Manila Standard - 2023 November 20 - Monday

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LGUS, SCHOOLS SUSPEND F2F CLASSES AS 3-DAY STRIKE STARTS

By Gabriellea Pariño and Rio N. Araja

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 278 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 •

THE Department of Education (DepEd) said Sunday it will leave it to local governments to decide whether to suspend classes to cope with a nationwide trans transport strike that begins today, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Au Authority (MMDA) said it will suspend the number-coding scheme.

The transport group Piston (Pinagkai (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opera Operators Nationwide) said its 100,000 mem mem-

bers would push through with the strike to dramatize its objection to the government’s Dec. 31 deadline for jeepney operators and drivers to consolidate as part of the the public utility vehicle modernization program.

In a statement, however, the DepEd said unless local government units announce the cancellation or suspension in their respective jurisdictions, schools will hold classes without disruption.

Classes in some areas have been suspended or will shift to online on Next page

I never blamed anyone—Marcos President says no need to forgive people behind dad's ouster in 1986

By Charles Dantes

S

AYING he never blamed anyone for the ouster of his father, President Marcos said he is not one to take things personally as he returned to Hawaii for the first time since their exile to the island-state over three decades ago.

ALOHA. President Marcos greets members of the Filipino community in Honolulu on Sunday (Manila time), including members of the Presidential Security Command – the predecessor of the Presidential Security Group – that escorted his family when they were flown to Hawaii over 30 years ago and have retired in the island-state since then.

Sara: UniTeam intact, but checking impeach rumors

Speaker: Nothing in the offing amid impeach VP talk

By Charles Dantes

By Charles Dantes and Rio N. Araja HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday denied claims that there was a move to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte amid talk of fractures inside the “UniTeam” coalition.

“I’m not aware of anything…There’s been nothing filed, no news of that,” Romualdez said in a chance interview in San Francisco, California, where he is part of President Marcos’ delegation to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

“I don’t know who your sources are but there’s nothing in the offing,” he added.

VICE President Sara Duterte on Sunday said she believed she still has the trust of President Marcos even as her office is doing "due diligence" on rumors that there are moves to impeach her.

"We're okay," Duterte said during a chance interview in Quezon City.

"I believe that I still have the trust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr," she added.

The vice president said that her office is looking into the reported impeachment efforts and would release a statement at the right time.

She also said she has no desire to run for the presidency in 2028.

"I did not really aspire to run for Vice President, more so for president. You all know that. As I have said, I don't want to run for president," she said.

"Everything we do, we can only plan, but it will truly be God’s plan that will prevail,” she added.

Her statement came

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Mindanao quake death toll climbs to 8 THE death toll following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Davao Occidental on Friday climbed to eight, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday.

The NDRRMC said 13 people were also reportedly injured.

It likewise recorded a total of 125 damaged houses and infrastructures in Davao City, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

President Marcos, who is set to return from Hawaii tonight, directed government officials to continue monitoring the situation in Mindanao.

“Let’s just be vigilant. Let’s keep watching. We must pay attention to aftershocks because sometimes maraming nagiging casualty sa aftershock,” he said in a online meeting with government officials.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 12 said nine national and provincial roads, as well as four bridges, were damaged in Soccsksargen.

OCD 12 information officer Jorie Mae Balmediano said that some of the damaged roads were already passable using one lane, but only for light vehicles.

Two bridges in Glan, and Next page

Nicaraguan bet crowned Miss Universe for first time

By Eton Concepcion and Angelica Villanueva Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Saturday at the 72nd edition of the pageant, held this year in El Salvador.

Palacios, 23, received the crown and sash from her predecessor, R'Bonney Gabriel from the United States.

This is the first time a contestant from Nicaragua has won the contest, with Thailand's Anntonia Porsild and Australia's Moraya Wilson rounding out the top three.

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“I hope by now you have realized hindi ako namemersonal.

They don’t need my forgiveness. If they want it, I’ll give it to them,” he said in an interview in Los Angeles hours before leaving for Honolulu.

“I don’t need to forgive them, I never blamed them, that’s the thing... If this is what they believe that they should do, then our beliefs were not just the same. I had to fight for my beliefs. They also pushed for what they believe is right,” he added.

In his speech before members of the Filipino community in Hawaii Sunday (Manila time), Mr. Marcos President Marcos recalled his time in Hawaii during their exile, thanking everyone who helped their family.

"We landed here in Honolulu with nothing, with nothing...

My family was flown from Malacañang Palace to Hickam (Air Force) Base and when we finally moved to Makiki Heights.. I see everyone of you, all of you were there). They were always there, we had nothing with us. If not because of you, maybe the Marcos family would have been no more," he said.

“When my mother (Imelda Marcos) found out I was coming to Honolulu, she said, ‘You make sure that you go back to all of those people who went out of their way to keep us comfortable and keep us alive.' That is something that I will carry in my heart, that the Marcos family will carry in our hearts, we'll tell our children about this and how wonderful you all were to us in that time.”

"We could not have survived that very difficult period if not for you. That's why when I went to San Francisco, I insisted we must pass by Hawaii because even if I thank you everyday for 1,000 years, it is not enough for all the things you did to us.”

Next page

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios

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Group questions Meralco’s franchise S UBSCRIBERS of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) are getting zero benefits from the utility’s franchise as the “economies of scale” that should cut costs are instead just bloating the company’s size and profits, a consumer advocate said.

"Usually in economies of scale, as we understand it, the larger you grow, the lower is your cost, so how come, the gargantuan franchise of Meralco has not been able to benefit us," consumer advocate Romeo Junia--who had been involved as intervenor in cases filed at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) related to power rates—said in a statement.

However, a Meralco representative said consumers have benefited from the company's operations, especially as its overall power rates have shown to be competitive compared to many jurisdictions.

"The IEC or International Energy Consultants, an international organization in its study concluded that Meralco's rates are fair and reason-

Speaker...

our military and police service. Let us not squander what we have accomplished by putting the AFP and the PNP in a bad light because of these baseless statements,” he added.

He said the accusations of the exPresident that the AFP and PNP were participating in political activities are unfair, citing their hard work to restore the uniformed service’s credibility and professionalism.

Dalipe, a majority leader, said Duterte must focus on prioritizing the country’s well-being over his political interests.

The days of military adventurism are over, he said, adding the AFP and PNP are focused on their constitutional mandate as pillars of the nation’s democracy and sovereignty.

“The AFP and the PNP have more important things to do than watching Congress as claimed by the former President. Our uniformed service must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain the highest degree of professionalism. Let us spare the AFP at PNP,” he said.

On a program aired on the Sonshine Media Network, the media company of Duterte’s spiritual advisor Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for sex trafficking and rape, the former president warned lawmakers to “watch the military and the police closely.”

“You who are conniving in Congress. I am not scaring you, but watch the military and the police closely,” the former president said.

He also said Romualdez would run in the next presidential election.

From A1

He described his working relationship with Duterte as “very good.”

Talk of an impeachment complaint emerged after House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said that there is "ongoing discussion with some congressmen" to oust the vice president.

But Castro, who recently filed a complaint against the vice president’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte for grave threats, said the socalled impeachment plot was mere talk.

Rumors of an impending impeachment also came after Congress removed P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds from the two government agencies Duterte heads.

Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos, defended the move, saying it was not politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Rep. Jose Dalipe urged former President Rodrigo Duterte to spare the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police from partisan intrigues.

“I respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our Armed Forces and National Police free from partisan politics. These institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation’s security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality,” he said.

“We have already achieved so much in our quest to professionalize

I never...

From A1

The Marcos family was forced

LGUs...

From A1

Monday, Nov. 20 following the magnitude 6.8 quake in Davao Occidental and a nationwide transport strike set by some operators and drivers of jeepneys.

Local government units: Camalig, Albay—All levels, public and private Cabuyao, Laguna—Face-to-face classes in all levels, public and private, to shift to online classes Calamba, Laguna—Face-to-face classes in all levels, public and private schools to shift to modular or online classes Pampanga—Suspension of inperson classes in all levels, public and private General Santos City—Suspension of classes at all levels, public and private, from Nov. 18 to 21; work suspension in government on Nov. 20 Davao Occidental—Province-wide suspension of classes, all levels, and work suspension in schools from Nov. 20–21 Universities: Adamson University: Synchronous online classes will be conducted in all levels Arellano University: Online classes via LMS will be conducted in all levels and branches from Nov. 20–22 Ateneo de Manila University: Undergraduate and graduate classes in the Schools of Education and Learn-

Mindanao...

From A1

another one in Malapatan, Sarangani were also damaged.

Balmediano also said that power supply in the region was already restored

able since it reflects the true cost as against other countries whose power costs are heavily subsidized by their governments," Meralco vice president and head of communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Junia said the consistent increase in power rates being charged by Meralco to its customers was puzzling as these should be on a downward trend in inverse proportion to its customer base.

Economies of scale normally lead to lower costs as the subscriber base grows, Junia said.

He said power rate hikes by Meralco defy sound business practices where the bigger the company grows, the lower its costs should be for consumers.

Sara:..

From A1

amid reports of a growing rift inside the "UniTeam" coalition, which was built to support the Marcos-Duterte tandem during the 2022 presidential election.

The impeachment talk followed a decision by Congress to remove P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds that were proposed for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, agencies that Duterte leads.

Also, the removal of a key Duterte ally, former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo as deputy speaker, further fueled talk of an impending impeachment.

Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, another Duterte supporter, has also been stripped of his role as deputy speaker.

In May, Duterte resigned her position as chairperson of Lakas-DMD, which was her top campaign donor in 2022, with P139 million in in-kind contributions.

Last week, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe dismissed talk of an impeachment bid against Duterte as “unfounded rumors.”

"The speculation of House leaders planning to impeach the vice president is unfounded," Dalipe said in a statement.

He said those circulating the rumor aimed to sow political division between the vice president and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“There is no truth in them. These rumors are without merit,” Dalipe said.

Dalipe also reassured supporters of the Vice President.

“If she has not committed any wrongdoing, there is no reason for concern about these baseless rumors,” he said.

Junia also expressed support to a call made by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez for a review of Meralco’s mega franchise as it has now grown too big for efficient management by a single entity.

Junia said the review was very timely because Meralco appears to have abandoned its franchise duty to provide services at the least cost manner as the upward trend of power rates would show.

But for Zaldarriaga, Meralco rates are “fair,” which is the result of the company’s constant efforts to source the least cost available supply, through among others conduct of competitive selection process, despite challenging circumstances. Alena Mae Flores Last week, the Supreme Court was asked to order the Office of the Vice President to return the P125 million confidential funds it spent in 2022 to the government’s treasury, saying these were "unconstitutional."

The petitioners said the transfer of funds from the Office of the President to the OVP was an exercise of legislative power.

Duterte welcomed the filing of the petition, saying this would give her a chance to clear her name.

The petitioners included former Commission on Elections chairman Augusto Lagman, Constitution framer Christian Monsod, former Finance undersecretary Maria Cielo Magno, Commission on Filipinos Overseas chairperson Imelda Nicolas, and lawyer Ibarra Gutierrez III, ex-spokesman of 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,” their petition said.

“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."

The petitioners argued that there is no “delegated legislative power” in the transfer and that confidential funds do not fall under the funding allowed by the contingent fund.

The transfer, they said, was also a circumvention of accountability.

Qatar PM: Only 'minor' challenges to Israel-Hamas hostage agreement A DEAL to free hostages Hamas seized in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel now hinges on "minor" practical issues, Qatar's prime minister said Sunday, without giving details or a timeline.

"The challenges that remain in the negotiations are very minor compared to the bigger challenges, they are more logistical, they are more practical," Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told a joint press conference with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Qatar has helped broker talks aiming to free some of the 240 hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire, a mediation effort that has so far led to the release of four hostages.

"The deal is going through ups and downs from time to time throughout the last few weeks," the premier said.

"I think that I'm now more confident that we are close enough to reach a deal that can bring the people safely back to their homes."

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 attacks, which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw the 240 hostages taken.

The army's relentless air and ground campaign has since killed 12,300 people, more than 5,000 of them children, according to the Hamas government which has ruled Gaza since 2007.

The United States said Saturday it was still working to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas after the Washington Post reported there was a tentative agreement to free women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a pause in fighting.

Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said all parties would halt combat operations for at least five days while some hostages were to be released in batches. AFP

Nicaraguan...

From A1

to move out of the country after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

Mr. Marcos is in Honolulu for the last leg of his six-day working visit to the United States where

he attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and met with various world leaders.

The President is scheduled to visit the United States Indo-

ing Design, Humanities, Management, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences will be held online from Nov. 20 to 23. However, onsite classes will resume as soon as the strike ends.

De La Salle University-Manila campus: Classes in all levels, including non-critical work, will shift to online from Nov. 20 to 22 De La Salle University-Laguna: In-person classes in all levels from preschool to college, including noncritical work, will shift to online from Nov. 20 to 22.

Far Eastern University-Manila and Makati: Online classes will be conducted FEU High School: Synchronous online classes will be conducted Mapua University: Synchronous online classes will be conducted for all levels Miriam College-Loyola Heights: Basic Education Unit, Skills Development and Technical Education Center, and Higher Education Unit will shift to online classes from Nov. 20 to 21 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila: Classes will shift to synchronous online classes from Nov. 20 to 22 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina: All classes will shift to asynchronous mode from Nov. 20 to 22 Polytechnic University of the Philippines: All campuses will shift to online mode of classes from Nov. 20 to 22 University of the East-Manila and Caloocan Campus: Classes in all levels will shift to online synchronous from Nov. 20 and 21

University of the Philippines-Diliman: Classes will shift to remote or asynchronous learning modes from Nov. 20 to 22 University of the Philippines Integrated School: Classes will shift to synchronous or asynchronous mode from Nov. 20–22 University of the Philippines-Manila: Classes will shift to synchronous and/or asynchronous mode on Nov. 20 University of the Philippines-Los Baños: Classes shall be delivered via remote or asynchronous mode on Nov. 20 University of Santo Tomas: Classes and office work will shift to the “enriched virtual mode” and remote arrangements on Nov. 20 No number coding The number coding in Metro Manila will be suspended except in Makati, the MMDA said.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the suspension is in anticipation of some transport routes being affected by the strike.

However, Artes said they will evaluate the need for further suspension of the number coding on a daily basis.

At the same time, he advised the public to stay at home if going out is not important or going out can be postponed.

He told the commuters to brace for heavier traffic.

Piston president Mody Floranda said they are not against consolidation as long as the government would assure them that they would still own

their franchise under the modernization program.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said he would personally monitor the transport strike today on the eastbound lanes of Commonwealth Avenue near the University of the Philippines and Philcoa near Shell as early as 5:30 a.m.

The LTFRB identified routes that may be affected by today’s strike — Novaliches-Malinta along General Luis, Shelter Ville-Novaliches, Bagumbong-Novaliches, DeparoNovaliches, Paco-Sta. Mesa, Monumento Area Catmon, Alabang Area, Baclaran, A. Francisco St.-San Andres Bukid and NIA-NPC to Mindanao Avenue.

Guadiz said the government is fully prepared to deal with the strike, with free rides to be offered to stranded commuters.

The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), another major transport alliance, announced Sunday that it will not join the Piston-led strike.

In an interview with radio dzBB, FEJODAP national president Jephraim Gochangco said they would not join the strike out of concern for commuters, who will be most affected by the protest action.

He apologized to their colleagues and said he sympathized with their grievances, but said their first concern was for the commuters.

Palacios, who said she considers humility and gratitude for little things as her main qualities, bested 84 contestants during a week of competitions that included posing in swimsuits, evening gowns, and traditional dresses.

In her final answer to the jury, Palacios emphasized the importance of equal pay regardless of gender so that women can "work in any area."

"There is no limit for women," she said.

Each participant paraded on a stage set up in the newly renovated Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium, in the capital San Salvador.

The organizers of the gala, which was attended by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, also announced that the next edition will be held in Mexico.

The Philippines’ Michelle Dee made it to the Top 10 out of a field of 84 candidates.

Dee was a standout in her Apo Whang Od tattoo-inspired evening gown designed by Mark Bumgarner after impressing the audience in a one-piece red swimwear during the Top 10 swimwear competition.

She won the Spirit Cruise Award and was named one of the Gold Winners for the pageant’s “Voice for Change” category along with candidates from Angola and Puerto Rico.

Each candidate will receive a $12,000 cash prize.

Dee’s entry focuses on advocating for autism acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment.

The Top 20 group was a showcase of diversity and inclusivity with Miss Nepal 2023 Jane Dipika Garrett, the first plus-size contestant; Miss Colombia Maria Camilla Montanes, a mother; the first transgender Miss Netherlands Marina Machete; and a first-ever Miss Pakistan Universe Erica Robin.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Peru’s Camila Escribens, El Salvador’s Isabella García-Manzo, Venezuela’s Diana Silva, Spain’s Athenea Pérez, and Venezuela’s Diana Silva. With AFP

on Saturday, but the municipality of Glan and some areas in General Santos City still experience intermittent power outages.

There were also no problems with food and water supplies among affected individuals, he said.

Based on the latest Depart-

ment of Social Welfare and Development report, there were 951 families or 1,229 individuals in 25 villages affected by the earthquake.

The DSWD also reported an initial P5.1 million worth of aid to families affected by the earth-

quake.

The DSWD Field Office-12 distributed 6,500 family food packs (FFPs) to Sarangani province and General Santos City.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development meanwhile has activated

its shelter cluster teams in earthquake-affected regions in Mindanao.

The affected regional offices were also tasked to submit daily situation reports to the DHSUD central office. Vince Lopez and Rio Araja

Pacific Command and hold a roundtable meeting at the Daniel Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies before returning to the country tonight (Monday evening).

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IN BRIEF

GSIS to start release of Christmas cash gifts

Agents arrest fake military officer in Biñan BIÑAN City--Thirty-eight assorted firearms, assorted magazines, and thousands of rounds of ammunition were confiscated following a raid in Biñan City over the weekend.

Authorities raided several residences at Amsterdam St., Town and Country, Barangay Langkiwa in Biñan City and arrested Jose Francisco Ramos III, who is the subject of the search warrant.

Ramos introduced himself as an AFP officer and was “recruiting” through social media individuals who wanted to join the Philippine Wildlife Sentinel Unified Command, which turned out to be a bogus group.

Ramos is also not part of any organization under the AFP, authorities also said.

Members of the CIDG Laguna Provincial Field Unit, joint Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) teams implemented the five search warrants for the raid. Roy Tomandao

Bataan opens first mobile vet services clinic BATAAN Governor Joet Garcia announced that the province now has the very first mobile veterinary clinic in Central Luzon.

The governor attended the “blessing” of the 1Bataan Mobile Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory which was on Tuesday at the provincial capitol compound.

Garcia said with the facility’s opening, veterinary services in the province are now more accessible.

He said the mobile veterinary clinic is currently providing services in Morong town where the monthlong Bisita Bayan program is being held. Butch Gunio

By Julito G. Rada

BELENISIMO. A ‘belen’ is on display at the ‘16th Belenisimo sa Tarlac 2023’ at the Robinsons Mall in Tarlac. Around 36 ‘belen’ are on display as part the contest participated by different municipalities in the city. Manny Palmero

STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will start releasing more than P3.47 billion in Christmas cash gifts to its old-age and disability pensioners on Dec. 6.

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said over the weekend that the amount to be received by over 300,000 qualified GSIS pensioners is equivalent to a one-month pension up to a maximum of P10,000. The money will be credited to pensioners’ GSIS eCard.

Veloso said GSIS old-age and disability pensioners who are receiving their regular monthly pensions and are living as of Nov. 30, 2023, are qualified to receive the Christmas cash gift.

“If their pensions are suspended as of Dec. 31, 2023, because they failed to comply with the Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR), we will still give their cash gift after they comply,” Veloso said.

PH fleet gets 2 more attack ships T

HE Philippine Fleet (PF) received two more fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms, also known as the Aceroclass gunboats from Israel.

The PF is the naval warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and a part of the Philippine Navy.

The gunboats were delivered Saturday through the cargo ship Kogra Royal and are now at the Commodore East Posadas Wharf in Cavite City for enhancement, maintenance, and training, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidle said in a statement.

The platforms will be commissioned

as PG-906 and PG-907 under the Acero-class patrol vessels of the Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force.

The delivery is part of the FAIC Acquisition Project of the Revised AFP Modernization Program Horizon 2 contracted with Israel Shipyards, which includes a total of nine platforms, and the transfer of technology to bolster the Philippine Navy’s shipbuilding capability.

With the delivery and pending commissioning of PG-906 and PG-907, the Philippine Navy now has six Aceroclass gunboats.

The first two Acero-class gunboats-BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902)--were delivered in September 2022 and commissioned in November of the same year.

The third and fourth FAICs, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) were delivered in April and commissioned the following month.

“It (deliveries) marks another milestone in the Fleet’s resolve of reinforc-

ing the country’s littoral/coastal defense with modern fast patrol combat vessels that have proven to be highly reliable in addressing current and emerging threats, and transnational crimes,” Badidles said.

The remaining three Acero-class gunboats are expected to be constructed and delivered within the next two years.

Four of the FAICs will be armed with non-line-of-sight missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

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‘Arrest of suspected large-scale onion smuggler a key milestone’

By Rio N. Araja

S

PEAKER Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded the recent apprehension of a suspected large-scale onion smuggler as a “crucial milestone” in the government’s on-going battle against smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products.

The Speaker credited the arrest of lative branches in the fight against agriJayson de Roxas Taculog in Batangas cultural smuggling adversely affecting last Wednesday to the “collaborative ef ef- Filipino farmers and consumers. forts” between the executive and legis“Through these concerted efforts, we are

witnessing tangible improvements in the agricultural sector. We stand firm in our duty to assist our citizens and ensure the resilience of our nation’s food security,” Romualdez said.

He acknowledged the effective coordination among the police, the courts, and local governments, underscoring the commitment to safeguard the interests of the Filipino farmers and consumers in the drive against smuggling of agricultural products.

Romualdez specifically commended the Bureau of Customs led by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio for its “exemplary work

in apprehending Taculog and thwarting large-scale agricultural smuggling, a vital step in curbing economic sabotage.”

As part of broader legislative efforts, Romualdez reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to support President Marcos’ initiatives for food security and fair market practices.

He stressed the need for on-going support to farmers through technology, funding and equipment to ensure a stable agricultural supply and combat anti-competitive practices.

DAY OF THE GIANTS.

Spectators make way for the parade of giants made up of poles and paper mache marching along Quezon Ave. in Angono, Rizal during the town’s ‘Higantes Festival 2023’ on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023). The annual feast honors St. Clement, the patron saint of fishermen.

Joey O. Razon

IN BRIEF Caloocan frontliners study sign language FOR a more effective and inclusive performance of their duties, Caloocan City’s public service personnel underwent a two-day sign language training being spearheaded by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

The training covered Caloocan’s frontliners, persons with disability (PWD) in the barangays, and other groups involved in the delivery of services to the deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The program also featured sensitivity training aimed at proper communication with people from other disability types, including visual, mental, intellectual, learning, speech, psychosocial, physical, cancer, and rare disease.

Michael Ramos, PDAO officer-incharge, thanked Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan for “supporting these initiatives that may seem simple and mundane, but have an unquantifiable impact on the relay of services to PWD communities in the city.”

“We are thankful for this opportunity to learn this simple way to communicate with the deaf and those hard of hearing. This also involves the proper way to share, chat, and immerse with persons with disabilities so that the initiatives for caring and helping will come from our frontliners,” Ramos said.

Malapitan likewise underscored the significance of having more accessible services for the PWDs. Jun David

Solon eyes longer term for village officials

‘Reassessed’ Senate panel approves hike in literacy survey fund families to get 4Ps cash aid

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

MORE than 761,000 “reassessed” families are set to receive cash aid from the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in time for the Christmas celebration.

The DSWD decided to renew the payout of cash aid to 761,140 “reassessed” households under the 4Ps program, including their withheld subsidies from January to September.

The 23-strong minority bloc in Congress led by 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan hailed the DSWD move.

“We are grateful to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for allowing the 761,140 reassessed householdbeneficiaries to retroactively enjoy their much-needed cash grants starting November 30,” Libanan said in a statement on Sunday.

“In a recent consultative meeting between House minority members and Secretary Gatchalian, we had requested the resumption of the subsidies once the review of the conditions of the beneficiaries is completed.

Right now, many poor families are getting distressed by soaring food prices. They have very little means to survive, and keeping them under the 4Ps will provide them meaningful relief,” he added.

A total of 1,158,249 households previously identified as “non-poor” went through a DSWD reassessment using social welfare and development indicators.

THE Senate Committee on Finance adopted Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s proposal to increase the budget for the implementation of the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).

FLEMMS is a nationwide householdbased survey that gathers information on basic and functional literacy rates, as well as educational skills qualifications.

Under the Senate finance committee report on the proposed 2024 national budget, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will receive P208.97 million for the implementation of the FLEMMS. The amount is 254.3 percent higher than the P58.9 million under the proposed National Expenditure Program.

Gatchalian originally proposed an additional P160 million for the implementation of the FLEMMS next year.

During the hearing on the proposed

budget of the PSA, Gatchalian raised the possibility of making the data more granular by conducting the survey all the way up to the city level.

“This will help the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to identify areas where we have high illiteracy rates, so we can launch programs that will improve education outcomes in those places,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

RENOVATED PLAYGROUND.

Children play and frolic at the newlyopened playground at the Burnham green field in Luneta Park, replacing the demolished facility that used to be maintained by the National Parks Development Committee. Now the area is under the jurisdiction of the National Museum.

Danny Pata

AGUSAN del Norte Rep. Dale Corvera is seeking a longer term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to avoid repeated postponement of their elections.

Corvera filed House Bill No. 9557 setting the term of office of barangay and SK officials to five years, with only one reelection.

The proposed setup was meant to ward off repeated postponement of village-based elections.

Corvera cited Section 8, Article X of the 1987 Constitution which provides the term of office of elected officials to three years, except barangay officials which will be determined by law but limited to three consecutive terms.

The Local Government Code of 1991 has fixed their term of office of elective officials at three years with a term limit of three consecutive terms.

The last postponement of the barangay and SK elections was through Republic Act No. 11935, which the Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional, paving the way for the October 30 barangay and SK elections to push through.

“The adjustment of the term of office from 3 to 5 years will hopefully concretize ‘genuine periodic elections’ for barangay and SK officials as well as minimize election expenses which our country incur due to frequent elections,” Corvera said. Rio N. Araja

Video message of bus shooting victim released by family

By Vince Lopez THE siblings of a woman shot dead inside a passenger bus in Nueva Ecija have released a video indicating a strained relationship with her son.

“I made this video to say that my son has no right to stay in my house or take my crop,” the victim said in the video

shown on Sunday over GMA News.

Police considered the victim’s son, against whom she filed robbery and carnapping charges, as a possible person of interest in the double murder case.

However, the son’s camp responded that the video was taken at the height of the mother-son feud, but the two had already forgiven each other before the

SC: Writ of continuing mandamus cannot be used for drug war probe

By Rey E. Requejoo THE Supreme Court ruled that the writ of continuing mandamus is a remedy only available in environmental cases and cannot be used to compel a probe on actions relating to the government’s anti-illegal drug operations.

In an en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, the SC dismissed the petition for mandamus filed by Anna May V. Baquirin, Mary Jane N. Real, Maria Lulu G. Reyes, Joan Dymphna G. Saniel, and Evalyn G. Ursua seeking to compel concerned heads of law enforce-

ment agencies to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killings, in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

The respondents included then Philippine National Police Director-General now Senator Ronald dela Rosa, then Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon (deceased), and then Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. The petitioners said the respondents failed to adequately perform their duty to prevent violations of the right to life and to investigate and prosecute them.

shooting happened.

Meanwhile, the family of the woman’s live-in partner who was also killed refused to talk about the incident, saying they were still in mourning.

In a viral video of the incident, two male passengers told the driver of the Manilabound bus that they would like to get off at the town of Carranglan in Nueva Ecija.

The men suddenly brought out their .45 caliber pistols and gunned down the two passengers sitting in the first row.

The victims were repeatedly shot in the head and neck.

On Friday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued a show cause order to Victory Liner Inc. due to its alleged failure to protect its passengers.

UNIQUE PROCESSION.

Members of Manila’s Indian Sikh community hold a procession along United Nations Ave. from the Khalsa Diwan temple in celebration of the birthday of the founder of their religion, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Norman Cruz

OPINION

A5

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com HONOR BLANCO CABIE, Editor

EDITORIAL

No one left behind

The thaw THE setting was perfect.

Away from the madding crowd, sheltered in a huge estate in the rolling hills off the California coast called Filoli, the two most powerful leaders of the world met.

supply chains.

Meanwhile, in another meeting, Japan’s Kishida and China’s Xi committed to a “mutually beneficial relationship,” despite serious national security and economic rifts.

‘Détente,’ the international media described the talks between the two Asian neighbors, whose history has been marred by bloodshed and conflict.

Focus was on improving trade -economics in short, rather than geopolitics.

Xi harped on the need to handle divergent views ‘adequately’ grasping the “flow of current times.” Nice words, but words only.

The Chinese president, successor to Mao in longevity of power, was doing a Maoist ‘one step backwards, two steps forwar,d, with the whole world none the wiser as to when the two steps will be made.

Far from being a dance of the sabers, Xi was simply warming up the temperature that has caused the world to be on edge.

With Ukraine and Russia still at war, with Israel pounding Gaza to rid it of the Hamas terrorists, the human suffering in both theaters of conflict incalculable, China could have upped its pressure on Taiwan, the lynch pin of its conflict with the Western powers and its Asian allies.

Even this writer at one point feared that after the surprise attack on Israel, China might cause tensions in the Taiwan Strait to heat up further, taking advantage of America’s divided attention.

But China did not, and, instead, in the cadence of the Maoist dance, showed diplomatic smiles rather than confrontative stance.

Xi also had a short meeting on the sidelines of the APEC confab with our president, who brought up the plight of our fishermen, the sector most disadvantaged by the WPS conflict, and asked that both Chinese and Filipinos should fish in the same waters without bullying by the superpower.

Whether the PLA and its tentacles would listen, only time will tell.

It is a ‘vamos a ver’ situation, with no concrete assurances made, only cordial smiles.

One could read into the one step back and a future two steps forward of the Chinese leader as a concession to domestic troubles that bedevil China’s economy.

Like the rest of the world, China’s economy is in deflated state, with growth figures drastically down, debts both public and private growing to unsustainable levels, and trade with the rest of the world tapered.

Thus, thaw is better addressed towards frosty relations with rivals in the world stage.

In our next column, we will see how this thaw is playing out in the Taiwan situation.

—“—

Far from being a dance of the sabers, Xi was simply warming up the temperature that has caused the world to be on edge

Biden broke the ice in a four-hour meeting by greeting Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, a happy birthday.

The Chinese first lady shares the same birthdate as the American president, November 20, although the latter is 20 years older than she is.

No earth-shaking agreements came out of the historic meeting, billed as a tete-a-tete between two estranged friends, with relations between the two superpowers having been strained by worsening trade relations and the status of Taiwan.

Official statements by both sides averred that Taiwan was on the table, where Xi asked Biden to restrict arms sales to the island nation it considers a renegade province. Whether Biden agreed or not was not in the official release.

As it should not, per the rules of diplomacy where unfinished issues are not disclosed.

About the only conclusions seen after the ‘summit’ was an agreement for China to curb production of the ingredients that make fentanyl, and more significantly, that military to military communications would be resumed, one that stopped after the contentious visit of Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last year.

Both agreed to pick up the phone to prevent the worst, as part of steps to prevent disagreements to turn into irreparable conflict.

Not even climate change, one of the pressing issues where both sides are the world’s worst offenders, was discussed.

The face-off turned into a seemingly cordial thaw in icy relations, although Biden in his press conference afterwards still distastefully referred to Xi as a ‘dictator.’

Even if true, it was a sour note.

Still and all, as Morris Chang, the venerable founder of Taiwan’s giant TSMC, the world’s biggest supplier of microchips and Taiwan’s representative to the APEC summit in San Francisco, said, the Biden-Xi meeting would help reduce tensions in the Asia-Pacific and promote reliable

W

in four days.

Each beneficiary would get P2,000 worth of assistance.

Of this amount, P950 would be for a 25-kilo sack of rice (computed at P38 a kilo) and the balance in cash for the purchase of other food items.

HAT can P670 million do? On the part of the legislative and executive branches of government, plenty.

on its evaluation of prevailing circumstances.

CARD is a timely and appropriate response by the administration in light of the high cost of rice and other goods.

It will enable impoverished Filipino families to gain access to the staple food at better prices.

At the same time, it will serve to prevent rice hoarding and price manipulation by unscrupulous traders.

The recent launch of the Cash and Rice Distribution program coincided with the introduction of the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Laguna following its successful introduction in give other provinces.

With an initial funding of at least P1 billion, this is expected to benefit, at first, more than 400,000 Filipinos seeking to avail themselves of more than 60 services offered by various government agencies, including health and medical support, as well as livelihood and educational assistance.

What is clear from this is that the government is making big strides in poverty alleviation programs aimed at making no one left behind in the country’s push toward sustained and inclusive economic growth.

—“—

Working in tandem, the House of Representatives and the Department of Social Work and Community Development recently launched a program to distribute P670 million worth of financial and rice assistance to an initial 335,000 poor Filipino families in Metro Manila and Laguna.

According to Speaker Martin Romualdez, the program, called the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) plan, has been started simultaneously in Metro Manila’s 17 localities as well as in Biñan and Sta. Rosa City in Laguna province.

It will eventually be implemented nationwide to benefit some 2.5 million Filipinos at an estimated cost of P5 billion.

Each of Metro Manila’s 33 legislative districts would have 10,000 beneficiaries, while Biñan City and Sta. Rosa City would have a total 5,000 recipients who would each get cash and rice in batches

CARD is a timely and appropriate response by the administration in light of the high cost of rice and other goods Funding for the program would come from the budget set aside for the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.

The DSWD would identify the beneficiaries, which would include, apart from indigent Filipinos, persons with disability, senior citizens, solo parents, and indigenous peoples.

The agency could increase the amount of financial aid in some areas depending

Easements for internet connectivity should be lease-free

—“—

Updating obsolete policies in the emerging digital economy should be proactive, comprehensive, and inclusive Philippines, former Rep. Kit Belmonte, in a statement urged Congress to remove lease payment for digital infrastructure in all public and private spaces in support of the principle that internet connectivity should be basic utility available for all.

We support pending legislation in the House of Representatives which will amend the 46-year-old building code to be responsive to broadband connectivity demand of a digital economy.

Among the amendments proposed in House Bill 8534 authored by Rep. Joey Salceda is to recognize “that communications and digital connectivity are considered a basic human right and plays a critical role in our nation’s transformation to a digitally enabled and competitive country in the digital global economy” and “provide for all buildings and structure and property developments, a framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, maintenance, and ensure connectivity prior to occupancy.”

On the other hand, House Bill 900 filed by Rep. Christian Yap amends the minimum requirements for all buildings to have “Telecommunications facilities such as in-building solutions and fiber optic cabling for high capacity and high-speed requirements.”

Updating obsolete policies in the emerging digital economy should be proactive, comprehensive, and inclusive, taking into account the multifaceted nature of digital transformation and its impact on various sectors of society.

There is, however, another policy that needs to be quickly updated to address the issue of real estate developers or property owners charging exorbitant lease for the installation of fiber optic cables and other equipment needed so broadband services are available for occupants of their establishment.

This is happening in commercial, office, or residential buildings whether government or private owned.

It’s interesting to compare this with water and electricity providers.

Under the National Building Code, they don’t have to pay leases to developers to install their services and required as an integrated facility in the design of a building.

The same should be for easements needed for internet connectivity.

Though legal and within the rights of private property owners to be compensated for the use of their space, this shows how the reality of broadband services as an essential utility has become an income opportunity not just for private property owners but for government agencies notorious for not paying their utility bills.

In the large malls, the annual cost to lease the space for fiber-optic cables can reach hundreds of millions.

This will definitely add to the operating costs of internet service providers, which will eventually be reflected in the cost for consumers.

Resources spent on lease payments could have been invested in more network expansion and upgrades benefiting more developments and users.

Our co-convenor in CitizenWatch

ACCESS to fast broadband is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline in our digital world.

It’s like a superhighway that connects us to work, school, family and friends.

It brings the world to our fingertips, from the latest news to our favorite shows.

It makes online shopping a breeze and even allows us to consult with doctors from the comfort of our homes.

In essence, fast broadband isn’t just about speed, it’s about enhancing our lives in countless ways.

The internet has become so integral to our lives that access is increasingly seen as a basic human right and was even declared by the United Nations in 2016 as essential for freedom of opinion and expression and added to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

According to GlobalData, the outlook for fixed broadband lines in the next five years is likely to increase to approximately 71 percent, that is if the current digital transformation push by government and the investments in fiber network infrastructure of private telcos are not delayed.

Executive Order 32 mandates the streamlining of the permitting process for telecommunications and internet infrastructure already in effect since the President signed the directive in July.

It institutionalized the continuity of expedited permitting telecommunications towers earlier implemented through a multi-agency joint memorandum circular which requires all agencies and local governments to strictly follow set guidelines aimed at eliminating costly delays.

‘Bring them home’: Marching for days, families of Gaza hostages reach Jerusalem JERUSALEM—Clutching photos of their missing loved ones, hundreds of relatives of hostages snatched into Gaza on Oct. 7 marched into Jerusalem on Saturday to demand answers from the Israeli government.

The families, their faces etched with exhaustion and stress, were joined by thousands of supporters on the march which set out Tuesday from the coastal city of Tel Aviv, urging action to bring to the release of captives.

Since Hamas militants surged out of Gaza six weeks ago and, according to Israeli officials, seized some 240 hostages, their families and friends have waged a determined publicity campaign to secure their freedom.

“Bring them home now!” the marchers chanted as they walked into Jerusalem, the seat of the Israeli government, many carrying placards with the faces of the kidnapped.

One of the posters read: “Mum we’re waiting for you. Come back.”

Many were draped in blue-and-white Israeli flags as they walked the final stretch to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The march was organised by Yuval Haran, whose father was killed and mother kidnapped to Gaza along with six other family members.

Earlier this week, the Israeli army confirmed finding the bodies of two hostages inside the bombarded Palestinian territory.

“We can’t lose any more people,” Haran told the marchers.

Relatives, who quickly formed the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in the wake of the attacks, have consistently criticised the government for failing to keep them informed, and say release efforts should be an absolute priority of Israel’s military campaign.

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—“—

So far, the Red Cross has not been able to meet with any of the hostages

‘How can we sleep?’

As they approached Netanyahu’s office, they stopped briefly to release hundreds of yellow helium balloons into the sky, many supporters in tears as they gazed into the sky.

“I want the government to bring them home to us,” said Dvora Cohen, 43, whose brother-in-law and 12-year-old nephew and are both believed held in Gaza.

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

“I want the world to help us, I want the Red Cross to do its job, to go into Gaza and see if they are alive, see what they need, if they are getting medical help,” she told AFP. So far, the Red Cross has not been able to meet with any of the hostages, Israel’s top diplomat Eli Cohen said this week, and the families say they have had no news from the Israeli government about negotiations to secure their release.

“We want answers,” said Ari Levi, 68, who had two family members taken by Palestinian militants from Nir Oz, a kibbutz community near the Gaza border: his cousin Ohad, 49, and Ohad’s 12-yearold son Eitan.

Eitan was seen in social media footage from the day of the attack thrown onto the back of a motorbike and driven away by militants.

“It’s not normal to have children kidnapped for 43 days. We don’t know what

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

the government is doing, we don’t have any information,” Levi told AFP. He said rumors which started circulating in recent days that the army had found more bodies in Gaza have sent anxiety levels through the roof.

“As soon as there’s a rumor like that —how can we sleep? We don’t know anything. Nobody (from the government) has spoken to us. They say: ‘Yes we’re with you.’ but they don’t give us any information,” he said.

‘Do something’ The war began when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, Israeli officials say, and kidnapping around 240 others including Israelis and foreigners, women, children and elderly people.

Israel hit back with massive military assault which the Hamas-run government says has killed 12,300 people in Gaza, mostly civilians. AFP

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

A6

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

TRUCE CALL.

Demonstrators supporting Palestinians rally for a ceasefire in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Sunday. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 attacks which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians in southern Israel, and saw about 240 people taken hostage. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says the death toll from the military offensive has since killed 12,000 people, including 5,000 children. AFP

Biden: Gaza, West Bank must be ‘reunited’ WASHINGTON—Gaza and the West Bank should eventually be “reunited” under a new Palestinian Authority, US President Joe Biden said in an opinion piece Saturday, as questions swirl over the future of the region once Israel achieves its goal of crushing the Hamas militant group.

“As we strive for peace, Gaza and the West Bank should be reunited under a single governance structure, ultimately under a revitalized Palestinian Authority, as we all work toward a two-state solution,” Biden wrote in the piece published in The Washington Post.

Israel’s top ally Washington has given its full backing to the country’s response to the October 7 shock attack by Hamas, which left 1,200 dead, mostly civilians. About 240 people were taken hostage.

But as the death toll from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues to climb—to 12,300 people, including more than 5,000 children, according to the Hamas government—the United States has voiced concerns over the manner of the strikes and questions over the long-term future of the territory once Hamas is vanquished.

“A two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Though right now it may seem like that future has never been further away, this crisis has made it more imperative than ever,” Biden said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not reject Biden’s plan, but said the Palestinian Authority “in its current form is not capable of receiving responsibility for Gaza.”

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has not condemned the Hamas attack and his senior ministers are celebrating it, Netanyahu said.

“We can’t have a civilian authority in Gaza that supports terror, encourages terror, pays terror, and teaches terror,” he said at a news conference. AFP

Gaza’s hospital a ‘death zone,’ WHO says, urging evacuation G

AZA’S largest hospital has become a “death zone,” the World Health Organization said Sunday, announcing plans to evacuate the facility, as Israel’s army said it was expanding operations to destroy Hamas.

The assessment came after a visit by WHO and other UN officials to the hospital, which Israeli troops raided earlier this week.

Elsewhere, a Hamas health official said more than 80 people were killed Saturday in twin strikes on a northern Gaza refugee camp, including on a UN school sheltering displaced people.

Social media videos verified by AFP showed bodies covered in blood and dust on the floor of a building where mattresses had been wedged under school tables, in

Jabalia, the Palestinian territory’s biggest refugee camp.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA, described “horrifying images” from the incident, while Egypt called the bombing a “war crime” and “a deliberate insult to the United Nations”.

A separate strike Saturday on another building in Jabalia camp killed 32 people from the same family, 19 of them children, Hamas health authorities said.

Without mentioning the strikes, the Is-

been a key focus in recent days, with Israeli forces alleging Hamas uses it as a command center -- a claim denied by the group and medical staff.

On Sunday, the WHO described the hospital as a “death zone”, with a mass grave at the entrance and nearly 300 patients left inside with 25 health workers.

It said it was planning “the immediate evacuation of the remaining patients, staff and their families”, warning, however, that nearby facilities were already overstretched and urging an immediate ceasefire given the “extreme suffering of the people of Gaza.”

On Saturday, hundreds of people fled the hospital on foot on orders from the Israeli army, according to the facility’s director. AFP

India considering new vertical shaft to free 41 trapped tunnel workers

HOPES HIGH FOR 41.

Rescue workers stand during the weekend at an entrance of the under construction road tunnel, Manila days after it Standard collapsed in TODAY the Uttarkashi district of India’s Uttarakhand.

Indian rescuers said they had paused efforts to reach 41 men trapped in a collapsed road tunnel – but have high hopes to bring the 41 home alive. AFP

DEHRADUN, India—Indian rescuers are con- CYAN after being asked to YELLOW help.

MAGENTA BLACK sidering opening a vertical shaft to free 41 men “We are discussing right now our options for the trapped in a collapsed tunnel after drilling at the safe rescue of these men,” Dix told India Today. site was paused over fears of further cave-ins Experts have warned about the impact of and as efforts stretched into a second week. extensive construction in Uttarakhand, where Excavators have been removing earth, con- large parts of the state are prone to landslides. crete and rubble from the under-construction Dix said the tunnel was in “one of the most tunnel in the northern Himalayan state of Utta- difficult areas”, but said he was confident they rakhand since last Sunday after a portion of the would be rescued. tunnel the workers were in collapsed.

“We are going to bring those 41 men home,” Rescue efforts have been slowed by continued he said. falling debris as well as repeated breakdowns of Drilling through the tonnes of debris was the crucial heavy drilling machines, with the air paused late Friday, after a cracking sound creforce having to twice airlift in new kit. ated a “panic situation,” officials said.

Tunnel expert Arnold Dix, an independent Operations were then halted due to the posdisaster investigator and president of the Inter- sibility of “further collapse”, said the governnational Tunnelling and Underground Space ment’s highways and infrastructure company, Association, said he was on his way to India NHIDCL. AFP

Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judicial Region METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT Mandaluyong City BRANCH 101 metc1mdl101@judiciary.gov.ph / 0961 566 3226 / 7379-0235 PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff/s, -versus-

raeli army said “an incident in the Jabalia region” was under review.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the October 7 attacks, which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 240 people taken hostage.

The army’s relentless air and ground campaign has since killed 12,300 people, more than 5,000 of them children, according to the Hamas government, which has ruled Gaza since 2007.

The UN says some 1.6 million people have been displaced inside the Gaza Strip by six weeks of fighting, and Israel said Saturday its military was now “expanding its operational activities in additional neighbourhoods in the area of the Gaza Strip.”

Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has

Civil Case No. M-MND-22-01677-CV For: Recovery of Possession with Application for Preliminary Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Sum of Money

SPS. GARVIN PER G. PALAD AND LIEZA DIANNE G. PALAD JOHN DOE, Defendant/s x---------------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS TO: SPS. GARVIN PER G. PALAD AND LIEZA DIANNE G. PALAD AND JOHN DOE 123 Chateau Verde Condominium E. Rodriguez Jr Ave., Ugong Pasig City and to GP2 Water Station Del Pilar Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija GREETINGS: You are hereby required to file with this Court your Answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes and the Case Information Statement within ten (10) days after the service of this Summons and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff/s within the same period.

The Rules of Summary Procedure shall apply in this case and you are prohibited from filing Motion to Dismiss, for the Bill of Particulars or for Extension of Time to File Pleadings.

Should you fail to file your Answer within the reglementary period, this Court motu proprio or on motion of the plaintiff/s, shall render judgment as may be warranted by the facts alleged in the Complaint and limited to what is prayed for therein, except as to the amount of damages, which this Court may reduced in its discretion.

WITNESS THE HONORABLE EARL WARREN B. CASTILLO, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 6th day of June, 2022 at Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

(Sgd.) MARIA NENITA P. SYJUCO-MEDINA Branch Clerk of Court (MStandard - Nov. 6, 13 & 20, 2023)

170,000 protest Spain’s proposed Catalan separatist amnesty law MADRID—Tens of thousands of Spaniards took to the streets of Madrid this weekend to denounce a proposed amnesty law for Catalan separatists and activists, which was key for the left-wing government to retain power.

Around 170,000 people, according to police, gathered in Plaza de Cibeles in the heart of the Spanish capital in response to a call by right-wing leaders opposed to the amnesty plan.

Cries of “Sanchez, traitor”, “Sanchez in jail” and “Catalonia is Spain” were shouted by protesters of all ages who

carried Spanish and other European flags distributed by the European People’s Party.

“What Pedro Sanchez wants is to cut Spain into pieces, to have the Basque country on one side and Catalonia on the other, and to say nothing happened,” said Maria Angeles Galan, a 65-year-old retiree from Madrid at the rally.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in power since 2018, came second in July parliamentary elections behind right-wing leader Alberto

Nunez Feijoo, but managed to be reinstated after winning support from regionalist groups including Catalan pro-independence parties.

In exchange for their votes, which were essential for reaching a governing majority, Sanchez accepted several concessions including the adoption of the amnesty bill for separatist leaders and activists who were prosecuted for their involvement in Catalonia’s 2017 secession attempt.

“They know they don’t have the votes to do what they’re doing.

That’s why we’re telling them with this demonstration,” Feijoo said, accusing Sanchez of pitting Spaniards “against each other”.

Also present at the demonstration was the leader of the far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal, who called the law “as serious as a coup d’etat.”

The two leaders did not attend the demonstration together.

Feijoo had attempted in September to be chosen as prime minister with the support of Abascal, but failed to win a majority in parliament. AFP

More than 500 Rohingya refugees land in Indonesia—UN agency BIREUEN, Indonesia—Three boats filled with more than 500 Rohingya refugees landed in Indonesia’s westernmost province on Sunday, a UN agency said, in one of the biggest arrivals since Myanmar launched a military crackdown on the minority group in 2017.

The mostly Muslim Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar, and thousands risk their lives each year on long and expensive sea journeys, often in flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

United Nations refugee agency protection associate Faisal Rahman told AFP one boat had arrived in Aceh Province’s Bireuen district with 256 people aboard, while at least 239 others arrived in Aceh’s

Pidie region and a smaller boat carrying 36 arrived in East Aceh.

“They were found in several spots,” Rahman said Sunday.

Of the 256 aboard the Bireuen boat, 110 were women and 60 were children, he said.

It was the same boat that locals had pushed back out to sea on Thursday, leaving it stranded off the coast for several days, according to Rahman.

“It’s confirmed... because many people were identified by security officials during the landing,” he said.

The latest arrivals mean more than 800 refugees have landed in Aceh Province this week alone, after 196 arrived on Tuesday and 147 on Wednesday, ac-

cording to local officials.

An AFP journalist saw the Rohingya boat docked on the beach in Bireuen after the refugees had disembarked.

The refugees were being held at a temporary shelter while awaiting a decision from authorities on their fate, and were mostly in good health.

Bireuen regional secretary Ibrahim Ahmad told reporters Sunday the decision would be made by “other institutions”.

In Pidie, Marfian, a spokesperson for the local fishing community who like many Indonesians goes by one name, confirmed to AFP that a boat of nearly 250 refugees landed overnight. AFP

BUSINESS

A7 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

NUCLEAR ENERGY DEAL.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (fifth from left) witnesses the signing of a cooperative agreement between executives of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) for a pre-feasibility study on the potential deployment of micro-modular reactor (MMR) energy systems in the Philippines.

With the president are (from left) Pilipinas Global Network president and CEO Ernesto Sta. Maria Jr., Meralco PowerGen-Global Business Power executive vice president and COO Dominador Camu Jr., USNC EVP for global strategy Roland Backhaus, Meralco EVP and COO Ronnie Aperocho, USNC founder and CEO Dr. Francesco Venneri, USNC senior advisor Ambassador John Bohn and Vesticom Inc. CEO Ramon Jose Cruz.

San Miguel power unit swings to P9-b income

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., a power subsidiary of San Miguel Corp., said it posted a net income of P9.088 billion in the first nine months of 2023, a turnaround from a net loss of P2.635 billion in the same period last year which was affected by net unrealized foreign exchange losses.

SMCGP said in a disclosure to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. consolidated revenues in the first three quarters reached P125.213 billion, down by 25 percent from P166.147 billion a year ago on lower offtake volumes.

Offtake volumes declined 19 percent to 17,237 gigawatt-hours (GWh), following the SMCGP’s cessation of power supply to Manila Electric Co.

under their 670-megawatt (MW) contract capacity and eventual termination of the agreement.

SMCGP said the decline was partially offset by its 480-MW emergency power supply agreements (EPSA) with Meralco, which took effect in April 2023.

The company said the start of commercial operations of its battery energy storage facilities in August 2023 contributed additional revenues from ancillary service which further mitigated the decline in bilateral revenues.

Cost of power sold decreased 34 percent to P97.464 billion in the nine-month period from P147.964 billion last year on declining coal prices and reduction in purchases from the spot market.

Selling and administrative expens-

es increased 14 percent from P3.909 billion to P4.465 billion on account of higher taxes and licenses and higher personnel-related expense due to the continuing business activities and expansion.

SMCGP said other operating income was lower by P8.885 billion due primarily to the gain on sale of properties previously acquired as potential sites for its several power plant expansion projects executed in 2022.

Consolidated income from operations reached P23.337 billion, almost at par with the same period last year with improved margins on contracted volumes.

Interest expense and other financing charges amounted to P12.354 billion amid the increase in global and local interest rate indices and by the new loans.

ERRATUM

In a news story of Pag-Ibig Fund which published on Nov. 18, 2023, we mistakenly edited the word “cash” to “home” in the headline. The correct headline should be: Pag-IBIG released record P50.8b in cash loans in first 10 months. Our sincerest apology for the error.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ETRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) teamed up with Singapore sovereign fund GIC to acquire more than a third of an Indonesian state-owned tollways operator—a transaction that could be worth up to $1.5 billion.

M

MPTC chief finance officer Chris Lizo said in a news briefing the joint venture partners would bid for a 35-percent stake in Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTI).

“They are selling 35-percent stake in a company that owns 13 toll roads with estimate value anywhere from $1 billion to $1.5 billion,” Lizo said.

JTI has the largest connected toll road network in Java. It operates 13 toll sections spanning 676 kilometers.

All JTI’s toll roads have been fully operational since 2019 with an average 35 years of remaining life in the concession.

Under the proposed partnership, MPTC’s Indonesian subsidiary will acquire 20.3 percent of the 35 percent to be purchased, while GIC will own 10.3 percent. MPTCled PT Margautama Nusantara will take the remaining 4.2 percent.

Manila

Market expected to trade sideways as investors wait for more clues PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to trade sideways this week, as investors wait for catalyst that could help sustain the market’s rally.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said in a weekly report the market’s run-up lacked conviction as year-to-date chart shows it was still on a downtrend while value turnover remained weak.

“Given such, investors are advised to remain careful,” Tantiangco said.

He said that while investors welcomed the slowdown in US October inflation rate and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ move to keep its rates unchanged, they were still waiting for more clues that would point to a better economic outlook.

He said, however, the market still looked cheap which could attract bargain hunters. The strengthening of the peso against the dollar and the drop in global oil prices could also boost market sentiments, he said.

“Sustaining these positive developments may help the local market in next week’s trading,” he said.

The market’s immediate support is seen at 6,000 to 6,100 level, while resistance is 6,300 to 6,400 level for this week, he said.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange Index closed 50 points, or 0.81 percent, higher last week on positive sentiments overseas.

Meanwhile, European and US stocks ended an upbeat week on a benign note Friday, pushing higher after cooling inflation reports raised hopes of an end to US interest rate hikes.

Major US indices shook off early losses, finishing higher on the session and with weekly gains for the third straight week. Jenniffer B. Austria

Metro Pacific, GIC buying $1.5-b stake in Indonesian firm

Standard

TODAY

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY. Filinvest REIT (FILRT) president and chief executive Maricel Brion-Lirio receives a plaque naming FILRT to Asia CEO Awards’ Circle of Excellence for Sustainability Company of the Year for the third straight year. The award was given at a ceremony on Oct. 24, 2023 at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

CAB keeps ‘level 7’ fuel surcharge for airline passengers in December

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) maintained the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge at level 7 in December on lower jet fuel prices.

It said in an advisory passenger and cargo fuel surcharges for domestic and international flights would be at level 7 from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.

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

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

ternational flights.

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

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

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

Data from the International Air Transport Association showed that jet fuel prices reached $114.74 per barrel as of Nov. 10, down 5 percent from October and 17.2 percent from a year ago.

BYD eyes 35% share of passenger electric vehicle sales in PH by 2024

By Othel V. Campos

CHINA’S biggest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and the world’s 10th best-selling car brand BYD Co. Ltd. plans to capture a 35-percent share of total EV sales in the Philippines in 2024.

AC Motors president Toti Zara said the Chinese EV maker is committed to attracting more EV users in the Philippines, leveraging on the brand’s high performance and affordability.

AC Motors, Ayala Corp.’s automotive unit, is the local partner of BYD.

“We are under the assumption that the local EV industry is ramping up to 5,000 units in 2024. We want 35 percent of that, the passenger EV. This year, sales were only in the hundreds,” he said.

BYD vehicles are distributed in the Philippines by the Mobility Access Philippines Ventures Inc. (MAPVI) under AC Motors.

AC Motors, together with MAPVI, is introducing a different dealership format for EV dealers to give more value to investments required of BYD dealers.

(MS-NOV. 20 & 21, 2023)

Lizo said due diligence is ongoing until December 2023, while submission of final bids will be in January 2024.

He said depending on the final bid, MPTC’s share could amount to $600 million. GIC recently invested in MPTC’s tollroad unit in Indonesia, acquiring 33 percent.

“So, we will jointly bid for this trans-Java project,” Lizo said.

Meanwhile, Lizo reported that MPTC recently bagged a new concession project in Indonesia, which involves a 21.5-kilometer elevated toll road worth $1.4 billion (P80.8 billion).

The project, similar to Skyway in South Luzon Expressway, is located in one of the highly-congested areas in Indonesia.

The project will commence this month and will be completed by January 2028. It will have concession life of 45 years.

ENVIRONMENT

A8

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y Fresh talks over treaty to address pollution up

Workers of a Philippines materials recovery facility sort through plastic waste and segregate them for proper recycling. worldbank. org

DENR offers help to big firms to reduce their plastic wastes T HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assured big companies and entrepreneurs it would extend maximum assistance to help businesses comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, the law that mandates plastic waste reduction.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones cited the positive aspects of the EPR law, stressing its incentives against the law’s penalties and allaying concerns of large businesses covered by the law.

“The DENR is here. We are not discussing penalties here. We’re discussing the incentives for obliged enterprises (OEs) who will comply with the EPR law. The DENR is here

Gov’t backs planting of bamboo and native trees THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is bolstering the production of native tree and bamboo species through the establishment of new forest nurseries and the restoration of existing ones across DENR field offices nationwide.

A DENR order also sets guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of forest nurseries.

The agency directive aims to guarantee the availability of free seedlings of native species for individuals, organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and tree-growing advocates. Seedlings will be distributed at no cost to requesting parties in accordance with the order.

The DENR order mandates existing and fully operational nurseries (EFONs) to produce a minimum of 15,000 seedlings of indigenous and endemic tree species annually. If EFONs are cultivating both native tree seedlings and bamboo culms, the minimum annual target is set at 10,000 seedlings (75 percent native trees and 25 percent bamboo). Newly-established and rehabilitated nurseries are exempt from the initial year’s seedling production targets. In subsequent years, they would be expected to produce a minimum of 15,000 seedlings annually.DENR News

DENR photo

to assist OEs and even MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) in registering,” said Leones.

The EPR law, also known as Republic Act 11898, became effective in August 2022, with the issuance of its implementing rules and regulations in January 2023.

It mandates large enterprises that generate plastic packaging to establish

EPR programs for comprehensive management of plastic packaging waste throughout its lifecycle.

The programs should emphasize waste reduction, recovery and diversion, employing efficient methods like cutting non-environmentally friendly packaging and preventing plastic waste from leaking into the environment.

While not mandatory for micro, small and medium enterprises, they are encouraged to register their EPR programs with the DENR. Since the EPR law took effect, the DENR has been actively organizing EPR workshops and webinars to facilitate the registration of EPR programs for OEs. Leones said ndividual businesses, industry associations and business groups

can reach out to the DENR to gain a better understanding of the law, the EPR registration process, or seek support from producer responsibility organizations.

“I think the EPR law is one step forward to systematic waste management.

We just need collaboration between government and industry. We should work together.

The industry should not perceive the government as someone who penalizes them, but as someone who guides us in complying with this EPR,” added Aaron Lao, president of the Philippine Plastic Industry Association.

Under the EPR law, enterprises may apply for incentives following the approval process outlined in the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. DENR News

NEGOTIATORS from around the world gathered in Nairobi, Kenya last for fresh talks over a landmark international treaty to combat plastic pollution.

The urgency of the effort is underscored by the ongoing global plastic pollution crisis, where approximately 430 million tons of plastic are produced annually.

Around two-thirds of it is just thrown away, harming both the environment and the food chain.

Convening for its third session, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) will focus on the socalled zero draft of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, released earlier this year, with the goal of concluding negotiations by the end of 2024.

Jyoti Mathur-Filipp Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat

According to the executive secretary of the INC Secretariat Jyoti MathurFilipp, the devastating impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems, climate, the economy and human health costs the planet between $300 billion and $600 billion a year.

Plastics production is expected to double in the next 20 years if no action is taken.

Organizers are demanding a transition from the “throwaway economy” to a “reuse economy.”

The INC-3 will feature 12 side events addressing various aspects of plastic pollution, including sustainable production and consumption, the shift to a ‘circular plastic’ approach and more. UNEP News

‘No end in sight’ to rising greenhouse gas emissions Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change.

Unsplash photo

GREENHOUSE gas emissions reached a record high in 2022 with “no end in sight to the rising trend,” the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a report published last week.

The Greenhouse Gas Bulletin comes ahead of the UN climate change conference COP28 which opens in Dubai in two weeks.

Fossil fuels―coal, oil and gas―account for most greenhouse gas emissions, which trap the sun’s heat, leading to global warming and climate change.

Last year, global averaged concentrations of the most important greenhouse gas―carbon dioxide (CO2)―were a full 50 percent above the pre-industrial era, marking a first, and continued to grow in 2023.

Methane concentrations also grew and levels of nitrous oxide, the third main gas, saw the highest year-on-year increase on record from 2021 to 2022.

“Despite decades of warnings from the scientific community, thousands of pages of reports and dozens of climate conferences, we are still heading in the wrong direction,” said WMO secretarygeneral Petteri Taalas.

The current trajectory “puts us on the pathway of an increase in temperatures well above the Paris Agreement targets by the end of this century,” he added, referring to efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

As a result, countries will experience more extreme weather, including intense heat and rainfall, ice melt, sea-level rise and ocean heat and acidification.

“The socioeconomic and environmental costs will soar,” he warned. “We must reduce the consumption of fossil fuels as a matter of urgency.” UN News

FAO predicts lower global food trade ROME—Production prospects across most basic foodstuffs are favorable, but extreme weather events, rising geopolitical tensions and sudden policy changes pose risks for global food production systems.

They could also potentially tip delicate demand-supply balances and dampen prospects for trade and global food security, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The latest Food Outlook, a biannual publication, offers updated forecasts for the production, trade, utilization and stocks of major food staples.

Trade volumes in coarse grains and rice are expected to decline in 2023/24, even as global maize output is forecast to post a significant increase driven by increased plantings in Brazil and the United States.

World trade in vegetable oils and fats is also expected to dip modestly, while global production and consumption are anticipated to expand.

Trade volumes are also expected to decline in the coming year for sugar, dairy products, meat and fish, according to the report, which offers a compendium of major policy developments in the food commodity Global food import bill to hit a new record high in 2023, with a reduction in import sector since mid-May.FAO News volumes for the most vulnerable countries. FAO News

B1

SPORTS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

TNT tries to add 6th leg to 3x3 title harvest

Junemar Fajardo of SMB challenges three Meralco defenders.

Ross’ heroics power SMB past Meralco Bolts, 93-83

By Peter Atencio

C

HRIS Ross came to the rescue of San Miguel Beer in the last two minutes as the Beermen fended off the Meralco Bolts, 93-83, to post their first victory in the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Beermen coach Jorge Gallent said Ross banged in seven of his 10 points in the last period, to help their efforts to control the boards in power the Beermen past the Bolts, the final period worked wonders for who tasted their first defeat after the team.

Ross’ triple and two charities in the three games.

ASICS RnR series to unveil Manila’s rich heritage THE ASICS Rock “n” Roll Running Series on Nov. 26 is set to showcase Manila’s iconic landmarks, including the Walled City of Intramuros and the National Museum, marking the second time that the capital city’s cultural and historical treasures will take center stage in not just a local spectacle but a globally recognized platform for running enthusiasts.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural RnR race in Southeast Asia and first in Asia in postpandemic, the organizing IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. and the host city, headed by Mayor Honey Lacuna, are gearing up for an even grander and more explosive edition of the four-category event distinguishing itself from traditional marathon races.

With all 9,400 slots sold out weeks in advance, participants can anticipate a unique experience that combines running, endureance and entertainment. The event will feature music throughout the route, enhanced by themed water stations, culminating in a musical celebration at the finish line.

For details, visit www.runrocknroll.com.manila.

“We’re thrilled to have all of you back. We’re excited to present a fantastic and classic racecourse that promises to make your run truly unforgettable. The course will not only take participants through the heart of Philippine capital but also showcase breathtaking historic sites,” said Charlie Dungo, head of Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM).

last 1:14 allowed the Beermen to keep their distance, 90-81.

Chris Newsome shot 33 points for the Bolts, and his three-pointer with 2:14 gave Meralco a chance to come close, 81-85.

Ivan Aska led the Beermen with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Junemar Fajardo added 17 points and 15 boards.

“I guess it (rebounding) worked.

We held them to lower offensive rebounds in the end. The guys did a good job,” said Gallent.

Ross’ efforts came as the Beer-

men adjusted from the absence of Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, and Jeron Teng.

The Beermen also struggled after they lost Terrence Romeo, who suffered a suspected knee injury late in the second canto.

CJ Perez accounted for 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists for the Beermen.

The Beermen will seek their second straight win when they play Converge in their coming clash on November 25 in Tiaong, Quezon.

ALL teams go for broke on Monday as the PBA 3x3 Second Conference holds its final leg at the Ayala Malls Trinoma.

TNT is eyeing to cap what has been a dominant campaign so far, hoping to add Leg 6 to its title collection after winning four out of the five previous legs at stake, including last week when it defeated guest team Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays in the finals, 21-13.

The Tropang Giga are leaving no stone unturned as they retained the same Leg 5 core of Chester Saldua, Ping Exciminiano, Grayann Mendoza, who replaced Samboy de Leon due to illness, and main man Almond Vosotros for the final battle leading to the grand finals.

But the rest of the field are out to stop the TNT juggernaut especially with the tight race for a place in the grand finale also to be determined at the end of the two-day leg stage.

Rookie team MCFASolver has an axe to grind against the Tropang Giga, who denied the Tech Centrale a back-to-back championship after eliminating them in the semifinals a week ago, 21-18.

The guest squad still finished strong though, as it turned back NorthPort for third place, 21-15.

Cavitex, Pioneer Elastoseal, and Terrafirma, the other teams which lost to TNT in the previous legs, are also aching to get back at their tormentor, while Meralco hopes to complete its unfinished business after placing runner up to MCFASolver in the Leg 4 finals.

The other teams, Blackwater Smooth Razor, Purefoods, San Miguel, NorthPort, and Barangay Ginebra are also seeking their first title this conference as they try to boost their respective bids for a berth in the 10-team grand finals.

Cone, Lastimosa share PBA scribes’ top honors LIKE what they did in the past, Tim Cone and Jojo Lastimosa share the spotlight once more as they will be bestowed with the two highest honors by the PBA Press Corps during its Annual Awards Night on Monday at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.

Cone of Barangay Ginebra is named the winner of the Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan Coach of the Year, while Lastimosa of TNT is conferred with the Danny Floro Executive of the Year by the men and women who cover the PBA beat.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker in the formal event presented by ArenaPlus together with Cignal TV. Hosts are Rizza Diaz and Sev Sarmenta.

This will be the fourth regular Coach of the Year honor for the 65-year-old Cone, who steered the Kings to their toughest championship yet when they

Jojo Lastimosa

Tim Cone

prevailed over powerhouse guest team that went the full seven-game route.

Bay Area Dragons to win the Season 47 Owner of a record 25 championships, Commissioner’s Cup in a thrilling finals Cone previously won the award named

after the late great Baby Dalupan in 1994, 1996, and 2014. He was voted ‘Coach of the Bubble’ when the league held the Philippine Cup for its lone conference of the season at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

Lastimosa, meanwhile, will be presented with the award in honor of the late Crispa team owner Danny Floro, for his splendid work as team manager of the Tropang Giga by putting together the right pieces that eventually resulted in the franchise winning its first championship in six years during the Governors’ Cup. Cone and Lastimosa of course, had a long history of winning together during their time with the Alaska Aces when their coach-player partnership produced nine championships for the fabled franchise, including the 1996 grand slam.

Incidentally, Bachmann was also once part of the Alaska team as a player and later as executive.

Lady Maroons advance to PNVF quarterfinals

Jewel Hannah Ysabelle Encarnacion of UP smashes one in.

UNBEATEN Universtill punched a ticket Games Monday sity of the Philippines in the next round to turned back San Beda (Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Mainla) join UP as represen9 a.m. – RTU vs UE University, 20-25, 25tatives of Pool D in 11 a.m. – NU vs AU 17, 25-17, 25-22, 25the overall 16-team 1 p.m. – Parañaque vs JRU 20, to book a ticket in 3 p.m. – UB vs Savouge Aesthetics women’s division of the quarterfinals of the supported by the Phil5 p.m. – Tacloban vs EAC Philippine National ippine Sports ComVolleyball Federation mission headed by Challenge Cup on Sunday at the Rizal chairman Richard Bachmann, PLDT, Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI. The Fighting Maroons pulled off a reThe Lady Red Spikers claimed the second verse sweep from a set down against the seeding in Pool D courtesy of wins against La Lady Red Spikers in the battle between un- Salle-Dasma, 25-19, 25-17, 25-16 and LPUscathed squads in almost two hours of play Batangas, 25-17, 25-13, 25-18. for a 3-0 slate in Pool D on their way to the In other women’s division games, UP Volknockout Top-8. leyball Club (1-1) stayed in playoff contention UP handled its previous businesses in Pool A with a 25-11, 25-15, 25-16 win over against Lyceum of the Philippines Uni- the Volida VolleybalL Club (0-2) versity-Batangas, 25-14, 25-11, 25-17, Jose Rizal U (2-1) joined the Philippine Air and La Salle-Dasmariñas, 25-16, 25-27, Force (3-0) as the quarterfinalists from Pool 25-8, 25-16.

C after a 25-13, 25-16, 25-13 win over TacloSan Beda, despite the loss at 2-1 slate, ban City-EV (0-3).

B2

SPORTS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

READY FOR BATTLE.

Januarius Holdings, title sponsor of the 73rd Januarius Fil Am Golf Invitational, presents its three teams to friends and clients for the Fil-Am regular play in a simple sendoff at the GolfX indoor facility in San Juan.

Sister of PH team standout wins gold in fencing meet

By Peter Atencio KIRSTEN Catantan’s aggressive stance netted her a second individual gold medal in the ongoing Dr. Celso Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships at the Ayala Malls by the Bay in Macapagal Ave., Pasay City.

The 12-year-old Catantan, the youngest sister of national team standout Samantha, put away University of the East schoolmate Nicol Canlas, 10-8, for the gold in the under-12 girls’ sabre action.

The young Catantan, who reached the finals after turning back Elise Acuzar, 10-8, in the semifinals, picked up the pace after taking a 5-4 lead.

“Lumamang po ako nu’ng umpisa sa pag-atake ko,” said Catantan, who won her second gold medal since recently joining a tournament organized by Canlas Fencing.

Some 403 fencers are taking part in the two-day meet organized by the Philippine Fencing Association, in honor of former Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit.

CF bet Inigo Divinagracia ruled the under-12 boys’ foil, after stopping Southridge’s Lucas Palafox, 105, while another UE bet, Adrienne Lising prevailed over Republic Fencing’s Victoria Tiu, 15-9, for the cadet women’s sabre honors.

Fencing president Rene Gacuma said the big turnout will have young fencers seeking out points that will help them move up in the national rankings.

UE’s Nina Canlas won over Mayumi Trinidad of Ezkrima, 14-11, for the top honors in the cadet women’s epee, while Aubrey Fernandez downed Hannah Belarmino, 15-12, in the women’s foil action.

Qody Omengan (Republic Fencing) topped the under-12 boys’ sabre when he edged Ateneo’s Jose de la Vega, 10-2, while Louie Shoemaker of UE dominated the cadet men’s foil after a 15-8 toppling of James Lim.

Taipan turn back Kings for 2nd win in PSL wars JT Bulacan brought down Alpha Omega, 72-58, to score its second win in the Pilipinas Super League at the Novadeci Convention Center on Saturday night.

Behind another solid game from Regie Tauto-An, who led the way with 15 points, the Taipan were able to turn things around in the second period where they outscored their rivals, 2713, and started to pull away.

Tauto-An got solid contributions as well from Michael Are, who had 12 points, three rebounds and five assists and Francisco Tancioco, who added 10 markers for the Taipan.

The Taipan were able to pull off a win despite getting out-rebounded by Alpha Omega, 39-55, and outplayed by their second unit in bench scoring, 29-44.

But the Taipan had 13 points coming from fast breaks, eight more than their counterparts, and forced the Kings in turning the ball over 23 times, which resulted to JT Bulacan scoring 22 points.

Djokovic eyes ATP Finals record after last-4 demolition of Alcaraz T URIN—Novak Djokovic closed in on a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Saturday after sweeping past Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in a dominating semi-final display he hailed as his best of the tournament.

World number one Djokovic will face home favorite Jannik Sinner on Sunday in the final in Turin, as the 36-year-old attempts to cap an agedefying year with yet another major triumph.

“The best match of the tournament for me, without a doubt. It came at right time really, after spending a lot of hours on the court in the first three matches,” said Djokovic.

“Tonight, from the very beginning, I felt the ball well. I approached the match with the right attitude, the right mentality.”

The Serb came into the Finals at the end of a year which has brought three Grand Slams, taking his total to an all-time best of 24, and a 40th Masters 1000 title.

Now only Sinner stands between Djokovic and victory, which would take him past his old foe and retired great Roger Federer for season-ending tournament titles.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz during their semifinal match at the ATP Finals tennis tournament in Turin. AFP

Sunday’s final promises to be a tough proposition for Djokovic as he lost to Sinner in the group stage and will have to deal with a partisan Italian crowd that, unusually for him, won’t be on his side.

“He’s been playing fantastic tennis, arguably the best tennis of his life. On this stage, against top 10 players,” added Djokovic.

“We played a very tight match the other night, the atmosphere was electric. I don’t expect anything less than what we had in the group stage matchup.”

Djokovic now has the better of his five matches with Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who at 20 is already a two-time Grand Slam winner and was bidding to become the youngest finalist since Pete Sampras won the title back in 1991.

Saturday’s match didn’t live up to the previous four dramatic clashes however, as Djokovic put on a show of force which put pretender Alcaraz firmly in his place.

“I feel like I am not on his level on indoor courts,” a dejected Alcaraz told reporters.

“He has more experience than me playing in these tournaments, in these courts. But he’s unbelievable.”

Sinner delivering Sinner said he has the recipe for glory after his convincing 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 win over Daniil Medvedev made him the first Italian to ever reach the final.

The Italian has risen to fourth in the world rankings in 2023, and backed by passionate home support, the 22-year-old has a chance to cap the best season of his young career with what would be his biggest title to date.

“It’s like the first time you cook pasta with tomato sauce, maybe it’s not that good. You realise that it needs more salt so the next time you add it. Then you might start using fresh tomatoes, and then add in basil,” Sinner told reporters. AFP

Lady Archers end UAAP season with 3-game win streak DE La Salle University capped off its stint in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament by staving off University of the East, 58-45, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Archers finished their season with a 7-7 record on the back of a three-game winning streak with an average of 7.7 points after beating Ateneo de Manila University 67-61 last Wednesday and University of the Philippines 75-71 last November 11.

It was a decent finish for La Salle, which was coming off a 12-2 finish and Finals run back in Season 85, considering it fell to a 2-5 hole by the end of the first round but won five games and only dropped two in the second round.

“I’m very proud of the girls because from our first round performance to now going into the second round and finishing the UAAP tournament on a winning note speaks a lot about the big turnaround that we achieved this year,” said long-time Lady Archers head coach Cholo Villanueva.

“The theme for this year is learning, improving, and not making the same mistakes. I think we proved that in this second round. It’s good momentum for us going into Season 87. Hopefully,

Games on Wednesday

(SM Mall of Asia Arena) 9 a.m. - NU vs Ateneo (women’s final four) 11 a.m. - UST vs UP (women’s final four)

Kyla Sunga of La Salle lays one in.

we bring the same energy from what we achieved in the second round,” continued the La Salle lifer.

After a strong start that saw them lead by 15 points at the half, Lee Sario stretched the Lady Archers’ cushion with back-to-back baskets to as wide as 38-19

with 7:27 left in the third canto.

However, the Lady Warriors still sought to make things interesting.

Despite facing a 17-point deficit by the start of the fourth quarter, Arabela Dela Rosa’s two triples laced with baskets from Trixie Burgos and Althea Lorena trimmed

it down to just 49-42 with 4:54 remaining.

The Lady Archers, though, delivered a strong finishing kick to seal the win.

Bernice Paraiso and Lee Sario scored three-point shots to bring La Salle’s lead up to 55-42 with 2:27 left while UE failed to find an answer for that barrage. Paraiso then iced the game with a buzzer-beating three with 55 ticks on the clock left.

Sario led La Salle with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists followed

by Paraiso’s 14 points and 18 rebounds.

Tricia Mendoza got six points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Kyla Sunga contributed four points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady Archers are set to have an intact team for next season as everyone in the team is eligible for Season 87.

“In reality, we have an intact lineup because Bernice still has a playing year under her belt,” said Villanueva. “Lee and Bettina (Binaohan) still have a playing year. Most of the players aren’t graduating yet.

Bisera eyes top finish in Ladies PH Golf Tour Match Play BUOYED by her respectable showing in her first overseas foray, Florence Bisera bristles with confidence as she prepares for the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational beginning Tuesday at the TCC course in Laguna.

Despite maintaining a reserved attitude like the rest of the 16-player field, approaching the demanding TCC course requires a balance of skills, including a strong long game, precise iron play, putting prowess, and mental toughness.

But the rising Davaoeña star remains optimistic about her chances of clinching victory in the P1.5 million championship.

“I’ve never played TCC but I feel good about my chances,” said Bisera, who posted a tied for 17th finish in the recent Party Golfers Ladies Open of the LPGA of Taiwan Tour (TLPGA), a Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. cosanctioned event.

Bisera put herself in early contention in the 54-hole TLPGA championship but failed to sustain her charge although she never wavered and finished with 72-71-72 rounds.

But shifting from stroke play to head-to-head format will demand adjustments from Bisera, who scored a Ladies Philippine Golf Tour breakthrough in the South Pacific Classic last September, beating no less than three-leg winner Daniella Uy by three at home, and her competitors.

They include Harmie Constantino, who is gunning for a repeat win after rallying and upending top amateur Rianne Malixi in sudden death in the inaugural staging of the event at tight Villamor Golf Club last year, Chihiro Ikeda, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano, Gretchen Villacencio, Apple Fudolin, Rev Alcantara, Kristine Fleetwood, Lovelynn Guioguio, Eva Miñoza, Lucy Landicho and Mikha Fortuna.

Spicing up the cast are young Ko-

rean Seoyun Kim and local amateurs Laurea Duque and Mafy Singson, who bested the pros to rule the Valley leg, also by three over Uy, last June.

Also bracing for a fierce battle in the four-day tournament are the Top 32 in the PGT Order of Merit ranking, led

by OOM topnotcher and two-leg winner Jhonnel Ababa, four-time OOM winner and defending champion Tony Lascuña, and leg winners Reymon Jaraula, Rupert Zaragosa and Ira Alido and reigning back-to-back TCC Invitational champion Guido van der Valk.

Meanwhile, Van der Valk heads the select cast of pros, both in PGT and LPGT, vying in the traditional pro-am tournament today (Monday) which also features amateur players and officials of the event’s sponsors and supporters.

Also in the list are Jhonnel Ababa, Alido, Lascuña, Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon, Sean Ramos, Constantino, Sarab Ababa and Ikeda.

Florence Bisera

SHOWBIZ Claudine Barretto is Via Laurente in GMA’s new series, ‘Lovers/ Liars’

B3 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Claudine Barretto

dives into a riveting role in television comeback

G

MA Network rolled out the red carpet to give actress Claudine Barretto a truly special press conference that promoted her new series, Lovers/Liars.

The event was held on November 15, and the 44-year-old actress was granted an exclusive space on stage. This was symbolic because it showcased the high regard in which the cast holds Claudine, turning the event into a tribute to the actress who has already brought to life numerous iconic characters on both television and the big screen.

Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment, Claudine expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with GMA, stating, “Acting is my first love, and drama, of all genres, is something I’m really comfortable doing.”

“The plot of this project stood out to me as distinct from all the teleseryes I’ve done so far. Throughout my career,

teleseryes have been my forte, but now, I feel compelled to delve into roles that reflect the experiences of women my age,” she carried on.

Claudine said that her role is a departure from the familiar, and that’s precisely what intrigued her making it an easy “yes” when they were offered to her by the network.

In her highly anticipated TV comeback, Claudine takes on the role of Via Laurente, a successful businesswoman entangled in an illicit affair with a younger man. The series also features GMA Network’s soughtafter dramatic actresses, with Lianne Valentin in the daring role of Hannah Salalac – a kept woman of a powerful politician who will stop at nothing to secure a life of luxury for herself and

her family.

Joining the cast is Kimson Tan as Kelvin Chong, a once-wealthy individual now grappling with the aftermath of a financial scandal involving his father. Actor Christian Vasquez plays Victor Tamayo, a possessive and abusive sugar daddy to Hannah, who is a prominent and influential politician.

The series further introduces Michelle Vito as Andrea “Andeng” Segreto, a hardworking single mother striving for a decent life for her son. Rob Gomez portrays Joseph Mentiroso, a medical sales representative and Andeng’s exboyfriend, set to confront a shocking revelation from their past relationship.

Adding intrigue to the series is Polo Ravales as Ronnie Sandiego, a respected cardiologist leading a secret life connected to Joseph. Completing the ensemble are sought-after Sparkle stars Shaira Diaz and Yasser Marta.

Shaira takes on the role of Nika Aquino, a go-getter facing workplace discrimination, while Yasser portrays Caloy, a determined young man working his way to the top but entangled in a dilemma due to his involvement with Via. The series is directed by Crisanto Aquino and premieres tonight at 9:35 on GMA Telebabad.

The director, producer, and cast of ‘Lovers/ Liars’ led by Claudine Barretto

Marlo Mortel emphasizes importance of mindful social media posting

By Angelica Villanueva

he added.

The singer also emphasized that he KAPAMILYA singer-actor Marlo neither knew nor had any connection Mortel was supposed to file legal with the netizen. charges against a netizen who accused “I didn’t really know that person. him three months ago of inviting their I really had no idea since they didn’t boyfriend for a “threesome.” reach out to me at first. The user is like “I immediately answered that a troll farm,” he continued. netizen. I said that it wasn’t true. We, “However, we already traced the IP actually, had plans on taking legal address location. I have already talked action. However, Star Magic told me with the authorities and lawyers. that I should think carefully if I’m During that time, I had people who Actor-singer Marlo Mortel going to push through the case since it had helped me locate the online user he reiterated. would take a lot of effort and time on and I was already planning to push “I have more important things to my side,” shared Marlo. through some legal actions,” the actor do in life, like my studies. Ayokong In August, Marlo found himself explained. maapektuhan. What my advice is ‘think in hot water when a certain Yuki He also emphasized the importance before you click’,” stated Marlo.

Zaragosa published an “open letter” of being mindful of everything that As the main provider for the family, and said that Marlo allegedly asked people post online.

Marlo also mentioned that he started her boyfriend to do a sexual act with “Nowadays, it has been easy for concentrating on his studies during the him. However, the 30-year-old artist people to share what they want to pandemic. He enrolled in online courses dismissed the accusations and shared share. But before sharing, you need and is now completing his Multimedia that he was confident about telling the to find facts. Everybody’s becoming Arts program at Enderun as a Star Magic truth about the issue. a ‘journalist’. So, what you must scholar.

“I have lots of things on my plate do is to look first for proper sources The ILY 1000 star has also been doing right now. So, basta ako, I already because you will not know how a post side hosting at Knowledge Channel’s said what I needed to say. And I’m can ruin someone’s life. So, hindi lang educational shows and just recently, he confident with that. So, if ever the para du’n sa mga kung anong issues led the launching of the channel’s latest issue resurfaces, people should know but in general, guys, just be aware and children’s show – Heneral Tuna. that laws against cyberbullying exist,” of course, be mindful of your actions,” “I think it’s a fun way for kids to learn. Of course, It has been a repeating cycle—learning, watching typical educational shows—but for making it an anime-type and the main character is a cat, for sure, many students will be excited to watch Heneral Tuna. So, I’m happy that we have this kind of initiative,” ended Marlo.

Heneral Tuna streams on iWantTFC and can be watched every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:00 p.m. on Marlo joins the launching of Knowledge Channel’s new educational show, ‘Heneral Tuna’ Knowledge Channel.

‘One Piece’ star Mackenyu shares journey in playing Zoro

By Angelica Villanueva and Jasper Valdez

kind of classic anime series. “I grew up watching Zoro, and it was a pleasure for me [to play his character],” said Mackenyu. “We had weeks of training— WHEN the live-action adaptation of the three swords style. I think we really beloved Japanese manga, One Piece, focused on the three-sword style. It was a hit the video-on-demand streaming special scene for Zoro and the fans to see app Netflix, one of the characters in live action,” he added. that definitely won the hearts of fans When asked how it feels to be recognized worldwide was Zoro Roronoa – or, should for his craft and gaining popularity worldwide, we say, the person who brought to life the Mackenyu shared, “It actually feels great and fictional character: Mackenyu Arata. it’s my pleasure. I’m happy and delighted with Following the success of the series, the role I played. And I’ll continue to bring fans instantly noticed Mackenyu’s Zoro to life.” undeniable charm and talent, earning Now that the One Piece main man is visiting the Philippines for the Japanese first time, he expressed his love for actor beaches and hoped to visit one of the Mackenyu country’s top destinations – Palawan. is set to Of course, the Manila Standard meet his Entertainment team didn’t forget to Filipino take pride in sharing with him the fans at his beauty of Boracay’s ‘Closer to white sand, which he You: Fun found surprising.

Fan Meet’ Before we set sail with Mackenyu on these wonderful beaches, let’s acknowledge that Pinoy fans were definitely lucky, as they were really in for a treat this November. ‘One Piece’ fans were able to cross paths with the guy who brought their favorite greenhaired swordsman to life.

Mackenyu headlined the return of him a dedicated international fanbase ManiPopCon this year on November that continues to support him with each 18, at SM Mall of Asia Arena. But the passing project, whether it’s a show, an excitement doesn’t stop there. Fans can endorsement, an appearance, or even a still get to see him once more up close as fan meeting. he embarks on a journey of meeting them Now, talking about a fan meeting, at his first Manila fan meeting. the 27-year-old actor sat down with Happening today at the SM Mall of Manila Standard Entertainment ahead Asia Arena, the Closer to You: Fun Fan of his appearance at the ManiPopCon to Meet is set to draw a throng of fervent share his journey in taking charge of the fans eager to catch a glimpse of their beloved One Piece character, Zoro. beloved star. Ticket prices range from Like any other kid, Mackenyu P1,830 to P12,810 and are still available revealed that he grew up watching this at smtickets.com.

LIFE

B4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

FOR its exceptional architecture and design, Clark International Airport (CRK) is listed as one of the world’s most beautiful airports by the prestigious Prix Versailles, the World Architecture and Design Award at UNESCO. Twenty-four airports from all over the world are on the list, with CRK as one of only two from Southeast Asia.

“It is an immense honor to be recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful airports and we are truly humbled by this. It also inspires us to keep on giving Filipinos what they truly deserve, a world-class airport,” says airport operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp.

(LIPAD) President and CEO Noel Manankil.

According to the website prix-versailles. com, “the “World’s Most Beautiful” achievements recognition, granted by the Prix Versailles, highlights the primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.”

Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a

The Clark International Airport is one of the two airports from Southeast Asia recognized by Prix Versailles

CRK joins list of world’s most beautiful airports light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide.

Other airports on the list are Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Chile, Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany, Chengdu Tianfu InternationalAirport in China, Eagle County Regional Airport in the United States, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Greece, General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport in Mexico, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland, Kempegowda International Airport in India, LaGuardia Airport in the United States, Los Angeles International Airport in the United States, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in the United States, Manchester Airport

Even the commercial space of Clark International Airport is spacious perfect for those who are waiting for their boarding time

in the United Kingdom. Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco, New Plymouth Airport in New Zealand, Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in China, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the United States, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China, Split Airport in Croatia, Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport in Greece, Turkistan International Airport in Turkistan, Van Don International Airport in Vietnam.

In 2021, CRK was one of the top six finalists in the 2021 World Selection of the prestigious Prix Versailles Architecture and Design Awards under the Airport Category, which enabled the airport to be included in the list.

Armenian Street Shophouses

Macau glows on the horizon The Ruins of St. Paul’s is the most popular tourist attraction in Macau

ALL of us have heard of Macau and some of you have City, who was seated right next to me at the dinner probably been there. But, as the former Marketing table, also clued me in excitedly on their forthcoming Consultant for the Macau Government Tourist Office City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus. I also here in Manila, I know a little bit more about this city had the chance to chat with Maria Helena de Senna tagged as the “Las Vegas of Asia.”

Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government It is a Special Administrative Region of China, Tourist Office (MGTO), who expressed her meaning, that although it belongs to China, it has satisfaction over the continuously growing traffic in its own government. This former Portuguese both directions, between the Philippines and Macao. territory is located just across the Pearl River Of course, Melco found the most effective way Delta from Hong Kong and its center of gravity, to promote its Macau facilities by highlighting the where the giant casinos and malls are found, is the delectable culinary offerings of its dining outlets. area where the islands of Coloane and Taipa meet, Thus, its culinary team was brought in to treat us, the CoTai Strip. guests, to a lavish Michelin-inspired six-course When people visit Macau, feast: Chilled Alaskan King their first destination is the Ruins Crab for starters, the YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: of St. Paul’s, a 17th-century signature dish of Studio Being kissed does not mean you baroque Catholic Church City’s Pearl Dragon; dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle. are loved. Ask Jesus about Judas.

Deep Fried Scallop of Built by the Jesuits, it used to Jade Dragon in City be one of the largest churches in Asia until it was of Dreams Macau; Roasted Fresh Cod destroyed by a fire that took place during a typhoon with Aged Mandarin Peel and Black Beans, in 1835. Only the façade of the church remains on a a specialty of Pearl Dragon in Studio City; small hill, accessible through 68 stone steps.

Slow Cooked Green Lip Abalone and Wagyu The other popular attraction of the city is the Beef Cheek with Truffle, followed by Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Hot and Sour Soup with Red Prawn, both Center. The tower is 338 meters from the ground, specialties from Jade Dragon; and, of which means that both the Observation Deck and course, my favorite part of the dinner the Chinese Restaurant on top offer a 360-degree is always the dessert---this one breathtaking view of the city and neighboring was Almond Crème Brulee mainland China. An exciting feature of this tower is with Milk Tea Ice Cream from its elevator which shoots up from the ground all the City of Dreams way to the top in only 60 seconds.

This grand culinary feast not Of course, visitors also enjoy Macanese cuisine only highlighted superb Macanese which is a perfect blend of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisine but also bannered the flavors and even those “hole-in-the-wall” dining city’s UNESCO designation as a places around the city offer superb specialties making Creative City of Gastronomy.

With it easy for tourists to save on expenses. Tracing its this Roadshow event, Melco Resorts culinary history, many Macanese dishes resulted and Entertainment definitely succeeded from the spice blends that Portuguese sailors used, in underscoring all of its properties’ trying to duplicate their favorite European dishes but c o m m i t m e n t to providing the using Chinese ingredients and seasonings. best gastronomic offerings, excellent Not too long ago, Melco Resorts and a c c o m m o d a t i o n s , and exceptional Entertainment hosted the Manila stop of its “Glow business facilities.

Your Way To Macau” Roadshow which highlights the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and More information on Melco Resorts and Exhibitions) facilities of its de luxe properties in Entertainment may be obtained from info@ Macau – Altira, City of Dreams and Studio City. melco-resorts.com or +853 8868 6688.

MICE, as you know, is every country’s tourism target For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ market because of its being a high-yield sector. As gmail.com a way of attracting more market sources towards pushing for the city’s sustained economic growth, the ultra-modern and functionally designed MICE Another facilities of these properties took center stage in the favorite tourist destination in roadshow. the city is the My friend, Kevin Benning, Senior Vice338-meter Macau President of Melco and General Manager of Studio

By Peter Paul Duran

P

ENANG, Malaysia— VENTURING beyond conventional traditions, Tourism Malaysia spearheaded an unprecedented event – the Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0 – on October 28 at the vibrant heart of Penang Island.

Unprecedented explorations unfold in Penang Breaking free from the norm, this year’s hunt journeyed beyond Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, delving into the cultural richness of Malaysia’s Pearl of the Orient.

Fifty enthusiastic teams, comprising a diverse mix of domestic and international participants along with media delegates, eagerly took part in this exhilarating adventure.

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, ceremoniously flagged off the hunt at The TOP, Penang. The adventure culminated at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, where the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy EXCO, YB. Wong Hon Wai, presided over the prize-giving ceremony.

Team Power 4 dominated the International Category, comprising representatives from Singapore and the Philippines. Brunei secured second and third place, while the remaining invited teams hailed from Indonesia and India.

“Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0 celebrated diverse exploration and sustainable travel, showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. We’re thrilled with its success and look forward to our next edition,” expressed Dato’

Tower

The Top @ KOMTAR Rainbow Skywalk

Tourism Malaysia invites international participants and media delegates to participate in the Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0

Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Esteemed partners such as Penang Global Tourism, Penang Development Corporation, The Top Penang, Gurney Paragon Mall, Malaysia Airlines Berhad, and Firefly contributed significantly. Additionally, sponsors like OZO Georgetown, The Granite Luxury Hotel, Sunway Lagoon, Lost World of Tambun, and Spritzer, alongside major malls including Design Village, 1st Avenue Mall, Gurney Plaza, and Sungei Wang Plaza, made this event possible.

The organizers of this year’s Miss SHOPia shopping hunt emphasized the importance of fully adopting the tourist’s role rather than just treating the event as a race. Guided by this, participants dashed through the picturesque capital, Georgetown, immersing themselves in diverse flavors, absorbing captivating sights, and exploring the rich cultural tapestry and history of Penang Island.

As part of spotlighting Malaysia’s niche segments, Tourism Malaysia organized an exclusive pre-event familiarization trip for prominent 16 media representatives from India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei.

Generously supported by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly as Airline Partners, the trip provided an immersive experience in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, and Port Dickson, courtesy of hotel sponsors including Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson Hotel, The Granite Luxury Hotel, and The Lost World of Tambun.