Manila Standard - 2023 November 8 - Wednesday

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INFLATION SLOWS TO 4.9% IN OCT., HARVESTS BLUNT RISING FOOD COSTS

Story below

Senators irate after closed-door discussions on CIF leak to media

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

to the media, saying this imperiled the credibility and integrity of the Upper SENATORS were up in arms after Chamber.

The online news site Politiko idenalleged details from their executive tified nine senators who reportedly session on confidential and intelliNext page gence funds on Monday were leaked

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 266 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

GMA stripped of post anew

Arroyo, Ungab out as deputy speakers in latest House revamp

By Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE House of Representatives on Tuesday stripped former President and Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab of their positions as deputy speakers after they failed to sign a resolution defending the institution from “scurrilous attacks.”

DEMOTED ANEW. Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (left) was stripped anew of her post as Deputy Speaker, along with Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab (up-per left) after a motion filed by House Deputy Majority Leader Ramon Nolasco Jr. (upper right). Arroyo and Ungab were replaced by Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano and Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong, respectively (lower photos).

SC asked to order VP’s office to return P125m in confidential funds

By Rey E. Requejo

funds it spent in 2022 to the govern- funds from the Office of the President ment’s treasury, saying these were to the OVP was an exercise of legislative power.

THE Supreme Court was asked to or- “unconstitutional.”

In a 49-page petition filed on TuesThis violated Article VI, Section 1 of der the Office of the Vice President to return the P125 million confidential day, the petitioners said the transfer of Next page

Most Pinoys OK with CIF moves—survey NEWS / A4

‘’This decision stems from the fact that out of the nine Deputy Speakers, only Deputy Speakers Macapagal-Arroyo and Ungab chose not to sign a pivotal House resolution sponsored by the entire leadership,’’ House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said in a statement.

The House plenary approved the motion made by House Deputy Majority Leader Ramon Nolasco Jr. to remove Arroyo and Ungab This is the second time Arroyo was demoted this year -- the first was in May when she was first removed as Senior Deputy Speaker. After her demotion then to Deputy Speaker, Arroyo confirmed that she “learned that there were reports that I was suspected of plotting a ‘coup’ against Speaker Romualdez”— an accusation that she flatly denied.

Arroyo and Ungab were replaced by Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano and Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Balindong, respectively.

In a statement, Ungab accepted the decision.

“I have been in Congress long enough to understand the dynamics and interpersonal relations among its Next page

Farmers, fishers to get more aid for El Nino—NEDA

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE government on Tuesday assured farmers and fishers they would be given cash aid if they are hard hit by the El Niño weather phenomenon

early next year.

At a Palace briefing, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the assistance would also cover other vulnerable sectors through the government’s food stamp and em-

ployment assistance programs.

At the same time, Edillon said President Marcos has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to intensify support to provinces that are less likely to be hit by El Niño in line with his Next page

ARRESTED.

Inflation slows to 4.9% in October as harvests blunt rising food costs

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz THE inflation rate slowed sharply to 4.9 percent in October, as harvests boosted the supply of rice and vegetables in the market and took the steam out of food costs.

October’s rate was down from September’s 6.1 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

The biggest driver of the rise was food, which was up 7.1 percent, but

PRESIDENT OFF TO APEC SUMMIT IN U.S. NEXT WEEK NEWS / A2

that was almost three percentage points down from the month before, with rice and vegetables slowing the quickest.

“Rice inflation slowed down following the onset of peak harvest and import arrivals,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

“The stable supply of vegetables as harvest season comes likewise resulted in a slower inflation rate of the commodity.”

But Balisacan warned that the El Nino weather phenomenon, which was

The Senate security group turns over alleged Socorro cult leader Jey Rence Quilario alias Senyor Agila (center, with hoodie), Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI) vice president Mamerto Galanida, group leaders Karen Sanico Jr and Janeth Ajoc, and other SBSI members to the police and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday (see story on A4).

Senate PRIB

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DFA: More Pinoys heading home as Gaza border with Egypt reopens

By Rey E. Requejo and Joel Zurbano

have been seeking to leave the wartorn Palestinian territory to be finally evacuated, the Department of Foreign GAZA’S border with Egypt opened Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose on Tuesday, paving the way for foreign nationals -- including Filipinos -- who de Vega said the Rafah border between

Gaza and Egypt opened at 9 a.m. in Gaza or 3 p.m. in Manila.

A total of 39 Filipinos are expected to cross into Egypt on Tuesday. The DFA is hoping that seven more, who initially expressed their intention to leave Gaza

but changed their minds, will follow.

The border opening, which was expected to happen over the weekend, had been delayed twice, on Sunday and Monday, due to the reported missile Next page

A2 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NEWS

Most Pinoys OK with moves on CIF O

VER half or 57% of Filipinos surveyed agree with Congress’ decision to reallocate confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) to agencies handling national security, a recent OCTA Research Tugon Ng Masa Survey showed.

Conducted from September 30 to and E. October 5, the survey covered a total According to the survey, 72% of the of 1,200 respondents nationwide, from respondents were aware of the discusages 18 and up, and classes AB, C, D, sions pertaining to confidential funds.

“This was highest in Balance Luzon at 75% and lowest in Mindanao at 24%.

Among socio-economic groups, 72% of class ABC agreed (highest) while 54% of class E agreed (lowest),” OCTA Research said.

The majority of the respondents with awareness of the issue were from Balance Luzon at 87%, while the highest percentage of respondents with no knowledge of the issues belonged to Mindanao at 39%.

Among socio-economic groups, there was a 79% awareness percentage among respondents in class ABC, while Class E was reported to have the lowest rate at 66%.

Meanwhile, only 14% of adult Filipinos disagreed with Congress’ decision to reallocate the confidential funds.

Five sample households and a probability respondent were chosen for every sample barangay, accounting for a ±3% margin of error.

Wages raised Funds for WPS outposts a done deal—senators in Zamboanga effective Nov. 12

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez

By Vince Lopez THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Zamboanga Peninsula issued wage increase orders for the private sector and domestic workers (kasambahay) to take effect on Nov. 12.

This followed the approval of minimum wage hikes in the Ilocos and Western Visayas regions last month.

The National Economic and Development Authority on Tuesday said the wage-setting mechanism implemented by the government is working when asked about proposals for a legislated wage hike.

“We think that currently, the wage setting mechanism is working. Earlier, [Labor] Secretary [Bienvenido] Laguesma reported that 11 of the regional wage boards have already issued the wage increases, and all of these were decided by consensus,” NEDA Usec. Rosemarie Edillon.

In the wage order for Zamboanga Peninsula, the wage board granted a P30 hike in the minimum wage of workers.

The second tranche of wage hike amounting to P13 would likewise be granted to retail/service establishments employing 10 to 30 workers effective Feb. 1, 2024.

The wage order is expected to benefit 56,848 minimum wage earners directly.

About 121,490 full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage may also indirectly benefit from upward adjustments at the enterprise level arising from the correction of wage distortion.

SENATOR Francis Escudero on Tuesday declared that funding for new facilities at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Kalayaan Island, the country’s frontline posts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), is “a done deal in the Senate.”

He noted that senators are unanimous in putting funds in next year’s budget

GMA...

From A1 members…. I accept my fate without any rancor nor bitterness,” he said.

“Despite my removal, I remain supportive of this administration, believing in its program of government, as I have also helped in the campaign last year, in the belief that it can bring a better hope and future for the Filipino people,” the Davao solon added.

Earlier in the day, Arroyo said she is still out of the country in explaining her failure to sign the resolution as she renewed her support for Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“I’m currently out of the country. However, as I always said, I continue to support the leadership of Speaker Romualdez,” Arroyo said in a brief statement.

Dalipe said the House resolution defending the integrity and honor of the institution and supporting the leadership of Romualdez amid attacks over their decision to scrap certain confidential and intelligence funds was “of paramount importance.”

“It manifested the collective intention of the House leadership to rise in unison in defense of the institution. This resolution was a response to certain quarters that have recently levied criti-

SC...

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Senators...

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the 1986 Constitution which provides that legislative power belongs to the Senate and House of Representatives.

Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, welcome the filing of the petition before the High Court, saying this will give her a chance to clear her name.

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the legality of fund transfers.

We hope that the wisdom of the Supreme Court will pave the way to finally end this matter,” she said.

Duterte also asked the public to instead turn its attention instead to issues in the education and economic sectors.

“It is very important that we focus on addressing the important issues regarding prices of commodities that affect our students and their families,” the Vice President added.

The petitioners included former Commission on Elections chairman Augusto Lagman, Constitution framer Christian Monsod, former Finance Usec. Maria Cielo Magno, Commission on Filipinos Overseas chairperson Imelda Nicolas, and lawyer Ibarra Gutierrez III, exspokesman former Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the power of appropriation falls exclusively within the domain of the legislative branch of government.

Congress decides how the budget will be spent, what programs, activities, and projects (PAP) to fund, and the amounts of money to be spent for each PAP,” read their petition.

“Verily, the appropriation done by the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) is a clear usurpation of the legislative powers of the Congress of the Philippines to create and fund an item that has not been done so by the Congress itself.”

want to restore P650 millon in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, both headed by Vice President Sara Duterte.

The senators named in the news report were Christopher Go, Bong Revilla, Ronald dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, and Cynthia Villar.

Senator Pia Cayetano was named in the report as among those who objected to restoring the CIF. However, she clarified that she is okay

Inflation...

From A1 expected to bring below-normal rainfall across the country in the coming months, could be detrimental for crops (see related story on A1 – Editors).

“It is important to ensure that the most vulnerable sectors of the society are protected and provided assistance, especially while... we expect El Nino

Farmers,...

From A1 push to increase food production.

Edillon said that even as inflation eased in October, it is crucial to continue monitoring the prices of commodities, particularly food, transportation, and energy amid global challenges such as the geopolitical uncertainties and the El Niño.

The country is experiencing a moderate El Niño, which is expected to strengthen until the first quarter of 2024, the state weather bureau said.

IN BRIEF Marcos off to APEC summit next week PRESIDENT Marcos is set to fly to San Francisco, USA next week to participate in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

The President will also visit the Filipino community in Hawaii on Nov. 18-19 following his attendance to the APEC summit from Nov. 15-17.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Charles Jose said Tuesday at a Palace press briefing that Mr. Marcos will also have working visits in Los Angeles, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he will visit the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters on the Americans’ invitation.

The announcement comes following talks between the Philippines, United States, and Japan on the tensions surrounding the East and South China Seas at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta.

Last week, Manila and Tokyo agreed to start the negotiations on the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), similar to the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US, during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s two-day state visit to the Philippines. Vince Lopez

for building structures “meant not for aggression but for the welfare of our soldiers stationed there,” Escudero said.

In August, Escudero was the first senator to propose the construction of a floating wharf at Ayungin that will also serve “as a bad weather refuge for vessels regardless of the flag they are carrying.”

He recommended an initial P100 million for the project, to be booked under the Department of Transportation

(DOTR) or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) “to underscore its peaceful purpose.”

But other senators suggested a bigger appropriation, such as the P1 billion put forward by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Noting that Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had also backed his proposal, “I would now hold them to their assurance, and the best proof would be in the 2024 appropriations bill.”

cisms and scurrilous attacks against the House and its leadership,’’ he said.

On Monday, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. named former President Rodrigo Duterte as the person behind the “malicious attacks” against the House of Representatives.

Gonzales then promptly resigned from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) that is led by Duterte. (See related story below) As this developed, members of the Makabayan bloc filed a resolution on Tuesday calling on the House of Representatives to condemn Duterte for his alleged “fake news peddling, baseless red-tagging, and grave threats” against ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro.

House Resolution 1428 also called on the Lower Chamber to urge the National Telecommunications Commission to investigate the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for possible violation of media and journalism standards and existing laws.

The bloc said Duterte made the threatening remarks during his program aired by SMNI on Oct. 11, 2023.

The resolution said Castro was also tagged a member of the New People’s Army without any proof.

Duterte made the remarks after the House realigned P650 million in con-

fidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education both headed by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The resolution that aside from airing the program, SMNI posted the video on its social media accounts. It has since removed the video.

“The SMNI, its shows and hosts have repeatedly engaged in these acts of dissemination of fake news and malicious red-tagging. SMNI habitually engages in the reporting as news of misleading claims and biased opinions, deliberately disseminating false information, willful misrepresentation, wild accusations, and red-tagging against the opposition, critics, and officials of the government, in violation of the terms of its legislative franchise and to the detriment of public interest.”

Castro earlier filed a grave threat complaint against Duterte.

Castro cited the following statements made by the former leader in his SMNI program which went, “Kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin. Sabi ko sa kanya [Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter], magprangka ka na lang. Itong intelligence fund na ito gagamitin ko para sa utak ng mga Pilipino kasi ito ang target ko, kayong mga komunista andiyan sa Congress. Prangkahin mo na ‘yan si France Castro.’”

with restoring the confidential funds if Duterte can justify the allocation.

Estrada, for his part, said the leak should be investigated immediately.

“We never voted with regard to all the intel or confidential funds. In fact, we agreed unanimously to remove all CIF, not only that of the OVP and DepEd, but all civilian agencies with CIF,” Estrada said.

He said the media outlet should also be summoned.

Dela Rosa said the journalist who wrote the story can also be cited in contempt if he or she refuses to divulge the source of the leak.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Rules of the Senate provide that if a senator leaked anything that tran-

spired during an Executive Session, it will lead to his or her expulsion.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the matter will be investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee chaired by Senator Nancy Binay.

Senator Francis Escudero, for his part, said he does not want to call the news report a leak as the details were inaccurate.

“It’s not leaks but gossip -- not what truly transpired. It was just an attempt to create a story,” Escudero said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III added: “It was mentioned that I am against the restoration of CF of the OVP, but it is lacking because I said yesterday that the intel fund of the OP should also be removed.”

to affect local and global food production,” he said.

To address this concern, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is carrying out the pilot run of the Food Stamp Program (FSP), which the agency will scale up in mid-2024.

National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa said the October 2023 inflation rate was also slower than the 7.7 percent recorded a year ago.

“This brings the average in the first

10 months to 6.4 percent,” Mapa said.

Mapa said barring any supply shocks, “inflation would go down further” in the succeeding months.

HSBC economist Aris Dacanay said he expected the central bank to keep rates steady at its next meeting, scheduled for Nov. 16, “but remain hawkish in tone.”

The central bank took off-cycle action last month, raising rates 25 basis points to 6.5 percent, citing expectations for higher inflation. With AFP

strike on an ambulance in Gaza and Hamas’ attacks on Israel.

Meanwhile, the sixth batch of Filipino repatriates from Israel arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 yesterday afternoon.

The 42 repatriates, including a child, arrived on board Etihad Airways flight EY-425 around 3:15 p.m. and were met by officials from various government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

As of Monday, six Filipinos remain in Gaza City, including a nun who decided to go back after seeking refuge in the southern part of the Palestinian territory.

Most of the returnees are caregivers.

One of them Jesyl Lucas, who worked for 10 years in Jerusalem, expressed her gratitude to the Philippine government through the joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.

The dry spell will bring below-normal rainfall across the country and may lower agricultural production as well as energy generation.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he will form an intelligence group to deal with corruption and smuggling that plague the sector.

“I will be creating my own intelligence group. They are here now, but you don’t know them,” Laurel said on the program “24 Oras.”

“One of the directives of the President is, “if there’s dirt there, clean it up,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The newly appointed agriculture chief said the President also told him to boost rice production to make the price of the staple more affordable to Filipinos.

But he acknowledged the P20 per kilo rice promised by the President during his election campaign was not yet achievable yet because of record-high prices in the world market and other factors holding back local production.

Laurel said he plans to go around the country to better assess the situation of farmers and fishers.

In a press briefing after the flag ceremony at the DA headquarters in Qu-

ezon City, Laurel said the DA under his helm will step up efforts to increase food production and modernize the agricultural sector.

“In the coming days in almost every province, I will directly talk to the farmers and fishermen. I want to personally listen to their needs, their complaints, and their vision. I want to know their situation,” he said in Filipino.

He said the President told him to modernize agriculture with the goal of achieving food security, reducing import dependence, and lifting millions of farmers and fishes out of poverty by the end of his term in 2028.

Land row at center of radioman’s slay RADIO anchor Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon won a case over a land dispute that sought to take over the lot of the radio station he operated before he was shot to death at his home in Misamis Occidental, his wife Cherebel said on Tuesday.

Mrs. Jumalon said her husband had two court cases before his murder, both connected to his radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM. She said the first case was competition with a rival, saying in Filipino the rival “could not accept that there was another radio station in Calamba town.”

The second case involves a dispute over ownership of the lot where the radio station is located at the Jumalon residence in Barangay Don Bernardo A. Neri.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reiterated the force’s commitment to protecting all journalists and media practitioners in the wake of the killing of Jumalon.

In a statement, Acorda said the PNP will continue to work tirelessly to create an environment in which journalists can fulfill their vital role in society without fear of violence or intimidation. Vince Lopez

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Chicken supply to meet rising demands—group T HE supply of chicken in the country is expected to meet the anticipated increase in demand during the holidays, the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) said.

In a statement, the group also said that the poultry industry has been reeling from oversupply for months, which has resulted in declining farmgate prices.

UBRA chairman Gregorio San Diego said that based on the Department of Agriculture’s data, “we will have a chicken surplus good for 114 days by year-end.”

With this, San Diego added that ‘’consumers will have more than enough chicken that they can buy in time for the Christmas season,’’ when demand for chicken and many other farm commodities tends to pick up.

San Diego, quoted by reports, said a 45-day excess is the standard for the poultry industry.

Other agriculture stakeholders also see a stable supply of chickens.

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) president Edicio dela Torre added that based on the capacity of local producers across the past years, ‘’we have enough supply for the Christmas season, even if we don’t import more.”

“The challenge to local producers is the increased inventory due to previous

and new imports,” dela Torre said.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) executive director Jayson Cainglet, quoted by GMA News, said that supply will last until the first quarter of 2024. “Imports usually peak in the last quarter, so you can expect more,” Cainglet said.

Cainglet added that farm gate prices will likely be lower, which should translate to lower retail prices.

“One indicator is that we have received reports that prices in some retail markets have gone down below the usual, even dipping below the average cost of local production,” dela Torre said.

Inventories in cold storage facilities are also overflowing, San Diego added.

UBRA, citing DA data, said that chicken imports have reached 290 million kilos as of end-August this year, higher than the 245 million kilos in the same period in 2022.

Another factor is the reduced consumption among Filipinos, which is down by 20 percent, according to SINAG. “Because of the high prices of commodities, Filipino families are forced to eat less meat such as pork and chicken,” Cainglet said.

Samar mining firms warned on environmental compliance

By Othel V. Campos THE provincial government of Eastern Samar issued an ultimatum to mining companies operating on the southeasternmost tip of the province to implement environmental and social protection measures or risk losing their permits.

In a briefing Tuesday in Quezon City, provincial legal officer Eden Ivy Rose Balagasay said the provincial government is tightening its controls over miners to ensure compliance with environmental laws and the contract they signed with the government under the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

“Governor (Ben) Evardone has warned the miners during the special meeting at the Provincial Capitol that he would ask the DENR to revoke their MPSAs in Eastern Samar should he find something amiss in their implementation of environmental and social protection measures in their respective concession areas, as so required under their permits to operate and in compliance with the principles of responsible mining,” Bala-

gasay said.

The provincial office is currently reviewing the documents submitted by the mining companies in the province to assess their level of compliance, she added.

Miners were also encouraged to settle their unpaid real property taxes (RPTs), as soon as possible.

Citing provincial government data, provincial treasurer Antonia Macawile said 5 miners have combined RPT arrears estimated at P133.86 million based on the aggregate volumes listed in their unprocessed chromite and nickel ore stocks transport permits (OTPs) issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

While the provincial government has no regulatory control over the miners under the 1995 Philippine Mining Act, the province warned errant miners it will seek the revocation of their respective MPSA’s from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) if found amiss with their environmental and social protection obligations, and if they fail to settle their long-due tax obligations.

COMMUTERS’ WOES. Passengers queue at the EDSA Bus Carousel Ayala Station in Makati City on Tuesday. The long line going to the MRT-3 meanwhile was caused by an obstruction on the footbridge between Magallanes and Taft Stations (inset). Manny Palmero and Joseph Muego

Senate approves ‘Tatak Pinoy’ bill for PH products

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2426 or the “Tatak Pinoy” (Proudly Filipino) bill that seeks to boost the marketing of products and services from the Philippines.

The bill was one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 12 priority measures which he enumerated in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The bill was approved on Monday by the Senate with 23 affirmative votes, zero negative and no abstentions. It mandates the formulation, financing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a comprehensive and multi-year “Tatak Pinoy” Strategy (TPS).

The TPS will be continuously improved upon by a “Tatak Pinoy” Council that will be led by the socioeconomic planning secretary as chairperson and the secretaries of Trade and Industry

and Finance as vice-chairpersons.

The bill was introduced and sponsored by Senator Sonny Angara, Senate Finance Committee chair.

Proponents said Tatak Pinoy started out as an idea on how to make the Philippine economy stronger by empowering businesses and industries to produce better, more unique and sophisticated goods and services.

“Tatak Pinoy will strengthen the partnership between the government and the private sector. With better coordination between the two sides, government will be able to implement more projects that will benefit the private sector—be it infrastructure or other initiatives such as those that will improve the skills and capabilities of our workforce,” Angara said.

It is also consistent with the Philippine Export Development Plan 20232028 insofar as making locally-produced goods more globally competitive and expanding the level of exports to

JOB FAIR.

Job hunters flock to the job fair organized by the Pasay City local government on Nov. 7. Officials said 5,000 vacant job opportunities are up for grabs for residents.

Norman Cruz

MIAA records 1.2m passengers, 8,000 flights during holiday surge THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that it has concluded the long holiday break with 1.2 million passengers and 8,000 flights, achieving an On-Time Performance (OTP) rating of 84% from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.

MIAA also said 1,522,130 passengers—606,845 foreign and 625,285 domestic—passed through the country’s premier airport during the ten-day period, which encompassed the extended weekends and holidays of this year’s Undas season, on average 123,213 per day.

When compared to the passenger volume of 856,030 over the same period in 2022, the data indicates a 44% increase. The highest peak in passenger volume for both domestic and in-

STREET DÉCOR.

Colorful parols are placed in street lights along Bayani Road, Taguig City, as the Christmas countdown continues in the country.

Manny Palmero

ternational flights reached 134,353 on Nov. 5, surpassing last year’s numbers by 39%.

The total flight movements reached 8,001, with an average of 800 flights per day, including 3,055 international, 4,754 domestic, and 192 cargo and utility flights. This marks a 25% rise from the 6,427 total flights during the same period in 2022.

Despite flight movements exceeding 800 flights per day from Nov. 1 to 5, MIAA achieved an average flight OTP of 84% for the entire Undas 2023 season, with the highest OTP ratings of 89% recorded on Nov. 2 and 3, indicating that a significant majority of flights departed and arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, well within international standards.

other countries, Angara said.

“With Tatak Pinoy, the goal is to improve the competitiveness of our industries so that they can grow faster and produce more better paying jobs for our people,” Angara said.

Tatak Pinoy was inspired by the Atlas of Economic Complexity developed

by Dr. Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard University and Cesar Hidalgo, who was with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is now with the University of Toulouse in France, which analyzed why certain economies perform better than others.

The Atlas, which ranks the Philippines 33rd among 128 countries, hypothesizes that countries that are more economically complex develop and grow at a faster pace.

This means that countries that are able to produce more complex goods are more likely to experience higher growth rates since what they export are higher value products.

Farmers to DAR: MMDA receives donation for ride academy hasten agri land distribution

By Joel E. Zurbano

By Rio N. Araja THE farmers’ group Task Force Mapalad on Tuesday urged the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR to expedite the acquisition of private agricultural land and complete land distribution under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Teresita Tarlac, Task Force Mapalad president, said despite several meetings and agreements, DAR failed to abide by its commitments under Republic Act Nos. 6657 and 9700, and Memorandum Circular No. 226 of 2023 mandating the continuation of the land acquisition and distribution process despite the protest of landowners.

The farmers lamented that the lack of funds for landowner compensation, resistance of landowners to the survey of landholdings and the filing of a variety of cases have impeded the conduct of surveys.

The task force said “it takes an eternity” for DAR to generate certificates of land ownership awards as landowners pursue their legal options.

Tarlac said the installation of farmers in a big landholding in Negros Occident is long overdue.

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has received 20 motorcycles, 100 training vests, 25 cases of mineral water, and a tent from Joyride Philippines in support of the agency’s Motorcycle Riding Academy.

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes thanked Joyride’s senior vice president for corporate affairs Noli Eala for their support to the academy. The two signed the Deed of Donation and Acceptance last Monday.

“You can hope that the motorcycles will be used correctly and the agency will

take care of them so that more citizens can benefit from the motorcycles,” Artes, speaking to Eala, said.

Eala, on his part, expressed his solidarity with the agency’s goal to make motorcyclists safer and more disciplined.

The MMDA officially opened the academy on Sept. 27 in Pasig City, aiming to provide basic knowledge on handling and operating motorcycles with a focus on safe riding.

The academy holds free training for individuals aged 17 years old and above, accommodating 100 participants per batch. Motorcycles will be provided by the academy.

Museum chief sacked over LGBTQ law THE head of the Hungarian National Museum was sacked on Monday for “failing” to enforce a government order barring minors from an exhibition under a controversial law targeting LGBTQ content.

The Budapest museum recently showcased the annual World Press Photo exhibition, which included a series of pictures of a community of older LGBTQ people in the Philippines.

After complaints from the far-right opposition party Our Homeland, the culture ministry instructed the museum to enforce a 2021 law against “promoting” homosexuality and bar those below

the age of 18 from the exhibition.

The museum, however, told AFP last week that it “cannot legally enforce” the government order to ban minors from attending as it cannot ask for identity cards.

On Monday, Hungarian Culture and Innovation Minister Janos Csak terminated the employment of museum director Laszlo Simon with immediate effect, according to a statement.

It said that Simon had “failed to comply with the legal obligations expected of him”, adding that he “had engaged in conduct which made it impossible to continue his employment”. AFP

NEWS

A4 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House version of CREATE law to go to Senate

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives will send to the Senate its approved version of the amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) Law, otherwise known as the CREATE MORE Act, by end of November to “make the tax incentives system more responsive to the global market and more globally competitive.”

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said the move was in response to the instruction of President Marcos and the House leadership under Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to “fix all investor issues with the CREATE Act and how it is implemented.”

Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee, made the pronouncement in the committee’s hearing today, November 7, its first since session resumed.

“We will send to the Senate our version by the end of November. We will also approve this in the Committee next week. We were prepared to do it today, but the Office of the President requested for a bit more time to finalize its comments,” Salceda said.

The House version seeks to address “VAT rate and refund issues, especially for exporters.”

Other enhancements included the reduction of the corporate income tax to 20 percent for those under the enhanced deduction regime, a 200 percent deduction for power cost, which may be accumulated during the availment of income tax holiday, and a 200- percent deduction for trade fair and trade mission expenses.

Woman admits false travel yarn, abandons trip

By Joel E. Zurbano THE government reiterates its warning to aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against falling prey to trafficking and illegal recruitment scams.

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), human trafficking remains a significant threat to Filipinos, as illegal recruiters exploit vulnerable citizens, in effect engaging in modern-day slavery.

The BI said the recruiters often offer unrealistic working conditions, promising a better life abroad, only for the victims to find themselves overworked but underpaid, and times do not get any compensation at all.

On Monday, a human trafficking victim admitted to Immigration agents that she was a victim of illegally recruited.

Initially, the woman said she was going on a four-day tour in Macau and Hong Kong.

However, she had an apparent change of heart and mind, and later said she no longer wanted to leave, confessing that she was actually bound for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for employment as a household service worker.

The woman stated that she was recruited by a Filipina whom she met on Facebook, and was offered a monthly salary of P30,000.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the woman made the right decision, which could have saved her from exploitation abroad.

“We are glad that our constant reminders are reaching our kababayan.

Ultimately, the decision to protect oneself would come from the individual. Let us not put ourselves in danger by agreeing to depart through illegal means,” he said.

TARLAC SHOWCASES BELEN.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro graces the launch of the 16th Belenismo sa Tarlac, featuring a lantern-inspired replica of the barn in Nazareth where Jesus Christ was born. With the Secretary during the opening rite at the Philippine Army headquarters in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City were his wife Monica and Tarlac Heritage Foundation founder Isabel Cojuango and co-founder Isa Suntay. Lino Santos

Socorro leader disallowed hospitalization for sick kids

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

M

ORE than 200 neonatal and pediatric deaths occurred within the alleged cult called Socorro Bayanihan Service s Inc.(SBSI) since its current leader Jay Rence Quilario took over the group.

Senator Risa Hontiveros disclosed during Tuesday’s resumption of a public hearing on the controversy.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Public Order and Illegal Drugs, said he had received a warrant of arrest against Quilario alias Senor Agila, the supposed cult based in Sitio Kapihan, Socorro town in Surigao del Norte. and its other members.

Hontiveros, chairperson on of the Committee on Women, Children, Elderly and Gender Equality, also said she learned that

SBSI members were barred from seeking hospital care outside their camp.

Hontiveros and Dela Rosa, were spearheading the Senate probe on the illegal operations of the SBSI. Randolph Balbarino, who had dissociated himself from the group, testified that his child born on December 14, 2020 died after they were prevented to take him to the hospital.

He pointed out seeking treatment outside Sitio Kapihan was banned because Quilario presented himself as a god and

he was already with them.

However, Quilario vehemently denied there was such a rule in the cult, adding he was not even its leader at the time..

At this juncture, Dela Rosa reminded him that it was in 2019 when he called on residents to join them in Sitio Kapihan on the pretext that “the world is coming to an end” following a strong earthquake that jolted the province.

Balbarino further told the senators that Quilario also conducted internal examination by inserting his fingers on his wife’s sex organ to determine if she was due to give birth.

Hontiveros also presented a video of 79-year old Pedrito Angcog who was allegedly tortured by the Agilas, the private army of Quilario, because he was accused of ridiculing the current SBSI leader Mamerto Galanida.

Zubiri says RAA with Japan ‘good for both countries’ SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri has allayed fears that the proposed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan may result in abuses.

Zubiri gave assurance that the military accord will be equitable and beneficial for both the Philippines and Japan.

“I don’t think we will have a problem with them when it comes to violations of our laws,” he said.

“That is why we have the RAA because that will now be the framework wherein they have to follow the rule of law when they enter the Philippines,” Zubiri explained.

The RAA, he said,’ will not be onesided and will be beneficial to both countries.

The agreement provides for exchange of defense and military training. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces will be training in the Philippines, and so will the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard personnel in Japan.

Zubiri, who first broached the idea of formalizing the defense agreement between Manila and Tokyo, also clarified that the RAA was not intended to allow Japan to put up their own military facilities in the Philippines.

“We need their expertise in training for these equipment from them. RAA is really good because this will pave the way for a higher strategic alliance with Japan as our friendly neighbor in the North,” Zubiri said.

Instead, the primary goal of the security deal was to provide guidelines and make it easier for the military personnel of both countries to train together, the senator clarified.

Sandigan grants Two-day confab gathers together QC’s business leaders Reyes’ motion to testify in her trial NEWEST LAKAS-CMD ENTRANT. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez administers the oath to Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing as the newest member of the 70-plus strong Lakas-CMD Party in the House of Representatives. Witnessing the event are Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino. Ver Noveno

By Rio N. Araja

THE Quezon City government will bring together business leaders in a two-day assembly dubbed “Innovate. Adapt. Thrive: The QC Future of Work Conference.”

Margarita Santos, Business Permit and Licensing Department chief, cited inclusivity, resilience, safety and sustainability as the rising trends for doing business in Asia and beyond.

She said the methodology of work itself, along with the dynamics of the workplace, is actively changing, giving rise to the poser: “in light of these transitions, how should business leaders respond?”

There are over 60,000 business establishments in Quezon City.

The conference will be held Nov. 13 to Nov. 14 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

“We feel that this conference comes

at a critical juncture for business owners and entrepreneurs, who are now required to navigate digital and automated landscapes,” Santos said.

“With resiliency, inclusivity, and sustainability on the agenda, the Future of Work Conference is firmly aligned with the local administration’s objective of boosting economic activity, while promoting best practices for sustained growth and good corporate governance,” she added.

Columnist Conrad De Quiros writes ‘30’

BELEAGUERED ACTIVISTS FIGHT BACK, LEGALLY.

Environmental activists and Tamano and Jonila Castro arrive at the Department of Justice to submit their counter affidavits before the pertinent to their perjury charges lodged by the Department of National Defense. Danny Pata

PROMINENT columnist Conrado de Quiros has died, his brother, public relations practitioner Paul de Quiros, announced in a Facebook post late Monday. He was 72.

“With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our brother, Conrado S. de Quiros. He will be greatly missed by our loving family and friends,” Paul said.

“Wake details to be finalized tomorrow. Conrad will remain in our hearts forever. Rock on in heaven, Choy,” he added.

The columnist was born May 27, 1951, in Manila, though he traces his routes to Naga City in Camarines Sur. De Quiros started his column “There’s the Rub” in November 1987 in the nowdefunct Philippine Daily Globe. He brought his column over to the Philippine

Daily Inquirer in July 1991.

De Quiros also wrote several books, among them “Flowers from the Rubble: Essays on Life, Death and Remembering” (1990), “Dance of the Dunces” (1991), “Dead Aim: How Marcos Ambushed Philippine Democracy” (1997), and “Tongues on Fire” (2007).

Friends remember De Quiros for his commentaries in There’s The Rub, a daily column that featured his biting wit and, on at least two occasions, the subversion of what a column was expected to be.

In one column on what he said was the “true state of the nation” under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he filled the space with “Hello, Garci...” in reference to an election scandal in 2004.

LAWYER Jessica “Gigi” Reyes is set to testify before the Sandiganbayan on the P172- million plunder case filed against her, her former boss ex-Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and multiple others cited as respondents in the alleged misuse of Enrile’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday granted Reyes’ motion that she be allowed to take the witness stand. She was scheduled to give her side of the story on November 14.

However, Reyes’ legal counsel, Christian Diaz, clarified that their camp had yet to decide if Reyes’ direct testimony would be in the form of a judicial affidavit or if she would deliver her direct testimony on the witness stand.

Being a witness, the prosecution would have the right to cross-examine Reyes.

Reyes’ motion also sought to cancel today’s hearing due to the unavailability of the intended first witness for Reyes - the Senate’s Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) head Eireen Palanca.

Instead of Palanca, former LBRMO chief and lawyer Yolando Dublon would testify in Reyes’ defense on Thursday, November 9.

OPINION

Dawn of the space race SIXTY-SIX years ago last month, the shock felt by many space scientists began.

It was on Oct 4, 1957 when the Soviet Union launched the Earth’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I. Its successful launch came as a shock to experts and citizens in the United States, who had hoped the United States would accomplish this scientific advancement first.

The Sputnik launch marked the start of the Space Age and the US-Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ Space Race, and led to the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and exercises management over the NASA Field Centers, establishes management policies, and analyzes all phases of the ISS program.

Experts recall the world had never seen this technology, and the possibilities and dangers were endless, sparking fear across the globe Launched in 1998 and involving the US, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the participating countries of the European Space Agency, the International Space Station is one of the most complex international collaborations ever attempted.

Experts recall the world had never seen this technology, and the possibilities and dangers were endless, sparking fear across the globe.

Sputnik is largely considered to be the “starting point” of the Space Race because of its effect on both countries’ national agendas.

Then President John Kennedy began a dramatic expansion of the US space program and committed the nation to the ambitious goal of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the decade.

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project marked a real and symbolic end to Apollo and the Space Race of the 1960s.

To highlight reduced international tensions the United States and Soviet Union undertook, after years of intense rivalry, their first cooperative mission in

space.

To date, there are four countries – Russia, United States, China, and India – which have sent spacecraft beyond the earth’s atmosphere, or plain outer space.

Only three nations – Russia, United States and China – have launched their own crewed spacecraft, with the Soviets/ Russians and the American programs providing rides to other nations’ astronauts.

India itself has launched a rocket in 2023 to study the sun, a little over a week after its successful unmanned landing on the moon’s south pole.

The Aditya-L1 rocket, carrying scientific instruments to observe the sun’s outermost layers, blasted off a few weeks ago for its four-month journey.

The mission is seen as an important step for further lunar exploration and India’s standing as a space power, as the country becomes the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United States, China and Russia.

Very little has been said on its 66th anniversary, and many in this Digital Age may not be as excited as those who watched on television later man’s moon landing in July 1969, 12 years after Moscow sent into orbit the Sputnik 1.

The launch of Sputnik 1 took place from a site now known as the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The batteries ran out on Oct. 26, 1957, after the satellite completed 326 orbits.

The core stage of the R-7 remained in orbit for two months until Dec. 2, 1957, while Sputnik 1 orbited for three months, until Jan. 4, 1958, having completed 1,440 orbits of the Earth.

Officially, Sputnik was launched to correspond with the International Geophysical Year, a solar period that the International Council of Scientific Unions declared would be ideal for the launching of artificial satellites to study Earth and the solar system.

Documents and historical files on the Sputnik 1 suggest the rocket booster also reached Earth orbit and was visible from the ground at night as a first magnitude object, while the small but highly polished sphere, barely visible at sixth magnitude, was more difficult to follow optically.

“I think I am for the tomb, I have been ill for three weeks. Give my compliments to Varin (a shipmate), it is only his wife who gives me your news,” she added.

The Galatee was captured by the British en route from Bordeaux to Quebec in 1758.

The unread letters have provided a rare insight into the lives of sailors and their families in the 1700s ‘Universal human experiences’ British Admiralty officials at the time deemed the letters of no military significance and the vast majority languished in the archives, unopened, until they attracted the attention of Cambridge history professor Renaud Morieux.

“I only ordered the box out of curiosity,” said Morieux, whose findings were published on Tuesday in the journal “Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales.”

Presented with three piles of very small letters held together by ribbon, Morieux said he “realized I was the first person to read these very personal messages since they were written.”

“Their intended recipients didn’t get that chance. It was very emotional,” he said.

Morieux identified every member of the Galatee’s 181-strong crew, with

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EDITORIAL

Confiscated French love letters finally opened after 265 years LONDON – Undelivered letters written to French sailors during an 18th century war between Britain and France have finally been opened and studied — after more than 250 years gathering dust.

The unread letters have provided a rare insight into the lives of sailors and their families in the 1700s, from the wife of a senior naval officer to an elderly mother chastising her son for not writing.

The Royal Navy seized the messages during the Seven Years’ War, a global conflict that ended in 1763 that saw Britain and France lead rival alliances.

“I could spend the night writing to you... I am your forever faithful wife,” wrote Marie Dubosc to her husband Louis Chamberlain, the first lieutenant of a French warship in 1758.

“Good night, my dear friend. It is midnight. I think it is time for me to rest.”

Unknown to Marie, her husband’s ship, the Galatee, had been captured by the British, researchers at the University of Cambridge found.

Louis never received the letter and his wife died the following year, almost certainly before he was released by the British.

In another missive dated January 27, 1758, the mother of young sailor Nicolas Quesnel from Normandy takes him to task about his lack of communication.

“I think more about you than you about me... In any case I wish you a happy new year filled with blessings of the Lord,” 61-year-old Marguerite wrote in a letter probably dictated to someone else.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

D

Rules-based operations EFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has spoken.

That all operations being carried out by the Philippines in its maritime territories, including those of the West Philippine Sea, are rules-based.

“We are merely asserting our rights which the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and relevant Philippine laws secure to us and these operations are done within areas where the Philippine government has every right to operate,” Teodoro said the other day in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The DND chief said Manila is not looking for conflict by asserting these rights, apparently in reference to current efforts to resupply its detachments and sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea. “And that is simply what we are doing and, in such a case, not only the United States but other governments have chimed in the chorus in support of the Philippine government; the reason is simple that the Philippine government’s operations are based on rulesbased international order,

international law and the UNCLOS. so I think we are asserting the same thing and that is the predicate on which not only the United States but several other countries operate with us in this area,” he added.

Any activity in the WPS, including the next resupply missions, would be crafted carefully to avoid increasing tensions or conflict Teodoro earlier said the Philippines would continue with its operations to uphold sovereignty in the WPS in a “balanced” manner in anticipation of increasing harassment from China.

He said any activity in the WPS, including the next resupply missions, would be crafted carefully to avoid increasing tensions or conflict and stressed that these would be done to uphold the best interest of the country.

But what does the term ‘rulesbased order’ mean as a concept developed by political scientists and politicians?

Experts are one in saying it blurs the distinction between binding and non-binding rules, giving the impression all states and international actors are subject to this order, irrespective of whether or not they have consented to these rules.

There is the rules-based international system or RBIS, founded on relationships among states and through international institutions and frameworks, with shared rules and agreements on behavior.

The rules-based term is founded on a liberal international order, ‘based on principles of democratic governance, the protection of individual rights, economic openness and the rule of law’ and is characterized by equality, human rights, freedom, multilateralism, free movement of goods, and collective security.

The Philippines signed the UNCLOS on Dec 10, 1982 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with the convention entering into force for the Philippines on Nov 16, 1994.

Half of all Pinoys feel poor MAHIRAP. Poor. That’s how 48 percent of Filipino families described themselves based on the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey conducted from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1.

If after 15 months of the Marcos Jr. administration, half of all Filipino families feel poor, then it’s likely that its anti-poverty programs and projects may not be working at all.

Or perhaps these programs and projects really need to take root for years before we see tangible results.

If we’re not mistaken, the Philippine Development Plan for 2028 seeks a reduction in the over-all poverty rate to single digit level by the end of the Marcos term four-and-a-half years from now.

Is this achievable? Yes, according to experts. But that’s getting ahead of the story.

The survey showed that 25 percent said they were not poor, and 27 percent rated placed themselves on the borderline.

Compared to June 2023, the percentage of poor families increased by 3 points from 45 percent. Borderline families fell by 6 points from 33 percent, and families which were not poor rose by 3 points from 22 percent.

This is equal to 13.2 million self-rated poor families in September and 12.5 million in June.

The SWS arrived at these estimates by applying the percentage of selfrated poor respondents to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s mediumpopulation projections for 2023.

The 3-point rise in the nationwide self-rated poor figure between June and September was due to increases in all areas, especially in Mindanao, according to the pollster.

What should cause concern among policymakers is that self-rated poverty numbers increased despite the easing of unemployment and underemployment rate in August, and the wage hikes recently approved in parts of the country.

The SWS explained that based on past surveys, self-rated poverty is significantly affected by factors like the family’s experience of involuntary hunger, presence of jobless household

members, and high inflation rate.

And another disturbing finding of the same survey is that 6.6 percent or 1.8 million families are “newly poor”, meaning they were not poor 1 to 4 years ago.

So what should be done to bring down poverty incidence in the country to 8.8 to 9 percent by 2028 from 18.1 percent in 2021?

For this, we need to consult experts.

Economist Calixto Chikiamco attributed the higher number of self-rated poor Filipino families to high inflation, driven by the prices of food and fuel.

letters addressed to a quarter of them, and also carried out genealogical research into the men and their correspondents.

In 1758 alone a third of France’s sailors were captured by the British.

Over the whole period of the Seven Years’ War nearly 65,000 were imprisoned by the British.

Some died from disease and

malnutrition although others were released.

Letters would have been the only means their families had of trying to contact them, said Morieux.

“These letters are about universal human experiences, they’re not unique to France or the 18th century,” he added.

“They reveal how we all cope with major life challenges.

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

The second Marcos administration must really work double-time if it really wants to bring down the poverty level

“Food represents abut half of expenditures of the average Filipino. So if food prices increase, you feel poorer because you can only buy so much from your income,” he was quoted in a news report, adding the survey results are an indication the country’s economic growth is not inclusive.

To help address poverty, he said, the government should increase agricultural productivity, bring down food prices, and improve public education.

“In agriculture, what’s needed is mechanization, the use of science, and technology to increase production. At the same time, we need to invest in human capital through education. That’s the route of people out of poverty,” Chikiamco said.

The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development should take a cue from the survey results to guide them in improving the implementation of poverty alleviation and social protection initiatives, such as

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

the conditional cash transfer and food stamp programs.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma suggested those who selfrated themselves as poor may have come mostly from the informal sector who did not obtain relief from wage increases and “had not seen their expectation of a better life realized.”

On the part of the DWSD, Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said they respect the survey results and would use the data gathered from it to put in place appropriate programs to improve the quality of life of Filipinos.

As expected, the Makabayan bloc in Congress, led by House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party List Rep. France Castro, is pushing for junking the excise tax and value-added tax on fuel, and the passage of the proposed wealth tax on the country’s billionaires.

The lawmaker believes the latest SWS survey finding almost half of Filipino families or around 13.2 million families considering themselves poor is the result of the “anti-poor policies of the Marcos administration and its push for projects that will benefit the rich rather than the poor like the Maharlika Investment Fund.”

Be that as it may, the second Marcos administration must really work doubletime if it really wants to bring down the poverty level in the country to single digit-level by 2028.

And that goal can only be achieved with serious efforts to curb corruption, focus on economic growth, and ensure the efficient delivery of social services like education and health to the disadvantaged and low-income sectors in society.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

“When we are separated from loved ones by events beyond our control like the pandemic or wars, we have to work out how to stay in touch, how to reassure, care for people and keep the passion alive,” said the historian.

“Today we have Zoom and WhatsApp. In the 18th century, people only had letters but what they wrote about feels very familiar.” AFP

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

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Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WORLD

At New York trial, an angry Trump erupts N

EW YORK – Among the glittering chandeliers and wooden benches of a stately and solemn New York City courtroom, Donald Trump took the stand Monday, raising his right hand and swearing his testimony would be truthful.

For four hours, only interrupted by a lunch break, the former president

and current 2024 Republican frontrunner sparred with prosecutors in the civil case threatening his real estate empire, at times erupting in anger amid the staid surroundings.

As he sat with his arms crossed and head slightly cocked, Trump’s irritation at the questions from prosecutor Kevin Wallace about his luxurious homes and massive skyscrapers was evident.

He framed everyone as the enemy, from the “very hostile” judge” to the New York Attorney General whose office is leading the case -- a “political hack,” according to Trump.

“I think this case is a disgrace” the 77-year-old said on the stand, wearing a navy blue suit with an American flag on the lapel.

“It’s election interference.”

Trump, his eldest sons Don Jr and Eric, and other Trump Organization executives are accused of exaggerating the value of their real estate assets by billions of dollars to obtain more favorable bank loans and insurance terms -- just

one of the many legal battles the twice-impeached former president currently faces.

Trump’s long-winded responses at times earned a rebuke from the judge, three years his junior and DEFIANT, ANGRY. Former US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media after testifying in his civil fraud trial at the seated just to his right, who warned New York State Supreme Court in New York City. A combative Trump clashed repeatedly with the judge on Tuesday, as he took the stand the former president: “This is not a in the New York civil fraud case threatening to cripple his real estate empire. AFP political rally.”

“Please, just answer the questions, no speeches,” pled the whitehaired Judge Arthur Engoron, 74, UNITED NATIONS—UN Secretary- from Gaza on October 7, killing some and parts of the occupied West Bank At one point, it was Wallace who General Antonio Guterres on Monday 1,400 people, mostly civilians, includ- and East Jerusalem. took on one of Trump’s tirades, (Tuesday in Manila) warned the bom- ing through targeting homes and revelAid trucks have been coming into waiting until the end of the diatribe barded Gaza Strip was becoming a ers at a music festival.

Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah to ask him -- in the way one might “graveyard for children,” as he urged an Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed border crossing, but the level readdress an angry child -- if he was immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas 10,222 people, including more than mains well below that of before Occonflict.

4,000 children, in the densely populated tober 7, with Israel saying it needs finished.

“The unfolding catastrophe makes the and besieged Gaza Strip, according to time for security checks of vehicles.

“You’re done?” the prosecutor need for a humanitarian ceasefire more the Hamas-run health ministry.

One restriction is that they are not asked. urgent with every passing hour,” he told Guterres also deplored the killings of bringing fuel.

“I’m done,” Trump allowed. reporters at the UN headquarters in New media workers. According to the New “Without fuel, newborn babies in By the end of the day—which York.

York-based Committee to Protect Jour- incubators and patients on life support “The parties to the conflict -- and, nalists, at least 36 journalists and media will die,” Guterres said. marked the first time a US presiindeed, the international community workers have been killed.

“The way forward is clear. A hudent had publicly taken the stand as —face an immediate and fundamen“More journalists have reportedly manitarian ceasefire -- now. All parties a defendant in more than a century tal responsibility: to stop this inhuman been killed over a four-week period than respecting all their obligations under in—Trump had ceded nothing. collective suffering and dramatically in any conflict in at least three decades,” ternational humanitarian law,” he said.

“You have no case,” he told the expand humanitarian aid to Gaza,” he Guterres said, adding that 89 UN aid Guterres again voiced alarm about prosecutor, provocatively. said. workers have also been killed. the “clear violations of international hu“The nightmare in Gaza is more than Guterres was formally launching a manitarian law that we are witnessing.”

The judge cut him off. a humanitarian crisis.

It is a crisis of hurecently announced $1.2 billion UN “Let me be clear: No party to an “It’s a broken record,” Engoron manity.” humanitarian appeal to help 2.7 million armed conflict is above international said. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Quezon City - Branch 217 rtc1qzn217@judiciary.gov.ph 0927-8600957/85290868 RE: IN THE MATTER OF JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF THE FOREIGN JUDGMENT DISSOLVING THROUGH DIVORCE THE MARRIAGE AND DECLARATION OF CAPACITY TO REMARRY UNDER ARTICLE 26 OF THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES. MARICRIS E. DE LOS REYES OOTSUKA, represented by her Attorney-In-Fact MARILYN DE LA CRUZ ESGUERRA Petitioner, -versus-

SP. Proc. No. R-QZN-23-07555-SP

HISAO OOTSUKA, THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY and CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL / ADMINISTRATOR of the PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------x

ORDER This is verified Petition for Judicial Recognition of the Foreign Judgment Dissolving through Divorce the Marriage and Declaration of Capacity to Remarry under Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines, filed by Maricris E. Delos Reyes – Ootsuka, through counsel on August 18, 2023.

The Petitioner Maricris E. Dolos Reyes represented in this case by her Attorney-in-Fact Marilyn De La Cruz Esguerra, alleges the following: that she was married to Mr. Hisao Ootsuka, a Japanese national on July 4, 2018 in Nagahama City, Shiga City, Japan, a copy of their Report of Marriage was issued by the Philippine Statistics Office; that Petitioner and Mr. Ootsuka came to know each other in the early part of 2018 through her sister in Japan, Mr. Ootsuka courted the Petitioner and proposed to marry her in Japan; that after their marriage, Petitioner and Mr. Ootsuka then lived together as husband and wife in Japan. However, just after two years of their connubial relationship, Mr. Ootsuka changed his attitude and treatment towards the Petitioner. He would often quarrel the Petitioner over petty matters at home; that Mr. Ootsuka became unfaithful to the Petitioner by dating another woman whom he met at the club. Mr. Ootsuka also got addicted with gambling and other vices and because of his irresponsibility and philandering activities they decided to seek divorce for there was no more hope of reconciliation with each other; that on August 1, 2020, at the insistence of Mr. Ootsuka, the latter asked the Petitioner and they both signed a notification of Divorce where they submitted to the Office of the Mayor of Nagahama City, Shiga, Prefecture, Japan, the said Mayor who had authority to accept the notification, issued a Certificate of Acceptance of Divorce which is equivalent to a divorce decree in Japan thus confirming the dissolution of their marriage by divorce through mutual consent in accordance with Japanese Divorce Law; that the said accepted notification of divorce and the issuance of Divorce Acceptance were later entered, reported and recorded at the Family Registry or Certificate of all Items (Kosekitohon) of Mr. Ootsuka, to show the fact of their Divorce in accordance with the Family Registration Law in Japan, where marriage and divorce of Japanese citizens are recorded; that the certified and apostilled copies of the said foreign public documents issued by the custodian of the said Family Registry (Kosekitohan) and the Certificate of Acceptance (Juri Shomeisho) of Mr. Ootsuka and the Petitioner in Japanese text with English translations by competent translator Mika Yamauchi in Osaka, Japan are attached to the instant Petition; that the divorce by mutual agreement is recognized in Japan as another form of absolute divorce; that under the Japan’s Divorce Law, a husband and wife may divorce by agreement; that the said divorce by agreement effected by the husband and wife shall have the same effect as though it has been judicially effected and the said divorce law allows the Japanese husband to remarry; that on the basis of the Civil Code of Japan, the divorce decree obtained by mutual agreement is valid and in conformity with Japanese law on divorce and of full legal force and effect in Japan which allow Mr. Ootsuka capacity to remarry; thus, the Petitioner filed the instant case for the recognition of the Divorce obtained by her former husband Mr. Hisao Ootsuka for the recognition of the divorce decree and for her to be capacitated to remarry under the Article 26 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

UN chief: Gaza becoming ‘graveyard for children’

Hamas militants stormed into Israel Palestinians over the entire Gaza Strip humanitarian law,” he said. AFP

Grenade kills Ukrainian army adviser on birthday

CELEBRATING JOURNALISTS. Flowers and candles are placed among pictures of journalists at a vigil in lower Manhattan on Tuesday in New York City, held to remember and celebrate the lives of 37 journalists, among an estimated 11,000 killed in recent fighting in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon. Since Hamas launched its attack against Israel on October 7. AFP

OpenAI sees future of AI ‘superpowers on demand’ SAN FRANCISCO, California— ChatGPT maker OpenAI on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) moved to entice developers with lower prices and the ability to easily tailor artificial intelligence “agents” to help with anything from laundry advice to contract negotiations.

Dreams of the benefits of generative AI—along with fears of the technology’s risks—have been hot topics in the tech world since ChatGPT made its blockbuster debut a year ago.

“We will be able to do more, to create more, and to have more,” Open AI chief executive Sam Altman told developers at a gathering in San Francisco.

“As intelligence is integrated everywhere, we will all have superpowers on demand.”

More than 2 million developers are building on the OpenAI platform, while more than 100 million people use ChatGPT weekly, according to the San Francisco-based startup.

“About a year ago, November 30, we shipped ChatGPT as a low-key research preview,” Altman said.

“That went pretty well,” he quipped.

The launch of ChatGPT ignited an AI race, with contenders including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Meta.

Altman has testified before US Congress about AI and spoken with heads

Ukraine president says ‘not right time’ for elections while fighting invasion

WHEREFORE, finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, let this Petition be set for hearing before this Court located at Room 604, Sixth Floor, Hall of Justice – Annex, Diliman, Quezon City on December 6, 2023 at 10:00 in the morning at which place and on which time, all interested person must appear and file their opposition/s to the Petition.

Let copies of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner, pursuant to Section 4 of Rule 108 of the Rules of Court, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines, and to be posted on the main entrance of Quezon City Hall and Bulletin Board of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City.

Further, let copies of this Order, together with the Petition and its annexes be sent by registered mail to the Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the Clerk of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon city and Philippine Statistics Authority, Quezon City.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Philippines, August 22, 2023.

Copy Furnished: Atty. Florante A. Zagada Counsel for the Petitioner Lot 19, Block 30, St. Thomas Ave., St., Charbel South, Sampaloc IV, Dasmariñas City, Cavite 4114 olanzagada@yahoo.com Maricris E. Delos Reyes-Ootsuka Petitioner Shiga Ken, Nagahama Shi, Shinjotera Cho 463 Pearl Town, NK 206 Japan Marilyn De La Cruz Esguerra Attorney-in-Fact of Petitioner Sitio Bacungan, Castnas, Sariaya Quezon Province

(Sgd.) CARLO D. VILLARAMA Presiding Judge OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR DOJ Building, QC-Hall Compound, Quezon City PHILIPPINE STATISTIC AUTHORITY Quezon City OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Quezon City Hisao Ootsuka Private Respondent 189 Hoda Cho Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture , Japan (MStandard - Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 8, 2023)

of state about the technology, as pressure has ramped up steadily to regulate it to control for risks such as AI’s potential use in bioweapons, misinformation and other threats.

President Joe Biden issued an executive order last week on regulating artificial intelligence, aiming for the United States to “lead the way” in global efforts at managing the new technology’s risks.

The order directs federal agencies to set new safety standards for AI systems and requires developers to “share their safety test results and other critical information with the US government,” according to the White House. AFP

KYIV, Ukraine—A close adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army was killed when a grenade among his birthday gifts exploded on Monday, officials said.

“Under tragic circumstances, my assistant and close friend, Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, was killed... on his birthday,” General Valery Zaluzhny said on Telegram, saying that an “unknown explosive device detonated in one of his gifts.”

Chastiakov was showing his son a box with grenades inside that he had received as a gift, Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said in a statement on Telegram.

“At first, the son took the munition in his hands and began to turn the ring.

Then the serviceman took the grenade away from the child and pulled the ring, causing a tragic explosion,” Klymenko said.

Police have identified a fellow soldier who gave the fatal gift, he said, and seized two similar grenades.

An investigation is under way.

Chastiakov leaves a wife and four children, Zaluzhny said.

He added that since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Chastiakov had been “fully devoting his life to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression.” AFP

READ THAT MATE. An anti-monarchy protestor holds a placard reading “Not my King” as they stand on the Royal Mile ahead of a procession in Edinburgh for the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, during a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication where the The King will be presented with the Honors of Scotland. AFP

KYIV, Ukraine—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday he doesn’t believe it is the right time for elections as debate intensifies on holding a vote in 2024 while the country fights against Russia’s invasion.

All elections including the presidential vote set to take place next spring are technically cancelled under martial law that has been in effect since the conflict began last year.

“We must decide that now is the time of defence, the time of battle, on which the fate of the state and people depends,” Zelensky said in his daily address.

He said it was a time for the country to be united, not divided, adding: “I believe that now is not the (right) time for elections.”

The frontline between the warring sides has remained mostly static for almost a year despite a much-touted 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.

But Zelensky has fiercely denied that Ukraine’s counter-offensive has hit a stalemate, or that Western countries were leaning on Kyiv to enter talks.

The United States and other supporters have publicly maintained they are ready to back Kyiv with military and financial aid for as long as it takes to defeat Russia. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

BUSINESS

Standard

TODAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

B3

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks climb on slower inflation report

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE local stock market sustained its upward momentum Tuesday as investors welcomed the better-than-expected inflation in October.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 53.29 points, or 0.88 percent, to close at 6,131.32, while the broader all-shares index rose 18.19 points, or 0.55 percent, to settle at 3,310.34.

China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said the index continued its rebound as the low Octo-

ber inflation boosted expectations the Bankgo Sentral ng Pilipinas would not implement a rate hike for the remainder of the year.

“Nonetheless, daily value turnover was relatively low as some market participants opted to stay on the sidelines ahead of the release of third quarter

GDP [gross domestic product] data on Thursday,” Colet said.

Inflation in October cooled to a threemonth low of 4.9 percent from 6.1 percent in September on slower increases in food and nonalcoholic beverage prices.

Meanwhile, the peso closed lower at 56.11 against the US dollar Tuesday from 55.91 Monday.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

(SMBC) head of macro strategy for Asia Jeff Ng said he expects the peso-dollar exchange rate to be somewhat more stable over the coming 12 months.

day after their latest rally as high hopes the US Federal Reserve has finished hiking rates gave way to profit-taking.

Investors were unable to maintain the momentum seen after US officials hinted that the era of rising borrowing costs was over, while a jump in Treasury yields Monday revived jitters that there could still be one more lift to come.

Speeches by a number of decisionmakers this week including governor Jerome Powell will be analyzed for clues about the outlook, with some officials still reluctant to call an end to the tightening cycle. With AFP

He said the local currency is expected to remain below 57.00 in the near-term, moving lower to 55.75 by end-2024.

“BSP may maintain a neutral-tohawkish stance in its ‘live’ meeting on 16 November. This comes after an offcycle benchmark rate hike [by 25bps to 6.50 percent] on 26 October. BSP saw it necessary to keep policy settings tighter for longer and is prepared for follow-through policy action. However, a weaker-than-expected CPI print may reduce the likelihood of more tightening in the near-term,” Ng said.

Asian markets turned negative Tues-

PLDT’s net income inched up 1% in first three quarters to P27.9b “In this regard, we are guiding full year core net income of P34 billion, compared with P33.1 billion in 2022,” he said.

PLDT’s service revenues amounted to P156.35 billion, up 3 percent from P152.13 billion in the same period last year.

Data and broadband, which grew by 4 percent P116.9 billion, contributed 82 percent of consolidated service revenues.

“Now more than ever, we are witnessing how the power of technology and digital services impact Filipinos’ standard of living, with innovations bringing convenience, comfort, productivity, and security to improve overall quality of life,” PLDT and Smart president Alfredo Panlilio said.

“Our mission at PLDT is to enable our countrymen with the tools and connectivity needed to enhance their digital lifestyles,” he said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PREMIER PORT. Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit operating the Specialized Container Terminal 2 at the Port of Manzanillo, is now included in the rotation of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Santana service. The development reaffirms Manzanillo’s pivotal position as Mexico’s premier gateway for international commerce and underscores Contecon Manzanillo’s critical role in facilitating efficient trade flows.

PLDT Inc. said Tuesday its net income inched up in the first three quarters of 2023 from a year ago amid the tough economic environment.

The company said net income amounted to P27.9 billion from January to September, up 1 percent from P27.5 billion in the same period last year.

Telco core income, excluding the impact of asset sales and Maya Innovations Holdings (formerly Voyager Innovations Holdings), reached P26.1 billion, up 2 percent from P25.6 billion in the same period last year.

PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said he remained positive about PLDT’s performance for the whole 2023.

“The company has done reasonably well against a tough inflationary environment, relatively high interest rates and a slowing economic growth,” Pangilinan said.

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.”

“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

Individual Stockholder

PARTICIPATION VIA REMOTE COMMUNICATION

a) b) c) d)

•

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.

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 Stockholders of the Corporation hereby approve the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on October 20, 2022.”

“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

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.”

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.

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)

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:

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

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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): •

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.

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.

ELECTRONIC VOTING IN ABSENTIA

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.

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PROCEDURE FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

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.

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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.

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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

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“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.”

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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

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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:

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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:

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“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:

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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:

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:

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“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

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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.

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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

B4 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 Roderick T. dela Cruz Cruz, Editor Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

MPIC, San Miguel forming joint venture

By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE tollway unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. plans to form a joint venture company with San Miguel Corp. to build expressways, a top executive said Tuesday.

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“We are looking at other areas where we can cooperate and create a critical mass. For example in the case of tollways, if we manage to combine two tollways, I think it will be a candidate to

list in the stock exchange and become a major factor in energizing the stock exchange,” Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters when asked about the possibil-

ity of expanding his partnership with SMC president Ramon Ang. “It will be a significant company, and I hope we can persuade Ramon [Ang] to create a significant liquidity for that particular company,” he said.

Pangilinan said it would give up at least 40 percent of equity in the new tollway company.

MPTC and SMC signed in August a P72-billion deal to construct two expressways south of Metro Manila.

Under the memorandum of agreement, MPTC and SMC will jointly undertake the construction, operation and main-

tenance of the 87.96-kilometer CaviteBatangas Expressway and NasugbuBauan Expressway.

The MPTC Group has 240.6 kilometers of existing expressways and 43.1 kilometers under construction, with a total investment of $3.06 billion.

It operates 105 kilometers of North Luzon Expressway, 94 km. of Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway and 14 km. of Manila-Cavite Expressway. It also operates the 8.5-km. Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu.

SMC’s expressways includes the Tar-

GSIS investing P1.45 billion in Alternergy

Alternergy Holdings Corp. chairman Vince Perez (left) and Government Service Insurance System president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso announce the pension fund’s P1.45-billion investment in the renewable energy company.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Meralco expects to complete purchase of SPNEC’s majority stake this year POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects to complete the acquisition of a majority stake in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) by yearend, a top executive said Tuesday.

The transaction would pave the way for the development of 3,500 megawatts of solar panels and 4,000 megawatthours of battery energy storage systems in Luzon that would involve P200 billion investments.

“In terms of what our aim is, for closing, we’re hoping that it could be done by yearend because they should be able to energize sometime first quarter 2026,

lac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX).

Ang, in his personal capacity, also invested in MPIC after it was delisted from the Philippine Stock Exchange.

MPIC vowed to list its other toll road, water and hospital subsidiaries in the succeeding years. Aside from these businesses, MPIC also has investments in power generation, agriculture, real estate, railway and logistics.

first 600 MW out of 850 MW,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“It attracted a lot of interest from foreign investors because it’s big. It’s transformative actually for the Philippines,” Pangilinan said.

Meralco announced last month it would invest P15.9 billion to take a majority stake in SPNEC and develop the country’s biggest solar power plant.

MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen) signed an agreement with SPNEC and parent firm Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc (SPH) to subscribe to 15.7 billion

common shares and 19.4 billion redeemable preferred voting shares in SPNEC. The transaction would result in Meralco owning 31.4 percent of SPNEC’s common shares, based on SPNEC’s 34.37 billion existing common shares and having a 50.5 percent voting interest (including the redeemable preferred shares).

“This will be one of the largest solar projects not just in Asia, but in the world,” said Pangilinan.

SPNEC will file its application for an increase in authorized capital stock to

enable the investment, while the fresh injection of capital by MGreen will fund the construction and expansion of the solar projects.

SPNEC, majority-owned by SPH, is an integrated developer, owner and operator of solar power projects listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

UBS acted as financial advisor in the transaction. SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan and Gulapa Law were legal advisors to both Meralco and MGreen. King & Spalding and Picazo Law acted as legal advisors to SPH and SPNEC. Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-RUN pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is investing P1.45 billion in Alternergy Holdings Corp. to support its renewable energy projects.

GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said the fund would subscribe to P1.45 billion worth of Alternergy’s perpetual preferred shares 2 series A under a private placement.

“Our growing commitment to sustainability propels us to build a solid investment portfolio of renewable energy [RE] infrastructure projects.

Alternergy’s strong emphasis on RE complements and supports this commitment,” said Veloso.

“Alternergy’s strategic collaborations with diverse stakeholders and their significant contribution to the Philippines’ energy transition as a renewable energy pioneer makes them attractive to institutional investors such as GSIS. Our investment in renewable energy not only dovetails with the country’s National Renewable Energy Program but also provides a foundation for stable returns,” he said.

Veloso said GSIS’s “dualpronged investment” underscores its dedication to meaningful and profitable investments for its pensioners, all the while contributing to the nation’s pursuit of clean energy objectives.

Target issuance of the private placement is later this year subject to certain regulatory approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Alternergy chairman Vicente Perez Jr. said the company was “deeply honored to have GSIS as a cornerstone investor.”

“Their support will accelerate Al-

Robust gaming revenues doubled Bloomberry’s 9-month profit to P8.3b CASINO operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said Tuesday its nine-month net income climbed 106 percent to P8.3 billion from P4 billion in the same period last year on the back of strong gaming revenues from mass-oriented gaming segments.

Nine-month gross gaming revenues (GGR) improved 26 percent to P44.5 billion from P35.4 billion a year earlier, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Third-quarter profit went up 20 percent to P1.9 billion from P1.5 billion even as gaming revenues at Solaire were flat at P13.3 billion.

Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. said the Philippine gaming market remained

INDUSTRIAL PEACE.

Department of Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr. (top photo, left) facilitates the signing of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) from 2021 to 2026 between the Manila Peninsula Hotel Inc. and the Peninsula Employees UnionNational Union of Workers in Hotel Restaurant and Allied Industries on Nov. 6, 2023 at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila.

resilient despite the quarter’s weakerthan-anticipated economic climate.

He said gaming volumes from the mass-oriented gaming segments and hotel, food and beverage retail and other segments continued to perform above pre-pandemic run rates.

“With the opening of our second property next year, we aim to capitalize on this domestic strength. At this time, the construction of Solaire Resort North is on schedule to be completed by March 2024. We anticipate that Solaire Resort North will strengthen our market leadership position in the Philippines and raise the regional competitiveness of the Philippine gaming industry to new heights,” Razon said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

NEW AIRCRAFT. Cebu Pacific (CEB) takes delivery of its 13th new aircraft this year—a brand-new Airbus A320neo to continuously address the growing demand for air travel and strengthen the airline’s operational resiliency. The aircraft, powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on its delivery flight, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on Oct. 25 from Airbus’ facility in Tianjin, China. It entered into service on Nov. 1.

Trade deficit fell to 11-month low on lower imports, exports THE country’s trade deficit in September 2023 fell to an 11-month low of $3.51 billion from a $4.13-billion shortfall in August, as imports posted a bigger contraction compared to exports, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

The balance of trade in goods is the difference between the value of exports and imports.

Imports dropped 14.7 percent in September to $10.24 billion from $12.01

billion a year ago. It was also lower than $10.83 billion in August.

The commodity group with the highest annual decrease in the value of imported goods was electronic products at $756.15 million. This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, which declined by $564.30 million; and organic and inorganic chemicals with an annual drop of $124.93 million.

This brought total imports in the first

nine months to $94.36 billion, or 10.2 percent lower than $105.06 billion in the same period last year.

Exports also fell 6.3 percent in September to $6.73 billion from $7.18 billion a year ago. In August, exports grew 4.2 percent.

Total export earnings from January to September reached $54.54 billion, also down 6.6 percent from $58.37 billion in the same period last year.

Julito G. Rada

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

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

Players from guest team MCFASolver, namely Yutien Andrada, TH Tumalip and Louie Vigil, celebrate their 21-20 win over Meralco, to win the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Tuesday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.

Marcial: Pacquiao’s possible Paris bid big boost to team

By Randy Caluag

ITH his silver-medal finish in the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Eumir Marcial has become the first qualified Filipino boxer for the Paris Olympics next year.

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And if there’s someone who can inspire him to do better in the Olympics, it would be Manny Pacquiao— his idol, boss, and hopefully, teammate on the Philippine boxing team.

“Sana nga po ma-approve si boss Manny (Pacquiao).

Gustung-gusto ko siyang makasama sa team,” said Marcial about the Filipino boxing legend’s impending request for a direct slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As a professional boxer, Marcial is under the MP Boxing Promotions, owned by the former eight-world division champion.

But while plying his trade on the professional stage, the Zamboanga native remains active in the national team and will compete in the light heavyweight division

in Paris, hoping to improve his bronze-medal finish as a middleweight in the 2022 Tokyo Olympics.

He recently bagged a silver in the light heavyweight division in Hangzhou, losing the gold medal match to a Chinese foe.

Eumir Marcial

Marcial is preparing for a tough battle against the best in his division, including his Asiad finals’ tormentor, Tuohetaerbie Tanglatihan and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who beat him in the semifinals in Tokyo.

The other boxers in Marcial’s division are Pan American Games’ winners gold and silver medalists Arlen Lopez of Cuba and Wanderley Pereira of Brazil, Salvatore Cavallaro of Italy, Gabrijel Vocic of Croatia and Azerbaijan’s Murad Allahverdiyev who were gold, silver and bronze medalists at the European Games, and African Games qualifier Abdelrahman Oraby of Egypt.

Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines secretary general Marcus Manalo said Pacquiao’s inclusion in the will be a big boost to the athletes’ morale.

“If it gets approved, that would be extremely beneficial for us. His presence will be a big boost to the team, not to mention his medal chances,” Manalo said.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has already written the International Olympic Committee IOC requesting Pacquiao’s direct slot in Paris via the universality rule.

Pacquiao’s age of 44 disqualifies him from the Olympic boxing tournament that only caters to athletes limited only to participants aged 19-40 years old.

Altas crush Chiefs, stay in hunt for Final 4 seat

By Peter Atencio CHRISTIAN Pagaran and Marcus Nitura came up with productive games on Tuesday to lift the University of Perpetual Help Altas to a 7261 stopping of the Arellano University Chiefs in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOilEcoOil Arena in San Juan.

Pagaran’s better than average shooting led to a gamehigh 21 points for the Altas, who pulled off their sixth win in 13 games.

Nitura, who finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, after being allowed to play for 26 minutes,

struck with seven points during a decisive first period run for the Altas.

Mark Omega addd 10 points for the Altas, who kept their Final Four semifinal hopes alive with their second consecutive win.

“Buhay pa, humihinga pa.

Good win for us, magandang motivation going up against San Beda on Friday. We just enjoy the moment, paglabas namin ng Filoil, focused na ulit against Beda,” said Altas coach Myk Saguiguit.

Jeadan Ongotan unloaded 16 points for the Chiefs, who were eased out of contention for the Final Four playoff with their third straight loss in a 2-11 slate.

The Altas, who drew 10 points from Mark Omega, are behind the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, who have a 7-6 card in fourth place.

The 6’4” Nitura, who made up for an error-prone performance in his previous game when he played for less than four minutes, took charge in the first canto, making 10 points along the way, and his layup with 5:38 left pushed the Altas ahead by 11, 14-3, as they set the tone of the rout.

The 6’0” Pagaran, who norms 12.5 points per game, banged in 10 points in the second period, with his jumper in the remaining 2:02 sending the Altas to 40-26 edge.

Perpetual’s Christian Pagaran

LPGT bets aim to shine as Party Golfers Open unfolds

Shown here are (from left) LPGT players’ representative Pauline del Rosario, TLPGA chairlady Liu Yi-Chen, PGTI International business head Mohamed Shariz and TLPGA’s Liu Peng-Shan during the trophy presentation of the Party Golfers Ladies Open.

TAIWAN—Given their length, Pauline del Rosario and Daniella find the Lily Golf and Country Club course a bit shorter and can be conducive to good scoring all week as they put premium on power in pursuit of a strong start in the Party Golfers Ladies Open in Hsinchu country here today (Wednesday, Nov. 8).

“The course is narrow with slow and bumpy greens, a typical Taiwan course. It’s scorable if you can keep your tee shots in play and manage the greens,” said del Rosario, spearhead of a 16-player strong Ladies Philippine Tour contingent in the NT$4 million championship of the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA). “That’s what I’ll be doing this week.”

Del Rosario is no stranger on Taiwan courses, having marked her rookie pro campaign with a victory in the TLPGA and Royal Open at the Royal Kuan-Hsi Golf Club in 2017, thus becoming the first Filipina to win on the lucrative circuit.

The four-time LPGT winner is also looking to

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build on her confidence following a successful campaign in the LPGA Q-School Stage II, which earned her a spot in the Q-Series for a chance at an LPGA Tour card next season.

Del Rosario drew Ho-Yu An, No. 9 in the current TLPGA Order of Merit ranking, and Thai Ornnicha Konsunthea at 7:50 a.m. on No. 1 of the undulating course carved out of a forest setting and where each hole poses a real test to the competing field, particularly the layout’s signature hole – No. 8.

Uy, the recent LPGT OOM topnotcher with three victories who placed fourth when the Philippines last competed in this event in 2019, is also relying on her long game to fuel her own title drive on the 6,211-yard layout, saying: “It’s a short course, but tight and hilly. If I make a lot of birdies then I’ll get a good score.”

The former Junior World champion clashes with Ting-Yu Chen and Meng-Chu Chen at 7:10 a.m. on the first hole.

Breakthrough triumph for Tech Centrale in PBA 3x3 tilt GUEST team MCFASolver leaned on two pressure-packed free throws from Yutien Andrada to scrape past Meralco, 21-20, and win a breakthrough title in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Tuesday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay. The veteran big man was fouled

by Joseph Sedurifa in the final 33 seconds of the Leg 4 finals, with the Tech Centrale trailing by a point, but the Bolts already in penalty.

With ice in his veins, the 6’8” Andrada had no problem draining the game-winning foul shots that finally led the team on top of the podium.

The victory was worth P100,000 for coach Anton Altamirano and the Tech Centrale, who needed to go through the best by defeating threeleg defending champion TNT, 2018, in the semifinals to make the championship round.

“Para sa akin walang pressure.

Game winner, lakasan lang ng loob,” said Andrada of his game-winning baskets.

Louie Vigil led the Tech Centrale with 12 points and set the tone of the match that saw them take an early 3-0 lead and 17-12 edge with 2:54 to go.

But behind Joseph Sedurifa, Meralco suddenly came alive behind an 8-2 run to take the upperhand for the very first time, 20-19, in the final 40 seconds.

MCFASolver however, won’t be denied as Andrada stepped on the plate and delivered ironically, his only points for the game.

Big man Brandon Ramirez had six and Terrence Tumalip added a point for MCFASolver, whose other team finished runner up in the VPrime 3x3 International Cup in Ho Chi Minh City over the weekend.

Sedurifa and Jeff Manday each had eight points for Meralco, which copped the runner up purse worth P50,000.

The Bolts edged Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays in an equally tightly-fought semifinals, 15-14.

The Katibays later claimed P30,000 for finishing third place after beating the Tropang Giga, 21-14.

Guiao says Summers good fit for Painters THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are all set to play with DaJuan Summers, one of three new imports in the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena.

Coach Yeng Guiao finds the 35-year-old Summers a perfect fit for his team when the Elasto Painters take on the Meralco Bolts at 6 p.m.

“I’m very positive with the abilities of our import. Tingin ko, tamang-tamang fit siya sa team,” said Guiao, who looks forward to having the Elasto Painters reach the quarterfinal round.

Summers, who is the oldest among the imports, has managed to blend in with the rest of the squad, which includes two other rookies taken from the draft, Sherwin Concepcion and Keith Datu.

The 6’8” Summers played 83 games over four seasons with the Detroit Pistons, who drafted him in the second round in 2009. He also had stints with the Hornets and Clippers.

Another experienced import in Suleiman Braimoh will compete against Summers, who replaced the Bolts’ original choice Feron Hunt.

The 34-year-old Hunt has seen action in four seasons at Rice University in the US NCAA and has had stints in the D-League, New Zealand, Japan, Qatar, Germany, Israel and France.

In the first game, the Converge FiberXers will be ready with returning import Tom Vodanovich when they battle the Blackwater Elite Bossings at 4 p.m.

Vodanovich played only one game in the last Governors’ Cup, after he came in for for Jamaal Franklin in a quarterfinal contest where the FiberXers were eliminated by the San Miguel Beermen. Peter Atencio

SPORTS

C2 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Pilipinas Super League lures 18 pro squads

Poland’s Iga Swiatek kisses her trophy on the podium after winning the WTA Finals Championship women’s singles final tennis match in Cancun, Mexico. AFP

Swiatek thrashes Pegula to win WTA Finals, reclaim No.1 ranking C ANCUN—Poland’s Iga Swiatek thrashed Jessica Pegula to win the WTA Finals on Monday, sealing her return to world number one.

Second seed Swiatek dominated Pegula from start to finish to clinch a 6-1, 6-0 victory in a 59-minute masterclass.

The 17th win of Swiatek’s career ensures that the four-time major singles champion from Warsaw will finish the season as world number one for a second straight year.

“The team that’s been with me the whole season, we had many ups and downs,” a jubilant Swiatek said after her win.

“This is for sure an up. We will for sure have many more if we keep working like that,” added Swiatek, who lost just 20 games across the tournament— a new record.

Pegula had few complaints about her defeat after an error-strewn display.

“It just was one of those days where I felt like I was going for too much,” Pegula said. “And she was just playing super solid.”

Swiatek, 22, had beaten outgoing world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals on Sunday. Sabalenka took over the number one ranking from Swiatek following the US Open in September.

Pegula defeated Swiatek in the two players’ previous meeting in Montreal in August, and had impressed on her way to Monday’s final, which had been shunted back 24 hours after wet weather washed

out play on Saturday.

But the 29-year-old American from New York never looked capable of pulling off a repeat of her Canadian victory against three-time French Open champion Swiatek, who was sharper in every facet of her game.

The Polish star dominated on serve, and pulled Pegula all over the court with whipped groundstrokes that left her opponent flailing.

Pegula also struggled on serve, being broken five times while coughing up 23 unforced errors compared to Swiatek’s six.

Swiatek—who gave up only one break point opportunity in the entire match, which Pegula was unable to convert—sealed victory in the sixth game of the second set when the American pulled a backhand return long.

Swiatek took control of Monday’s contest early on, breaking Pegula in the

fourth game for 3-1 before holding and breaking again for a 5-1 lead.

She served out to love to claim the first set and then carried that momentum into the second set.

She broke Pegula twice in the first three games of the second set, and then held comfortably for a 4-0 lead.

Pegula—who won just seven points on first serve through the match -- suffered another break to leave Swiatek on the brink.

Loud cheers erupted for Pegula when she finally managed to earn her first break point of the match on Swiatek’s serve.

But Swiatek quickly got it back to deuce and then moved to match point by crushing a forehand winner with Pegula stranded, before wrapping up victory on the next point after another errant groundstroke from the American. AFP

THE Pilipinas Super League President’s Cup has just gotten bigger and stronger with at least 18 professional teams seeing action starting Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Newly-appointed league commissioner Allan Caidic laid down the tournament details in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Also on hand were PSL president Chris Bautista, CEO Bong Baribar and marketing head Bearwin Moily.

Caidic, the former PBA superstar who donned the national colors countless times, said two more teams are trying to squeeze in and join those from Cainta, Manila, Quezon, Pampanga, Davao, Novaliches, Makati, Mindoro, Aklan, San Juan, Pampanga, Camarines Norte and Quezon City.

After a single-round elimination, the top 16 teams will advance with the top eight enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage, leading to the quarterfinals and the best-of-three semis and bestof-three finals.

Manila and Cainta will collide on opening day and also feature a miniconcert from Bamboo.

The winning team will receive the grand prize of P2 million, runnerup P500,000, third-placer P300,000 and fourth-placer P200,000. The tournament will run until the third week of March.

“After the President’s Cup, we are looking at a grassroots tournament for the 15, 17 and 19-year-old age groups, and also the Global Cup where regional champions from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to face all-Filipino teams from the United States, Australia, Canada and Dubai,” said Caidic.

Games will be played Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will be aired on IBC 13. Venues are the Filoil Center, Ynares Center, Paco Arena, Rizal Memorial Stadium, Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Philsports.

Caidic, perhaps the greatest shooter ever in Philippine basketball, stressed that the league is here to provide more opportunities for the Filipino players.

Lady Blazers kick off PNVF Challenge Cup stint with straight-set, 65-minute win

Lito Adiwang

Adiwang seeks path to ONE strawweight title FINALLY putting his past behind, Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is targeting a much awaited return to contender status in the ONE Athlete Rankings.

This early, he already has someone in mind for his possible next fight: Gustavo “El Gladiator” Balart.

“I’ve been asking for Balart. Gusto ko talaga yung matchup namin and I want to test myself against him din,” he said after scoring a unanimous decision victory over Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado at ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs. Andrade.

Adiwang has been vocal in his desire to square up against the Cuban wrestler, knowing that a chance to face off against someone like Balart would give him a gauge on how good his grappling game has gone since training in multiple gyms.

And it’s by design as he acknowledges that he has to be at his best in all facets of his game if he wants to be a legitimate contender to reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks.

“Magiging magandang preparation yun para sa akin going to a possible Brooks fight. [Balart is a] wrestler, maganda ang ground niya, and ma-challenge ako to work on my wrestling,” said the Soma Fight Club bet.

To rematch Brooks and fight for the crown is Adiwang’s ultimate goal as he sees the belt as his final destination and a fitting finish line to his redemption drive.

“Talagang yun ang hinahangad ko ngayon, na makalaban para sa belt,” he said. “This is my second version so I’ll give my best to reach that and become a champion.”

NCAA champion College of St. 25-19, 25-17, 25-16, in Pool D. Games Wednesday Benilde made short work of ParaAction continues today at (Rizal Memorial Coliseum) ñaque City, 25-6, 25-25-20, 25-17, the same venue starting with 8 a.m. – Angatleta-Orion, Bataan to kick off the Philippine National the men’s play, consisting of vs JRU (men’s) Volleyball Federation (PNVF) 20 squads.

10 a.m. – PGJC Navy vs Plaridel, Challenge Cup in flying colors Angatleta-Orion, Bataan Quezon (men’s) on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial 12 p.m. – UE Cherrylume vs Arellano (men’s) takes on Jose Rizal Uni2 p.m. – Sta. Rosa City vs EAC (men’s) Coliseum in Manila. versity at 8 a.m. and PGJC 4 p.m. – LPU-Batangas vs UP (women’s) The Lady Blazers, who swept the Navy battles Plaridel, Que6 p.m. – Arellano vs University last two NCAA seasons, met little to zon in 10 a.m., in Pool C of Batangas (women’s) no resistance in finishing off their while University of the East foes in only 65 minutes for a roarCherrylume and Arellano ing start in Pool A of the tournament supported by collide at 12 p.m. in Pool B. the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, Sta. Rosa City then lock horns against Emilio Akari, Foton and CBPI. Aguinaldo College at 2 p.m. in Pool D before Ace middle blocker Zamantha Nolasco anchored the women’s play resumes featuring the duels St. Benilde’s win with solid coverage from Wielyn of Lyceum of the Philippines University-BatanEstoque and Corrine Apostol. gas against University of the Philippines at 4 p.m Colegio de San Juan de Letran and San Beda U also in Pool D and Arellano University versus the Unicame away with impressive debut wins in the women’s versity of Batangas at 6 p.m. in Pool C. division featuring 16 teams for the former Champions The PNVF Challenge Cup, made up of 36 League of the PNVF headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara. teams in both men’s and women’s divisions, reThe Lady Knights fended off the Rizal Technological sumes play on November 14 to November 23 for University-Basilan, 25-22, 25-11, 22-25, 25-13, in Pool C the single-round eliminations until the knockout as the Lady Red Spikers trounced La Salle-Dasmariñas, playoffs on November 25 to 26.

Mary Grace Borromeo of College of Saint Benilde smashes one in against a Paranaque defender.

Abdon dedicates overall Mabuhay Miles win to recently-departed wife

Ryan Abdon (second from left) raises the overall championship trophy of the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Elite invitational golf tournament held Monday at The Orchard. Capt. Stanley K. Ng (left) the PAL president and COO, Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez the PAL Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and Renee Olstead were on hand to award Abdon his trophy.

DA S M A R I N A S — P l a y ing in his first tournament since the demise of his wife, senior campaigner Ryan Abdon made it matter on Monday by gunning down an eagle and two birdies for a System 36 net four-underpar 68 to win the overall title in the blockbuster Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Elite invitational golf tournament.

The 67-year-old, playing out of Manila Southwoods, holed his third shot on the par-5 second hole of the Palmer layout--his first in the shotgun start event--coming out of thick rough from about 20 yards using a 54-degree wedge for what proved to be the difference in the hotlycontested centerpiece division.

And after the awarding of the trophy and the 140,000

flier miles that went with it, Abdon couldn’t help but be emotional since he cannot share this win with his wife, Amy, who passed on Sept. 12 after a two-month battle with liver cancer.

“This is for her,” Abdon, who also won the Class A plum at Eagle Ridge several years back,” said. “At the start of the round, since this is the first time I played a tournament since her passing, I whispered a prayer and told her that I would win this for her.”

The tournament was held for the first time in five years and it couldn’t have had a more popular winner than Abdon, who owns a landfill business in Cebu where he flies to a lot, hence his yearly invitation to the exclusive 18hole tournament.

“We are deeply honored

to see you all here today,” PAL president Capt. Stanley Ng said before the start of the awarding ceremonies. “I wish to thank all of you not only for playing, but also for sticking to us even during the pandemic.”

That eagle also was worth another 20,000 miles, even as Edmund Yee, the former Glowing Goldie for University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP, ran away with the Seniors’ title after shooting a gross 79 for a 71.

Jose Emmanuel Angeles walked away with the low gross trophy after shooting a 70. The victory was worth 120,000 miles for Angeles.

Vicente Solon fired a net 68 to win the Class A championship over Jesus Romero, who nipped Arnold Corporal via a countback with five birdies after both had returned 69s.

ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023

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

Kim Chiu

embraces dark side

Kim Chiu reveals her fears in taking the challenging role of Juliana in ‘Linlang’

K

IM Chiu’s journey as Juliana in Linlang is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take risks. She has successfully embraced a dark and complex character, and her performance performance has been met with public support.

Celebrating 17 years in the entertainment industry, Kim finds herself at a pivotal moment in her career, taking on a challenging role in the hit Dreamscape and Prime Video series. In a recent thanksgiving press conference for ABS-CBN’s title, the actress opened up about her fears and the unexpected reception she received for her character.

Kim’s portrayal of Juliana, a married woman entangled in an affair with her husband’s younger brother, marked a departure from her usual roles. It was a risk she wasn’t sure about taking, as she feared the audience’s response.

“The first meeting with the press (during the Linlang mediacon), they asked, ‘What’s your fear?’ I said my fear was that people wouldn’t support it.” However, the actress decided to take the leap, and it turned out to be a decision well worth it.

The cast of ‘Linlang’ during its press conference

Since the debut of Linlang on Prime Video, the series has garnered rave reviews and claimed the top spot as the most-watched series not only in the Philippines but also in other territories. Kim couldn’t be happier with the audience’s reception of the show and the separation they’ve made between her and her character, Juliana, whom she described as “the most hated.”

Kim took a moment to address the “Juliana haters” who had generated quite a buzz on social media with their impassioned comments. She shared her amusement at the comments and the love-hate relationship they represent, emphasizing that she’s grateful for this unique kind of attention.

“This is what I can describe as ‘the hate that I love,’ those hate messages that I love,” Kim said in the vernacular. “Because, of course, in my career, on my social media platform, I used to get bashed. Especially in 2020, I really didn’t like it. But I’m genuinely happy with the kind of hate I’m receiving now.”

“I’m thankful to my directors because they make me do it again when I reach ‘Kim Chiu levels,’ saying, ‘Hey, that’s Kim Chiu, let’s do it again!’ They’ve been very patient with me to become Juliana.

So, I’m really grateful to the writers, creatives, and our directors. In fact, to everyone involved in Linlang. Because this is the kind of hate that I’ve come to like. Keep them coming! I love it!” she continued.

The suspense-thriller also stars Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman, Kaila Estrada, Maricel Soriano, and Ruby Ruiz.

Completing the stellar cast are Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Marc Mcmahon, Anji Salvacion, and Kice.

Linlang is directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin.

Paulo Avelino (left) as Victor and Kim Chiu as Juliana in the hit Prime series ‘Linlang’

Pinoy cast revealed for‘Takeshi’s Castle’reboot GMA Network delivers the latest news and entertainment through its new platform Kapuso Stream

GMA Network strengthens lead in online platforms THE country’s leading broadcasting company further cements its commitment to deliver accurate news and information to Filipinos anywhere in the world.

With its online platforms taking the lead in September, GMA is the go-to source for news, events, and programs. On Facebook, Tiktok, and YouTube, GMA collected a consolidated total of 3,601,180,729 views according to Tubular data. ABS-CBN, on the other hand, had total consolidated views of 3,094,983,364.

The social media accounts of GMA for GMA Public Affairs and GMA News drew the most views. For GMA Public Affairs, the Tubular data tallies reached 213,770,210 views (Facebook) and 30,532,378 views (Tiktok). GMA News gathered 207,285,406 views (Facebook) and 168,939,622 views (TikTok).

From January to September, GMA’s online platforms totaled 33,530,712,787 views.

GMA continues its online leadership with the launch of the Kapuso Stream with programs livestreamed daily through the service. The latest news and entertainment are available anywhere and can be accessed from any device.

To enjoy the Kapuso Stream on any device, visit www.GMANetwork.com/KapusoStream or just go to subscribe to GMA Network’s official YouTube Channel at www.youtube. com/@gmanetwork/live.

TAKESHI’S Castle, the beloved Japanese game show, is getting a Filipino reboot starring Smokey Manaloto, Eugene Domingo, and Sassa Gurl.

The show will premiere on Prime Video in the Philippines on November 16.

Manaloto, recognized as the original host of the Filipino episodes of the show, is making a comeback to the Takeshi’s Castle universe. This time, he assumes the role of a former employee of Takeshi, bringing back his signature snarky commentary and the insider’s insight into the game.

Known for her impeccable comedic timing and versatile acting, Domingo is celebrated for her ability to bring characters to life with her unique flair. Representing all the resident chismosas, Domingo is the resident marites of the group.

Internet sensation Sassa Gurl is all set to infuse an extra dose of wit and laughter, as she joins the Takeshi’s Castle gang. After garnering increased

acclaim for her sensational portrayal as the Drag Runner in the Amazon Original reality competition show, Drag Den with Manila Luzon, Sassa Gurl has won the hearts of many with her contagious sense of humor and commanding presence.

Rounding up the cast is internet comedian Jun Sabayton, playing Shitake, one of Takeshi’s henchmen, who explains the rules of the game. Each episode also features guest-star commentators, such as Maris Racal, Zanjoe Marudo, and Ketchup Eusebio.

The show is produced by Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, under their production company Project 8 Projects, and is directed by cult-favorite filmmaker, RA Rivera.

As Takeshi’s Castle made its triumphant return with a global premiere in Tokyo earlier this year, the Filipino reboot promises to be a delightful fusion of comedy and nostalgia, embracing elements that ‘Takeshi’s Castle’ stars (from left) Eugene Domingo, Smokey Manaloto, and Sassa Gurl resonate with local audiences.

K-pop seduces youth in communist Cuba, birthplace of salsa IN CUBA, the home of salsa, young people are held sanctions against Caribbean nation for more In 2019, Achin realized a personal dream of being seduced by a music phenomenon from a than six decades. performing in Seoul after winning an amateur place that could hardly be more geographically Alejandro Achin, 21, said K-pop “is a K-pop competition with his group in Havana.

– or ideologically – remote. completely new experience” for Cubans, who For Hohyun Joung, who teaches at a South K-pop, the South Korean sensation that has are “used to always the same rhythm, the same Korean cultural and language center which already swept over much of the rest of the world, routine” of salsa and Reggaeton. opened its doors in the Cuban capital last has made it to the shores of a communist isle year, K-pop has a universal appeal that that once banned the music of the Beatles. transcends politics.

“I am myself (with) K-pop. I can “In Korean songs... most of them express free myself,” said afficionado Mikel the concerns of young people, what they Caballero, a 17-year-old who like many think, their concern about the future,” the of his peers, spends hours each week South Korean national told AFP. perfecting the carefully choreographed The center where she teaches with paces of South Korean sensations like four Cubans has 150 students and not BTS and Blackpink. enough space to admit more as the Since Cubans gained access to the appetite for everything South Korean mobile internet just five years ago, much just keeps growing. has changed in a nation where the oneStudent Ia Gonzalez, 20, has been party state nevertheless retains a firm grip learning Korean at the center for several on many aspects of life. months and gets excited every time she There are ride and food-delivery recognizes a word in some of her favorite apps, social media, and access to some K-pop songs. entertainment sites such as YouTube.

“Korean is not difficult. There are Some Cubans now celebrate difficult parts, but when you really love Halloween, one of the most quintessential A South Korean culture and language center opens its door for Cubans what you’re doing, you invest impetus and festivals of the United States – which has who want to learn K-pop passion and you can learn,” she said. AFP

LIFE

C4 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 Nickie Wang, Editor Angelica Villanueva , Writer E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Jones believes that event management involves a lot of research

E

VENTS don’t magically happen.

It takes more than a village to create, organize, and manage an event for it to be successful. “Mairaos lang” is not something we would hear from professional event management people.

For event manager-director Ignatius Jones,, event management involves “a lot of research to figure out what exactly it is you’re presenting, usually with a country’s leading artistic practitioners, knowing the country’s culture and heritage, and working out how the show will stick together.”

On top of writing the script for both live and broadcast, nailing the set design, props, and costumes, creating multimedia elements, and being on top of modern technology, it entails working with several performers, composers, and choreographers, as well as the tech crew and volunteers – sometimes numbering in the thousands, depending on how big the event is.

A Filipino-born Australian top event manager, Jones believes that event is all about the stories. In all his more than 50 years in the industry, Jones still keeps the story strong.

“If you don’t know what story you’re telling, how will the audience? I find that show business doesn’t change that much. Fundamentally, it is still about telling a story, and always will be.

Technology changes of course, but usually those changes feed into telling a story as well. Look at YouTube and social media,” said Jones.

They have made it much easier for far more people to get involved in storytelling. And all cultures tell stories. It’s one of the things that distinguish us from animals. What is a major event but a big story shared with lots of people?” he went on.

Event managerdirector Ignatius Jones

One of the world’s leading major event directors, creative strategists, and event scriptwriters, Jones has been the executive producer of the Vivid Sydney Festival since 2011, and the first artistic director of the Sydney Mardi Gras since 1992.

He was a major creative force behind the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies and was instrumental in creating the world-famous Sydney New Year’s Eve. He worked as the artistic director of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo opening ceremony and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Australian events industry throughout his career, Jones was awarded the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Event Awards in 2017.

Glazing Life got to talk with Jones about his career as an event manager, and the many stories he had experienced managing big events.

GLAZING LIFE (GL): You started as

Storifying events Meet event manager-director Ignatius Jones who believes in the magic of storytelling a performing artist before venturing out into event management and direction.

What inspired this career shift?

IGNATIUS JONES (IJ): One of my best friends calls me the King of Reinvention. It is not so much that I get bored with what I’m doing, but I get interested in something else, or I look at how it’s being done and think ‘That’s not how they should be doing that; they

should be doing it this way.’ And off I go.

I come from a theatrical family so there was music and theatre all around me as I was growing up.

I started training as an opera singer and then got drawn into classical ballet.

I was in a very successful Rock ‘n Roll band for eight years, and then a friend who ran a rock fanzine asked me to write some record reviews, which led to

my becoming editor of a fashion/lifestyle magazine, and while I was doing that I started singing jazz. When Sydney got to the Olympics, a friend I’d worked with, Baz Luhrman, was asked to be one of the directors, but he was busy directing a film so he kindly recommended me to the producers. That led to a whole string of big events and festivals. Read full interview on manilastandard.com

Inaugural ‘Hear For It’ festival empowers Filipino podcast creators PODCASTING has become a significant medium in the Philippines since the pandemic, providing both entertainment and information to Filipinos. Recognizing the potential and passion of local podcast creators, Globe has taken the initiative to support the community.

Globe’s participation in the “Hear For It” Podcast Festival is an extension of the company’s G Creator Series, which was launched in September to help customers realize their potential as creators through technology.

“Globe’s collaboration with ANIMA Podcasts Orestes played by David Palomo

Theater Arts student Edith Garcia plays the role of Clytemnestra

Ancient Greek tragedy receives new version in 90-minute play THE Gracious Ones, an adaptation of the ancient Greek play The Eumenides, will be staged from Wednesday, November 15, to Saturday, November 18.

The one-act drama, by Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy, follows the story of Orestes after he killed his mother Clytemnestra as revenge for the death of his father, King Agamemnon. The Furies, a race of primordial creatures from the underworld, now hunt him down for his crime of matricide.

Under the guidance of the Greek god Apollo, Orestes is advised to flee to Athens and seek the aid of the Greek goddess Athena. She then calls for a trial between Orestes and the Furies for justice.

The Gracious Ones is produced by Novel:Theater, a group of young thespians from the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP).

The show features performances by Ezra Robles, Rianne Ang, Dim-C Borbon, Dara Estioko, Heleynah Galan, Katrina Gamba, Leann Garin, Kadesha Gumabay, Franchette

Montezza, Niezel Nicolas, Erica Prado, Kimberly Villegas, Kiefer Francisco, Edith Garcia, Monica Joslyn, Dave Palomo, and Zhevriel Santos.

The show is directed by performer and stage manager Janji Gamboa. The production team includes Dramaturgy by Aidan Angan, Production Design by Mei Abendan, Set and Props Design by Katherine Fernando, Costume Design by Jara Vallejo, Makeup and Hair Design

by Angia Laurel, Lighting Design by Francyne Pagulayan, Composition and Sound Design by Jo Cadiz, Alec Gan, and Joshua Paraguya, and Poster Design by Lyza Seguin.

The Gracious Ones is co-presented by The Friends of the Arts and the Prado Family The 90-minute production will have shows at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the 6F Black Box of the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

Tickets are available at P350.

For ticket reservations and more information, visit www.facebook.com/novel.theater.

for the “Hear For It” podcast festival exemplifies our unwavering commitment to nurturing creator culture through our innovative G Creator Series. Storytelling is at the heart of designing and creating. Through initiatives like these, Globe continues to uplift the lives of Filipinos, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their unique voices,” said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Chief Marketing Officer at Globe.

At the festival, held on October 20 at the Glorietta 2 Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City, participants were given access to the Globe Creator Pod via the GlobeOne app.

By donating two Globe Rewards points to the Globe-led Hapag Movement, they were able to use the pod for 10 minutes, record their podcast, and upload it to their file.

The Hapag Movement is a Globeled effort to combat involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and sustainable livelihood support.

“Hear For It!” also featured thought leadership sessions and panel discussions with some of the country’s most prominent podcast creators, as well as learning workshops on podcasting tools and equipment, monetization, and mentorship from seasoned podcasters.

Podcast creators such as Bianca Gonzalez, Victor Anastasio, Ali Sangalang, Jim and Saab, The Koolpals, Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra, and Roanne and Tina were in attendance.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Podcasting has become a medium for people in providing both entertainment and information during the pandemic