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PRESIDENT GRANTS AMNESTY TO NPA, MILF, MNLF, BONCAYAO REBELS

By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez, and Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENT Marcos granted amnesty to various rebel and insurgent groups as the administration continued its efforts to push for peace and unity.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Friday the militant groups were granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406.

Included in the amnesty are former members Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPANDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Additionally, members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Next page

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 283 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023 •

PH return to ICC still under study—Marcos

By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz

P

RESIDENT Marcos on Friday said he ordered a study on the possible return of the Philippines under the fold of the International Criminal Court amid a push from the House of Representatives to allow the probe into the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

MIXED MOVEMENT OF OIL PRICES SEEN NEWS / A2

CASCOLAN, EX-PNP CHIEF, PASSES AWAY NEWS / A2

13 Israeli hostages, 12 Thais freed by Hamas at start of 4-day truce HAMAS said a group of 25 hostages—13 Israelis and 12 Thais—seized in the deadliest attack in Israel's history were handed over on Friday as a temporary truce took hold in Gaza following weeks of fighting.

During the four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, 10 of them immediately, officials said.

It was unclear if two Filipinos also held hostage by Hamas would be released along with the first batch, the Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier.

"Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed to the Red Cross who will take them to the Egyptians" at the Rafah crossing, a source close to Hamas told AFP. A source in the military wing of Hamas confirmed the

"Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So, that’s again under study.

We’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are," the President said in a chance interview in Taguig City yesterday.

Mr. Marcos said the renewed push from some lawmakers for the government to cooperate with the ICC was "not unusual."

"It’s really a sense of the House resolution and the sense—they are just expressing or manifesting the sense of the House that perhaps it’s time to allow or to cooperate with the ICC investigation," he said.

Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, for his part, said House Resolution 1477 urging the administration to collaborate with the ICC probe was not a priority.

Dalipe said Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has not issued any directive regarding the ICC investigation, “which means that the measure has to go through the normal legislative process.”

"As chair of the Committee on

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FIRST DAY OF TRUCE.

International Red Cross vehicles reportedly carrying Israeli hostages released by Hamas cross the Rafah border point in the Gaza Strip on the way to Egypt, from which they would be flown to Israel to be reunited with their families on Friday. Israeli security forces were already standing next to ambulances waiting outside the helipad of Tel Aviv's Schneider medical center, as Gazans walk back to their homes on the first day of the four-day truce (inset photos). AFP

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China nixes Indonesia measure on maritime security

By Macon Ramos-Araneta CHINA strongly objected to Indonesia's draft resolution on maritime security at the 31st Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31), which gathered parliamentary officials from 27 countries in Manila to discuss issues affecting the region.

In an interview, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa noted that China opposed almost all the paragraphs in Indonesia's resolution,

which deals with territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While the Philippines espouses adherence to international law and wants to work through international bodies, China wants to stick to bilateral negotiations as a way to settle disputes, Dela Rosa said. This means that other bodies like the United Nations or any other international agencies should not interfere.

"China doesn’t like to recognize them,” Dela Rosa said. "China opposed (the Indonesian draft) so we have to follow the rules (of the APPF), " said Dela Rosa, who presided over the subcommittee on security matters in the forum.

The rules state that there should be no division of the house and there should be a consensus.

This means if there's a comment, Next page

PH not stirring up trouble in SCS, China is—Gibo WELCOME TO APPF31. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (second from left) and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (left) jointly welcome the courtesy call of the Japanese delegation of lawmakers led by Mr. Hiraguchi Hiroshi (right), to the 31st Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31). The legislators later stand for a family picture (inset). Ver Noveno

CA sides with De Lima on case vs. OMB

By Rey Requejo FORMER Senator Leila de Lima won another significant legal battle when the Court of Appeals overturned a 2019 ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman that tossed out her criminal and administrative complaints against then-Justice secretaries Vitaliano Aguirre II and Men-

ardo Guevarra.

The Court of Appeals (CA) has overturned for lack of due process a ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) that dismissed in 2019 criminal and administrative complaints filed by De Lima against Aguirre II and Guevarra, the current Solicitor General.

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By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday turned the tables on China after it accused the Philippines of stirring up trouble in the West Philippine Sea with its joint patrols with the US military.

"Who was encroaching on the South China Sea? Especially the West Philippine Sea? It is China," Teodoro said in an ambush interview.

"The Philippines is not stirring up trouble. This is a reverse of the truth.

It's an absolute falsity for China to say that and it is once again reversing the Next page

CANCER FACILITY. President Marcos (second from left) tours the facilities of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) as guest of honor of its inauguration on Friday in Taguig City. Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of early cancer detection and affirmed the goal of easing the bill for cancer patients through the Cancer Assistance Fund (see related story on A4). PCO Photo

NEWS

A2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Probe Meralco terms, ERC told L

By Maricel V. Cruz

AWMAKERS have urged the Energy Regulatory Commission to act on what they said were irregular terms set by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for 1,800 MW of electric supply that it was set to bid out.

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said the ERC should stop Meralco from proceeding with the bidding until a review and study of its terms of reference (TOR) are completed.

Fernandez said a close examination of

PH...

From A1

Rules, I know for a fact that there is no instruction from the Office of the Speaker that requires us to give special attention to the House Resolution seeking our cooperation with the ICC. This will be treated like all other House resolutions, but we have to respect the autonomy of the legislative process and the necessity for adherence to established procedures," he said.

The President, however, acknowledged that there are issues on the ICC's jurisdiction since the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute.

"As I have always said, there are still some problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty. Now, if you can solve those problems then that would be something else," Mr. Marcos said.

"But the questions like that are kind of fundamental. Because if you’re talking about the sovereign—jurisdiction of the ICC, especially since we have with-

President...

From A1

Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian ArmyAlex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) were also granted amnesty.

The PCO said the amnesty was granted to allow former rebels to return to the fold of law and reintegrate themselves back into society.

However, the proclamation stated that it would not cover grave offenses such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, and other crimes committed for personal ends.

Moreover, crimes in line with the violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights were also excluded from the proclamation.

China...

From A1

reservation, or opposition towards a draft resolution, it will be rejected.

“Although it's just 1 percent of the delegates and 99 percent support the draft resolution, even if only one voices opposition to it, the resolution will be set aside,” Dela Rosa said.

He said, however, that a working committee could still hammer out a resolution that the Chinese would accept.

In a speech at the forum, Senator Jinggoy Estrada exhorted each member to engage in dialogue actively, seeking understanding and cooperation, even in the face of differences.

He called on all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation, and cooperation over competition.

"The Asia Pacific region has thrived when we have worked together, and

PH not...

From A1

truth consistent with its narrative," he added.

Teodoro said the Philippines is only upholding its sovereign rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China, on the other hand, can only claim to follow international maritime laws while doing the exact opposite, the Defense chief said.

"I think their credibility is very, very low," he said.

News reports earlier quoted the Chinese military as saying that the Philippines has enlisted "foreign forces" to patrol the South China Sea. "The Philippines enlisted forces out of the region to patrol...stirred up trouble and engaged in hype, undermining re-

the TOR would show these are anti-competitive and discriminatory.

The lawmaker earlier delivered a privileged speech describing Meralco as a “monopsony” benefitting from a "market

situation with only one buyer.”

Meralco had denied behaving as a monopoly or monosopny.

The firm said it complies with all government regulations and said Fernandez’s speech contained factual errors and was “riddled with inconsistencies.”

Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga also stressed that Meralco complies with all government regulations.

Fernandez accused Meralco of "dictating terms to the suppliers."

At the hearing of the House commit-

tee on legislative franchise on Nov. 22, Fernandez said Meralco’s invitation to bid for a 1,800 MW power supply agreement stipulated that only power plants in operation not earlier than Jan. 22, 2020 are qualified to bid.

"Your provision for your power supply agreement calls for 1,800 MW and if I may read, what you also said in that provision of your bidding -- single or portfolio plant provided a power plant should be in commercial operation not earlier than January 22, 2020," he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Ex-PNP chief Cascolan dies, family confirms

Camilo Pancratius Pascua Cascolan

FORMER Philippine National Police chief Camilo Cascolan passed away on Friday, his family said.

"It is with deep sadness and heavy heart that I, on behalf of our family, announce the passing of my beloved father, Ret. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Pascua Cascolan. He peacefully left this world this afternoon, Nov. 24, 2023 at 5:28 pm surrounded by his loving family," Jiro Cascolan said in a post on Facebook.

"My dad dedicated his life to serving and protecting our country as a man of service for 42 years. We will forever remember his unwavering dedication to his duty, his selflessness, and his love for his family," Jiro added.

Cascolan was appointed Health undersecretary by President Marcos in October.

During the Duterte administration, Cascolan was appointed as undersecretary at the Office of the President.

He served as PNP chief from September to November 2020 and regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office in 2018.

Cascolan was part of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala class of 1986. With Vince Lopez

drawn from the Rome Statute a few years back —that brings into question, whether or not this is actually possible," he added.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he will never cooperate with the ICC's investigation into his administration’s war on drugs.

Speaking through his former spokesperson in January, Duterte said “he would never allow foreigners to sit in judgment of him as long as Philippine courts are willing and able to do so.”

Some 6,000 people were killed in police anti-drug operations during Duterte's term, official government figures show, but ICC prosecutors estimate the death toll at between 12,000 and 30,000.

Dalipe said while the House leadership holds Duterte in high esteem, it would not suppress any member of Congress advocating for ICC support in investigating the anti-drug campaign.

"The democratic principles that underpin the legislative process allow for the expression of diverse opinions. The House is composed of 310 independent

minds and diverse cultural and political backgrounds, so it is important that we hear the sentiment of everyone," he said.

Dalipe said all members of the House are entitled to voice their perspectives within the democratic framework.

In the Upper Chamber, Senator Risa Hontiveros said she is still hoping that President Marcos “would really command the executive to make way for that process.”

“I hope the executive will also pay heed to these senses of legislators about important issues, human rights, important institutions and processes like the International Criminal Court,” she said.

Hontiveros said she is seriously considering filing a similar resolution in the Senate, urging the administration to collaborate with the ICC probe.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday called on House lawmakers to respect President Marcos' earlier statement that the Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC probe.

She has not issued any statement following the President's latest pronounce-

ments yesterday.

The resolution urging the government's cooperation with the ICC was discussed Tuesday at the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Justice.

The resolution's author and House human rights panel chairman Bienvenido Abante Jr. said cooperating with the ICC would be a chance to show the Philippine justice system was working.

In 2019, the Philippines, under thenPresident Rodrigo Duterte, withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, after the tribunal began a preliminary probe into his drug war, followed by the launch of a formal inquiry later that year.

The probe was suspended in November 2021 after the government said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations.

In January 2023, the ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry. In July, the ICC Appeals Chamber denied the government’s petition against the resumption of the inquiry.

Earlier this week, the President issued EO No. 47 amending EO No. 125 series of 2021, which created the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).

The President said there was a need to revise the functions of the NAC to process applications for amnesty under the new proclamations.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that the government remained alert against terrorism and extremism, following the amnesty granted by President Marcos Jr. to four rebel groups.

At the same time, Teodoro said the amnesty complemented government efforts to end the insurgency as some rebels refused to surrender because they had existing warrants of arrest.

Teodoro said the amnesty would need the concurrence of Congress.

The National Amnesty Commission would vet the qualified recipients of amnesty. At the same time, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity will provide livelihood and other forms of assistance to the former rebels.

National Security Adviser Secretary

Eduardo Año expressed optimism about the amnesty.

"The National Security Council expresses its full support and gladly welcomes the amnesty proclamations issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aimed at fostering lasting peace in our country through comprehensive peace initiatives,” he said in a statement.

"We recognize these proclamations as significant steps towards national healing and peacebuilding. By providing a path for former rebels to return to the fold of the law, the national amnesty program contributes to the overall stability and unity of our nation.

“These amnesty proclamations will undoubtedly create a climate conducive to peace and reconciliation, pave the way for the former rebel's reintegration into society, and provide them access to socioeconomic services of the government. It is a clear and unmistakable instrument of peace and reconciliation.”

Año also urged the rebels to take the chance to rejoin mainstream society and be part of the nation-building for the betterment and prosperity of the country.

"We urge all former rebels to take this once-in-lifetime opportunity to return to mainstream society and become productive citizens of the country once again. Help us build a better and more prosperous country," Año said.

Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said they were committed to accelerating the implementation of the amnesty.

“The Task Force is committed to work and expedite the full implementation of the proclamations that grant amnesty for former members of various rebel groups,” the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement.

The task force called on the remaining members of the concerned rebel groups to surrender to authorities.

“Let us move forward together, transcending past conflicts and differences, towards a future where peace reigns supreme,” it said.

“Our collective efforts today lay the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Philippines tomorrow.”

Senator Grace Poe said the amnesty strikes a powerful chord with Filipinos who shun violence and conflict.

it is in this spirit that we address the current challenges in the South China Sea,” he said.

He said the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Marcos., has been consistent in trying to address the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means, in the hope of decreasing tension in the area. He said President Marcos met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the recently concluded APEC Summit in San Francisco, California.

They affirmed that the situation in the South China Sea does not comprise the entirety of Philippines-China relations and that maritime issues should be managed properly.

He said the Philippines and Japan, both maritime nations, are currently working on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that will enhance their defense cooperation. With Charles Dantes (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

13 Israeli...

center where they were being taken to.

During a four-day truce, at least 50 hostages are expected to be freed, leaving an estimated 190 in the hands of Palestinian militants.

In exchange, 150 Palestinians prisoners are expected to be released.

Hamas broke through Gaza's militarized border with Israel on Oct. 7 to kill, according to Israeli officials, about 1,200 people and seize around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages.

It was unclear if two Filipinos also held hostage by Hamas would be released along with this first batch, the Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier.

The families of the 13 hostages – all but one of whom hailed from the same kibbutz (settlement) -- were on their way to hospitals in Israel, where they were to be reunited later, the Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement. AFP with Rey Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

THE government said Friday it was validating two reported deaths in Eastern Visayas due to the shear line rains that brought heavy rains and widespread floods last weekend.

The floods injured another individual in the region and affected some 879,000 people, with 41,595 of them staying in evacuation centers, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

At least 17 roads and bridges were impassable, while some 250 houses were damaged, the NDRRMC said in its 8 a.m. report.

A total of 47 cities and towns were placed under a state of calamity, it said.

Government has distributed some P51.86 million worth of assistance so far, the agency added. Vince Lopez

gional peace and stability," the Southern Theatre Command of the Chinese military said.

The Philippines and US conducted joint patrols in the WPS area for three days this week.

For his part, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año described Beijing's narrative as "unfounded."

"The joint patrols conducted by the Philippines with the United States are well within our rights as a sovereign nation and in accordance with international law, the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Visiting Forces Agreement," he said.

"The joint patrols were conducted within 40 to 140 nautical miles from mainland Luzon and Palawan and are well-within the country's exclusive economic zone. China's claim that our actions are allegedly 'stirring up trouble' in the region is unfounded." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

From A1

In the same year, the DOJ filed before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) three criminal cases against De Lima and her co-accused.

With the findings of probable cause by the RTC, warrants of arrest were issued against De Lima, leading to her detention at the Philippine National Police’s custodial center in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

De Lima has been acquitted by the RTC in two criminal cases. In the third case which is still pending decision by the trial court, she was granted bail and was ordered released after more than six years of detention.

“In the light of the foregoing, the assailed Notices of the Ombudsman (resolutions on dismissal of the complaints) are hereby declared void for lack of due process. Accordingly, this case is remanded to the Ombudsman for appropriate action for a proper disposition of this case,” the CA said, in a decision dated Nov. 21 and made public on Friday. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

THE Land Transportation Office has revoked the driver’s license of a female motorist who figured in a road accident in Calamba, Laguna that left at least four people dead – including two children – and several others injured in early November.

Chief Vigor Mendoza II said the motorist, driver of a Ford Ranger Raptor, was found to be under the influence of liquor when the accident happened, in violation of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Act of 2013.

Earlier, Mendoza ordered a 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license.

Based on the investigation, the Ford Ranger Raptor veered toward the opposite lane of the national highway in Barangay Bucal on Nov. 1 resulting in her vehicle hitting a tricycle and two other vehicles. Rio N. Araja

From A1

handover, adding: "This is the first group under the agreement."

A first tranche of 13 women and child hostages were expected to go back to Israel on Friday under a deal that followed weeks of talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Israel is set to release three times as many Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails -- women and teenage boys.

A dozen Thai hostages kidnapped during Hamas's Oct. 7 raids into Israel were also released on Friday, Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced.

Pictures released by the Israeli army showed bright pink and blue headphones sitting on the seats of a helicopter ready for the released hostages to use, along with toys and teddy bears waiting at a reception

CA...

With the ruling, the CA remanded to the OMB De Lima’s complaints – which were incidents to the filing of illegal drugs cases in court against her– for “proper disposition.”

De Lima, herself a former Justice Secretary who was incarcerated for nearly seven years on drug charges, criminally accused Aguirre and Guevarra of dereliction of duty and graft, and administratively for grave misconduct and gross negligence for allowing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to testify against her in illegal drugs cases, as well as including them in the government’s witness protection program.

The testimonies of the PDLs or inmates during the 2016 congressional investigation led to the filing of illegal drug cases against De Lima and several other persons before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2017.

IN BRIEF Mixed movement of oil prices looms PUMP prices may have a mixed price movement next week. Industry sources said that based on the four-day day trading, diesel may see its prices rise by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter and kerosene

by P0.35 to P0.50 per liter.

The source also told the Standard gasoline prices may be rolled back by P0.10 per liter or stay the same.

Department of Energy (DOE) director Rodela Romero said the latest oil price movement is influenced by reports of further supply cuts in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Counties and its allies (OPEC+) production to be announced in their output policy meeting late this month.

Romero also cited the increase and build up in weekly US crude inventories which pushed prices upwards.

Alena Mae Flores

Gov’t validating 2 flood casualties

License of lady driver in fatal crash nixed

A3

NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Entry into top carbon credit market could net PH $14 billion — Salceda ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Friday said the Philippines’ entry into the sovereign carbon credit market under the 2015 Paris Agreement could be a key accomplishment of the Marcos administration.

The lawmaker said the move will bring in an initial $14 billion worth of benefits in cash and in kind to the country.

Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee and the resident economist of the chamber, added that as the law and the incentives were already in place, “we should aim to be the first country in Asia, and perhaps the world, to sell sovereign carbon credits.”

Salceda made the remarks during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Climate Change Commission and Maharlika Carbon Technologies, LLC. Under the MOU signed on Friday, the

SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas points to boxes of smuggled cigarettes as authorities arrested three suspects (inset) for cigarette smuggling during a buy-bust operation on Thursday morning at Brgy.

Adia in Agoncillo, Batangas (see story below). Roy Tomandao

company will assist the Philippine government in setting up the registry which will link up with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The setup will allow the Philippines to participate in the trading of Certified Emissions Reductions (CER), more commonly known as voluntary carbon credits, and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) between countries, which includes “sovereign carbon credits.”

“In short, it sets up the foundation for us to be in the market. There is a race among developing countries to be the first to sell sovereign carbon credits in the global market, and the Philippines should be in that race. That will be a key PBBM accomplishment, if ever,” Salceda said. Maricel V. Cruz

SOLON URGES PRESIDENT AFTER CHINESE BANKS PULL FUNDING

‘Ditch China for future rail, infra projects’

By Maricel V. Cruz

C

AGAYAN de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Friday urged the Marcos administration to no longer consider China for the financing of planned railways and other infrastructure projects.

He made the appeal as he supported the decision of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to back out of loan negotiations with a Chinese bank for three railway lines in Luzon and Mindanao (see related story in Business page B4 -- Editors).

“I think Beijing is linking project funding to raging territorial disputes

in the West Philippine Sea. If they believe they could extract concessions from us, they are dead wrong. We cannot compromise our territorial integrity and sovereignty and maritime interests in waters that are ours under international law,” he said.

Rodriguez said the Marcos government should look for other financing

sources for the railway projects and other infrastructure, including official development assistance from friendly nations like Japan and South Korea.

“We can even consider internal financing like private investments and the annual national budget for these critical rail lines, including the first railway project in Mindanao,” he said.

The three rail networks that were supposed to be funded out of loans from China were the P36-billion first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project, the P142-billion railway line to Bicol, and the P50-billion SubicClark Railway.

According to DOTr Secretary Jai-

me Bautista, these projects would now be delayed as the government would have to find other financing sources.

Rodriguez said funds for the three railways could be taken from the national budget.

“The total amount needed is P228 billion. This is just a small fraction of the proposed P5.768-trillion spending program for 2024. Obviously, we have fiscal space for important infrastructure projects,” he said.

“We do not have to appropriate the required amount in one year. We can have multi-year or continuing appropriation so we won’t have to depend on outside financing and so we can

Cops arrest 33, collar P28.9m in smuggled cigarettes

No online sale of abandoned luggage, MIAA warns public

By Roy Tomandao CAMP Vicente Lim – A composite team of police operatives and internal revenue agents have confiscated about P28.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 33 suspected members of a smuggling syndicate in a raid conducted Thursday morning in Batangas.

The raiding team was composed of operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division Special Operations Unit, Intelligence Units of Batangas Police Provincial Office and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 9A-CABAMIRO (CaviteBatangas-Oriental MindoroOccidental Mindoro-Romblon), assisted by elements of the Agoncillo police station in Batangas.

Police said the buy-bust money amounting to P200,000 was also recovered from three suspects during the initial stage of the operation.

A larger follow-up operation was staged following the buybuy at Brgy Adia in Agoncillo town, leading to the arrest of an additional 30 suspects, indicating that the cigarette smuggling in Batangas was bigger than what appeared on the surface.

Those rounded up consisted of 22 Filipinos and eight Chinese nationals.

The follow-up operation resulted in the seizure of 331 boxes of smuggled cigarettes estimated at over P21.8 million. The raiders also confiscated four cigarette machines, 30 sacks of pure tobacco, and packaging materials.

The production machines and other equipment, raw materials, vehicles, and other confiscated items were estimated at P300 million.

continue to fund ongoing projects and start those that have been delayed,” he added.

The Mindanao lawmaker urged fellow Mindanaonon Senate President Migz Zubiri to include railway funds especially for the first railway in Mindanao in next year’s budget since the proposed outlay is still pending with the Senate and is yet to be finally approved by the legislature.

“I understand that the Luzon rail line projects are already underway, while the Tagum-Davao City-Digos segment of the Mindanao Railways is still in limbo. We have to give priority to the Mindanao project,” he said.

‘NAVOBANGKA’. Some 3,000 Navoteños receive cash assistance and boats as part of the weeklong celebration of the

birthdays of Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Rep. Toby Tiangco. Fifty-six registered Navoteño fisherfolk received NavoBangka fiberglass boats and fishing gear from the office of Senator Imee R. Marcos (center), who turned over the items. Andrew Rabulan

Bill calls for creation of mental health centers per region A BILL filed in the House of Representatives calls for the creation of mental health centers in every region.

House Bill (HB) 3582, or the proposed Mental Health Center Establishment Act, authored by Rep. Ray T. Reyes of the AnaKalusugan party-list group, aims to make mental health care more accessible in the provinces.

“Mental health and wellbeing should be a priority of our government and there is no denying that there is a need for more mental health centers in the re-

gions,” he said Friday.

Reyes, vice chair of the House committee on health, expressed concern over recent figures from the Department of Health (DOH) which showed that at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

“While more and more people are suffering from mental health issues, access to mental health services in the country remains limited due to stigma and lack of resources,” he said.

“It’s sad that many of our countrymen in the provinces do not have access to mental health care,” the lawmaker added.

Under his proposed measure, the DOH would be tasked to establish centers in the different provinces and regions to make mental health services readily available for all Filipinos.

“Through this bill, we hope to make diagnosis, treatment, and care more accessible to Filipinos,” Reyes said.

Maricel V. Cruz

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has warned the public against engaging with fake online accounts, such as those claiming lost luggage at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is on sale.

“The public is warned not to transact with fake online accounts like a recent post on Facebook claiming that lost pieces of luggage at NAIA are on sale,” said MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co. Co said MIAA and airline operators have established protocols for safekeeping and disposing of lost or left-over items, but selling these items online is not one of them.

The airport management expressed dismay over the audacity of fraudsters who pick on unsuspecting individuals wishing to grab discounts or special price offers of goods sold online.

“We appeal to everyone to be extremely careful and vigilant when browsing through the internet.

Always exercise caution when engaging with online sellers. Do not be easy targets of scammers,” said Co. The MIAA uses its official Facebook Page, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok accounts for official announcements and information dissemination. Joel E. Zurbano

Santa Rosa, Toyota ink pact for shuttle CITIZENS of Santa Rosa City in Laguna will soon have access to free transportation through the Toyota Community Shuttle (TCS), following an agreement between the City Government and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corp. on Wednesday.

The TCS is part of Toyota’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program, which aims to provide free and safe rides to the community.

To use this service, users must first download the myToyota Shuttle PH app from the Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS. Once downloaded, users can book a free ride within the city.

Although the myToyota Shuttle PH app is already available for download,

the system or server for Santa Rosa residents is not yet available as the free book-and-ride service will begin in the city this coming December.

Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas and TMP Corp. President Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto was present during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing along with City Planning and Development Coordinator Ermin Lucino, and TMP Corporate Legal Counsel Atty. Rommel Gutierrez.

According to Toyota, five brand new air-conditioned Toyota LiteAce FX vehicles, each capable of carrying up to eleven passengers, will circulate through designated pick-up and drop-off points in Santa Rosa. Roy Tomandao

SANTA ROSA-TOYOTA PACT. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas (second from right) and Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. President Atsuhiro Okamoto (second from left) sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the Toyota Community Shuttle. Witnessing are City Planning and Development Coordinator Ermin Lucino and TMP Corporate Legal Counsel Rommel Gutierrez. Roy Tomandao

NEWS

A4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

WRECKED

BY FLOOD.

Marcos graces cancer hospital inauguration

Netizen LeahNelle Enero Gorpido shows these pictures to ask for help for this family whose home at Naperes Zone 3, San Roque, Northern Samar, along the CatarmanLao-ang Road, was destroyed by floods over the weekend.

The family is currently living in a tent and is in need of essential items (inset).

FB Photos

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Friday led the inauguration of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) in Taguig City as part of the administration’s initiatives for easier access to quality cancer care in the country.

President Marcos emphasized in his speech that the opening of the HCCH will significantly enhance access to quality cancer care in the Philippines as he encouraged the public to maximize these kinds of programs, services, and facilities for cancer care.

“With the help of the HCCH, we can revolutionize the cancer care services industry in the Philippines through modern and state-of-the-art equipment, coupled with leading medical professionals and oncologists. It will certainly positively reflect on the country’s growing potential as a leading healthcare destination in Asia,” he added.

He also highlighted the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in strengthening the country’s healthcare system, in line with the administration’s Philippine Health Facility Development Plan and the Integrated Cancer Program.

Mr. Marcos stated that the government acknowledges the financial strain of cancer treatments, leading to the establishment of the Cancer Assistance Fund, which covers the expenses of cancer diagnostics and laboratories not included in PhilHealth.

For cancer treatment, the President said there are also 25 Specialty Centers in Cancer Care in select Department of Health (DOH) hospitals in the country.

Comelec seeks re-registration of 68m voters THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) admitted Friday it is not sure if all 68 million registered voters at present are accurate, as it called on Congress to allow the body to open re-registration of voters to cleanse the list for the 2028 polls.

In an interview over DZBB, poll chairman George Garcia said the Comelec will push for the re-registration of voters to make the national list of registered voters more accurate for the presidential and vice presidential elections.

Garcia said the poll body cannot act on its own to implement the national re-registration of voters since it needs legislation.

“We will ask Congress to consider our proposal after the 2025 elections so that we’ll go back to zero. Let’s replace the present list of voters, we’re not even sure if that 68 million voters are still accurate,” he added.

The planned re-registration will help cleanse the national list and erase any doubts of voters who encounter double registrants.

The Comelec chief also said they recently discovered 491,000 double or multiple registrants in the current list through its automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS).

“With the re-registration, this will help update their biometrics, since the oldest set of fingerprints available dates back to 2003,” Garcia explained.

Aside from updating their data, he said there is a need to procure new technologyan automated biometric identification system (ABIS)—for general registration. Vito Barcelo

Gov’t workers’ service incentive pay depends on financial position—PBBM

P

RESIDENT Marcos on Friday said he would assess if it is “financially feasible” to grant a service recognition incentive (SRI) among government personnel this year.

“We’ll see what is our financial position at the end of this all. Ganyan naman talaga iyan (That’s how it works),” Mr. Marcos said in an interview in Taguig City when asked if government workers would receive SRI before yearend.

“We wait until the end of the fis-

cal year to see what it is that we can afford. So, we will have another look at that and to see if it is possible,” he added.

Last year, Mr. Marcos issued an administrative order (AO) granting an SRI for employees of the executive department.

Under the AO, a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000 was given to those working under the executive department.

Civilian personnel of national government agencies, including those in state universities and colleges, government-owned or -controlled corporations, regular, contractual or casual employees, members of the military and the police, as well as fire and jail personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government received the incentive.

Based on the AO, employees of both houses of Congress, the Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and Constitutional offices may likewise be granted a one-time SRI by their respective heads of offices at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000.

Personnel of local government units, including those in the villages, may also receive the incentive depending on the LGUs’ financial capability, subject to limitations in their budgets under the Local Government Code of 1991. With Charles Dantes

DMW helping OFWs claim benefits from Saudi bosses COAST GUARD IN ACTION. Officers of the Coast Guard Sub-Station Claveria save a baby along with other passengers of a submerged motorbanca in the waters off Fuga Island and Sanchez Mira in Cagayan Province on Thursday. On Friday, Coast Guard District North Western Luzon participate in drills on maritime law enforcement in the Region 1 Inter-Agency Maritime Exercise (MAREX) 2023 in the waters off the City of San Fernando, La Union (inset). PCG Photos

Envoys highlight PH importance as economic partner FOREIGN envoys highlighted the importance of the Philippines as their respective country’s economic partner during the Stratbase ADR Institute’s annual Pilipinas Conference on Wednesday.

In her speech, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu said the Philippines is one of the top priorities in Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

“In it, the Philippines is really very high in our priority. The Australian government is going to put money where our mouth is, to help increase the bilateral trade and investment between our two countries, because we know that’s what you need from a good

friend, and that’s what we need from you as well,” she said.

In September, the Philippines and Australia elevated their relationship into a strategic partnership.

“That’s a clear indication from both of our countries that we are absolutely committed to working hand-in-hand, not only in security, in development, in people-to-people links, but also in economic security,” Yu said.

Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said the bilateral trade between the UK and the Philippines is at the highest it has ever been.

“It’s going from strength to strength, both trade and investment, and I think that’s a tes-

tament to how positive a lot of our exporters and investors are about the state of the Philippines now and in the future,” she explained.

Beaufils, however, also pointed out that there is still room for improvement in terms of encouraging more investments in the country.

“The bottom line is still very much about the ease of doing business, very much about predictabilitypredictability when it comes to taxes, as well as legislation or regulatory environment. And so, we’re really delighted we’ve been working with ARTA over the last few years, but I would encourage them to continue (to) invest in that predictability, in addressing red tape and corruption,” she said.

NGCP, TIEZA urged to settle Cebu dispute

TINGOG AID. The Provincial Government of Northern Samar under Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 8, and Tingog Party-list hand out family packs to 355 families at the Provincial Capitol Gym, one of the evacuation centers during the recent heavy rainfall and widespread flooding that affected the province. Tingog Photo

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to come to terms as soon as possible for the sake of public interest.

Gatchalian stressed that the dispute between the NGCP and TIEZA, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has “significantly delayed the completion of a critical transmission project essential for ensuring the sufficiency of the country’s energy supply.”

The senator was referring to the CebuMagdugo 230 kiloVolt (kV) Line, a 33-kilometer transmission line stretching from the NGCP’s substation in Cebu City to Toledo City, crossing the mountain barangays of both cities.

Gatchalian viewed the Cebu-Magdugo project as a vital component of the Cebu-Negros-Panay Stage 3 (CNP3) power sharing and to enable the 450-megawatt (MW) Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) to operate at full capacity.

The MVIP and CNP3 were envisioned to eliminate the threat of a power shortage by providing electricity from comparatively better-supplied Mindanao and other parts of the Visayas.

TIEZA had halted the development of the critical grid connection after securing from the court a temporary restraining order (TRO) against NGCP’s construction of the two transmission towers located on TIEZA’s Kang-Irag property in Cebu. Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Friday the government is pursuing its commitment to help thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to settle their unpaid salaries in Saudi Arabia, expressing the hope that the claims will be done soon.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac issued the remarks following reports that some OFWs who lost their jobs have already received cheques for their unpaid wages in Saudi Arabia.

According to an Unang Balita report, several OFWs who lost their jobs after Riyadh-based construction firms declared bankruptcy in 2015 and 2016 have received cheques from Saudi Arabian banks and in Saudi riyal, but the Philippine banks would not accept them.

Meanwhile, Cacdac assured the OFWs that the government will address the concerns of the OFWs, adding: “There will be an appropriate announcement in one or two days about the manner in which we will help.”

“From our talks with our own counterparts there… we were also informed that the Ministry of Finance is on board to take care of the financial matters because this would involve disbursement of funds,” Cacdac said.

“It’s just hard to pin down a timeline at this point because the Saudi processes still continue. In principle, we respect the Saudi processes, and at the same time we’ll continue to persist in terms of coordination and follow-ups with the Saudi government,” he added.

Vito Barcelo

B1

OPINION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

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

Backbencher Rod P. Kapunan

EDITORIAL

Standing up to deforestation

Joint US-Philippine patrol in WPS doubtful THE Philippines as an independent and sovereign state should not allow other countries to participate in a joint patrol in the West Philippine Sea. First, the exercise of joint patrol involves acts of interdicting foreign vessels that may violate our territory’s sovereignty.

Remember, vessels are considered part of their territory that once boarded could constitute a violation of their territory.

Interdicting foreign vessels constitutes an act of war where China can rightfully act in self-defense, viz. to accuse the US of unilaterally and arbitrarily interdicting foreign vessels in international waters.

Likewise, it constitutes a violation of their right to freedom of navigation.

—“—

All these prop-up alliances of the US allegedly to defend the Philippines from China is but a scare crow, and not really for our defense

Such could pit the Philippines into a proxy war with China, a situation which the US wants to happen like what it recently did in Ukraine, resulting in devastation and untold human sufferings.

No state that values sovereignty and its territorial independence will allow any vessel to be interdicted/boarded on high seas.

As stated, interdicting foreign vessels on high seas would directly violate the right of other countries to freedom of navigation which the Philippines can neither claim ownership over that particular area.

Second, the Scarborough as a disputed territory is not determined by our proclamation of the area like what former President Aquino did.

Our national territory was rather demarcated by the US and Spain in the Treaty of Paris on Dec. 10, 1898.

Third, the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is outside of the 200-mile exclusive economic zone accorded by the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Fourth, the concept of a joint patrol involving two states in international waters

is illegal.

It would involve third parties to the commission of an illegal act which is prohibited by international law, unless a treaty is ratified granting that a joint patrol will have the power to carry out an embargo on goods transported by foreign vessels.

Nonetheless, such will remain treated as a unilateral act of the state.

Our withdrawal during the stand-off with China in the Scarborough Shoal in 2012 was equivalent to our act of giving up the Scarborough Shoal to China.

Fifth, the Scarborough stand-off was most crucial to determination if the US will fulfill its treaty obligation with the Philippines.

EDCA was already operational yet when the stand-off happened, the US issued flimsy excuses it will not come to defend our own territory.

It is indeed doubtful whether the US, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India will go to war with China in the West Philippine Sea over a disputed territory.

The US has particularly denied any direct involvement with China in the West Philippine Seas over disputed claims in the South China Sea. Sixth, the change of name of that portion in our territory in the South China Sea, now called by us as West Philippine Sea has not been submitted to the United Nations and for ratification.

Seventh, the Philippines cannot involve other countries in a dispute involving claims of disputed territory without a treaty ratified by our Senate. Such would constitute a Constitutional derogation to our treaty.

There is more braggadocio when our President said he will not surrender an inch of Philippine territory to China.

But history tells us it was China that kicked us out of the Scarborough Shoal; Pugad Island was snatched from us by Vietnam; and to this date, we have an unresolved claim over North Borneo or Sabah.

Our failure to pursue said claim is the intransigence support of the US and UK, which in turn is supported by the US. In the end, all these prop-up alliances of the US allegedly to defend the Philippines from China is but a scare crow, and not really for our defense.

The purpose and the intention are clear: which is to give justification for the continued US military presence and expansion of their bases in the country.

Chairman Mao Zedong said, “imperialism and all reactionaries are paper tigers.” rpkapunan@gmail.com

EVERYMAN

Strategic partnership for healthy watersheds

By Reynaldo V. Velasco SIX years ago, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Services which I headed as Administrator -- launched the Annual Million Trees Challenge and pledged to help rehabilitate seven critical watersheds that impact on water supply in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Our endeavor was supported by the private sector and different stakeholders.

Today, we are seeing the fulfillment of this commitment with AMTC surpassing its target of planting one million trees annually with about 6.8 million trees planted so far -- in the last six years in several watersheds: La Mesa, Angat, Ipo, Upper Marikina, Laguna Lake, Kaliwa, Umiray, and even Manila Bay. Thanks in part to my successor, Engr.

Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, the Iron Lady of MWSS who holds the distinction of having risen from the ranks to head the water agency.

To Administrator Bobby’s credit and with the concessionaires and DENR, like Regional Executive Director Jackie Caancan, they have continued to pursue and support this noble project.

I am also glad to see OIC DENR NCR Mr. Pacis joining us in today’s event.

The Annual Million Trees Challenge started as a five-year project and to sustain this noble project, civic-minded individuals established the Million Trees Foundation.

As an advocate of environment protection and see the continuity of the project, I have joined the Million Trees Foundation as its Chairman Emeritus.

In its unwavering commitment to achieve its goals, Million Trees Foundation has partnered with various organizations that share its vision and objectives.

Reforestation requires huge investments not only financial, but manpower, and technical know-how as well. While we already have institutional partners, a new partner is always welcome.

What the Million Trees Foundation has achieved so far is a testament to the power of partnership.

When organizations come together for a common cause, a synergy is created that helps transform lives including those of local communities – in this case, those residing near watersheds.

Today is a special day for MTFI as it welcomes a new institutional partner, Nestle Philippines, Inc. – the Good Food, Good Life company.

A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between MTFI and Nestle to formalize its collaboration for the next three years and beyond.

Nestle joins San Miguel Corporation/ Bulacan Bulk Water, Maynilad, Manila Water/Manila Water Foundation and Santa Clara International among MTFI’s institutional partners.

This gratefully acknowledges the generosity of SMC President and CEO Ramon

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The Philippines, home to a vast array The program has been successful of unique flora and fauna but many of in planting millions of trees across the these species now at risk of extinction, country, and it has created thousands of has geared up and launched a program jobs in the forestry sector. to combat deforestation.

In addition to the National Greening Program, the Philippines enacted various laws and policies to protect its forests.

One such law is the Forest ManageOne of the biggest ment Bureau’s Community-Based Forchallenges the est Management Program, which aims to involve local communities in forest Philippines faces management and conservation efforts, is illegal logging, and has successfully reduced deforestation rates in some areas and promoted which contributes to sustainable forest management pracdeforestation and tices.

But despite the progress made by the leads to the loss of Philippines in its battle against deforestbiodiversity, soil ation, many challenges remain.

One of the biggest challenges is illegal erosion, and water logging, which contributes to deforestapollution tion and leads to the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water pollution.

Another challenge the Philippines faces is converting forests into agriculThe government in recent years im- tural land. plemented various programs and poliWith a rapidly growing population cies to promote reforestation, sustaina- and a need to feed its citizens, the Philble forest management, and biodiversity ippines has seen increased forest converconservation. sion for agriculture.

One such is the National Greening Unfortunately, this conversion often Program, which aims to plant 1.5 billion leads to unsustainable farming practictrees across 1.5 million hectares of land es, such as slash-and-burn agriculture, by 2028. further contributing to deforestation.

EFORESTATION, recognized by forest experts as a serious global problem which has not excluded the Philippines, is denuding areas of tall, mostly evergreen trees.

—“—

In 2010, the Philippines had 13.2 million hectares of natural forest, extending over 62 percent of its land area.

By 2022, it lost 62.9 thousands of hectares of natural forest, equivalent to 39.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

According to Global Forest Watch, the Philippines lost 158,000 hectares of primary forest from 2002 to 2021. During the same span, total tree cover loss was 1.34 million hectares.

The Philippines, as of 2015, had a total forest land area of 15, 805,325 hectares with a forest cover of 7,014,152 hectares, or 44 percent.

But deforestation, which has greatly altered landscapes worldwide, has become a raging problem, with at many times the purposeful clearing of forested land to make space for agriculture and animal grazing, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction.

A king for troubled and all times

Eagle Eyes Tony La Viña

TOMORROW is the feast of Christ the King.

I would like to reflect on what such a feast means today in our troubled world.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the time when the Son of Man arrives in glory, accompanied by all the angels, and takes his place on the magnificent throne.

All nations will gather before him, and he will distinguish them, as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

The sheep will stand at his right, and the goats at his left.

Then the king will say to those at his right, “Come, you who are favored by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the world’s foundation.

“For when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you provided drink; when I was a stranger, you welcomed me; when I was naked, you clothed me; when I was ill, you cared for me; and when I was in prison, you visited me.”

The righteous will question, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

“When were you a stranger that we welcomed, or naked and clothed you? When did we see you ill or in prison and visit you?”

The king will answer, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these, you did it for me.”

To those on his left, the king will say, “Depart from me, cursed ones, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

“For when I was hungry, you offered no food; when I was thirsty, you gave no drink; when I was a stranger, you didn’t welcome me; when I was naked, you provided no clothing; when I was ill and in prison, you didn’t care.”

—“—

This partnership is another beacon of hope that MTFI will be able to achieve its goal of 10 million more trees planted by 2030 S. Ang who contributes P5 million annually to the Million Trees Foundation with the two concessionaires – Maynilad through President Mon Fernandez and Manila Water through President Jocot de Dios -- contributing P1 million each yearly.

We need at least 12 million a year to sustain MTFI’s operational requirement and another 100 million for its ambitions program of developing this place a tourism hub for Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

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

They’ll reply, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, ill, or in prison and didn’t serve you?”

He’ll respond, “Truly I tell you, what you didn’t do for the least among you, you didn’t do for me.”

The righteous will go to eternal life, but the others to eternal punishment.

—“—

The world where Christ the King reigns offers a different kind of world, a kingdom where Christ, the Prince of love and peace reigns, one where righteousness and justice prevails What does it mean for God to be righteous?

It means that God consistently acts in alignment with what is morally right and that He serves as the ultimate standard for what is right.

God has established this standard through His goodness, revealing to us what aligns with His approval as He lays down in the gospel of Mathew.

We approach the hopeful season of Advent, the Church presents Jesus to us as a king of a different kind—a king whose reign Over the last two years, whatever land development, infrastructure, improvements and activities you see here at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center covering five hectares have been funded largely by these three MWSS concessionaires.

We have judiciously used their resources for the benefit of our stakeholder partners and network of volunteers.

Today also marks another milestone as Nestle Philippines launches its Project Kasambuhay Forest with a massive treegrowing activity here at the La Mesa watershed under this new partnership with Million Trees Foundation.

Nestle personnel and volunteers will plant 5,250 saplings with about 400 volunteers to serve as Green Army Brigade members.

We thank MWSS and DENR NCR for allocating another 20 hectares adjoining MTFI’s 5- hectare lot for our tree planting enhancements.

On board our next flagship projects will be a walk trail covering these areas to connect it to the Arboretum which we intend to further improve with DENR and other entities.

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

isn’t defined by earthly power or control. His humble birth, a life marked by simplicity and sacrifice, and his ultimate crucifixion stand in contrast to conventional notions of kingship.

Wherever we look today, we see conflicts, hatred, disunity and disharmony.

Every corner of the world is threatened with war and conflict whether in the South China Sea, in Myanmar, in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.

It seems the world can offer nothing other than injustice and trouble and the king is the arms merchants and the hate mongers.

Yet, the world where Christ the King reigns offers a different kind of world, a kingdom where Christ, the Prince of love and peace reigns, one where righteousness and justice prevails.

Christ’s kingship embodies love, not earthly splendor.

There may be so much injustice, conflict and even wars in our times.

But Christ the King gives us the unique opportunity to transcend this troubled world.

For in the end, He offers as a world where justice, peace serenity and happiness will reign for all eternity, a world where sin, sickness and all forms of evil cannot penetrate but a kingdom that is suffused only with love, harmony, and contentment.

Christ, the King will reign forever, guiding and correcting us, and especially to love our neighbor, our loved ones yes but also the Other we do not know.

Christ the King calls us to become peacemakers.

Christ is the true king of troubled and all times.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook and X: tonylavs At this juncture, allow me to acknowledge on behalf of MTFI President and Executive Director Melandrew T. Velasco who is in California for some networking activities, the presence of Nestle SVP & Head of Corporate Affairs Mr. Jose Uy III, Nestle Head of Supply Chain & Procurement Mr. Anderson Martins, Ms. Arlene Bantoto, Ms. Krisma Indira Ria Guyala, Ms. Veronica Carmen Cruz and Mr. Olaf Miguel Bautista.

This partnership is another beacon of hope that MTFI will be able to achieve its goal of 10 million more trees planted by 2030 or at least 15 million since 2017 to insure healthy watersheds for water security and quality.

Hopefully MTFI which has a life span of 50 years can continue with more vigor its advocacy of helping a Green Philippines.

(Editor’s Note: Excerpts from the Welcome Remarks of the author, a retired police general and chairman emeritus of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. in Friday’s ceremonies at the MTFI Nursery and Eco Learning Center, La Mesa. Quezon City).

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

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Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah intensifies hits on Israel, with fears of broader exchanges BEIRUT – The Iran-backed Hezbollah group has intensified its attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon where Israeli bombardments killed seven of its fighters, including members of an elite unit.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, the border between Lebanon and Israel has witnessed escalating exchanges of fire, primarily involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, along with Palestinian groups.

The clashes have raised fears of a broader conflagration.

Hezbollah said it carried out more than 20 attacks on Israeli military positions and claimed to have caused casualties.

In one of the attacks, it said it fired 48 Katyusha rockets at a military base at Ein Zeitim, near the town of Safed in northern Israel, about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the border.

That attack marked the largest rocket salvo to be fired by the Iran-backed group since violence broke out last month. Hezbollah said it also used the heavy-duty Burkan missile in another attack against an Israeli border position.

The Israeli army said that, in response to fire towards Israel, its helicopters and fighters jets had struck “terrorist infrastructure” belonging to Hezbollah, as well as rocket launch sites.

Lebanon’s official National News Agency said the Israeli army had shelled several locations in southern Lebanon in response.

Hezbollah says it has been acting Regional Trial Court in support of Hamas since the PalesNational Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Branch 220 tinian Islamist movement’s October Emial Add: rtc1qzn220@judiciary.gov.ph 7 attacks on Israel, which Israeli ofTel. & Mobile Nos.: (02) 8681-5661 & 09616034816 ficials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw about 240 people LEONG HUP (PHILIPPINES), taken hostage. AFP INCORPORATED represented by RACQUEL C. RIVERA,

Plaintiff, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-22-08610-CV For: Sum of money w/ Damages

-versus

RYAN BAUTISTA doing business Under the name TNBT AGRI TRADING, Defendants. x---------------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS TO:

RYAN BAUTISTA doing business Under the name TNBT AGRI TRADING Block 11 Lot 19, Leviton Subdivision, Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas.

GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within THIRTY (30) DAYS after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and served on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached with the annexes.

You are reminded of the provision in the Section 12 Rule 15 of the 2019 Amended Rules of Court to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defense in the answer. If you fail to answer within the applied for in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 23rd day of September 2022.

(Sgd.) AL DINO N. MACAVINTA Clerk of Court V (MStandard - Nov. 18, 25 & Dec. 2, 2023)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE WILL OF MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBAN-PATACSIL, CASE NO. R-QZN-20-08291-SP NILO C. MERCADO, Petitioner, x----------------------------------------------x

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary having issued in the above-entitled case in favor of NILO C. MERCADO, FE M. CABRERA and MA. MODESTA MERCADO, it is hereby ordered that notice be, and the same is hereby given, to all persons having claims for money against the decedent, MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBANPATACSIL, arising from contracts, express or implied, whether the same be due, not due, or contingent; for funeral expenses or expenses for the last sickness of said decedent; and judgment for money against him, requiring them to file their claims with this Court sitting at Room 707, 7th Floor, Hall of Justice Annex Building, Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City, within a period of six (6) months after the 1st publication of this NOTICE. SO ORDERED. (Sgd.) MARIA GILDA T. LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge Copy furnished: Atty. Francisco J. Rivera NISCE MAMURIC GUINTO RIVERA & ALCANTARA LAW OFFICES Counsel for the Petitioner 8th Floor, 139 Corporate Center 139 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Nilo C. Mercado Petitioner 14 Violet Road, Pilar Village, Las Piñas City Maria Nieves M. Panganiban-Patacsil (deceased) No. 19 11th Jamboree St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City Marina M. Arita / Vicenta C. Mercado 14 Violet Road, Pilar Village, Las Piñas City Jose Maria Ilagan/Michelle Hernandez/Elizabeth L. Quinto/ Ricaredo Banea No. 19 11th Jamboree St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City Fe M. Cabrera 1031 Craig Street, 1015 Sampaloc, Manila Maria Modesta M. Mercado/Ma. Teresa M. Mercado 82 Road 1, Proj. 6, 1105 Quezon City Nuncia Rivera 15265 Sherbrooke St., San Diego, California 92139 Eriberto Mercado 8928 Arborale Lane West, University Place, Washington 98466 Belen M. Medina 8811 Littlestone Drive, San Gabriel, California 91776 Josefina C. Mercado 67 CC Santos BF Homes, 1720 Parañaque City Luz C. Sagala 20 Cleveland St., Royale Tagaytay Estate, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite Roberto M. Caraos Brgy. Zone 6, Taal, 4208 Batangas Maria Antonia M. Sadler PO Box 1233 Perry Florida, USA 32348 Cecilia M. Mijares 1904 Redwood Road, Hercules California 94572

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE ALLOWANCE OF THE WILL OF MARIA NIEVES M. PANGANIBAN-PATACSIL, CASE NO. R-QZN-20-08291-SP NILO C. MERCADO, Petitioner, x----------------------------------------------x

ORDER On 14 September 2023, executors Nilo C. Mercado, Ma. Modesta M. Mercado and Fe. M. Cabrera took their oath and Letters Testamentary was issued in their favor.

Pursuant to Rule 86 of the Rules of Court, issued a Notice to Creditors to be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks successively in a newspaper of general circulation and be posted for the same period by the branch Deputy Sheriff of this Court in four (4) public places in Quezon City, including the lobby of the Quezon City Hall and at the bulletin board near the entrance of this Sala, and in two (2) public places in the barangay where the decedent last resided.

Within ten (10) days after the last publication and posting of the Notice to Creditors, the executors are hereby directed to file in Court a printed copy of the notice accompanied with an affidavit setting forth the dates of the first and last publication thereof and the name of the newspaper in which the same is printed.

Set this case for compliance/monitoring hearing on 14 May 2024 at 1:30 in the afternoon, before this Court, sitting at 7th Floor, Room 707, Hall of Justice Annex Building, Diliman, Quezon City, and all persons filing their claims against the estate are hereby required to appear on said date.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, 18 September 2023.

(Sgd.) HON. MARIA GUILDA LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge (MStandard - Nov. 18, 25 & Dec. 2, 2023)

SUPPORT RISING. People take part in a march in support of the Palestinian people in Havana on Friday. Thousands of

civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since Oct. 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. AFP

Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing envoys hold first meeting since 2019 S

EOUL – The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and China will hold their first trilateral talks since 2019 tomorrow in Busan, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Friday.

The Sunday meeting in the southern port city will see Park Jin, Yoko Kamikawa and Wang Yi huddle against the backdrop of Beijing’s growing concerns over Tokyo and Seoul’s deepening security ties with Washington.

The announcement comes days after North Korea successfully placed its first military spy satellite into orbit, prompting the suspension of a fiveyear-old military accord between the two Koreas intended to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

warned earlier this month that military ties between North Korea and Russia were “growing and dangerous” and called on China, Pyongyang’s main ally, to restrain the nuclear-armed North.

At Sunday’s meeting, the foreign ministers “plan to exchange opinions extensively on the direction of development of trilateral cooperation, regional and international situations,” Seoul’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The top diplomats will also set the table for a future trilateral summit between the three countries’ leaders, it added.

No leaders’ summit has been held

since 2019, in part due to diplomatic and historical disputes between South Korea and former colonial ruler Japan.

Legal disputes over Japan’s 1910-45 rule over the peninsula persist between the two countries.

On Thursday, a South Korean court ruling ordered Japan to compensate 16 women for forced sexual slavery during World War II, overturning a lower-court ruling that had dismissed the case.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa said the ruling was “clearly contrary to international law and agreements between the two countries” and “absolutely unacceptable”.

Beijing, meanwhile, is Seoul’s biggest trading partner, but also North Korea’s main ally and economic benefactor.

With the increasing threat presented by the nuclear-armed North, South Korean

Opposition candidates register for Taiwan polls

CAR BURNED.

Flames rise from a car and a bus, set alight at the junction of Bachelors Walk and the O’Connell Bridge, in Dublin on Thursday as people took to the streets in protest following the stabbings earlier in the day. Protesters in Dublin torched a car and fought police, an AFP journalist reported, after three children were injured in a suspected school stabbing that social media rumors attributed to a foreign national.

AFP

14 meters to freedom: Final push to free Indian tunnel workers SILKYARA TUNNEL, India – Just a few metres of rock and earth separate Indian rescue teams from 41 workers who have been trapped inside a collapsed road tunnel for nearly two weeks, officials said Friday, saying they were optimistic of success within hours.

After a series of rapid advances, hopes that the men’s freedom was imminent were dashed late Wednesday when the drilling machine powering through tonnes of rock and concrete ran into metal rods, but those have now been cleared.

Rescue teams have stretchers fit-

President Yoon Suk Yeol has moved to strengthen ties between Seoul and longstanding ally Washington.

He has also sought to bury the hatchet with Japan, another close US ally.

In August, they said a “new chapter” of close three-way security cooperation was beginning after a historic summit at Camp David in the United States.

Beijing lodged complaints over a statement released at the summit in which the three allies criticised China’s “aggressive behaviour” in the South China Sea. China also claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, vowing to seize it one day, and officials in Washington -- Taipei’s most important ally -- have cited 2027 as a possible timeline for an invasion.

In April, South Korea’s Yoon said tensions over Taiwan were due to “attempts to change the status quo by force”. AFP

ted with wheels ready to pull the exhausted men through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe -- once it has been driven through the final section of rubble blocking their escape.

“We have to (drill) 14 metres further inside the tunnel,” Bhaskar Khulbe, a senior government official overseeing rescue efforts, told reporters on Friday.

“If everything goes well, we hope to reach them by today evening,” he said, adding that the “trapped workers are in good frame of mind”.

But a government statement has also noted that any timeline was

“subject to change due to technical glitches, the challenging Himalayan terrain, and unforeseen emergencies.”

The area outside the tunnel has been a flurry of activity, with worried relatives gathering and rescue teams stopping to pray at a Hindu shrine erected at the entrance.

Ambulances are on standby and a field hospital has been prepared to receive the men who have been trapped since a portion of the underconstruction tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand caved in 13 days ago. AFP

TAIPEI – Taiwan’s opposition parties registered separate tickets on Friday for January’s presidential election following the dramatic last-minute breakdown of a proposed alliance to topple the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

The lead-up to the self-ruled island’s Jan. 13 poll is being closely watched -including by policymakers in Beijing and Washington -- as it could determine the future of Taiwan’s relations with an increasingly bellicose China.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, detests the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and has halted high-level communications with President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration.

To increase their chances against DPP candidate Vice President Lai Ching-te, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) -- the island’s leading proBeijing party -- had initially sought to join forces with the less-established Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).

But the negotiations broke down in spectacular fashion on live TV Thursday night, when a televised meeting between the parties -- arranged by Foxconn tycoon Terry Gou in a lastditch attempt to bring them together -- descended into cross-talk and arguments. AFP

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees set sail from Bangladesh – monitor COX’S Bazar, Bangladesh – At least two more boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees set sail from Bangladesh this week, a monitoring group said, the latest in a wave of migrations that has seen more than 1,000 asylum seekers arrive on Indonesian shores.

Bangladesh is home to around one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled a violent 2017 crackdown by the Myanmar military that is now subject to a United Nations genocide probe.

Conditions for Rohingya refugees in

the overcrowded, dangerous and under-resourced relief camps in Bangladesh are tough.

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

This month has seen a spike in journeys to Indonesia’s westernmost province of Aceh -- a journey of about 1,800 kilometres (1,120 miles) -- with more than 1,000 arrivals in the biggest such wave since the 2017 crackdown in Myanmar. AFP

SATELLITE LAUNCH. This picture taken on Thursday and released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency Friday shows North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (center right) applauding during a banquet to celebrate the launch of a reconnaissance satellite, at the Mulan Pavilion in Pyongyang. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks, peso rise on growing optimism

By Jenniffer B. Austria

B

OTH the Philippine stocks and the peso closed higher Friday on growing optimism about the fourth-quarter economic activities.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index went up 23.30 points, or 0.37 percent, to close at 6,269.50 near the resistance level of 6,300. The broader all-shares index also added 20.21 points, or 0.61 percent, to settle at 3,348.22.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said while trading was initially expected to be flat because of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, bargain-hunting

boosted the market and investors turned optimistic that the US economy would get a boost from Black Friday sale which marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno also expressed optimism that economic growth would hit the low end of the 2023 target range of 6 percent to 7 percent on strong fourth-quarter performance.

The peso also inched up Friday to

close at 55.38 against the US dollar as global crude prices continued to soften.

Meanwhile, Asian markets drifted Friday following a broadly healthy week, with traders hoping for fresh Chinese moves to help the country’s troubled property sector after officials called on banks to provide support.

Wall Street was closed for the Thanksgiving break, meaning investors were given few catalysts to drive buying, while oil was in focus after OPEC’s decision to delay a key meeting sent prices sliding.

Equities have rallied in recent weeks on optimism the Federal Reserve will not hike interest rates again in this cycle as inflation heads south and the economy shows signs of easing without caus-

ing recession worries.

And while minutes from the bank’s most recent policy meeting echoed warnings from decision-makers that borrowing costs will likely stay elevated for some time, there is hope that they will cut in 2024.

With traders taking a breather, most Asian markets were mixed on Friday.

Hong Kong led the losses, having risen over the week, while Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok were also down.

Tokyo jumped as dealers caught up with Thursday’s Asian advance, while the yen rose against the dollar as Japanese inflation jumped again, adding to bets the central bank will shift from its ultra-loose monetary policy.

Manila and Wellington edged higher.

Jakarta and Mumbai were flat.

London, Frankfurt and Paris opened in the red.

Investors are keeping tabs on China after authorities called on banks to provide help to the beleaguered property sector, which makes up a huge part of the world’s number-two economy.

The rubber-stamp parliament on Wednesday released a report calling for lenders to do more for the industry, with the head of the People’s Bank of China saying they should step up help to enact the “guaranteed delivery of buildings”.

Bloomberg later reported that they were also weighing a plan that would allow banks to offer developers unsecured loans for the first time. With AFP

New CALAX interchange to be finished by end-2024

By Darwin G. Amojelar MPCALA Holdings Inc. said Friday it expects to complete a new interchange of the Cavite segment of the Cavite Laguna Expressway (Calax) by end-2024.

MPCALA said the construction of the remaining portion of the CALAX Cavite Segment was in full swing.

The next interchange will be a 7.9-kilometer 2x2 lane expressway that will extend from Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive in General Trias.

More than 95 percent of the right-of-way for the segment was acquired, and the MPCALA team already started earthworks and bridge constructions.

“Governor’s Drive will be the second-longest segment of CALAX, spanning almost 8 km in length. We target to open it to the motoring public before the end of 2024. Through this interchange, we aspire to revolutionize our motorist travel experience, by connecting communities and helping improve the economy of the region,” MPCALA president and general manager Raul Ignacio said.

MPCALA said the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange recorded 11,000 daily vehicles—well beyond the projected 5,000 cars.

The 4-km segment of CALAX, which directly connects to Aguinaldo Highway, seamlessly transports motorists towards tourist destinations in Tagaytay, Silang, Dasmarinas and other nearby cities and municipalities in Cavite.

CALAX is set to reach a total length of 45 kilometers by 2025, featuring eight strategically positioned interchanges.

MPCALA is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the leading mobility infrastructure and solutions provider in the Philippines.

MPTC’s portfolio includes the concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu, in addition to CALAX and CAVITEX.

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. Industrial real estate developer AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) completes the land development works for the first phase of Laguindingan Technopark, the first industrial park in Misamis Oriental province. Showcasing the land works completion are (from left) Makati Development Corp. (MDC) field engineer James Darrel Dairo, ALLHC Technoparks sales and marketing officer Anabell Tapang, ALLHC Technoparks head Gail santos and MDC safety associate Virgilio Alajar III.

Century Properties gains full ownership of PHirst CENTURY Properties Group (CPG) said Friday it fully acquired PHirst, its first-home residential venture, five years after forming a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corp.

CPG’s board of directors approved in May 2023 the company’s acquisition of a 40-percent ownership stake previously held by Mitsubishi in two entities—Phirst Park Homes Inc. (PPHI) and Tanza Properties Inc. (TPI) via a share purchase agreement.

CPG said that subject to regulatory approvals, the acquisition was cleared by the Philippine Competition Commission in August and creditors.

CPG executive chairman and Ambassador Jose Antonio noted the strategic importance of the acquisition. “This pivotal move allows us to offer greater

value to our stakeholders now that CPG is the 100 percent owner of a fast growing and high margin business,” he said.

PPHI completed the launch of 15 projects it committed to deliver during its formation in 2017. In 2022, CPG established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Century PHirst Corp. (CPC), to expand its market presence by entering the socialized and economic housing and mid-income residential markets.

The expanded market brought about broadened offerings under new brands: PHirst Sights Bay for socialized and economic segments, PHirst Editions Batulao catering to the mid-income market and PHirst Centrale Hermosa— a mixed-use township encompassing residential (Impressions), commercial

(Fairgrounds), and retail (Boroughs) establishments. The expansion widened PHirst’s price point offerings, ranging from P580,000 to P8 million.

PHirst said it continues to thrive in its core affordable product line (P1.5 to P3.5 million) as it launched its first community in Nueva Ecija with PHirst Park Homes Gapan, followed by the opening of PHirst Impressions Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas in the first and second quarter of 2023, respectively.

It said it expects to launch two more projects this year, bringing its total portfolio to 21 active developments.

PHirst broke ground on its inaugural venture in the Visayas Region via PHirst Park Homes Bacolod in early November, marking a step forward to achieving nationwide presence.

AGROSOLAR INNOVATION.

Executives of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) receive recognition for ESG Programme of the Year - Philippines category at the Asian Power Awards in celebration of its innovative contribution to addressing the climate crisis and meeting energy demands. CREC received the AgroSolar initiative in its Luzon solar power plants, aiming to merge agriculture and power generation.

Globe to replicate success of GCash in other businesses GLOBE Group said Friday it plans to replicate the success of its financial technology arm GCash, the leading finance app and the only double unicorn in the Philippines.

Globe Group president and chief executive Ernest Cu said the company’s pivot into a full-fledged telco aims to provide disruptive solutions to problems that Filipinos confront day-to-day.

“We want to repeat that again. We look at areas where there’s a large problem to solve. It’s gotta be large because it’s got to move our needle, right?” Cu said.

“So, we look at a lot of nascent areas where problems continue to be pervasive and no one’s paying attention, no one’s taking the advantage of building something. If it fits the assets we have, this gives us what we call unfair advantage, then we go into it,” he said.

Globe, in its beginnings as a core telco business, solved Filipinos’ communication problems. With its solid connectivity infrastructure as foundation, the Globe Group has been casting a wider net.

Globe said that beyond fintech, it provides digital solutions in the areas of healthtech, adtech, edutech, climate tech, shared services investments and entertainment.

Cu said it’s about being responsive to customers’ evolving needs, much like how he practices to be responsive real-time to every message that comes his way. Darwin G. Amojelar

MPTC lights up roads, headquarters for World Children’s Day observance

By Roy Tomandao

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the leading mobility infrastructure and solutions provider in the Philippines, joined UNICEF Philippines in celebrating World Children’s Day 2023 on Nov. 20.

The company lit up in blue several prominent structures such as NLEX Corp.’s headquarters in Balintawak, Caloocan; motorists rest stop NLEX Drive and Dine in Valenzuela; MPT South’s LEED gold certified green headquarters South Hub in Imus, Cavite; and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu to symbolize hope and a promise of safer roads and sustainable business practices that benefit children.

“MPTC and our group of companies

have road safety at the core of our construction, maintenance, and operations.

We are on a mission to contribute to the country’s economic and social growth to provide a better life to our customers, communities, employees, and of course, their children. This partnership with UNICEF allows us to further live up to our life-long commitment to road safety,” said MPTC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson.

A study by UNICEF shows that, on average, more than 600 children and adolescents become casualties of unsafe roads every day — that’s one casualty every two minutes. This fuels the organization to strengthen its ties with different sectors to make efforts that will benefit the next generation.

Metro Pacific Tollways lights up the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu in blue in support of the World Children’s Day, representing the company’s commitment to taking a proactive role to strengthen the call to support safer roads for children. The company also lit up in blue NLEX Corp.’s headquarters in Balintawak, Caloocan; NLEX Drive and Dine in Valenzuela and MPT South’s headquarters in Imus, Cavite. Roy Tomandao

BUSINESS

B4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

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

Half a million OFWs returned home since 2015

2GO VOLUNTEERS.

Employees of 2GO, SM Investments Corp.’s logistics and solutions company, participate in tree planting activity as part of the company’s sustainability program ‘2GO Earth and Everyone’. The company says the program is guided by core sustainability principles called eco, efficient, embrace, empower and engage.

By Julito G. Rada

Stock exchange gets approval to resume talks on PDS buyout T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Friday it approved the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc.’s (PSE) bid to negotiate the acquisition of additional shares in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp.

The corporate regulator said in a statement it allowed the PSE to apply for exemption from the 20-percent cap in the ownership of a single industry in an exchange, once negotiation for the planned buyout of the PDS Holdings is finalized.

It also directed the PSE to submit and present a detailed, concrete and timebound operational plan for the acquisi-

tion, subject to review and approval by the SEC. The PSE owns 20.98 percent of the issued and outstanding capital stock of PDS Holdings, the operator of the country’s fixed-income trading platform. The PSEs seeks to acquire up to 100 percent of PDS to unify the capital markets.

Other major shareholders of PDS are

Singapore Exchange Ltd., Bankers Association of the Philippines, Tata Consultancy Services Asia, Whistler Technologies Services Inc. and San Miguel Corp.

Based on the initial submissions made by PSE, the proposed acquisition will result in the integration of the country’s equity and fixed-income exchanges that would allow for the delivery of more efficient and more types of products, services and better risk management systems for financial services.

The PSE expressed interest in acquiring more shares in PDS as early as 2013. The planned acquisition did not push through, as the SEC thumbed down the PSE’s request for exemption from the 20-percent cap in the ownership of a single industry in an exchange.

The Securities Regulation Code pro-

vides that no person may beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5 percent of the voting rights of the exchange and no industry or business group may beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 20 percent of the voting rights of the exchange.

The SEC said, however, it may adopt rules, regulations or issue an order, upon application, exempting an applicant from the ownership limit if such ownership or control will not negatively affect the exchange’s ability to effectively operate in the public interest.

PDS Holdings through unit Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. operates the organized secondary market for the trading of fixed-income securities issued by corporations and the government.

REMITTANCES remain resilient and continue to be a major engine of economic growth despite the return of about half a million overseas Filipino workers to the Philippines since 2015, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said in a report Friday.

“Skilled OFWs are gradually returning home: roughly half a million of them since 2015. This, of course, is a welcome development; with the Philippines being one of the fastestgrowing economies in Asia over the past decade, more Filipinos may have decided to take their chances and earn a living back home,” the bank said.

HSBC said the reversal of overseas worker deployment could change the macroeconomic fundamentals of the archipelago.

“And, indeed, some of these fundamentals have started to change. For instance, remittances in US dollar terms have been slowing since 2015.

Although the contribution of remittances to current account receipts is still robust, it has softened considerably compared to the highs of 2014-15 when OFW deployment peaked,” it said.

The bank said unless OFW returnees were employed in export-related jobs back home, the current account would likely see a wider deficit, with OFWs remitting less foreign currency than before.

“Ironically, what didn’t change is the fact that remittances continue to fuel consumption in the economy, supporting growth and bolstering the archipelago’s resilience,” HSBC said.

“Due to a weaker peso against the US dollar, remittances in PHP terms are growing by double digits, while remittances as a percent of GDP remain robust,” it said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier retained its 3-percent growth projection for remittances this year, downplaying the impact of the IsraelHamas conflict on the total volume of inflows.

DOTr sees revival of rail industry with 2 projects

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and South Long Haul Project (SLH) to revive the country’s rail industry and generate more jobs.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the NSCR and SLH would elevate the country’s railway to global standards, while generating jobs, boosting economic growth and easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

“We will build a world-class railroad network—the pride of not only Asia, but the entire world.

New, modern and fast trains that will run from Clark to Calamba and continue to Bicol,” Bautista said.

He said the NSCR and SLH would provide much-needed critical connectivity to the Filipino people as the two mass rail infrastructures will link Metro Manila to the regions in northern and southern Luzon.

Bautista said the projects would generate more jobs, a prosperous economy and reliable public transportation.

“There is no doubt the NSCR and SLH Project will usher in the renaissance of the rail industry in the country,” Bautista said.

A massive 147-kilometer railway system, the NSCR will have 35 stations and will run on 51 commuter train sets and seven express train sets.

The NSCR is expected to cut travel time from Calamba, Laguna to Clark, Pampanga from 4.5 hours to less than two hours and service 600,000 passengers daily on full operations.

The entire South Long Haul Project is a 577-kilometer and 33-station rail connection from Metro Manila to Batangas and Bicol.

DEBT FACILITY. Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Philex Mining Corp., one of the oldest and largest copper and gold producers in Southeast Asia, signs a syndicated debt facility in simple ceremony in Pasig City. The signing of the $100-million omnibus loan and security agreement (OLSA) will support the ongoing development of the Silangan Project in Surigao del Norte. Attending the ceremony are (from left) Bank of the Philippines senior vice president Yvette Mari de Peralta, BPI executive vice president Juan Carlos Syquia, Union Bank of the Philippines EVP Antonino Fajardo, Philex SVP and chief finance officer Romeo Bachoco, Philex chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Philex president and chief executive Eulalio Austin Jr., Security Bank EVP John Cary Ong and BDO Capital SVP Gabriel Lim.

DBP grants P1.4-b loan for Bukidnon hydropower plant STATE-RUN Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the ninth-largest lender in terms of assets, extended a P1.4-billion loan to a renewable energy company as partial funding for the construction of a 8.4-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon province.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said Friday the loan is in line with the government’s efforts to expand new and sustainable energy sources.

The loan granted to Investco BHPI Inc. was made under the bank’s Financing Utilities for Sustainable Energy Develop-

ment (FUSED) program which seeks to help increase access to electricity services particularly in the countryside.

Investco, established in 2013, is mainly involved in the development, operation and management of renewable energy with its proposed Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant which is expected to be on stream by 2025.

“The construction of the 8.4-MW Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant bodes well for the people of Bukidnon and is a tangible manifestation of President Ferdinand Marcos,

Jr.’s vision of an energy-sufficient Philippines,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the ninth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

De Jesus said that under the FUSED program, DBP approved a total of P81.5 billion in loans to 95 borrowers, with total loan releases reaching P57.2 billion as of end of September 2023. Julito G. Rada

POWER PLANT FINANCING. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) chairman Dante Tiñga (seated, fifth from left) and DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus (seated, fourth from left) lead the loan agreement signing between DBP and Investco BHPI Inc. for the latter’s proposed 8.4-megawatt Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon province.

Pag-IBIG ready to provide loans to members hit by quake, floods PAG-IBIG Fund said Friday its calamity loan is ready to help members affected by the Southern Mindanao earthquake and Eastern Visayas floods.

FLOODS.“Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated calamity loan funds to help affected members in Saranggani, Davao Occidental, Glan, Sarangani Province, General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao, as well as Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and distressed areas in Eastern Visayas recover from the devastation caused by last week’s earthquake and floods,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

“We are also working closely with local government units in these areas, in line with the call of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to extend all the necessary help to our fellow Filipinos in these calamity-hit areas,” said Acuzar.

Under the Pag-IBIG calamity loan, eligible members may borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG savings, which consist of their monthly contributions, the counterpart employer’s contributions and accumulated dividends earned.

C1

SPORTS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

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

Mikha Fortuna (right) and Miguel Tabuena display their ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational trophies.

Manny Marcelo

Tabuena wins in rain, topples Lascuña

Fortuna scores breakthrough win, routs Duque in Match Play S

ANTA ROSA, Laguna – Mikha Fortuna capped a four-day display of brilliant shotmaking and putting with a decisive performance, overpowering amateur Laurea Duque, 7&5, to secure her first professional win in the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational at the TCC course here Friday.

Despite the wet conditions, Fortuna showcased consistent play from tee to green, winning three holes from No. 5 to dominate their frontside battle. She kept her momentum even after the rain had subsided, claiming the first three holes at the back en route to a victory that highlighted a series of dominant wins.

Duque, who had bested three pros, including Florence Bisera, Apple Fudolin and Gretchen Villacencio, to earn a shot at the championship, found herself unable to gain any ground against Fortuna’s su-

perb all-around game during their abbreviated match.

“It’s so special, this being my first pro win,” said Fortuna. “I just feel happy, I don’t know how to put into words what I’m feeling right now.”

This week also marked a significant achievement for the 23-year-old Fortuna, whose victory worth P280,000 helped erase the memory of at least three previous unsuccessful attempts in the regular Ladies Philippine Golf Tour on final round setbacks.

“I think I had three attempts being in contention and finally I got it,” said Fortuna, who stuck to her game plan and stayed focused all week.

“Heading to the finals, knowing I was going to play with Laurea, I just really focused on my game. I knew she can play, she was hitting good. But I just told myself to give more birdie opportunities for me, I think that was the key,” said Fortuna, who drained five birdies in annexing her title romp.

As the last ranked player in a field of 16, her noteworthy 5&3 triumph over the top-seeded and last year’s winner Harmie Constantino hinted at the potential for a breakthrough week for the Univ. of Oklahoma product.

And she did it in dominant fashion, rolling past Korean Seoyun Kim, 5&4, in the quarterfinals then blasting Chihiro Ikeda, 4&3, to roll into the finals of

the P1.5 championship which served as the season-ending tournament after the 10-leg LPGT season.

“It’s match play and anything can happen. So I just stayed focused and I’m proud of myself,” added Fortuna.

Despite initial nerves induced by rainy conditions, she exhibited resilience, regaining her confidence over time.

“When it rained, I was pretty nervous but I told myself that ‘I can’t control the weather.’ I had a ‘it is what it is mindset,’” said Fortuna. “This is the condition and I got to play with it. But I needed to focus on one shot at a time. It pretty worked and I’m proud of myself about that.”

While the title duel concluded in onesided fashion, the battle for third extended to the 18th hole where Ikeda narrowly edged Villacencio, matching the latter’s birdie on No. 17 to preserve a 1-up lead and birdying the last for a 2-up victory.

Baguio bet bags 2nd bronze in Asian tilt

By Randy Caluag BENGUET pride Agustina Bantiloc bagged her second bronze medal in the Asian Para Archery Championships with a close win over Thailand bet late Thursday night in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bantiloc posted a two-point victory, 133-131, over Thailand’s Phannibham Strathongmaew in the women’s compound event to emerge as the Philippines’ best producer in the tournament that serves as a qualifier for Asian para-archers for the Paris Paralympics 2024.

The 55-year-old wheelchaired athlete from Baguio barely missed

one of two automatic paralympic slots offered to the two top finishers in the tournament.

Bantiloc teamed up with Marzel Burgos two days earlier to beat Korea for the bronze in the compound open mixed team event.

“We may not have obtained a slot for the paralympic quota here in Thailand, but the close match of the games tells me that our Paraarchers have what it takes to attain greater heights in the field of para-archery,” said national coach Jonathan Josol.

After disposing of Lee YunHsien of Chinese Taipei, 133-124, Bantiloc barely missed the finals

with a one-point defeat, 136-137, to Ferelly Teodora Audi Ayudia of Indonesia, in their semifinal encounter.

Burgos, who was also bidding for a double-medal finish after a 143-136 win over Uzbekistan’s Ubaydulla Imomkulov, 143136, in the round of 32, but was stopped on her tracks by Chuen Ngai Ku of Hong Kong, 127-140, in the quarters.

Other Filipino bets Angelo Manangdang and Arthur Azcuna bowed to their Korean and Thailand rivals, respectively, in the round of 32. Giovanni Magaway also fell right in the first round.

Fil Am Golf Invitational under way Agustina Bantiloc

Record draw stirs ASICS RnR Series Manila

Officials show the medals of the ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series Manila during the press briefing on Thursday. They are (from left) Bernard A. Fernandez, Operations Manager of Hype-Pro Electrolyte Power Drink; Charlie Dungo, Department Head of Tourism, Culture & Arts in Manila; Ishna Buxani, Sonak Director; Kabir Buxani, Director of Sonak Corporation (Official Distributor of ASICS); Yul Servo, Manila Vice Mayor; Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippine; Kats Cajucom, Head of Health & Wellness of AIA Philippine; and Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Inc. a part of the IRONMAN Group. Danny Pata

THE ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by AIA Vitality has ignited the enthusiasm of a diverse crowd since its launch in February, attracting both the new and seasoned participants to hit the streets on midnight of Nov. 26 (Sunday).

Following its successful inaugural run, the event has become the most awaited running spectacle in the country with this year’s sold-out participant count reaching 9,400 from 53 countries, doubling its size from the previous year.

The event, which brings together the global phenomenon of running, music and community, will lead runners through historical sites where oncourse entertainment, live bands, DJs and distinctive heavy medals embody the very spirit of rock ‘n’ roll amidst the city’s heritage streets.

Starting at Luneta Park and weaving through landmarks as the National Museum, Manila City Hall, Fort Bonifacio and Chinatown in Binondo, Mayor Honey Lacuna expresses her elation at the return of event, which not only showcases the vibrancy of Manila but also highlights its historical gems like Jones bridge, Arroceros and the

SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Miguel Tabuena departed from his usual narrative of dramatic come-from-behind victories, opting for an aggressive stance early on as he dethroned Tony Lascuña with a masterstroke of a 4&3 victory for the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational crown here Friday.

Unlike in his quarterfinals and the semifinals escapes Thursday, where he rallied from a four-hole deficit with eight to play to stun Angelo Que, 1-up, and fought back from two holes down after 13 holes to edge Justin Quiban on the 20th, Tabuena took control from the onset against the inaugural champion, going 2-up after six holes in a rainy final round battle.

He won No. 7, yielded the next and maintained his dominance until the 11th, seizing the opportunity to extend his lead and leaving Lascuña struggling to regain his earlier form, having previously disposed of Marvin Dumandan, 3&1, in the quarters, and dominated Elmer Salvador, 3&1, in the semis.

But even if Lascuña had managed to reclaim his rhythm, the seasoned Davaoeño campaigner would have faced a formidable challenge against Tabuena, who, in a display of remarkable shotmaking and putting, added the finishing touches to an extraordinary week, conquering the elements and mastering one of the country’s most formidable courses while fighting off fatigue.

He came through with another amazing chip-in birdie on No. 14 to go 4-up and matched Lascuna’s output on the next to wrap up the championship worth P280,000 in a victory that augured well for his LIV Golf qualifying bid in Abu Dhabi next month.

“Right now, I am currently tired, it’s been a long week with 38 holes yesterday (Thursday). So it’s important for me to recover well last night,” said Tabuena. “But I’m happy to come out on top, it’s definitely a confidence-booster heading to my last tournament of the year in Abu Dhabi in a week’s time.”

Walled City of Intramuros.

“It’s an opportunity to promote the beautiful sites of Manila,” said Lacuna.

The four-category event features the 42K, the 21K, 10K and 5K races.

Kabir Buxani, director of Sonak Corp., the official distributor of ASICS and the event’s title sponsor, emphasizes the celebration of Manila’s pulse and the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle.

ASICS, a long-time supporter of community initiatives promoting health and wellness, believes that a sound mind and body are the foundations of a true well-being, illuminating the path to a healthier and more fulfilled community.

As the presenting sponsor, AIA Philippines’ chief marketing officer Melissa Henson also expresses excitement about AIA’s involvement in the blue-ribbon event.

“Being active is the key to achieving and sustaining physical and mental well-being. Events like this make staying active more enjoyable,” said Henson.

“AIA Philippines, through its groundbreaking wellness program, AIA Vitality, is pleased to take part in this fun and engaging event that helps thousands of Filipinos live healthier, better lives.”

BAGUIO—The 73rd Januarius Fil Am Golf Invitational fires off today with the seniors and regulars in the lower divisions playing first at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay courses.

The battle for the Fil A division title is wide open with a new set of winners to be awarded as last year’s champ and runner up,Camp John Hay and Hotel Bahia, have been reclassified into the B division.

In Am-A, Baguio Blue Bloods will aim for back-to-back success, although it will face tough competition against teams such as local club Camp John Hay, Benlife Seniors and Greenwater Meadows.

Squads in the premier championship divisions, including chief rivals Manila Southwoods and Luisita, will commence play beginning on November 26.

Januarius Holdings in this year’s title sponsor and supported by Toyota, FB Engineering Construction, The Manor and Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, Le Chef and Master Siomai.

Cobra/Srixon/Puma, K&G, GETGO, Icon Golf, La Baracos, Royal Northwoods, Grumpy Joe, Empire Golf, Brittany, Laus Auto Group, 3 Strokes, GolfX, Premium Feeds, Active Group, Camaya Golf, Pocari Sweat and SPES Construction are backers.

Meanwhile, the ceremonial tee off took place Friday with BCPO City Director P/Col Francisco Bulwayan, Chino Raymundo (representing Januarius) Fil Am co chairs Anthony de Leon (BCC) and Jude Eustaquio ((CJHGC), Board of Trustees Jojo Ozaeta, Ely Lagman and Freddie Mendoza in attendance.

PROPERTY

C2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com JOEL D. LACSAMANA, Editor

NOVOTEL SUITES MANILA

Acqua redefines riverside living

A

CCOR, a hospitality group with more than 1,000 properties across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, recently partnered with Century Properties Group, Inc. (CPGI), and unveiled last week the Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua.

Nestled along the Pasig River, close to two of Metro Manila’s major business districts – Makati and Ortigas-Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua provides seamless access to business and leisure travellers. Located in an area bordering Makati on Coronado Street in Mandaluyong City, it is a stroll away from high–end malls neighboring the area, giving hotel guests free rein to shopping, dining and leisure options throughout their stay.

“Novotel’s relaxed and lively atmosphere resonates with our guests.

We are delighted to offer the second Novotel address for travellers, longstaying guests and locals to work, play and relax,” said Garth Simmons, Chief

Executive Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia.

“With the renewed interest for travel globally. having Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua to host travelers will further boost the Philippine government’s push to bolster the tourism industry,” added Marco R. Antonio, Century Properties Group, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer.

Cozy, contemporary design The pet-friendly hotel features 152 rooms and suites with a practical, cozy, and contemporary design. The 31 sqm Standard Rooms, equipped with an ample workspace, are perfect for corporate travelers.

Ideal for families looking to spend

quality time together and long-staying guests are the Suites ranging from a 45 sqm Deluxe Suite, and a 75 sqm Superior Suite, to a roomy 91 sqm Premier Suite, with a stunning 180-degree view of the city through its curved floor-to-ceiling window. All suites come with spacious working, living, and dining areas, as well as a kitchen equipped with a microwave, Nespresso machine, induction cooker, cooking equipment and cutlery.

Tempus, an all-day dining restaurant located on the 6th floor, offers a breakfast buffet and a la carte options for lunch and dinner. Across the restaurant is a Private Dining Room that can welcome up to 20 guests, making it the ideal venue for intimate functions

such as birthday celebrations, reunions, and lunch meetings.

Jutting out of the tower on the 6th floor is an infinity swimming pool overlooking the Makati skyline. One side of the swimming pool is placed against the restaurant, giving swimmers an illusion of an underwater world.

On the 11th floor is the Pet Qube, a facility for inhouse guests where their pets (house rules are enforced, however, regarding the allowable size and breed of fur babies) can likewise enjoy their staycations.

Taking in the bright lights of a big city On the 21st floor is the Lobby Lounge where guests get to enjoy a panoramic

view of the cities with refreshing drinks and snacks by day and breathtaking city lights at night. The perfect time to visit and have a picture of this spot is during the golden hour when the skyscrapers embrace the rich color of gold.

Also located on the same level are two meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 30 guests each.

Meeting Specialists are on hand to organize personalized meetings complemented with high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art facilities.

Fitness enthusiasts can further enjoy the InBalance Fitness Centre with free weights and modern cardio machines.

Home away from home “Guests will feel the warmth of home at Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua. It will usher in a new concept of ‘home away from home’ experience for long-stay travellers who are in Manila for business and for families who are in search of a weekend leisure,” added Raul, Aquino, General Manager of Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua.

To celebrate its launch, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua is offering a special rate to all local residents of the Philippines or foreign guests from now until December 30, 2023. Guests can book an overnight stay with breakfast buffet for two at PhP 6,800 nett per night.

For more information, visit all. accor.com.

American Standard offers bold look for bathrooms

SM Offices goes for holistic work environment SM Offices, the commercial property development and management arm of the SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), is building modern office spaces that stimulate growth, foster collaboration, and prioritize holistic well-being.

In line with living a healthy and active routine, OneE-com Center boasts a basketball, badminton, and volleyball courts at the top floor, which are bookable on-line and readily available for the enjoyment of E-com tenants and employees in the Mall of Asia Complex (shown in photo).

SM Offices also holds eclectic night gigs at the illustrious Prism Plazas, blending

harmonious music with an array of gourmet culinary delights, and “destress hours,” offering tranquil pockets of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the demanding rigors of work. SM Offices’ portfolio of properties include the recently-launched LEED Gold certified Mega Tower, an elegant S-shaped 50-storey skyscraper in the Ortigas Central Business District.

Another is the FourE-com Center’s South Tower in the MOA Complex. PreLEED Gold certified FourE-com Center, with its three 15-storey towers, spans an estimated 100,000 square meters of leasable area.

AMERICAN Standard recently introduced three new color fittings to complement the varying styles and needs of consumers so that they can create a bathroom that is truly their own.

If you’re aiming for a warm and bright ambience, the Polished Cool Sunrise can help achieve that with its gold polish with a glossy finish to add a touch of color and timeless beauty to your space.

To create a tranquil or modern minimalist look, the Brushed Hard Graphite is the ideal shade as it adds a rich grey hue and textured finish to your bathroom. Pairing it with earth tones will create a zen-like space or complementing it with exposed statement pipes or raw accessories will create a more industrial look.

The rugged all-black texture of Matte Black is the perfect shade for creating a bold statement to your bathroom. This shade will leave a lasting impression, especially when you accessorize it with different

textures, or neutral tone installations and accessories.

All three colors are available in various American Standard products so you can elevate your bathroom in various ways: the clean lines of

Acacia Evolution faucets will easily upgrade your bathroom into a modern, minimalistic look.

To know more about the American Standard, visit https://www. americanstandard.ph/.

AGRICULTURE Collaborating with nature

C3 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

agriculture.manilastandard@gmail.com PATRICIA TACULAO, Editor

and the community through bee farming

Despite its size, Milea Bee Farm is bustling with life thanks to its natural pollinators and other passionate bee farmers

By Patricia Taculao

A

S NATURAL pollinators, bees preserve the environment and its abundant ecosystem. They help plants grow to provide food and shelter for humans and animals. Besides this function, they also produce honey and beeswax, widely used as food and medicine.

Many farmers and entrepreneurs recognize the profitable and beneficial potential use of bees and their products.

Among them is Milea Bee Farm in San Jose, Batangas.

Even though a little less than a hectare, the farm is bursting with life, thanks to the bees it cares for.

“Founded in 2010 by my parents, it is flourishing with veggies, vanilla, and our local stingless bees. We’re all about collaborating with nature and sparking that inspiration in others,” said Bettina Omoyon, 24, who holds a Master of Science in Management degree from the University of Asia

and the Pacific.

She added that the bee farm began with a quest for authentic honey and beeswax for Milea Bath and Body, their family’s personal care brand, lovingly crafted by her mom. In the meantime, Omoyon’s dad had the bright idea to start the bee farm.

Milea Bee Farm raises native stingless bees (Tetragonula biroi), also known as lukot or kiwot in Tagalog. Its honey harvest varies annually, but the Omoyons have always been keen on teaching farmer “wannabees” while offering to buy back their harvest so it reaches the market.

“Growing up, I was soaked in the world of bees. My parents involved me (us children) in every aspect of the business, from farm visits to training seminars. Meeting fellow farmers they trained left an indelible mark on me.

I am now on a mission to protect these vital pollinators and amplify their significance in our ecosystem,” Omoyon shared.

The Omoyons also created a more diverse range of products using bee by-products as raw materials for skincare items because honey contains natural antioxidants that fight free radicals, one of the leading causes of premature aging.

Other products include throat sprays, propolis extracts, and luscious soaps, all available at www.milea.ph.

Omoyon encourages aspiring bee farmers to “start small, fuel their passion, and remember that even the tiniest actions can create a massive buzz.”

“You don’t need a vast plot of land to be a beekeeper. Just channel your passion and watch the world bloom. Join us in protecting bees, the environment, and our society, one buzzing step at a time,” she said.

Milea Bee Farm also teaches aspiring bee farmers about the benefits of bees to augment their income and preserve the environment

Edilee Omoyon uses honey and other byproducts from their beehives to as ingredients for Milea Bath and Body

Hope in farming takes root in urban communities SM Foundation marks graduation of urban gardeners

finishing the program.

“Gusto ko po talagang matuto ng iba’t ibang paraan para kumita. Ang asawa ko po ay isang mekaniko, pero nakadepende po ang kita niya sa dami ng nagpapagawa ng sasakyan sa araw-araw (I really want to learn different ways to earn. My husband is a mechanic, but his income depends on the number of cars he repairs every day),” she shared why she was always looking for ways to earn and support her family. Excited and happy, she joined the KSK without hesitation as soon as she was learned about it Homemaker and aspiring entrepreneur Mheryll Ignacio completes SM from their barangay leaders.

Foundation’s KSK training She was confident that she could always provide healthy meals for her family enabling her to stand as an additional despite rising food prices, as Ignacio could rely provider for her family. on the urban garden she cultivated with her As she reaps the fruits of KSK, community.

Mheryll hopes to pass on her urban “Maganda pa dahil masustansya ang gardening knowledge to other mothers maipapakain mo para sa pamilya mo (It’s in their community: “Gusto ko rin pong even better because you can feed your family yakagin sila at sabihin na masayang nutritious food),” she added. magtanim lalo na pag nalaman niyo Mheryll also said that the training served kung paano ito gawing pangkabuhayan as the bedrock of her goals. Beyond enhancing (I also want to hug them and tell them that Some of the KSK farmers in Manila harvest the vegetables in SM her role as a more informed mother, KSK planting is fun especially when you know empowered her to embrace entrepreneurship, how to make it a livelihood).”

City San Lazaro’s urban garden

URBAN gardening is now gaining ground in various cities nationwide through SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture Program.

The SM Foundation, through the program, has successfully trained 27 farmers in SM City Urdaneta Central and 19 others in SM City San Lazaro on Urban Gardening. For weeks, the farmers cultivated vegetables amid city spaces—from SM Supermalls’ rooftops to community plots.

In addition to the comprehensive lectures on farming in an urban landscape, SM foundation and its partner schools included topics on the basics of entrepreneurship and principles of SM group founder Henry Sy, Sr. These were done to empower them to take control of their livelihoods, generate more income, and contribute to economic development.

Mheryll Ignacio, one of the KSK graduates in SM City San Lazaro, had a new-found power after

Native stingless bees produce unique honey with a sweet and sour twist

Why local bee farmers like native stingless bees BEEKEEPERS often raise Western or European honeybees (Apis mellifera) because they provide highly valued pollination services for various crops and rank as the most frequent single pollinator species for crops worldwide.

However, many Filipino beekeepers prefer cultivating another kind: local stingless bees, also known as kiwot or lukot.

Native stingless bees produce honey, propolis, and pollen. Some claim that its hives are more low-cost and low-maintenance than their Western counterparts, making them relatively easy to maintain and nurture.

Milea Bee Farm in San Jose, Batangas, focuses on raising our native stingless bees, which they consider a gem of the Philippines.

“Not many folks know about these unsung local heroes. They produce unique honey with a sweet and sour twist, packed with medicinal properties–healing wounds, infections, coughs, and boosting the immune system,” said Bettina Omoyon, a young farmer who shares in her parents’ passion for beekeeping.

Yet their fascination with stingless bees goes beyond honey harvesting for selling and value-added production. For the Omoyons, stingless beekeeping is a game-changer in pollination, helping preserve our planet’s delicate balance. It’s a win-win for farmers and the environment.

They also share this knowledge and appreciation for native stingless bees with the farmers they educate so they can also help increase local biodiversity and promote food security within their respective farms.

“Taking care of our local bees is a breeze.

Shielding them from the elements, guarding against ant invasions, and surrounding them with blooming beauties are our top priorities,” Omoyon said.

Milea Bee Farm is also an agri-tourism site where visitors learn about our buzzing buddies and the ecosystem they support.

Patricia Taculao

Cultivating native stingless bees also helps preserve the planet’s delicate balance

DA to fortify agri sector against climate change challenges THE Department of Agriculture (DA), headed by Secretary Francisco Laurel Tiu, will fortify the sector of farmers and fisherfolk against the challenges of climate change, which is an immediate and critical global concern.

“Underlining our shared commitment to building resilient farming and fishing communities, this year’s theme: “Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag,” accentuates the importance of working hand-in-hand as we collectively fortify the agriculture sector against the challenges of climate change,” Laurel said at the kick-off of the Climate Change Consciousness (CCC) Week.

Addressing climate change “demands our prompt attention and concerted action. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized the critical need for implementing measures to adapt to

and mitigate the impacts of climate increase resilience among agriculture the Department of Agriculture shall change across various sectors, communities through infrastructure endeavor to increase the resilience especially agriculture and food and seed development. of agriculture communities through production,” he added.

“Special Provision Number 15 two key approaches, first through the Laurel, who had expanded his within the budget emphasizes that implementation of disaster-resilient family’s fishing agriculture infrastructure business before joining projects. Second, through the government, the development of announced this key seeds that are optimally policy just a few weeks adaptive to present and after his appointment. future climate change In previous public conditions,” she said. engagements, he said Pimentel conveyed his he has experienced full support for the new the effects of climate Agriculture Secretary. change first-hand.

The Climate Change Representing Consciousness Week Senate Minority Leader also celebrates the Aquilino Pimentel III, 10th anniversary of Kathryna Yu-Pimentel DA’s Adaptation and said the proposed 2024 Mitigation Initiative in DA budget includes Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu (third from right) during Agriculture (AMIA) a special provision to the kick-off of the Climate Change Consciousness (CCC) Week Program, which trains

all communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture and fisheries, to become resilient to the increasing adverse effects of climate change.

AMIA, which has organized 181 model villages across the country, recognizes the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and the environment Serving as a source of best practices for other communities to learn and emulate, the AMIA villages are technological and institutional innovation centers with access to vital climate-relevant support services.

Tiu Laurel said AMIA is “a pivotal component of this [climate change] initiative, [and] mirrors our dedication to securing a resilient and robust agriculture sector by being a platform of partnership and innovation for climate action across the whole DA.”

TECH

C4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

By Riera U. Mallari

I

T was quite odd when realme launched the realme 11 Pro 5G and realme 11 Pro+ 5G and skipped the entry level 11 for the true budget-conscious Pinoys.

Well, worry no more.

The realme 11 is here and although it’s the base model of the 11 series, it still offers great value to those who want a decent and capable phone, but aren’t willing to shell out an enormous amount.

Design/Display We were anticipating a design similar to the 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ 5G, wherein the large camera housing situated in the back is at the uppermost center spot, together with a zipperlike accent in the middle. Instead, the camera housing in the realme 11 is located in the uppermost left portion and not in the center.

It has a 7.95mm Ultra Slim Design and comes in two exquisite color options: Glory Gold and Dark Glory.

The realme 11 doesn’t have the same finish as its two more glamorous siblings, but it still feels very solid and doesn’t look cheap. It’s made up of plastic (our model is the Glory Gold), but it doesn’t feel like it, what with some kind of a gold dust sprinkled at the back of the phone, giving it a yellowish, metallic look.

According to realme, this ergonomic design took inspiration from luxury watches and its dials, making it a head-turner while offering a comfortable grip.

It also has a power efficient Super AMOLED panel for a display with a high 90Hz Refresh Rate. Has size of 6.4”, and with a touch sampling rate of 360Hz, a high brightness of 1000 Nits, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Protection Performance The realme 11 is powered by MediaTek Helio G99, considered a flagship processor that is highly efficient with a 6nm architecture against others in its price range.

realme 11: Blend of style, power, innovation in one sleek device

Sharp, vivid photos that don’t need editing

realme 11

This means it is capable of casual to mid-competitive gaming with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU and a high clock speed of 2.2GHz. Playing Mobile Legends was a breeze. Just don’t play highgraphics games such as God of War: Ragnarok or Cyberpunk 2077 for extended periods of time as the phone has the tendency to get mildly warm.

And if gaming was a breeze, imagine your average daily tasks – surfing, writing emails, answering calls, streaming videos, listening to music -- can be handled easily by the realme 11.

Our review unit comes with 8GB of RAM and 256 gigabytes of storage with RAM being expandable by another 8GB of storage Camera Now this is where the realme 11 gets really interesting.

Expect High Definition Photography

Earn up to 4.5% annual interest rate with Metrobank’s Online Time Deposit IN AN age of financial and economic uncertainty, it’s understandable that you want only the best ways to protect and make the most of your hardearned money.

One of the most ideal ways to grow your funds is by opening an online time deposit (OTD) account, which is an interest-bearing account that lets you park your cash for a period of time, allowing it to earn interest that is a little higher than a regular deposit account.

Compared to other forms of investments, online time deposit takes on minimal risks, offers guaranteed returns, and deposits are insured by PDIC up to PHP 500,000 per depositor. The interest you get depends on two things: the amount of money you put in called your principal, and the length of the time or term you wish to set aside your cash. The larger the amount and the longer the term, the higher the interest rate you enjoy.

A good option to consider is Metrobank’s Online Time Deposit account. Not only does it offer one of the most competitive Time Deposit interest rates that start at over 4% per annum, it’s also incredibly accessible as you can easily open an account online.

Deposits ranging from P10,000 to P49,999 get to grow at 4.125% per annum for one year, all the way up to 4.5% per annum as you put in even more funds in your OTD account.

For Metrobank clients, opening an Online Time Deposit account can be done in just a few easy steps: 1. Ensure that you have a Metrobank

Online account.

2. In your Online account, click the ‘Open Time Deposit’ icon in your Dashboard.

3. Provide the needed details for your OTD placement, and click ‘Submit’ to proceed with your transaction.

4. Input your 6-digit Metrobank Online account passcode, click ‘Submit.’ Once all your information is in, confirm your Online Time Deposit application by clicking ‘Done’.

If you’re not a Metrobank accountholder yet, you can easily open a Savings account online via the Earnest app – no need to leave your house. Once you have a Metrobank Savings account, you can already open an Online Time Deposit account by simply following these steps: 1.

Log into your account on Earnest.

2.

Go to ‘Invest’, tap ‘Products’, then choose ‘Time Deposit’.

3.

Select the linked Metrobank account that you’ll use as your account, enter your time deposit details, and provide all required information.

With this Online Time Deposit offer, you can enjoy high interest rates for your funds, combined with the convenience from digital platforms, and the security offered by a stable and trustworthy bank like Metrobank.

“By making Online Time Deposit easily accessible to our clients, we aim to provide a seamless and secure investment product, which allows them to focus on their priorities while their money grows steadily. Now, all that’s left for them to do is to set their financial goals – be it a savings boost or for additional travel funds, as they wait for their funds to mature,” said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer.

Open an OTD account today through Metrobank Online or the Earnest app! You can also easily monitor your funds via the new Metrobank Mobile App.

with realme’s 108MP main camera that uses a Samsung HM6 Sensor for highquality shots, to go with pixel binning technologies, and 3x In-Sensor Zoom.

With perfect lighting conditions, it can give the Pro and Pro+ 5G a run for their money as it churned out sharp, vivid and nice photos, most of which don’t need editing.

Other realme UI Cam features include Street Mode, a dedicated full resolution, Filters, Watermarks, DualView Video, Pro Mode, among others.

Battery Another important factor for wouldbuyers of smartphones is the battery and for good reason. In this fast-paced world, every minute is significant as smartphone users don’t have the time, or the patience, to fuel up the batteries of their gadgets.

Good thing the realme 11 has a

massive 5000 mAh battery that will last a user a day or two. And if the juice as has ran out, realme 11’s 67W SUPERVOOC Charge system can power up your battery up to 50% in 17 minutes, then up to 100% in 45 minutes, ensuring that both the phone and its user are always ready and connected when it matters most.

Verdict The realme 11 is one capable smartphone with its impressive 108MP ProLight Camera, a 67W SUPERVOOC Charge and a powerful MediaTek Helio G99 processor.

With its blend of style, power and innovation, the realme 11 is a smartphone perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs for

its accessibility and features; casual to mid-competitive gamers for smooth gameplay, and teens or students for school work and entertainment.

Price The realme 11 officially retails for only P13,999 and comes in the Glory Gold and Dark Glory colorways.

Acer touts global esports ambitions ahead of next Asian Games in Japan

By Paola Navarette ACER, a leading player in the PC gaming market, sees a larger role for its esports business on the global stage ahead of the Asian Games 2026.

“It’s part of the learning curve to engage with those who have stronger esports program. More tournaments, more chances for us getting competitive as we move forward to the next phase of our journey, which is making sure that in the next Asian Games in Japan, our team can finally compete because we are much more prepared,” said Acer Philippines managing director Manuel Wong.

He also said bringing Asia Pacific Predator League, the most prestigious gaming tournament in the region, to Manila is a pivotal moment for the country’s esports and gaming scene. Among other territories in APAC, the Philippines was chosen by the majority as the host for the said event.

“The Asia Pacific Predator League is undoubtedly one of the pinnacles of the esports calendar in the region so havAcer executives Sue Ong Lim and Manuel Wong with TNC Group Vice President for Operations Jim Paulo Sy, Blacklist Rivalry team, and Execration team.

ing the event held in Manila truly demonstrates the significance of the gaming and esports market in the country,” he said. “We are happy to provide a platform for the next generation of players to thrive and grow. Definitely, a really good showing [from Filipinos is expected in the hosting]. I’m pretty sure that the Acer Predator team is going to show Filipino hospitality for the gamers.”

Aside from consistently offering gaming laptops catering to diverse budgets, Acer has been working with other partners to provide gamers professional coaching and a social space to connect with fellow gaming enthusiasts.

Passionate esports community Acer Philippines General Manager Sue Ong Lim noted that the Philippines has a passionate and rapidly-growing esports community and that the Predator League is “a chance for us to showcase our passionate esports gamers and what Filipinos can bring to the table.”

“Definitely, world-class fans will be showcased,” added Wong. “Unlike in

other countries, Filipino esports fans will stay and watch the games regardless of who is playing. The Filipino fans do not leave even if the team that is playing is not Filipino. In other countries that I went to, if the national team is not playing anymore, they do not watch.”

Acer has crafted an unparalleled experience for attendees. Besides the intense competitions, attendees can elevate their excitement by immersing themselves in music by band performances like Kamikazee. They can also have the chance to get limited-edition Predator merch while engaging with renowned influencers like Cong TV and Alodia Gosengfiao.

The Predator League serves as a platform for emerging esports talents to cultivate their potential within the gaming industry. Since its establishment in 2018, more than 15,000 teams from the Asia Pacific region have participated in the Asia Pacific Predator League. In the grand finals slated next year, we will witness champions emerging in two of the most thrilling title–DOTA 2 and Valorant.