Manila Standard - 2023 November 22 - Wednesday

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Joint US-PH WPS patrols start Marcos: 3-day maritime, air rounds to boost regional security

By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday declared the beginning of joint maritime and air patrols between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command in the West Philippine Sea. In a post on the social media platform X, President Marcos said the initiative was a testament to the administration’s commitment to enhancing the interoperability of the country’s maritime and air patrols.

The joint maritime and air patrols

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 280 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

are scheduled to continue until Nov. 23, the President said.

“Today marks the beginning of joint maritime and air patrols— a collaborative effort between the Armed Next page

‘Shear line’ rains cause flooding, force 35k in Samar to evacuate

By Ronald O. Reyes, Vince Lopez and Rio N. Araja TACLOBAN CITY—More than 35,000 people were brought to safer ground as floodwaters engulfed large areas in Northern and Eastern Samar Tuesday, after a shear line--an area where cold and warm air meet— dumped six weeks’ worth of rain in the

Eastern Visayas region.

Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan suspended classes in the province from Nov. 20 due to severe weather conditions over the weekend.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday that about 57,606 people — or 14,775 families— Next page

WEATHER

Jacket weather: Amihan drops temps to 11.3°C JACKET and sweater weather is finally here, the state weather bureau declared Tuesday, as temperatures dipped to a low 11.3 degrees Celsius station at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet yesterday morning.

That was the country’s coldest recorded temperature in the “amihan” or northeast monsoon season so far, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Meanwhile, the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will continue to enjoy nippy weather brought by the monsoon winds.

Temperatures in Northern Luzon

INUNDATED. A Philippine Coast Guard team rescues an old woman and her family from chest-high waters in Catarman, Northern Samar after six weeks’ worth of rain fell overnight across much of the country’s central regions on Monday. The PCG reported similar scenes in Catubig and Lope de Vega towns of Northern Samar (inset photos) as the state weather bureau raised flood warnings in at least 10 areas nationwide. PCG, PAGASA Photos

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RODY RUNNING IF SARA IMPEACHED NEWS / A2

SARANGANI TOWN IN CALAMITY STATE NEWS / A4

Fewer Pinoys feel hunger in 3rd qtr., Social Weather, OCTA surveys say

By Vito Barcelo SOME 9.8 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger—being hungry and not having anything to eat – at least once in the past three months, the latest Social Weather Stations survey showed.

While the national average was better than the 10.4 percent reported in June, involuntary hunger in Metro Manila went up to 17.3 percent from 15.7 percent in June.

Involuntary hunger in the Balance of Luzon was higher than the Next page

MORE ‘LAKAS’.

Speaker Martin Romualdez administers the oath of membership to Lakas-CMD party to Reps. Rosemarie Conejos Panotes, Dale B. Corvera, Lordan G. Suan, and Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy in Quezon City on Tuesday. Witnessing are Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and Lakas-CMD Secretary General Rep. Jose Aquino II. Ver Noveno

Rice prices rising anew on holiday demand—group

By Othel V. Campos

within a month to buy an additional one million tons of rice to boost local stocks AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco as price increases in the food staple Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday threatened to have been noted in public markets.

In a TV Patrol report, Bantay Bigas cancel import permits that are not used

said the Department of Agriculture set the price of regular-milled rice at P48 per kilo, but in public markets, this goes up to P53 per kilo.

Next page

NO TO PUV PHASEOUT. Members of the transport group Manibela raise their fists

and voices as they declare their three-day nationwide strike from Nov. 21 to 23 at a briefing in Quezon City. Robert GInes

Manibela begins own PUV strike but Piston, 3 groups not joining

By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz tral Visayas, Western Visayas, NorthTRANSPORT group Manibela will pick up where the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) will leave off, declaring its own three-day nationwide strike starting today until Nov. 24 to oppose the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Piston’s members are not joining Manibela’s protests, the latter’s president Mar Valbuena told the Standard, as about 150,000 PUV units are joining his group’s strike across the Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Cen-

ern Mindanao, and Central Mindanao regions.

Piston’s three-day protest ends today as it is following its own schedule, the group’s president Mody Floranda said.

Three other transport groups are also sitting out the Manibela strike, but emphasized that they shared Piston’s complaints against the PUVMP and the incumbent Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) leadership.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives and the Metropolitan Manila Next page

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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Sarangani town in state of calamity T HE municipality of Glan in Sarangani was placed under a state of calamity following last week’s magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao.

fishing gears. Aside from fisheries, there are no reported damage and losses yet in the agriculture commodities and infrastructures that could hinder the food supply system,” the DA said.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol on Tuesday reiterated his call for the public to always be prepared for strong earthquakes, as these “will be experienced from time to time.”

The earthquake has since generated 113 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 4.9 as of 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“We are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and whether we like it or not, we will experience strong earthquakes

from time to time, so we really have to prepare,” Bacolcol said.

The movement of the Cotabato Trench caused the earthquake, Bacolcol said, adding that aftershocks could continue for several days or weeks, with magnitudes and frequencies decreasing.

The strongest earthquake along the Cotabato Trench was the magnitude 8.1 tremor that happened on Aug. 17, 1976, which produced a tsunami as high as nine meters, according to the Phivolcs chief.

Bacolcol also pointed out the need to make structures resilient.

“Earthquakes don’t claim lives. It is the collapse of man-made structures that may claim lives,” he said.

Glan accounted for over half of the earthquake’s death toll, with five out of the nine fatalities recorded.

The declaration will allow the release of calamity funds allocated to the local government and control the pricing of basic commodities in the area.

The number of families affected by the earthquake in the country’s southern region has climbed to 3,696, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Tuesday.

The NDRRMC said the total is

equivalent to 16,293 persons residing in 51 barangays located in the Davao and Soccsksargen regions.

Three were confirmed injured, all from Davao Region, while the number of injured undergoing validation is at 13.

A total of 1,544 houses in the two regions were reported damaged by the earthquake.

The Department of Agriculture said the earthquake also left P2.08 million worth of damage to fisheries equipment.

“These include 44 damaged boats and

‘Shear...

From A1

If Sara impeached, I’ll run for office again—Duterte

in 103 barangays in Northern Samar, Samar, Easter Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran have been affected by the floods.

As of Tuesday, roads that were not passable to all types of vehicles on Samar Island included the CatarmanLaoang road; Pangpang-PalapagMapanas-Gamay-Lapinig-Arteche boundary road; and other barangay roads in Nipa, Maragano, and Cabatuan, all in Palapag town in Northern Samar.

The Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas said a total of 1,082 evacuation centers were set up across the affected areas.

In Northern Samar, 54 were occupied by 6,038 families, while in Eastern Samar, three were used by 195 families.

Of the 35,378 evacuees, 34,723 were in Northern Samar and 655 were in Eastern Samar, the police regional command said Tuesday afternoon.

Significant rains due to the shear line also caused flooding in Capiz and Aklan, affecting 15,464 families or 49,129 people in the two provinces, a report released by the Office of the Civil Defense Western Visayas (OCD 6) said on Tuesday.

“We are also waiting for reports from Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Antique because they also have rainfall warnings, and we also have recorded heavy rainfall,” OCD 6 information officer Cindy Ferrer said in an interview.

Aklan has 620 affected families, while Capiz has 14,844 families.

Ferrer said of the affected families, 260, or 816 people were in evacuation centers, while the rest were with their relatives or outside of the shelters.

Jacket...

From A1 dipped early morning Monday, as Baguio City also recorded its lowest temperature yet this season at 13.4°C. Metro Manila also reported its lowest temperature so far at 22.4°C at the Science Garden station in Quezon City.

According to GMA weather expert Anjo Pertierra, the lowest temperature ever recorded in the country was 6.3°C in Baguio last January 18, 1961.

The amihan is the wind that comes from the north of the globe and lasts roughly between October to March in any given year. Rio Araja

Manibela...

From A1 Development Authority (MMDA) are deploying five “rescue vehicles” offering free rides to commuters to help the administration address the transport strike that has so far failed to cripple public transportation in Metro Manila.

“The House of the People is always working in collaboration with the Marcos government through the MMDA to alleviate the inconvenience caused to commuters by the transport strike.

We have taken this joint initiative to ensure that stranded commuters have available rides to their work or home,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said in a statement.

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would return to politics if his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, gets impeached.

The elder Duterte added that he “will get out of his retirement to return to politics” and “will be forced to run for either vice president or senator.”

He was reacting to reports of alleged impeachment talks involving some members of the House of Representatives against “Inday Sara,” who has been at odds with lawmakers over her requests, since withdrawn, for confidential and intelligence funds for the

Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

“You know if you do that, I will return to politics... I will be forced to either run for senator or for vice president even though I’m old,” Duterte said in a GMA News report.

“I will be forced to come out of retirement. When I begin to talk... election is just around the corner, it will get messy. I don’t lose anything, I’m retired. But when it comes to that and it happens that I’m still alive and don’t have dementia, I’ll run for vice president... If Inday is the president, it’s okay,” Duterte said.

In a separate statement, Duterte-Carpio said that she will support any political plans of her father.

“Whatever President Duterte’s decision is, the family has full support for him. Just like whatever our decisions are as children regarding politics, the family has full support for us. We will support President Duterte’s decision the same way,” she said.

The Vice President does not deserve to be impeached over her office’s requests for secret funds, President Marcos Jr. has said in an interview in Hawaii on Monday. Maricel V. Cruz

Joint...

From A1

ating our own code of conduct, for example, with Vietnam because we are still waiting for the code of conduct between China and ASEAN and the progress has been rather slow unfortunately,” President Marcos said during a round-table discussion at the Daniel Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“And so we’ve taken the initiative to approach those other countries around ASEAN with whom we have existing territorial conflicts,” he added.

The President emphasized the urgency of establishing a framework for peaceful coexistence in the region, stating the need for ASEAN’s code of conduct for the region.

Mr. Marcos identified Vietnam and Malaysia as key partners in these bilateral COC negotiations, underscoring the paramount importance of maintaining peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea. While actively pursuing separate COC arrangements with its ASEAN neighbors, the Philippines remains committed to strengthening its ties with the United States, its only treaty ally, and other like-minded nations, Mr. Marcos said.

The President commended the United States for its unwavering support, not only in the form of verbal assurances but also through concrete actions.

He also acknowledged the Philippines’ close partnerships with Australia, South Korea, and Japan.

Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) said the plan of a group organizing a convoy of civilian vessels to deliver supplies to troops on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would be “ill-advised” given the tension in the area.

The NSC said on Tuesday that the “Atin Ito” coalition could instead send their Christmas convoy to other parts of the Kalayaan Island Group.

“There are also frontliners in those features and they also deserve Christmas goodies and donations from the

public,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

He said visiting the islands of Lawak, Kota, Likas, Pag-Asa, Parola, or Panata, or Rizal Reef would allow them to “visit a vaster area of the West Philippine Sea” and “more fully realize” their goal of improving the living conditions of communities in the tense sea.

The NSC said that it supports the civilian convoy “in principle” but not the planned trip “or any similar undertaking” to Ayungin.

Government resupply missions to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre have met stiff resistance from Chinese vessels, including the use of water cannons and blocking maneuvers that have led to collisions.

Malaya said that the coalition could also turn over the Christmas donations to the Philippine Navy or Philippine Coast Guard “and we will gladly bring the donated supplies to BRP Sierra Madre during the routine rotation and resupply missions.”

The civilian group, which includes Akbayan Party, is organizing a 40-vessel convoy that will sail from El Nido in Palawan to Ayungin Shoal to distribute food and navigation tools.

They said the civilian convoy is meant to “normalize our voyages to the West Philippine Sea.” Chinese vessels, which include ships of the Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army-Navy, in the West Philippine Sea have kept Filipino boats away from some fishing areas.

Senator Risa Hontiveros of Akbayan said at the launch on Monday that “it’s not an exaggeration when we say Filipinos are being harassed on a daily basis.”

Also on Tuesday, Senator Robin Padilla called on the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to strengthen public awareness of the situation in the West Philippine Sea to counter Chinese propaganda, misinformation and fake news.

Fewer...

From A1

or 13.2 million families.

SWS said the 9.8 percent hunger rate in September 2023 was the sum of 8.4 percent who experienced “moderate hunger” and 1.3 percent who experienced “severe hunger.”

Families categorized under “moderate hunger” have experienced hunger “only once or a few times” within the last three months, while those categorized under “severe hunger” have consistently faced hunger “often” or “always” of the same period.

In Metro Manila, moderate hunger rose by 1.3 points from 12 percent in June 2023 to 13.3 percent in September 2023.

Severe hunger in Metro Manila hardly changed from 3.7 percent to 4.0 percent.

In Balance of Luzon, moderate hun-

Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command in the West Philippine Sea,” Mr. Marcos said in his post.

“Through collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests,” he added.

The West Philippine Sea has been the site of an increasing number of incidents involving Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia that harass and seek to block Philippine boats from entering disputed areas such as Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Arriving from a six-day visit from the United States, Mr. Marcos on Monday said the Philippines and the US vowed to continue working together to maintain peace and stability in the region.

“Together with the US, our oldest and our only treaty ally, and our growing network of other partners, we will be able to bring peace, stability, [and] prosperity to the Indo-Pacific region,” President Marcos said upon returning to the country.

The combined sea and air patrols are among the planned activities agreed upon by the Mutual Defense Board - Security Engagement Board (MDBSEB) of both countries.

The MDB-SEB serves as a framework for security and cooperation, allowing the Philippines and the United States to discuss security issues and coordinate various military activities for the upcoming year, including the annual Balikatan exercises.

On his last stop in Hawaii, the President said the Philippines has started separate negotiations for a code of conduct with Southeast Asian countries.

“We are now in the midst of negoti-

“During this period of strike, I commend MMDA acting chair (Romando) Artes for working with us in ensuring the continued accessibility of reliable public transportation services,” Romualdez said.

Artes said the MMDA and the House have deployed the buses since Monday to augment the number of vehicles provided by local governments and other agencies offering free rides to affected commuters.

In an interview, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) national president Orlando Marquez Sr. said even the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) and Pasang Masda will not be joining Manibela’s picket lines.

national average, at 10.3 percent, but 1 percentage point lower than it was in June.

The Visayas and Mindanao had the lowest hunger rates, both at 6.7 percent.

A separate survey by OCTA Research, meanwhile, showed fewer Filipino families rated themselves poor and hungry in the third quarter.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, found that 46 percent of respondents or 12.1 million Filipino families considered themselves poor for the third quarter of 2023. The figure was 4 percentage points lower than the second quarter survey result of 50 percent

NSC belies report on TikTok being probed as threat

By Vince Lopez THE National Security Council (NSC) has belied news reports about the social media app TikTok and its foreign owners being under investigation as a potential threat to national security.

The NSC, in an advisory sent to reporters, said it has no knowledge about such a probe.

“Members of the Media are hereby advised that the National Security Council did not issue any Press Release today or in the past few days that is the basis for the stories,” the advisory read.

The agency asserted that its press releases were being issued with the NSC letterhead and released only by the Strategic Communications Office, an outfit under its jurisdiction.

“NSC Press Releases, per protocol, are issued on NSC letterhead and released only by the Strategic Communications Office (SCO),” the advisory said.

“Any press statement not coming from the NSC-SCO is not an official statement of this office and is coming from an illegitimate source,” it added.

It was reported earlier that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and video hosting service TikTok have forged a partnership for “edutainment,” an educational and entertainment initiative aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.

This developed after the President met with TikTok officials on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California late Friday night (Manila time).

Mr. Marcos said he wants TikTok to train small-scale sellers and entrepreneurs in the country, particularly those in the rural areas, to promote their products, considering that the social media platform accommodates 50 million users in the Philippines alone.

Rice...

From A1 The DA, however, assured the public of stable rice prices during holiday season, noting that the country’s buffer stock is still be enough for the next 90 days.

Despite downplaying the reported price hikes, the DA said that by ensuring the import permits are used quickly, it could better manage the supply of rice and avoid price surges that hurt consumers.

“I told them that if they will not use the permits within 30 days, I will cancel everything because I don’t want to be held hostage by permits that were issued to them upon their request,” Laurel told lawmakers during a House committee on agriculture hearing Monday.

The DA expects total palay harvest this year to exceed 20 million metric tons, slightly higher than last year’s 19.76 million tons.

Total rice imports are projected at 2.86 million tons, down one million tons from 2022, barring additional imports in the coming weeks.

The DA said that based on current numbers, the country has a rice surplus of 2.98 million metric tons.

The additional imports will prolong the availability of rice supply until the next harvest season starting in March, the DA said.

ger rose by 0.7 points from 8.3 percent to 9 percent, while severe hunger fell by 1.7 points from 3 percent to 1.3 percent.

In the Visayas, moderate hunger fell by 2.6 points from 8.3 percent to 5.7 percent while severe hunger stayed at 1 percent.

In Mindanao, moderate hunger rose from 6 percent to 6.7 percent, while severe hunger moved from 0.3 percent to zero.

The Third Quarter 2023 SWS survey interviewed 1,200 adults across the country, with 300 in Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The sampling error margins for national percentages are 2.8 percent, and 5.7 percent for Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Turning a new leaf in education

SM Prime, SM Foundation provide new school building in Batangas

By Patricia Taculao

T

HERE’S much to learn within the four walls of a classroom, including valuable knowledge about various specialties and life lessons. But with many students across the Philippines who want to learn as much as possible, not every institution can accommodate every enrollee.

It has been a persistent challenge nationwide, especially in farflung areas or those with large populations. One example is San Antonio Elementary School (SAES), situated in one of Batangas’ most populated municipalities, which has been affected by the longstanding challenge of classroom shortage.

“Sa sobrang dami po ng aming estudyante, hindi po namin maprovide ang accommodation na nararapat para sa mga bata. Meron po kaming 1,550 learners last school year at 21 classrooms—kaya’t kulang po talaga kami ng 22 classrooms,” SAES Principal Joy Obreo said.

One solution to having limited space is shifting classes, with one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, which runs for six hours each. However, it’s not feasible as the students receive less time to adj–ust to the classroom setting and prepare themselves to learn.

Despite this lack of resources, Obreo and the other SAES teachers make up for the unconducive learning environment by ensuring they provide their students with quality education. Fortunately, they have the city government’s support in equipping the teachers with their daily tasks, starting with receiving learning materials like laptops.

Given this, many institutions have stepped up to share in the bid to promote quality education in local schools. Among them is the SM group.

Recently, SM Prime, through the SM Foundation, improved education in the Philippines by constructing new school buildings. SM group’s school building program has contributed to

resolving educational woes, hoping to improve the quality of learning.

SM Foundation, an active partner of the Department of Education’s AdoptA-School Program, turned over a two-floor, four-classroom school building to SAES. Each classroom is well-equipped with armchairs, including left-handed ones, wall fans, and concave whiteboards.

Obrea is deeply grateful to the SM Foundation for providing SAES with the new facilities for their students.

“Dahil dito sa four-classroom na ipinagkaloob niyo sa amin, mageend of shifting na kami ng Grade 6 learners. Instead na ang pasok nila ay 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon, magiging 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” the principal said.

She added their students will also get enough time for special intervention activities, including special reading programs, to help them better grasp or understand their subjects.

Moreover, the building has a clinic and PWD-friendly facilities—from ramps to accessible restrooms with handrails to promote inclusivity. SM Foundation also set up a reading nook in an area with high student traffic to encourage learning.

SM Foundation also strategically installed a handwashing facility accessible to the SAES community.

The foundation aims to protect students and staff from infections, foster a more conducive learning environment, and promote lifelong healthy habits.

The SM Foundation remains evercommitted to improving the quality of education to help Filipinos unlock their full potential.

SM Foundation, an active partner of the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program, turns over a two-floor, four-classroom school building to San Antonio Elementary School.

The new school building serves as a second home to grade 6 students, ending class shifts within the said grade and providing more time for learning activities.

The new classrooms create a conducive learning environment, supporting the SM group’s mission of improving the quality of education in the country.

COLLABORATION FOR SOCIAL GOOD. SM Supermalls’ Regional Operations Manager Engr. Juan Marius Cortez, Mall Operations SAVP Engr. Jhon Terrenal, SMFI Executive Director for Education Programs Carmen Atayde,. Sto. Tomas City’s Vice Mayor Catherine Perez , Mayor Arth Jhun Marasigan, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Neil G. Angeles, Barangay captain Eufrocino Manarin, and DepEd School Governance Operations Division Chief Jhomar Sor at the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally turnover the new school building.

Prioritizing inclusivity, the SM group added PWD-friendly facilities throughout the school building.

Believing in the power of education, the SM group installed a reading nook in an area with high student traffic to encourage learning.

SM Foundation strategically installs a handwashing facility to promote lifelong healthy habits within the SAES community.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Envoy says ‘123’ deal kickstarts nuclear plan

DOJ clears Chandiramani of falsification of public docs THE Department of Justice (DOJ) cleared Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani, his mother Pushpa, and five others of falsification of public documents charges in connection with the alleged disposition of their more than P1 billion in assets.

In a 20-page resolution issued by Assistant State Prosecutor Eric Opriasa, the DOJ found a lack of probable cause to warrant the filing of a case for violation of paragraph 1 of Article 172, in relation to Article 171, of the Revised Penal Code (falsification of public documents) before the trial court against the respondents.

Also cleared of any wrongdoing were Rajiv’s business associates, namely: Janet de Luna Cardinal, Maria Anita Turqueza, Rommel Olayber, Christina Gutierrez and Angelito Manuel.

The complaint was filed by Rajiv’s estranged brother Amith Prem Chandiramani who accused the respondents of conspiring to effect the illegal transfer to Rajiv of several properties and business interests worth billions of pesos that were lawfully willed to him by their father Prem, before he passed away on Dec. 26, 2011.

Amith said he was shocked upon learning about the illegal transfer and eventual sale of the properties that started sometime in 2018 or seven years after his father’s death.

In dismissing the complaint, the DOJ pointed out Amith’s failure to disclose in his complaint-affidavit that sometime in July 2022, he previously filed a similar complaint for falsification of public documents against Rajiv and their mother and several other respondents before the Office of the Prosecutor (OCP) of Makati City involving the sale and mortgage of real properties subject to the case. Rey E. Requejo

Laurel appointment submitted to CA for confirmation PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has submitted for confirmation to the Commission on Appointments (CA) the interim appointment of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., CA Assistant Minority Leader and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said.

Pimentel said Laurel and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa “are on top of the new batch of 57 presidential appointees—mostly foreign service officers – awaiting their confirmation hearings.”

The 25-member CA is empowered by the Constitution to vet the competence, fitness, and integrity of key presidential appointees, including Cabinet members, and to approve or disapprove them.

“We would urge the public to submit to the CA Secretariat any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the appointees,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel’s remarks came a day after fisherfolk grouped under the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) challenged Laurel to withdraw the Frabelle Group of Companies’ 944-hectare reclamation project in Bacoor Bay, a large inlet of southeastern Manila Bay. Frabelle is carrying out the massive reclamation project in joint venture with the Bacoor City government and Diamond Export Corp.

Pimentel said he expects the CA committees concerned to schedule their respective confirmation hearings soon, “considering that we only have a few session days left before Congress goes on recess for the Christmas holidays.”

SURFING JERSEY. Surigao

Del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas hands over to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez a surfing jersey signed by the champions of the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup held in Siargao recently.

Ver Noveno

‘APEC trip is best so far for President Marcos’

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE 2023 APEC Summit in San Francisco was one of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s best trips so far, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said.

Romualdez, in an interview with ANC, also said “I think, was one of the best trips of the president because he had an opportunity to meet the 21 leaders from all over the world. And the priority has always been economic security for us.”

The Filipino ambassador also noted that Mr. Marcos was “on top of his game.”

“Everybody, I mean everybody, every

world leader would like to meet up with him. or at least have a conversation with him,” Romualdez said.

“Some other countries like Peru and other other countries sort of gravitated toward him and tried to have a conversation with him. And this is what I mean by, you now have a world leader that is respected and they would very much like to have a meeting with him if possible,” the envoy added.

Solon lauds arrest of alleged large-scale onion smuggler

By Maricel V. Cruz

ZAPOTE HOUSING GROUNDBREAKING. Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla

(second from right) gives the thumbs-up before the start of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Zapote I housing project with Human Settlement Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, (4th from left), Pag-Ibig Fund CEO Marlene Acosta (third from left), and Vice Mayor Rowena Bautista Mendiola (third from right) The housing project will benefit 2,000 families. Joseph Muego

REP. Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol party-list on Tuesday lauded the recent arrest of a suspected large-scale onion smuggler.

Co, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, said the arrest of Jayson de Roxas Taculog was a clear indicator of the administration’s determined efforts to combat agricultural smuggling in the Philippines.

“The apprehension of Mr. Taculog, following the confiscation of P78.9 million worth of illegally imported agricultural goods, is tangible proof of President Marcos’ commitment to ending this detrimental practice,” Co said.

“This is not mere lip service. The President’s pronouncement in his State of the Nation Address - that the days of agricultural smugglers are numbered is now being actualized.”

Taculog was taken into custody following the issuance of an arrest warrant

by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26 Judge Edilu Hayag. The arrest was preceded by the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegally imported agricultural goods consigned to Taculog J International Consumer Goods Trading.

Co emphasized the broader impact of smuggling on the agricultural sector, noting, “Smuggling affects more than just the taxes.”

In the legislature, Co hailed the passage on third and final reading of House Bill (HB) 9284, known as the Large-scale Agri-Fishery Commodities or Tobacco Hoarding, Profiteering, Cartelizing, and other Acts of Market Abuse as Economic Sabotage Act.

Garin wants more aid for deaf, mute, and those with Down syndrome DEPUTY majority leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin has sought additional financial assistance for the deaf, mute, blind, and those with Down syndrome.

Garin wanted the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of the administration to cater to those individuals with such conditions.

“It’s only right for us to provide help to our disadvantaged citizens,” she said.

Garin, a former Health Secretary,

proposed that such a move be implemented during the BPSF in Iloilo. The lady solon is former Department of Health (DOH) secretary.

Eventually, Garin said she hoped that this type of assistance would be implemented nationwide.

“This program is a big help in hastening the release of documents for our countrymen. The administration offers quick and easy service to its people,” Garin said.

Education dep’t designates Friday as school catch-up day STARTING Jan. 12, 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) will designate every Friday as a “catchup” day in schools, particularly to help students read and comprehend better, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte announced on Tuesday.

Duterte said during the catch-up days, all learners from kindergarten to Grade 12 shall use the time to read books, articles, and other reading materials based on their interests, and be tasked to write books, essays, and book reviews and analyses.

She said that the scheme would be

Romualdez revealed that many leaders also indicated that they would like to visit the Philippines and have a stronger relationship with the country.

Mr. Marcos had said that the APEC Summit was successful.

The President secured $672 million worth of investment pledges from various sectors following his participation.

When asked for the timeline for the pledges, Romualdez said these havebeen planned out.

The envoy admitted that he also asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) about the matter.

“In fact, I told Secretary Pascual of the DTI and also the BOI to at least come out with some kind of scorecard,” he said.

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Tuesday said the “123” agreement will kickstart the Philippines’ nuclear energy program and set the tone for how quickly the country could access related technology.

The Philippines and the United States last week signed the “123” deal that would facilitate cooperation between both countries on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

“That’s the most important alternative energy that we’re looking at because once we have that going, we can put that all over the Philippines and energy costs will start going down,” Romualdez said.

The agreement will allow both countries to work together and use nuclear technologies to ensure that the Philippines has a sustainable and clean energy supply. It also provides the legal basis for the US to export nuclear technology to the Philippines for peaceful uses.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. witnessed the signing of the agreement by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US State Secretary Antony Blinken at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

The deal commits the Philippines to safeguards against the use of transferred nuclear material to produce nuclear weapons. Known as “123” agreements under the US Atomic Energy Act, the pacts are critical for investment

by US nuclear companies, which are wary of running afoul of laws related to proliferation “This involves big investment in the beginning, but the return is absolutely wonderful,” Romualdez stressed.

The Filipino ambassador also said President Marcos tapped Frederick Go, his adviser on investments and economic affairs, to “precisely monitor” the investment pledges to the Philippines.

Go will be “in charge of looking at all these investments that are supposed to be coming into the Philippines,” Romualdez said.

Mr. Marcos instructed the Department of Trade and Industry to come out with a “scorecard” to monitor the investment pledges, the ambassador said. Rey E. Requejo

conducted until the end of the Marcos administration in 2028.

She also said the policies on the catch-up Fridays are currently being drafted and will be released in December in time for the school-based launch in January next year.

“We need a day where we have to catch up on where we want the children to be. We should stop repeatedly doing measures that do not result in changes or improvements in our learners,” Duterte said.

Citing international studies, Duterte noted that the quality of education in the country “is not good.”

Thus as part of the learning recovery program, she said learners need to be taught first how to read well.

“We will do nothing else but teach the child to read and those who can read will be taught about critical thinking and analysis. Those who already know critical thinking and analysis will be tasked to write a book and essays. Everything we need to do so that kids can learn, we do on catch-up Fridays,” she said.

Aside from reading, Duterte said Fridays will also be set to catch up on the values, health, and peace education of the learners.

The BPSF, a project of President Marcos and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, aims to bring government services closer to the Filipino people.

Launched at multiple locations in the countr y last Sept. 23, the fair is an all-encompassing service caravan.

Among the major social services offered by the BPSF include enrollment in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay

sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) or Government Internship Program (GIP), legal counseling, distribution of farm inputs and machinery, Tulong Dunong Program, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarships and program enrollment, financial assistance programs, Kadiwa stores, and SB Corp. services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Maricel V. Cruz

COUNTERAFFIDAVIT. Human

rights lawyer Chel Diokno holds an affidavit with Janus Munar, a teacher who shared a video of a traffic jam along Commonwealth Avenue reportedly due to the convoy of Vice President Sara Duterte. Munar filed the counter-affidavit asking to dismiss the complaint against him for violating Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, filed by the police. Manny Palmero

A5

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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

Pop Goes The World

EDITORIAL

Jenny Ortuoste

Vigilance vs. flash floods

Miss U fever LOCAL pageant fans are still hopping mad about the outcome of this year’s Miss Universe contest, which saw Philippine bet Michelle Dee eliminated after the top 10 round.

The morning of the pageant, my Facebook feed was full of comments like, Dee should have entered the top five. She should have been able to give her answer in the Q & A, because for sure it would have been brilliant.

Others came forward with “conspiracy theories.”

One, about how a publicity material of the pageant organizers already had a Top 5 art card prepared with Dee included. Was this a case of a beaucon being turned into a “cooking show”?

I’m not going down the rabbit hole here about the Miss U speculations and commentary, because you can read that for yourself online. But first, let us all thank Mich Dee for her service.

—“—

The 2023 Miss Universe pageant reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of beauty contests in the 21st century For Filipinos, the Miss U is one of the most important events of the year.

Our bets’ qualifications are thoroughly examined by folks to see whether they are adequate to win against the most beautiful of the world.

Our beauty pageant contestants are considered on a level with our finest athletes who compete internationally (possibly even more so, because practically everyone knows what the Miss U is about and has an opinion, but we can’t say the same for sports).

Dee had everything going for her, and she did her absolute best.

She shone on that international stage. She had the looks, confidence, style, and the good manners to carry herself with aplomb after the outcome.

Thank you, Mich Dee, for representing our country so ably in the pageant. Let’s think of this as the loss of the Miss U organization – they let one of the finest women in the universe slip away when she would have served as Miss U admirably.

Now, considering all the brickbats hurled at the contest owner, organizer, and judges, what do we do next?

DM Reyes, poet and teacher, wrote an insightful opinion piece on the topic for his Facebook page. Among the things he said was we should consider whether “we still want to take part in this discontinuous, deceptive game.”

He suggested boycotting the event for perhaps three years “until it transforms correctly into fair pageant shape.”

This comment makes sense. If we cannot be sure about the integrity and fairness of the pageant, why compete when the odds are stacked against us from the start and the outcome may have been foreordained by the powers that be?

Do we still even want to compete? We’ve only won four times and lost 68 times.

However, the local version of the pageant has launched the careers of many of the contestants who have gone on to fame and fortune.

In that sense, it helps some people and provides work for event organizers, makeup artists, dress designers, and pageant tutors.

Over the decades the Miss U contest has become a cultural phenomenon.

It has such a fandom that there are websites devoted to photos, videos, and commentary on the contestants.

But the painful question we must ask is, do the Miss U and beauty pageants in general remain relevant or are they a relic of a bygone era?

Organizers have tried to bring a contest that valorizes physical appearance (an accident of birth and/or product of plastic surgery and good dental care) into the modern age by requiring contestants to have advocacies.

But Mich Dee had a stellar and transformational advocacy – did it help her win?

No, because that part of it wasn’t given much weight in this year’s contest. So, it all came down to the subjective choices of the judges based on looks.

Critics of pageants say they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and gender roles, and they objectify women. It’s hard to contradict them when pageants such as this year’s continue to be shallow and unfair.

However, proponents of beauty pageants contend they can be a platform for women to showcase their talents, advocate for social causes, and demonstrate intelligence and poise under pressure.

The question then becomes whether these positive aspects outweigh the potential harm caused by the focus on physical beauty.

In an ideal world, Mich Dee would have won the Miss U crown, and among her court as runner-ups would have been the gorgeously curvaceous Miss Nepal and first-timer Miss Pakistan, who showed their courage in competing and breaking molds.

The 2023 Miss Universe pageant reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of beauty contests in the 21st century.

While some argue that these events perpetuate outdated notions of beauty and femininity, others see the potential for positive change and empowerment.

To make beauty pageants more relevant, organizers should embrace diversity, shift the focus from external appearances to internal qualities, and adapt their formats to highlight contestants’ achievements and impact Pageants can then evolve into platforms that celebrate and empower women in a way that aligns with the values that bring out the best of humanity. * * * FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

EVERYMAN

Raising the bar in local governance

By Melandrew Velasco “PUBLIC service is not just a job, it is a commitment to serve the people with dedication and integrity.”

The quote best describes the dream and hope of every constituent—public servants who will serve with dedication and integrity—and ultimately make a difference in their lives.

For public servants who are elected, performance in office is judged in the polling precincts with the achievers rewarded with another term of office.

In San Narciso town in Quezon province, Mayor Florabelle Uy-Yap ran for re-election in the 2022 elections and won overwhelmingly.

She is now in her third term as local chief executive.

The programs and projects she initiated have benefitted constituents of the thirdclass municipality: Infrastructure projects were undertaken to generate more employment opportunities and link more barangays and communities in the municipality.

Included in these projects is concreting

of roads spanning more than 50 kms worth about P800 million, as well as the opening of new roads.

The local government under Yap financed the Spring Development Project in 17 barangays to ensure the availability of clean and safe water for household use in these areas.

Yap also initiated Paposo sa Sitio, a personal program in response to the needs of sitios and barangays where water is scarce.

To intensify rural electrification, the local government coordinated with the National Electrification Administration and Quezelco that resulted in 1,140 more households with electric service connection.

Twenty far-flung sitios were beneficiaries of the Sitio Electrification Program.

Under Mayor Yap, other infrastructure projects include the construction of 10 covered courts, six evacuation centers, seven multipurpose halls, five day care centers and the upgrade of the Central Elementary School facilities.

Municipal landmarks were installed at Sitio Bangkatan, Barangay Guinhalinan and Sitio Daniwdiw, Barangay Abuyon, both boundaries of San Narciso.

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M

ETEOROLOGISTS have raised a warning for people to be vigilant while experiencing rains due to the shear line and the northeast monsoon.

Luzon, the eastern and western seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the eastern seaboard of the Visayas.

Sea travel is risky for small seacraft, and mariners of these vessels are advised to seek safe harbor.

It’s heartening that at least six domestic flights were canceled Tuesday for the safety of passengers.

—“—

Aircraft and ships are also forewarned with this wind shear phenomenon, the change in speed and direction of wind over a short distance, most often caused by microbursts (really small yet intense downbursts from thunderstorms), temperature inversions (when the temperature of the air gets colder as you get closer to the surface of the Earth), and surface obstructions.

The northeast monsoon is rainy weather caused by northeasterly winds affecting much of the tropics from December to March.

With this shear line, moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon, the Visayas, and the northern section of Mindanao, and rough to very rough seas are forecast over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central

Precaution is a pressing priority We heard the weathermen warning people in the affected areas to stay vigilant against possible flash floods or landslides during moderate to heavy rains caused by the ITCZ and shear line.

The ITCZ, known by sailors as the doldrums or the calm because of its monotonous windless weather, is the area where the northeast and the southeast trade winds converge and encircles the Earth near the thermal equator though its specific position varies seasonally.

The shear line, an area where warm

About Town

P20/kilo rice

Ernesto M. Hilario

IN LATE 2021, then presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised to bring down the price of rice, our staple food, to P20 per kilo, if he got elected.

At the time, rice prices were way above this, so he must have won over more supporters because of his campaign promise.

But more than a year after assuming office, his administration could only manage to impose a temporary price ceiling of P41 for regular-milled rice and P46 for the wellmilled variety.

Today, rice prices are dictated by market forces, and nowhere near the P20 per kilo the President pledged in 2021.

But wait, there’s change on the horizon, with the administration likely to deliver on its promise to the people, particularly those living on the margins of society, if it implements an out-of-the-box program.

We’re talking about a proposal in Congress to reach the goal of the elusive P20/ kilo rice.

It comes from Rep. LRay Villafuerte, current head of the National Unity Party, and it’s touted to be a doable solution to our rice woes by next year.

What the lawmaker wants to do is to make small farmers in the country’s top 10 palayproducing provinces harvest at the end of the next planting season in 2024 a combined 5 million metric tons or 5 billion kg of our staple food.

The projected yield of 5 billion kilos at the end of one planting season would allow the administration to sell 1.5 billion kilos of rice at P20 a kilo to poor and low-income families, and another 1.5 billion kilos at P30 to the rest of the consumers.

The government now spends about P40 billion in annual subsidies for the rice subsector.

—“—

Yap is giving her constituents the public service they deserve – going the extra mile of sharing what she personally has to people in need Three health centers were constructed in remote barangays to make rural health services accessible to the residents.

Installation of a light house, line canals, foot bridge and hanging bridge are also among the accomplishments of the Yap administration.

Ongoing is the construction of the municipality’s P42.5 million convention center with terminal at Barangay Buenavista.

The local government is s commited to improve the productivity of farmers, and distributed farm machinery and equipment to seven farmer associations, free seeds and

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

The lawmaker has proposed to newly designated Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel to consider using this huge amount to subsidize small farmers tilling an initial total land area of one million hectares in the Top 10 palay producers in the country.

Villafuerte proposes a P40-billion subsidy/contract-growing solution to the perennial supply and price woes besetting the rice industry by extending financial assistance of P40,000 per hectare to every target farmerbeneficiary in the biggest palay producers in the country.

—“—

It’s worth trying out, from where we sit The lawmaker is convinced market rates of P20 and P30 a kilo are actually doable starting next year, if we were to adopt now a novel palay productivity program involving the grant of a pre-planting subsidy of P40,000 per hectare to target farmer-beneficiaries tilling a total of a million hectares in our 10 biggest palay-producing provinces, but on condition these farmers sell their produce to the government at P9 a kilo.

“With a projected total yield of 5 billion kg of palay from the one million hectares, based on an average output of 5 MT or 5,000 kg per hectare, this novel subsidy-cum-contractgrowing proposal will translate to 3 billion kg of rice, at the palay-to-rice, after-milling conversion rate of 60 percent,” the Bicol solon said.

Buying the farmers’ produce after already giving them P40,000 each before the start of fertilizers; and made irrigation available in barangays.

Fisher folk were recipients of fishing nets, boat motors and equipment.

The local government has a cash for work program for fishermen when fish harvest is minimal.

This usually occurs during the northeast monsoon (amihan). It also has a Bantay Dagat program.

The local government is helping out-ofschool youth in job placements as it identifies vacancies in companies in the municipality.

It continues to coordinate with different government agencies for the TUPAD program of DOLE. Cash for Work program in San Narciso has logged 5,804 beneficiaries.

In promoting social welfare, the local government has programs for senior citizens, nutrition and medical, housing, and education.

With an improved database of senior citizens, the number of pensioners increased to 2,275 from 750.

Burial and medical assistance are available to senior citizens. Free medicines, vitamins and immunizations are given to the constituents.

Scholarships are given to students belonging to financially challenged families.

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

and cold air meets, is a narrow corridor along which there is an abrupt change in the horizontal component of the wind, observed both near the ground and in jet streams, where it may be associated with clear-air turbulence.

Vertical wind shear that causes turbulence is closely associated with the vertical and horizontal transport of momentum, heat, and water vapor.

Hypervigilance is needed since the shear line, according to weather forecasters, has dumped six weeks worth of rain in Northern Samar and spawned floods on Tuesday.

Catarman town alone recorded 619 millimeters of rain, more than its normal November rainfall of 457.8 millimeters, and higher than the 24-hour amount of rain during Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, at 454.9 millimeters recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

The rainfall also topped the previous highest daily rainfall recorded in Catarman on Dec. 2, 2019 at 605.5 millimeters.

An alarming scene showed floods almost reaching the second story of some houses in the towns of Catarman, Lope de Vega, and Catubig in Samar.

Precaution is a pressing priority.

the planting season would encourage the target beneficiaries to produce more from their respective farms as they will be paid P9 for every kilo of palay they are able to produce.

The government will earn P30 billion from selling 1.5 billion kilos of rice at P20 and P45 billion more from selling the other 1.5 billion kg at the higher P30 kilo, or a total P75 billion.

“Thus, at the end of this undertaking, the government will have spent just P10 billion in subsidies for the rice productivity program—in lieu of the current P40 billion—after collecting P75 billion from the total project cost as against the P85 billion set aside for the farmers’ subsidy and subsequent rice sale,” said Villafuerte.

Funding for this rice productivity program, the lawmaker said, can be sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act, a Congressapproved supplemental fund, or from the collections from rice import tariffs.

“This is an excellent solution because we will be providing needed production assistance to our palay growers that will stop them from seeking pre-planting loans from usurers or unscrupulous traders and then selling their produce to them at dirt cheap prices, while at the same time boosting our harvests and enabling rice consumers to buy the staple in retail markets at only P20 to P30 per kilo,” he explained.

Besides, this proposed scheme is in sync with the administration’s initiatives to provide financial assistance to rice farmers, boost their productivity, reduce our dependence on imports, and provide consumers, especially the poor and other vulnerable groups, with greater access to cheaper rice.

It’s worth trying out, from where we sit.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com) Around 2,000 students are beneficiaries of the scholarship program of Mayor Yap. Eighteen families are beneficiaries of house and lot donated by Mayor Yap and her husband.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, she is giving her constituents the public service they deserve – going the extra mile of sharing what she personally has to people in need.

“We should realize how blessed we are; for me, one of the most important lessons I learned from my parents is to share our blessings.”

The accomplishments of Mayor Yap should inspire other local government officials.

San Narciso is one of the 12 towns in the Bondoc Peninsula in the southeastern part of Quezon Province with a land area of 263.58 sq. kms. and 24 barangays.

Its geographical attributes make the municipality ideal as an eco-tourism destination.

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

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

NEWS

A6

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Makati gov’t shuts down 24 establishments for operating without business permits THE Makati City government has ordered the closure of 24 establishments for operating without business permits.

Inspectors from the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) issued closure orders to J. Benedicto & Associates, and L.B. Ferrer Apartment, both in Barangay Valenzuela; Greetime VIP Online Shop, DunkCover Inc.,

Amun-Ra Gaming Center, Ativo Land Corporation, all located in Barangay Bangkal; ESL Technical Services Inc. in San Isidro; Focus It, Future Canopy Agri Corp., Nurtured Planet Ventures Corp., all in Barangay San Lorenzo; Right Eye Detective and Protective Services Inc., Techlab Software Development Services, and Anstar Medi-

cal Trading, all in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo; Makati Cars, KML Properties Inc., Ethelbert Eatery, Nueva Ropa Laundromat, Safety Mart, Soliman Car Rental Services Corp., Alvimco Company Inc., and Stronghold Enterprise Group Inc., all in Barangay Pio del Pilar; and Maklibet Consumer Goods Wholesale, K. Roa Management Consultancy Services, and

Kitz-Yuki E-Loading Station, all in Barangay Palanan.

All businesses, according to Mayor Abigail Binay, are reminded to renew their business permits this coming January. The local government will continue to crack down on erring businesses and commercial establishments operating in the city to protect the interest

of legitimate businesses, residents, and the general public.

During the pandemic, the city government also shut down business establishments found operating without a permit and for violating the general community quarantine guidelines which are being enforced to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease. Joel Zurbano

Senate finishes debates on 2024 national budget

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

fter two weeks of marathon sessions, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday declared that the “period of debates” for the P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2024 was over.

The Senate panel deliberations on the national budget of the Office of the President and all government offices and its attached agencies ended 4:42 a.m. yesterday.

Zubiri acknowledged the participation of all the senators, both from the majority and the minority blocs.

However, only Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros representing the minority made most of the interpellations on the proposed budget.

Senate Finance committee chairperson Senator Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara said after the period of interpellation, he will introduce amendments to the measure.

The panel will submit also its proposed amendments to the 2024 national budget for approval on second, and third and final reading of the plenary.

The measure has been “certified as ur-

gent” by President Marcos.

Once approved on third and final reading by the Senate, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives will convene the bicameral conference committee to tackle the disagreeing provisions of the 2024 GAA. Both houses of Congress will ratify the final version of the GAA next week and will submit the document to Malacañang for the signature of the President.

One of the highlights of the budget deliberations in the Senate is the P10.7 billion proposed budget of the Office of the President (OP), which breezed through the hearing in just 20 minutes.

No questions were raised on the P4.56 billion confidential and intelligence funds of the OP based on the National Expenditure Program (NEP) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). This is almost half of the department’s proposed budget.

BUDGET ALL-NIGHTER. Senators gather for a group picture after closing the nearly two-week Senate deliberations for the scheduled 2024 national budget or the House Bill 8980 - FY 2024 General Appropriations Bill at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Even without sleep, Senator Christopher Go and some other senators were still game to take selfies and pictures after the Senate session. Lino Santos

Tulfo questions Loyzaga’s frequent overseas trips SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has confronted Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on her frequent foreign trips and its relevance to the public.

Tulfo said he had received complaints from DENR employees that Loyzaga is a jetsetter and can be seldom seen in the office.

Through Senator Cynthia Villar, who defended the proposed DENR budget for 2024 as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Tulfo inquired how the P1.1 billion budget allocated in 2023 for the Office of the Secretary was spent and the results of her several trips abroad.

The budget allocation for Loyzaga’s Office next year was raised to P1.173 billion.

“This year alone or starting when she was appointed, her foreign trips reached

13 to 14 times,” Tulfo noted.

“Although most of the travels were official, then if it were official , what were these trips?” Tulfo inquired.

But the DENR Secretary through Villar debunked the 13 or 14 trips abroad, insisting some of them were personal trips for which she spent her own money.

Loyzaga has maintained she had only five trips abroad and these were all ministerial and necessary.

Reacting to Loyzaga’s denial, Tulfo challenged the Senate panel to put the Secretary under oath to affirm her statements.

“Can we put her (DENR secretary) under oath if she says five?” Tulfo asked.

The senator said he was in possession of all the pertinent documents to substantiate his allegations about Loyzaga’s multiple trips overseas.

He also pointed out that in all travels, she used her diplomatic passport.

Taking the cudgels for Loyzaga, Villar said the five trips, all officials, were for Disaster Risk Reduction, UN framework on Climate Change, UN biodiversity conference in Montreal, Canada and then UN Water in New York, UN Sustainable Development also in New York, Sendai Framework UN in New York and Japan and Washington DC. In further grilling Loyzaga, Tulfo also pressed if her trips to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt were personal or official because she used her diplomatic passport.

When Villar replied that the Abu Dhabi trip was just recent and the Dubai has yet to be done, Tulfo dared anew to put the DENR secretary under oath.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

WORLD Hamas: Truce deal near, raises hostages’ hopes

H

AMAS leader Ismail Haniyeh said Tuesday a truce agreement with Israel was in sight, raising hopes that dozens of people taken hostage in the October 7 attacks could be released.

There was no immediate response from Israel on the status of negotiation efforts to secure the release of the estimated 240 hostages seized during Hamas’s horrific assault.

The majority of the hostages are Israeli civilians, some of them young children and elderly people.

Only a handful have been released, freed by Israeli troops or their bodies re-

covered.

“We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” Haniyeh said, according to a statement sent by his office to AFP. Hamas gunmen killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, during crossborder raids on October 7 -- the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.

In retaliation, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground of-

fensive in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

According to the Hamas government, the war has killed more than 13,300 people, thousands of them children.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, sources from Hamas and Islamic Jihad -- which also participated in the attacks -- confirmed that their groups had agreed to the terms of a truce deal.

The tentative deal includes a five-day truce, comprised of a ceasefire on the ground and limits to Israeli air operations over southern Gaza.

Under the agreement, between 50 and 100 Israeli civilian and foreign hostages would be released, but no military personnel.

In exchange, some 300 Palestinians would be released from Israeli jails, among them women and children.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden had said he believed a deal was close, as hopes grew for talks brokered by Qatar, where Hamas has a political office and which has behind-the-scenes diplomatic links with Israel.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday that its president had travelled to Qatar to meet Hamas’s Haniyeh.

An agreement could bring some respite for Gazans who have lived for more than six weeks under Israel bombardment and an expanding ground offensive. AFP

Biden turns 81 as voters show concern about his reelection WASINGTON, DC—Joe Biden joked about his age as he turned 81 on Monday (Tuesday in Manila), but the issue is no laughing matter for many voters who are worried he is too old for reelection next year.

“By the way it’s my birthday today...

It’s difficult turning 60,” the president said with a chuckle at the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House.

In front of an audience including schoolchildren, he then quipped: “This is the 76th anniversary of this event— and I want you to know I wasn’t there for the first one.”

But a moment in which he mixed up US singers Taylor Swift and Britney Spears soon baffled his guests—and renewed focus on his age.

The Democrat is the oldest president in American history, and if he wins a second term next year he will be 86 by the time he leaves.

Poll after poll shows that a majority of voters think he is too old to be com-

mander-in-chief. Incidents in which he has tripped, including on the stairs of Air Force One, repeatedly go viral.

Voters don’t so far have the same concerns about his likely election rival Donald Trump, despite the fact that the Republican is 77 and has been known to make similar slip-ups.

Trump warned in a speech in September, for example, that the United States was on the verge of “World War II,” and recently said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was the leader of Turkey.

“It’s not about age. It’s about the president’s experience,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

She also hailed Biden’s “wisdom” and “stamina,” reminding reporters of his grueling, secret trip to war-torn Kyiv earlier this year.

Biden will celebrate his birthday as he normally does with his family during their annual visit to the island of Nantucket this week—“with a coconut cake, which is something that they traditionally do,” Jean-Pierre added. AFP

GRIM READING. US President Joe Biden, 81, pardons the national Thanksgiving turkey, Liberty, during a pardoning ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC on Tuesday which coincided with his birthday anniversary.

The Democrat is the oldest president in American history, and if he wins a second term next year he will be 86 by the time he leaves AFP

North Korea tells Japan of 3rd try to toss satellite TOKYO—North Korea has issued formal notice of a satellite launch as early as Wednesday, Japan said, with Pyongyang’s third attempt to put a military eye in the sky coming after it likely received technical help from Russia in exchange for arms transfers.

North Korea’s previous efforts to put a spy satellite into orbit in May and August both failed, and Seoul, Tokyo and Washington have repeatedly warned Pyongyang not to proceed with another launch, which would violate successive rounds of UN resolutions.

But the North has vowed to go ahead anyway, and Seoul’s spy agency this month warned the fresh attempt is likely to be more successful as Pyongyang appears to have received technical advice from Russia, in return for sending at least 10 shipments of weapons for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Japan’s coast guard on Tuesday posted a notification on its website of a launch window between November 22 and December 1, and Seoul’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries quickly issued a navigation warning for ships.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters he would “demand cancellation of the launch... and to make utmost efforts in preparing for unpredictable situations”.

He added that any use of ballistic missile technology by Pyongyang would represent a breach of UN resolutions and that Japan was coordinating its response with South Korea and the United States, its partners in a trilateral defense arrangement.

North Korea has previously identified three maritime zones that could potentially be impacted by the planned launch, two in the Yellow Sea, west of the Korean Peninsula, and a third in waters east of the Philippines. AFP

BUSINESS

A7 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

ANTI-HUNGER CAMPAIGN.

Peso advances to 3-month high; Stocks rebound

The Laus Group of Companies (LGC) and the Ayala MultiPurpose Cooperative team up with international nonprofit organization Rise Against Hunger to combat malnutrition in Pampanga province.

Two hundred volunteers gathered at the Laus Group Events Centre on Oct. 20, 2023 to participate in the Dietary Supplement Program (DSP).

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

Meat imports fell 9.7% in 10 months on fight vs. smuggling

By Othel V. Campos THE country’s meat imports fell 9.7 percent in the first 10 months of 2023 to 1.09 billion kilograms from 1.12 billion kg. in the same period in 2022 amid the government’s aggressive campaign against smuggling and its concerted efforts to increase livestock production.

Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that imports in October went down by 18.9 percent year-on-year to 95.979 million kg. from 80.72 million kg. in October 2022.

“Our mandate is to eliminate illegal meat importation, smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation and anything that distorts prices in the market. We will raise production by five times [in five years]. With enough vol-

ume we hope to make food affordable for Filipinos. We want producers, especially small- scale farmers, to make money,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano.

He attributed the sustained downtrend in meat importation to the government’s thrust to raise local production and the marching order received by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel from the President to curve illegal trade of meat.

Data showed that beef imports dropped 22.1 percent to 13.963 million kg. in October, while buffalo meat shipments fell 42.5 percent from last year’s 4.67 million to 1.98 million kg.

Pork imports also decreased by 26.35 percent to 45.604 million from 61.927 million kg. in October 2022.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel (right) and Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano (second from right) await the launch of a program in the agency’s main office in Quezon City.

Vista Land sets rates for P10-b bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., the real estate firm of the Villar Group, pegged the rates for its planned P10-billion fixed-rate bond offering.

Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday Series F bonds due 2026 would carry an interest rate of 7.5426 percent per annum, while Series G bonds due 2028 would have 7.6886 percent.

The company will offer P6 billion worth of bonds with an oversubscription option for another P4 billion.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index went up by 25.20 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 6,208.82, while the broader all-shares index climbed 9.28 points, or 0.28 percent, to finish at 3,314.60.

“The index returned above the 6,200 level as a relatively benign market environment, an overnight rally in US shares and a favorable auction of 20-year US Treasuries spurred bargainhunting in local equities,” China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said.

“We need to see more buying at these levels to build a case for a fresh rally,” he said.

Meanwhile, the peso extended its gains against the US dollar for the fifth trading session.

It climbed to a three-month high of 55.39 against the US dollar Tuesday from 55.55 Monday. It was the local currency’s strongest finish since Aug. 2, 2023 when it settled at 55.19 a dollar.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said a factor for the peso’s strength was the market’s expectations of the seasonal increase in OFW remittances and conversion to pesos in the fourth quarter, especially during the holiday season.

Manila “[It is] a consistent pattern Standard TODAY seen for many years/decades,” Ricafort said.

“The peso [is] also supported by recent hawkish signals/reiterations, after the off-cycle/surprise +0.25 rate hike to a new 16-year high of 6.50 percent on Oct. 26, 2023, followed by the local policy rate pause on November 16, 2023, as this still increases the peso’s interest rate income/returns,” Ricafort said.

The BSP also signaled the need to keep interest rates higher for longer monetary policy to help anchor both inflation and inflection expectations, especially in ensuring the achievement of the BSP’s inflation target of 2 percent to 4 percent amid geopolitical risks, particularly the Israel-Hamas war since October 7, 2023.

The interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee in June 2023 adjusted the peso-dollar exchange rate assumption for 2023 to 54 to 57 and 53 to 57 for the remainder of the medium term.

The peso fell to an all-time low of 59 per US dollar in October 2022 amid expectations that the Fed by that time would raise interest rates.

Meanwhile, Asian stock markets mostly retreated Tuesday, though analysts said there was still confidence on trading floors that the Federal Reserve is finished hiking interest rates.

With AFP

HERITAGE PARK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL CERTIFICATEHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL CERTIFICATEHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Certificateholders’ Meeting of HERITAGE PARK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (“HPMC”) shall be held on 15 December 2023, Friday, at 10:00 a.m. and conducted through remote communication via secure online meeting platform (Zoom) for the following purposes: AGENDA 1.

2.

3.

JG Summit unit completes 13.8-MW solar project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

The offering represents the first tranche from the company’s P35billion bond shelf registration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Offer period will be from Nov. 21 to 29, 2023.

It said the bonds will be issued and listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Dec. 6, 2023.

The company said it would use the net proceeds to refinance maturing obligations and for general corporate purposes.

Vista Land tapped China Bank Capital Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines as joint lead underwriters for the offering.

The bonds were rated AAA by Credit Rating and Investors Services Philippines Inc. and PRS Aaa by the Philippine Rating Services Corp.

Chicken imports in October this year rose slightly by 1.28 percent to 34.25 million kg. from 33.81 million kg.

The government is pushing for the immediate vaccination of livestock and poultry animals to control the spread of African swine fever and avian influenza. Savellano noted, however, the problems in sourcing of vaccines for ASF and AI. Meanwhile, the DA is raising its target on the use of artificial insemination to raise the genetic quality of animals.

“We are raising our target on the use of artificial insemination by 50 percent from the previous 30 percent. We are improving availability of high-quality semen to farmers under our breeding program in order to raise our animal and meat production,” he said.

HILIPPINE stocks bounced bank Tuesday to match the Wall Street rally.

JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc.’s renewable energy arm Merbau Corp. announced Tuesday it is set to start commercial operations after completing the construction of its 13.811-megawatts (MW) solar energy project, one of the largest solar rooftop installations in the country.

Merbau said the solar project in Barangays Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, Batangas City highlights the Gokongwei Group’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

“This milestone marks a significant step in our journey as we aim to become a leading renewable energy company in the country,” said Merbau president and chief executive Patrick Henry Go in a statement.

The solar project will provide a significant portion of the energy requirements of the

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR.

Santé chief executive Joey Marcelo is named the Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious 14th Asia CEO Awards on Oct. 24, 2023 at the Manila Marriott Hotel. Santé International, one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally, also earned a place in the Circle of Excellence for its executive leadership team.

fully-integrated petrochemical complex of JG Summit which houses JG Summit Olefins Corp. (JGSOC) manufacturing plants and the packaging division of Universal Robina Corp.

(URC).

It is expected to result in significant reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of renewable energy sources and generate an estimated energy savings of 17.8 gigawatt-hours annually.

The company projected GHG emissions reduction of 17,000 tons annually from both JGSOC and URC warehouses and building offices within the petrochemical complex.

The project completion involves the collaboration and close partnership between Merbau and its engineering, procurement and construction contractor Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP), one of the leading players for commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utilityscale solar and wind projects in the country.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Certificateholders’ Meeting held on 30 June 2021 Report of the President Approval of the Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation and the Perpetual Care Fund as of 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and proceedings of the Board of Trustees and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 30 June 2021 to 15 December 2023 Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

The Board of Trustees of HPMC has fixed the RECORD DATE for certificateholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be held on 15 November 2023.

The 2023 Annual Certificateholders‘ Meeting of HPMC will be conducted virtually. Certificateholders of Record may attend/ participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit www. heritagememorialpark.com.ph and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy”.

Certificateholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to HeritageParkACM@rmmi.com.ph on or before 13 December 2023. The Letter of Intent can be downloaded at www. heritagememorialpark.com.ph. Validated certificateholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting.

HPMC is not soliciting for proxies. Certificateholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to HeritageParkACM@rmmi.com.ph, not later than 13 December 2023.

Certificateholders may send their queries and comments to the items in the Agenda to the Office of the Corporate Secretary via email to HeritageParkACM@rmmi.com.ph on or before 11 December 2023.

The Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Minutes of the Annual Certificateholders’ Meeting held on 30 June 2021, Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation and the Perpetual Care Fund as of 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 and other information related to the Annual Certificateholders’ Meeting can be accessed at www.heritagememorialpark.com.ph.

Very truly yours, Original signed ARSENIO C. CABRERA, JR. Corporate Secretary (MS-NOV. 22 & 23, 2023)

BUSINESS

A8

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Philex unit gets $100-m loan to develop Silangan gold mine

By Jenniffer B. Austria PHILEX Mining Corp. said Tuesday a unit signed a $100-million syndicated debt facility to support the development of Silangan gold and copper mining project in Surigao del Norte province.

Philex said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its wholly-owned subsidiary Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. signed the loan facility with Union Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank Corp. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

BDO Capital and Investment Corp. acted as the lead arranger for the deal.

Philex president and chief executive Eulalio Austin Jr. said the debt facility is another positive milestone to support the ongoing development of the $1.2-billion Silangan project.

The project involves the development of a starter mine beginning this year which is

expected to start commercial operation by early 2025.

Phase 1 of the project would require about P11.2 billion in investment. The mine will initially produce 2,000 tons of ore a day or about 700,000 tons a year. This will gradually ramp up to 12,000 tons a year.

Silangan mine is expected to produce an annual average of 35 million pounds of copper and 100,000 ounces of gold throughout its 28-year mine life, higher than the output of Padcal mine, one of the largest gold and copper producing mines at present.

Padcal in Benguet province has been in production since 1958 and its mine operation was extended as the company awaits the Silangan project.

Development works continue in the Silangan project with the ongoing underground tunneling works passing the 210-meter mark or about 35 percent of the distance towards the ore body.

NHMFC AWARD. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (center) and the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) awards the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) as one of the top-ranking government-owned or controlled corporations in corporate governance for 2022. Joining Bersamin during the awarding ceremony onstage are (from left) GCG Commissioners Brian Keith Hosaka and Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez, NHMFC vice president for securitization group Maria Luisa Favila, NHMFC president Renato Tobias, GCG chairperson Marius Corpus, NHMFC vice president for corporate support and services group Carolina Cortez, NHMFC acting corporate secretary Joshua Emmanuel Cariño and NHMFC compliance officer Siegfrid Lapasaran.

BIR’s collection jumped 47% to P274b in October

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Tuesday its collection net of tax refund reached P274.429 billion in October, surpassing its target by 8.57 percent or P21.654 billion.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the October collection also climbed 46.94 percent, or P87.670 billion, from the same month last year.

“With the intensification of the bureau’s tax enforcement activities, specifically on the campaign against sellers and buyers of fake receipts, and with the continuous streamlining and digitization of the BIR’s core services, we hope to encourage all non-compliant taxpayers to comply fully with the provisions and requirements of

the tax laws so we can attain, and even surpass, our annual collection target this year,” Lumagui said.

The agency said total tax collection from January to October reached P2.132 trillion, up by 11.11 percent, or P213.214 billion, over last year’s level.

The BIR has a collection target of P2.639 trillion for 2023, representing an increase of 12.99 percent or P303.500 billion, from the 2022 actual collection.

Meanwhile, Lumagui said the agency was committed to pursuing digitalization plans together with Asian Development Bank.

The ADB recently approved a $400-million loan to help the efforts of the Philippines and the BIR to modernize tax administration, systems and processes.

“The BIR commits to pursuing the digitalization and modernization of its services. We commit to being a service-oriented agency. We thank the ADB for being a partner in nation-building,” said Lumagui.

The ADB in a statement cited the digital transformation initiative of the BIR.

First Gen unit eyes 1,800-MW Meralco supply

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MAN OF THE YEAR. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. wins ‘Man of the Year’ during the Asia Leaders Awards 2023 on Nov. 20, 2023. The award is in recognition of Lumagui’s efforts in leading the BIR to greater heights as he steers the agency as its youngest commissioner in history.

Gov’t using $500-m WB loan to respond to climate threats THE Philippines will benefit from the World Bank’s (WB) standby credit line worth $500 million (or about P28 billion) to help the government rapidly respond to disasters and climate threats, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday.

“The drawdown feature is particularly helpful as it allows the quick disbursement of funds upon the declaration of a state of calamity by the President, providing the government immediate liquidity to rapidly deliver crucial services – such as healthcare, shelter, and food, in times of emergency,” Diokno said.

The WB’s board of executive directors approved on Nov. 16, 2023 the policy loan.

The WB’s lending arm, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), will finance the Philippines Disaster Risk Management and Climate Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option that the Philippine government can immediately draw upon in times of natural disasters and health crises, mitigating their impact on the economy.

The funds can be disbursed when the President declares a state of calamity in response to a natural disaster or public health emergency.

The full amount will be available for three years, allowing the government immediate access to the funds to better manage the cost of shocks and protect vulnerable sectors.

It has a revolving feature, as well as a three-year drawdown period which may be renewed up to four times, for a total maximum period of 15 years. Julito G. Rada

THE Lopez Group joined five other companies that expressed interest to participate in the competitive selection process (CSP) of Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) 1,800-megawatt power supply requirements.

First Gen Corp. subsidiary First NatGas Power Corp. (FNPC) submitted an expression of interest to join the bidding. FNPC owns and operates the 420-MW San Gabriel power plant at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City.

The San Gabriel plant started commercial operations on Nov. 7, 2016 and and started selling its full capacity to Meralco under a six-year power supply agreement in 2018.

The other interested companies are Aboitiz Power Corp.’s GNPower Dinginin, SP New Energy and three companies owned by San Miguel Corp. including Mariveles Power Generation Corp., Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) and Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL).

Meralco is set to hold the second part of the pre-bid conference on Nov. 24, 2023. It set the bid submission deadline on Dec. 26, 2023.

“Right now, what we have are only those who submitted the expression of interest so we don’t know if all of these companies will eventually make it to the final round,” said Meralco first vice president and regulatory management head Jose Ronald Valles.

Valles said technologies offered for the baseload CSP capacity are natural gas, coal and solar.

Meralco will award a 15-year contract for 1,800-MW baseload supply starting December 2024.

B1

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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

Members of the TNT Tropang Giga take a group photo after their title conquest in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference.

TNT caps dominance with last-leg 3x3 victory

PH captures 1 gold, 4 silvers, 1 bronze in world wushu meet

By Randy Caluag

T

HE trio of Mark Ragay, Mark Polo and Vincent Ventura dished out a worthy performance late Monday night in the men’s Taolu group competition to hand Team Philippines its lone gold medal at the 16th World Wushu Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The Filipino bets in the men’s Duilian event outpointed Brunei’s Majdurano Joel Bin, Majallah Sain, and Abel Wee Yuen Lim, who settled for the silver medal.

Spain’s Nestor Urzainqui Milla, Aidan Pose Martinez, and Victor de la Plaza Schineper placed third.

On the same day, Jennifer Kilapio, Arnel Mandal, and Clemente Tabugara bagged a runner-up finish in

Olivarez stuns Verdad, nets tennis crown ERIC Jed Olivarez took advantage of a key break in the early going, then pulled off another late in the second set as he hacked out a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Fritz Verdad to secure the MITF Open Tennis Championship crown at the Metropolis courts in Iloilo City last Monday.

The 25-year-old product of Western Michigan U fashioned out those breaks in shutout fashions and never gave Verdad a chance to counter, gallantly holding his ground while at serve to spike his remarkable campaign in the Group A tournament that netted him P60,000.

He earlier routed Elemar Sealza, 6-1, 6-0, trounced Bryan Saarenas, 6-3, Eric Jed Olivarez 6-1, before surviving Andre Alcantara, 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-2. The second-ranked Olivarez then turned back No. 6 Nilo Ledama, 6-2, 6-4, before facing off with Verdad.

He quickly stamped his class in the finals, breaking Verdad in the fourth game before holding sway. But Verdad came into the next frame determined to extend the match, trading serves in the first six games.

But Olivarez rattled off four straight points to break Verdad in the seventh, held serve in the next before the two traded shutout wins in the next two, leading to the former’s victory that came after he ruled the Rep. Edward Hagedorn Open in Palawan last August.

the sanda competitions to add to the silver medal captured by Agatha Wong in women’s taijiquan.

Rounding out the Philippines’ medal production was the bronze medal by Russel Diaz in the men’s 48kg sanda.

Kilapio lost to Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Lan in the women’s 48kg final; Mandal bowed to China’s Tang Sishuo in the men’s 52kg final and Tabugara yielded to Guo Wei, also from China, in the men’s 65kg Sanda final.

A day earlier, Wong delivered Team Philippines’ first podium finish with a silver medal in the women’s taijiquan.

Wong submitted the same score as gold medal winner Singapore’s Zeanne Zhue Ning. They both tallied 9. 776, but Ning’s execution had a higher level of difficulty in her routine to claim the top honors.

It was yet another silver medal finish for Wong, who also emerged runner-up in the recent World Combat Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Falling by the wayside were Xander Alipio, who failed to advance following a quarterfinal loss to a Vietnamese foe in the men’s 60kg category, and Carlos Baylon, who got derailed on his tracks in the men’s 56kg class.

Mark Ragay, Mark Polo, and Vincent Ventura display their gold medals and the Philippine flag. From Wushu Federation Philippines

TNT Triple Giga ended the leg phase of the PBA 3x3 Second Conference the way they started it.

Gunner Almond Vosotros caught fire and keyed a telling run in the homestretch of a 21-14 win over Cavitex Braves to clinch the last championship leg of the conference on Tuesday at the Ayala Malls Trinoma.

Vosotros finished with nine points and five rebounds, while Ping Exciminiano hit the game-winning deuce as the Triple Giga bagged their fifth title out of the six legs at stake.

Only the Leg 4 crown slipped from the hands of TNT after it was beaten in the semifinals by eventual champion MCFASolver.

Counting the latest P100,000 prize money it won, the telecommunication franchise has won a total of P500,000 so far going into next week’s grand finals.

Chester Saldua added five points, and Gryann Mendoza and Exciminiano had four and three respectively for the Triple Giga of coach Mau Belen.

“Tulad nga ng sinasabi ko sa mga teammates ko pati sa pamilya ko, ‘yung opportunity once lang dumating. Kaya kapag nandiyan ‘yan sa harap mo, igrab mo lang lagi,” said Exciminiano, whose two-pointer closed out the game with still 1:29 to go.

Vosotros hit four straight points to cap a 7-1 TNT run for a 19-13 lead shortly after the Braves tied the game for the last time at 12-all.

The Triple Giga emerged unbeaten in winning Leg 6, including a 21-19 victory over Meralco in the semis, and edging out Blackwater in the quarterfinals, 18-16.

Jorey Napoles and Bong Galanza finished with six points each to pace Cavitex, which bagged the runner up purse of P50,000.

Meralco, meanwhile, took home P30,000 after a 21-13 win over Pioneer Elastoseal in the battle for third place.

The scores Third place Meralco (21) – Manday 10, Caduyac 5, Sedurifa 4, Batino 2.

Pioneer (13) – Baltazar 5, Morido 4, Villamor 4, Mocon 0.

Finals TNT (21) – Vosotros 9, Saldua 5, Mendoza 4, Exciminiano 3, Cavitex (14) – Napoles 6, Galanza 6, Gonzaga 2, Ighalo 0.

Manila expo sets stage for big RnR run weekend A TRADE fair dedicated to health and fitness is set to unfold Thursday at the Midtown Wing Exhibit Area of Robinsons Place Manila, ushering in the eagerly-awaited ASICS Rock n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by AIA Vitality weekend.

With a sold-out participant count of 9,400, anticipation is high for the second edition of Southeast Asia and Asia’s largest running series firing off Sunday midnight (Nov. 26) at Rizal Park.

The race will cut across Manila’s iconic landmarks, including the National Museum, the Walled City of Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall and the Kartilya ng Katipunan.

Prior to hitting the city streets, participants are required to visit the AIA Vitality Health and Wellness Expo for bib number and kit claiming. The expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on

Night racing will be amplified on Sunday with more than 9,000 runners all set to step to the beat of a city steeped in history in the ASICS Rock n’ Roll Running Series Manila.

Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Running until Sunday, the expo offers sponsors and backers a chance to engage with potential customers and clients in a friendly environment.

The expo and festival area, however, will move to the Quirino Grandstand Sunday midnight in time for the 42K marathon run at 12:01 a.m. to be followed by the 21k, 10K and 5K races.

Providing entertainment at flag-off till finish cut off time are DJ Shai, Kokoi Baldo, Reujen Lista and the Trinidad band, Gracenote and Mojofly.

Title sponsor ASICS aligns this event with the Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign. It features four categories with routes showcasing the capital city’s famous landmarks.

Salvador shocks Jahns; Ababa, Tabuena lead march of top guns SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Elmer Salvador pounced on Keanu Jahns’ costly mishit on No. 8 and went on to essay a big 4&3 triumph as the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational unfolded with a blend of unexpected turns and seasoned triumphs here Tuesday.

Top seed Jhonnel Ababa, defending champion Tony Lascuña, Miguel Tabuena, Justin Quiban, Angelo Que, Rupert Zaragosa, Ira Alido and Guido van der Valk all sailed through with convincing victories while a couple of matches went past 18 holes to highlight the start of the head-to-head clashes in the P2 million championship at the TCC course.

But Salvador took the spotlight in fair conditions at one of the country’s toughest courses, seizing the oppor-

tunity when Jahns faltered on No. 8, turning what seemed like an impending defeat into a surprising triumph.

“Hindi ko din alam kung pano ako nanalo (I don’t even know how I won),” said the reticent former OOM winner, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his comeback.

One hole down after seven holes, Salvador appeared resigned after Jahns almost reached the par-5 No. 8 in two.

But the Fil-German uncharacteristically fouled up on his third shot and ended up with a par while Salvador stuffed his approach shot from 100 yards to within six feet and made the putt to draw level.

The veteran Davaoeño campaigner then won four of the next seven holes as Jahns failed to recover his rhythm as the former

advanced against Del Monte’s Reymon Jaraula, who edged Gerald Rosales, 1-up.

Ababa, whose victories at VillamorPhilippine Masters and at South Pacific propelled him to his first PGT Order of Merit crown, trampled Ferdie Aunzo, 3&2; while Lascuna, who dominated Jahns’ 4&3, to rule the inaugural staging of the event that took over from the North and South Duel at Villamor last year, dominated Gab Manotoc, 5&4.

Tabuena, on the other hand, put away fellow Asian Tour campaigner Lloyd Go, 3&2, with the two-time Philippine Open champion and No. 2 in this year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit facing Zaragosa in an interesting matchup in Round 2 of the knockout duels organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Miguel Tabuena reads the layout.

Manny Marcelo

B2

SPORTS

Knicks seek $10m from Raptors

Cone still Gilas coach

WEDDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

N

EW YORK—The New York Knicks are suing the rival Toronto Raptors for more than $10 million over theft of confidential files and don’t want NBA commissioner Adam Silver arbitrating the matter.

That’s what a legal filing by the Knicks obtained on Monday by the New York Post, The Athletic and ESPN said, the Knicks responding to an October request by the Raptors to dismiss the suit, filed in US District Court in New York in August.

The Knicks claim Ike Azotam, who served as a Knicks assistant video coordinator from 2020-2023, sent the Raptors thousands of confidential files about the Knicks.

Other defendants in the case include Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic, assistant coaches Noah Lewis and Azotam, several unknown Raptors employees and Raptors parent company Maple Leaf Sport & Entertainment (MLSE).

The Raptors have said the lawsuit should be dropped as baseless and a “public relations stunt” and the dispute should be decided by Silver under NBA rules, which would limit any damage award by Silver to $10 million.

The Knicks say they seek more than $10 million in damages and question whether Silver should be able to handle the matter because he has a close relationship with Raptors owner Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.

“Tanenbaum serves as Silver’s boss and exercises control over and heavily influences Silver’s continued employment and salary,”

the Knicks filing said, saying the two have a “close relationship.”

“Among other things, Tanenbaum has been described as ‘a close ally of commissioner Adam Silver.’ Silver himself described Tanenbaum as ‘not just my boss as the chairman of the board of governors, but he’s very much a role model in my life.’

“If Silver were to preside over the instant dispute he would be arbitrating a case for his boss and ally.”

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets overcame a 45-point display from Jayson Tatum to end Boston’s six-game winning streak with a thrilling 121-118 overtime victory in the NBA on Monday.

The Celtics arrived in Charlotte as the hottest team in the league after surging to the top of the Eastern Conference with an 11-2 record. AFP

TIM Cone remains as the interim head of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team, which recently won the Hangzhou Asian Games gold medal.

Cone said this after he and Jojo Lastimosa were honored during the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps Awards Night at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

“As of now, I’m still the head coach until they hire somebody else,” said 65-year old Cone as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas maps out its plans until the next FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027.

Discussions in the next plans for Gilas are still ongoing, according to Cone, and he has not been informed yet of his status.

As coach of the Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings, Cone was named the winner of the Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan Coach of the Year, while Lastimosa, who handles the TNT Tropang Giga, got his recognition as the Danny Floro Executive of the Year Cone, who holds a record of 25 championships, won the award named after the late great Baby Dalupan, in 1994, 1996, and 2014.

It was the fourth Coach of the Year honor for Cone, who steered the Gin Kings to an impressive championship against powerhouse guest team Bay Area Dragons in the Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup. Peter Atencio

UP’s Jen Gould (20) attempts a spike during PNVF Challenge Cup action.

Fortuna, Duque pull off stunners in match play M. Standard – Nov. 22, 2023

M. Standard – Nov. 22, 2023

SANTA ROSA, Laguna—Mikha Fortuna stirred up play right at the start of the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational, bundling out top seed and defending champion Harmie Constantino behind a big charge late in their backside start at the TCC course here Tuesday.

In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Fortuna pulled ahead in a fierce duel as she took Nos. 15, 16 and 17. Though Constantino won No. 18 with a four-foot birdie set up by a superb approach shot while battling the gusts, the former re-asserted her might in the last nine holes to pound out a convincing 5&3 victory and advance to the quarterfinals.

“I guess the key was my driving and putting. I just really stayed out there as much as I can,” said Fortuna, the former amateur standout who came up short in her breakthrough bid in the regular LPGT in at least two occasions. “I took it one shot at a time and stayed focused on my game plan all day.”

Amateur Laurea Duque likewise produced a compelling performance, overcoming second seed Florence Bisera with a late surge, winning the par-5 No. 8 on their way home and hacking out a 1-up escape to set up a quarters clash with Apple Fudolin, who shouldered herself past Rev Alcantara for a similar 1-up victory.

“Our match was really intense.

I birdied No. 6 to draw level for the match and made a 10-footer for par on the next to keep it allsquare,” said Duque, who then drilled in a two-foot birdie putt on the eighth to snatch the lead.

“Yvonne played really well but I think the key holes were on Nos. 6 and 7,” added Duque.

Fortuna, ranked last in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field of 16, faces Seoyun Kim for a spot in the semifinals after the young Korean repelled amateur and twotime LPGT winner Mafy Singson, 2-up, in their side of the head-tohead battle.

“I’m not going to change much.

I just really need to be patient and take it day-by-day,” said Fortuna when asked of her plans against the Korean.

Singson had hoped to extend the match on the 18th but Kim proved steadier, winning the contested hole to prevail by two holes.

The other fancied bets, however, cruised to victories as former OOM winner Chihiro Ikeda rolled past Eva Miñoza, 8&7, in the most lopsided result posted in the P1.5 million championship which drew the top finishers after the 10-leg LPGT at various championship course in Mikha Fortuna reacts to her fairway Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. play. Manny Marcelo

Letran, UP join Challenge Cup quarterfinal cast UNBEATEN Letran and UP Volleyball Club eked out wins against separate rivals to complete the quarterfinal cast in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Challenge Cup women’s division on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

The Lady Knights cruised past the University of Batangas, 25-23, 25-19, 25-23 as the UP Volleyball Club edged out Parañaque City, 25-18, 25-10, 26-28, 25-17 in the final eliminationround playdate.

Letran completed a 3-0 sweep of Pool C, while the UP Volleyball Club caught the last bus at second place with a 2-1 record in Pool A entering the knockout rounds of the tourney supported by the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Richard Bachmann, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI. The Lady Knights, under the tutelage of new mentor and former Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro – a Letranite himself – rode on the previous wins against the Rizal Technological University-Basilan, 25-22, 25-11, 22-25, 25-13, and Arellano, 25-21, 25-10, 2520, to score another sweep of UB. Tied with Parañaque City at 1-1 prior to the match, the UP Volleyball Club notched the big win in the virtual knockout duel to secure second place in Pool A after its erstwhile victory against the Volida Volleyball Club, 2511, 25-15, 25-16.

NCAA champion College of St. Benilde topped Pool A with a 3-0 card while the Philippine Air Force (3-0) from Pool B and University of the Philippines (3-0) from Pool D are the top-ranked squads of their groups heading into the knockout quarterfinals.

Also in are second-seeds Jose Rizal U (2-1) of Pool B, Arellano (2-1) of Pool C, and San Beda (2-1) of Pool D in the 16-team women’s division of the Challenge Cup by the PNVF headed

by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Cignal (4-0) of Pool A, National U (4-0) of Pool B (4-0), PGJC Navy (Pool C) and University of Santo Tomas (30) of Pool D led the cast in the 20-team men’s division.

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SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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

Action man of ‘24 Oras’

Veteran broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil

FROM covering the crime beat to reporting on the ground during disasters and conflicts, as well as giving voice to the public’s grievances, veteran broadcast journalist and “Kapuso Action Man” Emil Sumangil takes on a new mission as he officially becomes part of the award-winning newscast 24 Oras as one of its main anchors.

Sumangil, who has been in the broadcast journalism industry for the past 20 years, was formally introduced as 24 Oras co-anchor in a contract signing held on November 20 at Studio 5 of GMA Network.

Present during the signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; and Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

Sumangil has been at the forefront of major stories many times, covering exclusive after exclusive of the biggest headlines of the day.

He is known for immersing in the plight of the everyday Pinoy and helping their concerns be heard, thus earning the “Kapuso Action Man’’ moniker.

Despite his almost two decades of working in the industry, Sumangil remains humble and only has words of gratitude to his home network that has been supporting him throughout the years.

Emil has been a regular pinch-hitter to GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras. As news anchor, he joins GMA Integrated News pillars Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales in delivering the latest news, breaking stories, as well as the biggest events here and abroad via 24 Oras. And together with “Chika Minute” segment host Iya Villana-Arellano, “#KuyaKimAnoNa” segment host Kim Atienza, weather presenter Maureen Schrijvers, and “Game Changer” segment host Martin Javier – Sumangil finally completes the reinforced line-up of 24 Oras.

Officially welcoming him to the 24 Oras family was his GMA Integrated News family.

Also present during the contract signing were GMA Integrated News Vice President and Deputy Head for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva; GMA Integrated News Consultant Grace Dela Peña-Reyes; Asst. VP John Ray Arrabe; and GMA Integrated News Cluster Heads and Program Managers.

Also present were Corporate Affairs and Communications Vice

President Angel Javier Cruz and Corporate Communications Asst. VP Jojo Aquio.

Sumangil had his share of accolades throughout his 20-year career. His report for 24 Oras on the sorry state of the highlycongested Sta. Rosa City District Jail, “Justiis: Condominium Behind Bars,” earned GMA a nomination at the 59th Golden Nymph Awards of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco – becoming the only Philippine news organization to be nominated in 2019.

At the 2022 Gawad Pilipino Icon Awards, Sumangil won the Outstanding TV News Magazine Host award. He also received the Grandes Figuras (Outstanding Alumnus) award during the Alumni Awards of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 2019. He was also named Best Field Reporter at the 2018 U.P. Gandingan Awards.

In 2014, he was conferred with the Outstanding TV News Reporter award by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). He was also one of the recipients of the Gawad Justice Felix Angelo Award by the Philippine College of Criminology Alumni Association, Inc.

Lee Junho makes successful return to Manila after 10 years 2PM member, Junho, treats his Pinoy fans with back-to-back performances of ‘Nobody Else’ and ‘Canvas’

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Junho shows off his skills as a Korean idol with his electrifying performances on stage

By Juliana Maxine Vazquez EE Junho, the talented singer-actor who captivated Filipino hearts as a member of the K-pop group 2PM, made a triumphant return to the Philippines last week with his Junho The Moment fanmeeting tour.

The highly anticipated event took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 11, marking a decade since his last visit to the country.

The atmosphere at the MOA Arena

was electric as Junho’s fans eagerly awaited his appearance. The anticipation reached its peak when the lights dimmed, the screens flashed the opening video, and the 33-yearold Korean artist finally emerged onto the stage. The deafening roar of the crowd drowned out all other sounds, a testament to the enduring popularity of Lee Junho.

Junho wasted no time in showcasing his musical prowess, launching into back-toback performances of “Nobody Else” and “Canvas.” These electrifying performances served as a powerful reminder that Junho is not just an actor but also a gifted singer who commands the stage with his charisma and talent.

During the press conference held the day before the fanmeeting, Junho expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his Filipino fans and those of 2PM for their unwavering support throughout the years. He acknowledged the patience they

had shown in waiting for his return and promised to visit the Philippines more often in the future.

True to his word, Junho showered his fans with love and affection throughout the fanmeeting. He engaged in playful interactions, stepping off the stage to mingle with the crowd and even engaging in a staring contest with one lucky fan. He fulfilled a daughter’s wish by taking a photo with her mother, and he melted hearts with his adorable heart poses displayed on a split screen.

To further connect with his Filipino audience, Junho greeted them in Tagalog, saying, “Maligayang pagdating sa aking pinakaunang fan meeting tour (Welcome to my first fan meeting tour). I’m so happy to be in Manila after such a long time.”

A highlight of the evening was Junho’s rendition of the popular local heartbreak anthem “Imahe” by Magnus Haven.

He sang the song with such passion

Korean superstar Lee Junho gets to meet his Filipino fans up close for his first solo fanmeet

and emotion that the crowd erupted in cheers. He even performed it twice, demonstrating his dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience for his fans.

The two-hour fanmeeting transformed into a mini-concert as Junho continued to captivate the audience with his performances of “Can I,” “DSMN,” and 2PM’s hit song “Zero Point.” He concluded the show on a high note with “Ride Up,” leaving the crowd buzzing

with excitement and longing for more.

“I didn’t expect that the Philippines would be this passionate. It’s been 10 years since I’ve been here. Thank you so much for being consistent,” said Junho.

“Because of the big love and energy you’ve given to me, I always think I have to repay this love that I receive for you guys. I hope that these times that we spent together would be a happy memory for you,” he ended.

Five life lessons from BL series that’s making waves on TikTok Indie pop band Pale Waves

Pale Waves to headline Bobapalooza Arts and Music Festival at Filinvest

By Angelica Villanueva ENGLISH indie pop band Pale Waves is heading to Manila for the Bobapalooza Arts and Music Festival happening on February 24 and 25, 2024, at the Filinvest City Event Grounds.

Known for its catchy melodies, dreamy vocals, and shoegaze-influenced sound, the four-member group will be headlining the first day of the highlyanticipated music festival.

“Manila we can’t wait to come and play for [you] for the first time at Bobapalooza Music and Arts Festival,” it wrote in a Facebook post.

Pale Waves will join local acts such as Rico Blanco, Juan Karlos, The Itchyworms, One Click Straight, Autotelic, Nobita, and Join The Club.

On the other hand, the second day will be bannered by American rock band The Band Camino together with OPM band and artists Urbandub, December Avenue, Sandwich, Chicosci, and Tanya Markova.

Pale Waves’ performance at Bobapalooza will be its first time performing in the Philippines.

The band has released two studio albums, Heavenly (2018) and Unknowns (2021), and has toured with bands such as The 1975 and The Cure.

Bobapalooza Arts and Music Festival will feature various local and international artists, art installations, food vendors, and games.

To know more about Bobapalooza, visit https://www.bobapalooza.com.ph/.

THE best stories are those that make us feel warm and fuzzy – and impart meaningful life lessons. This was affirmed by Puregold Channel’s latest digital series, My Plantito, when it hit the Tiktok scene as the first-ever boylove series on the platform.

My Plantito swiftly ensnared the hearts of viewers, gaining a multitude of fans and followers who eagerly awaited each episode.

At the center of this endearing narrative are lead characters Charlie (Kych Minemoto), a big dreamer and a content creator, and Miko (Michael Ver), a young businessman who happens to be an avid plantito.

Soon, followers of the show realized that the kilig series also offered significant lessons for everyone. Here are just five of them: There is power in unconditional acceptance and support from our families.

Charlie’s journey is made easier by the unwavering support of his father, Janong, portrayed by the charismatic Chef Ghaello Salva. Janong’s presence in Charlie’s life, coupled with light bantering (like teasing him about his crush on Miko) and heartfelt conversations, create a safe environment for Charlie’s dreams to unfold, even when he temporarily steps away from university studies to pursue professional vlogging.

We must acknowledge the importance of consent and respect.

Charlie’s secret filming of Miko leads to an unfortunate turn of events that compels him to confront the values of consent and respect. The aspiring

Janong, played by (right) Ghaello Salva, is a supportive and loving father to Charlie (Kych Minemoto)

content creator realizes that in his enthusiasm to do his job, he breached certain boundaries. The consequences of Charlie’s errant behavior allow him to gain a better understanding of ethical content creation and basic human decency.

While friends may often mean well, we must be more discerning when considering their advice.

Charlie finds an ally in his loyal buddy, Bianca, credibly portrayed

by Devi Descartin. However, in her eagerness to push Charlie toward his dreams, Devi dispenses with bad advice that Charlie should have thought twice about before heeding.

Meanwhile, Miko’s business partner Chem (Derrick Lauchengco) illustrates the kind of positivity that true friends

Charlie (Kych Minemoto) has to be accountable for his wrong actions towards (left) Michael Ver’s character

share during life’s challenging moments.

We should always be accountable for our actions.

In My Plantito, Charlie demonstrates to followers how his fine sense of accountability makes him acknowledge his misdeed, apologize sincerely for it, and rectify his error. This soon helps open doors to fresh opportunities for him.

There is a need for more spaces for genuine self-expression.

My Plantito’s celebration of authenticity and inclusivity serves as a call for creating safe and loving environments where individuals can embrace their true selves. Through the characters’ honesty and open-mindedness, viewers learn that there is a need for more compassion in this world, in which people need to feel the acceptance they often long for.

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LIFE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ‘Disney On Ice’ is back for Filipinos to enjoy this holiday season

SM, PLDT Home mark 100 years of Disney THE SM Mall of Asia Arena and PLDT Home are teaming up to bring Disney On Ice back to Manila. The show, which will run from December 22, 2023, to January 7, 2024, will take families on an adventure through timeless Disney stories, including Mary Poppins Returns, Toy Story 4, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moana, and Frozen.

PLDT Home subscribers can win free Disney On Ice tickets through the Holideals promos.

Twenty-five lucky winners will each get four VIP Disney On Ice tickets in a special raffle by PLDT Home. To earn a raffle entry, all you have to do is apply for a new PLDT Home Fiber Plan.

The new plan must be applied for and installed anytime until December 17.

Existing PLDT Home subscribers can also get a chance to be one of five winners of four SVIP

tickets to Disney On Ice by simply upgrading their current fiber plan, and availing of a mesh device or add-on streaming services. Their upgrade has never been this big! Subscribers who upgrade their plans can also get a chance to win up to P30,000 worth of gift certificates and earn up to 1,000 Rewards Crystals from PLDT Home Rewards.

“Disney On Ice has been a much-anticipated annual event for families that young children and adults enjoy here in the Philippines. For several years, PLDT Home has been a partner of SM in bringing this magical entertainment in the country and we’re excited to power this event again as we continue our mission in enabling the most meaningful connections among families,” said Regina Pineda, Vice President

of Acquisitions Marketing at PLDT Home.

“We’re grateful to team up with PLDT Home once more to help give Filipinos and their families a wonderful experience that can make their holiday season more joyful and bright. We look forward to seeing all the smiles on their faces when they come and spend Christmas with their favorite Disney characters on Disney On

Tropical exhibit showcases Southeast Asian, Latin American art

Ice,” said Arnel Gonzales, General Manager, Senior Asst. Vice President and Business Unit Head of SM Mall of Asia Arena.

For the full schedule of shows and updates on when tickets will be available, head to the SM Tickets website. For updates on PLDT Home’s promotions and giveaways for Disney On Ice, visit www.pldthome.com/holideals2023.

Pieces from Criselda Lontok’s collection

A Journey Through Flower Fields Rapidly expanding bank presents Criselda Lontok treasured collection at Rustan’s

‘The Builders’ by National Artist Victorio Edades

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HEN one receives an opportunity to see a Frida Kahlo painting, one should grab that chance and never miss it.

My first introduction to renowned Mexican painter Kahlo was when I watched the Salma Hayek-starrer movie released in 2002. It was a graphic retelling of the life of Kahlo, how she became an artist and her tumultuous relationship with her husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera.

But there is nothing quite like seeing one of her works in person. Her Self Portrait with Small Monkey, originally from Museo Dolores Olmedo in Mexico, is currently on display at the National Gallery Singapore as part of its Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America.

The exhibit has been branded as the first large-scale museum exhibition to take a comparative approach across Southeast Asia and Latin America, uniquely animated by their struggles against colonialism.

Comprising over 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, performances, and sensorial installations, the exhibit is divided into three main sections - The

‘Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America’ is recognized as the first large-scale museum exhibition to take a comparative approach

Myth of Lazy Native, This Earth of Mankind, and Subversive.

The Myth of Lazy Native, in Gallery 1, explores the dissenting voices that challenged the colonial rule in Southeast Asia and Latin America. This section challenges the perceived and often distorted views of being “native.”

The artworks here provide truthful presentations of being Southeast Asians.

—“—

Known as the Father of Modern Art, Edades aimed to reshape Philippine art dominated

by Amorsolo and Tolentino This section features The Builders by National Artist Victorio Edades, one of the prized artworks in the 21st Century Art Museum Collection of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Approximately 1,050 x 3,670 cm, the oil on canvas artwork “was one of Edades’s major works exhibited at his 1928 one-man show. Here the subject was far removed from Amorsolo’s images

The Myth of Lazy Native explores the dissenting voices that challenged the colonial rule in Southeast Asia and Latin America

of the countryside. Shown is a group of builders working to construct an edifice.

The setting is not specific; neither do the builders have individualizing features.”

“Edades emphasized linear and structural composition above other pictorial elements in his work. His mural, basically a horizontal composition, is composed of a semicircle mesh of bodies at the center, closed in by isolated figures on both the left and right edges. Almost no negative space is left on the canvas; neither are there any bright hues, the painting being entirely in shades of gray and brown.” (Source: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art Digital Edition) Known as the Father of Modern Art, Edades aimed to reshape Philippine art dominated by Amorsolo and Tolentino.

Gallery 1 hosts “The Library of the Tropics,” featuring Bali and Tahiti artifacts pivotal in 20th-century art narratives of paradise and exotic cultures. “This Earth of Mankind” explores portraits, reflecting artists’ self-representation during World War II’s transformative era.

In “Self-Portrait with Monkey,” Kahlo subtly references indigenismo politics and indigenous beliefs, highlighting the cyclical connection between humans and the natural world. “The Subversive” concludes the exhibit with 15 bold propositions, embodying a defiant Tropical attitude. Artworks arranged on freestanding structures resemble a constellation of ideas.

The exhibition portrays Southeast Asian and Latin American artists as advocates for the dispossessed, reclaiming remnants of dissipating colonial shadows. It invites audiences to experience narratives of artists, dreamers, and writers challenging conventions and fostering solidarities across regions.

With over 200 groundbreaking artworks by 70+ artists showcased in collaboration with WOHA architecture firm, the Tropical exhibit at the National Gallery Singapore promises a worthwhile exploration of Southeast Asian and Latin American stories.

EASTWEST Priority, a wealth management unit, proudly sponsored Rustan’s exclusive auction featuring the personal collection of renowned Filipino fashion designer Criselda Lontok. Titled Criselda: A Journey through Flower Fields, the event celebrated Lontok’s timeless elegance, offering participants, including EastWest Priority clients, the chance to bid on coveted pieces embodying her creative mastery.

The auction, held at Rustan’s Makati, provided a rare glimpse into Lontok’s personal world, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of fashion history, including dresses and jewelry amassed over her illustrious career.

“We are deeply honored to have been allowed to be a major sponsor and support this momentous event,” said Richard C.Tamayo, SVP and Head of Wealth Management of EastWest.

“Criselda Lontok has been a beacon of style and sophistication for the Philippines, and to showcase her collection in partnership with Rustan’s, the leading brand in retail fashion and design, is a testament to her enduring legacy in the fashion industry.

It truly is our honor to share such a special and intimate experience with our valued clients, letting them be a part of this exclusive piece of Philippine fashion history.”

The auction was a followup to Criselda Retrospective Exhibit, in which after the exhibit’s run at the store, the pieces were put to the auction hosted by León Gallery.

Fashion experts and enthusiasts joined the event for a worthy cause, as Rustan’s honored the legacy of Lontok, indulging in a world of elegance and artistry, while contributing to a very meaningful goal.

Proceeds from the auction were announced to benefit ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 Foundation, Criselda’s favorite charity, underscoring Lontok’s and EastWest’s shared commitment to giving back to the community through social welfare and protecting disadvantaged and atrisk children, in the service of the Filipino.

Lontok’s son, John Fernandez, in his opening remarks, said “This is for a very good cause, for the chosen charity of my mother, which is the Bantay Bata 163. We hope that, of course, you will enjoy the creations in this collection. These are the things that I am very surprised to see in its most beautiful and elegant form.”

Criselda Lontok’s son, John Fernandez speaks to auction guests and buyers

From left: EW VP and Priority Business Segment Head Tiffy Lorenzana, Rustan’s Nedy Tantoco, EW VP and Priority Center Head Ian Ruiz, and EW SVP and Head of Wealth Management Richie Tamayo