s “Fantastical Christmas” collection offers a diverse range of pieces that are both elegant and practical.

You can even use them beyond the

Christmas season.

Place your holiday knick-knacks in Curated Home’s new Decorative Wooden Trays (P1,499), which come in colorful abstract and floral designs. For a classy choice, there’s also a circular Decorative Tray (P1,499) with a fantastical black and white pattern.

You can also spruce up your tables with a uniquely shaped Curated Home’s line of Glass Vases (P999 each) for your floral arrangements. One variant comes in a rounded rectangle shape in red, blue, or green. Another design is an asymmetrical vase in bright yellow.

Bring your walls to life with Curated Home’s Framed Art Decor (P999), which showcases minimalist abstract art that can add contrast to the loud Christmas decorations.

A blending of traditional and contemporary Holidays are all about bringing together old family traditions and making room for contemporary ones to cater to newer preferences.

Curated Home’s “Fantastical Christmas” collection lets you do that by adding rustic elements to your tablescape with a modern touch. This includes Decorative Wooden Trays (P1,499) made from local materials and a set of Coasters (P1,499) with unique carvings on them.

You can skip some of the Santaprinted pillowcases for your couch.

Go with Curated Home’s Throw Pillowcase (P599 and P699) with a gold streamer and pine leaf markings for that Christmassy feel.