Manila Standard - 2023 November 29 - Wednesday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation

instagram.com/ manilastandard

manilastandard.net Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net • 85646229

HOUSE PANEL TO REVIEW FRANCHISE GRANTED TO QUIBOLOY’S SMNI TV

By Maricel V. Cruz

SMNI OWNER. This file

photo shows a wanted poster issued by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, founder and owner of SMNI News Channel or SNC, a religious free-to-air news and public service television network based in Makati City. It is owned and operated by Swara Sug Media Corp., the parent company of Sonshine Media Network International, a broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) led by the Filipino televangelist and religious leader. According to the FBI, Quiboloy is wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States via fraudulently obtained visas and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round, the FBI notice added.

THE House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises will conduct a review of the franchise to operate granted to Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In a privileged speech during Tuesday’s

session, Quezon Rep. David Suarez denounced what he saw in an SMNI program where hosts claimed Speaker Martin Romualdez spent P1.8 billion in just a year for his travels.

The lawmaker said the reports were categorically false and constituted "fake news."

“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, I humbly request this august chamber to direct the committee on legislative franchises, in the exercise of its inherent oversight function, to investigate this matter immediately and other similar measures pending with Next page

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 287 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 •

Peace talks with Reds back on Norway helps gov’t to resume negotiations with NPA, NDFP after 6 years

By Charles Dantes

S

IX years after negotiations were terminated by the Duterte administration, the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front have now agreed to resume peace talks to end a decades-old insurgency.

"The parties agree to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict," read a joint statement issued by both sides, signed in Oslo, Norway on Nov. 23.

"The parties acknowledge the deeprooted socioeconomic and political grievances and agree to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation."

Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said both sides have agreed to "a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict."

Next page

PEACE TALKS RESUME. Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. (left) shakes hands with Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the National Democratic

Front of the Philippines, to signal the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels at a signing event in Oslo – which the government of Norway facilitated -- on Nov. 23. Royal Norwegian Government photo

Senators OK ‘24 budget on 3rd reading, now headed to bicam

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Charles Dantes THE Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill containing the P5.768-trillion proposed national

budget for 2024, which would be the largest in the country's history.

The 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) garnered 21 affirmative votes, zero negative vote, and one abstention from Senate Minority

Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. The chamber passed the GAB on second and third reading within the same day as the measure was certified urgent by President Marcos.

Pimentel III abstained from voting

due to his objection to the certification of the GAB as urgent—a similar concern which he raised last year.

Prior to the third reading approval, Senate finance committee chairman

Next page

Speaker lauds Cebu for ‘unprecedented’ P20/kl rice

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday commended the inauguration of Cebu's Sugbo Merkadong Barato (Cebu’s Thrift Market) program, underscoring its historical significance in offering quality rice at an unprecedented price

of P20 per kilo.

During his speech at the program's launch at Talisay City Hall, Romualdez said the initiative, under the leadership of President Marcos, "signifies a pivotal step towards achieving food security and economic resilience for the nation."

“This day is truly historic for

DOH on alert for new pathogens amid rash of influenza-like cases THE Department of Health said it was on alert for new pathogens after an increase in influenza-like cases in the country.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said patients with flu-like symptoms who visit DOH facilities are tested to identify the virus that caused their ill-

ness.

"We are doing this on a regular basis because we are on a watchout for new pathogens," Tayag said.

Tayag said several cases were due to COVID-19 while others "point to influenza A or influenza B." Next page

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo THE President, not the senators, will decide whether the Philippines will rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Tuesday.

"To re-enter or to remain out of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court is not a decision we the senators make,” Zubiri said.

The President, as the chief foreign policy maker, has that sole responsibility, Zubiri said.

"He alone makes that decision and everything else is just noise on whether we should join or not," he added.

Zubiri’s comment came amid a flurry of statements from lawmakers who want to see former President Rodrigo Duterte face an ICC investigation for his bloody war on drugs that killed thousands of suspects in anti-narcotics operations during his term. Next page

the Philippines. Today, the Sugbuanons proved that it is not possible to achieve the dream of having quality rice for P20 per kilo,” he said in Filipino.

Romualdez led the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) program in partnership with Next page

AIDING CEBU.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the launching of the ‘Sugbo Merkadong Barato’ at Talisay City Hall Thursday morning. He also assists Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia (center, inset) and provincial officials in the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) program for indigent Cebuanos (inset).

Ver Noveno

PH rejoining ICC up to President, —Senate leader

PhilHealth rate hike to go thru Penalties for WPS ‘violators’ pushed sans new law A SPECIAL Senate committee on Tuesday endorsed a measure to declare the country’s maritime zones and to set penalties for violators.

Senate Bill 2492 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, imposes a fine of US$600 up to US$1,000 on foreigners who illegally enter the country's maritime zone or seas under its jurisdiction or territory.

The bill clarifies the country’s maritime zones to include baselines,

internal waters, and the number of nautical miles or the extent of the territorial sea, contiguous zones, exclusive economic zones, and the continental shelf within the Philippines’ jurisdiction.

The bill also provides that the laws of the Philippines will prevail in these areas.

It also declares the country’s sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, Next page

PREMIUM contributions for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) are set to increase next year after two previous hikeswere postponed

by President Marcos and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

Rey Balena, acting VP of PhiHealth corporate affairs group, said the next increase in premium contributions is set in 2024 in accordance with the Universal Healthcare Law. Next page

NEWS

A2

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Drought in 3 provinces by end-Dec. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geo- clones this year – half of the usual 20 or physical and Astronomical Services Ad- more that hit the PH in years past. ministration (Pagasa) noted the country At least 20 provinces are forecast to has only experienced 10 tropical cy- experience a dry spell. These are Ilocos

Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Palawan, Misamis Occidental and Sulu.

On the other hand, seven provinces shall experience dry conditions by the end of the year, including Abra, Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Bataan, Zambales, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro and Antique.

Drought occurs when there is over 60 percent reduction in average rainfall for three consecutive months, while a dry

spell is characterized by below normal rainfall for three consecutive months.

A dry condition is caused by two consecutive months of below normal rainfall.

Pagasa said below normal rainfall is forecast over Northern and Central Luzon and the western section of Southern Luzon while the rest of the country will have near normal rains in December.

There are at least two tropical cyclones that may form inside or enter the Philippine area of responsibility before the year ends, it added.

the NDFP. "The timeline is still being discussed.

Maybe next year," she said.

"What we can only answer and the most certain thing is we have signed a joint statement and we are eager to move faster," Connie Ledesma, consultant and wife of NDFP Chairman Luis Jalandoni, added.

Ledesma said the NDFP will also push for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Galvez said he was optimistic about the relations of the government and the NDFP under the Marcos administration.

''I see that out President is very positive, based on our briefing, the perspective is good. Even the other party, they are very confident. We had a good experience in Oslo," he said.

The consensus to restart the talks came after President Marcos issued amnesty proclamations covering various rebel groups, including the CPP-NDF-New People's Army.

The ongoing armed struggle, launched in 1969, grew out of the global communist movement, finding fertile soil in the country's stark rich-poor divide.

At its peak in the 1980s, the group boasted about 26,000 fighters, a num-

ber the military says has now dwindled to a few thousand. Since 1986, successive Philippine administrations have held peace talks with the communists through their Netherlands-based political arm, the NDFP. The 2016 election of President Rodrigo Duterte—a self-declared socialist —brought a burst of optimism for peace talks.

But the talks later devolved into threats and recrimination, with Duterte officially cutting them off in 2017, declaring the group a terrorist organization and accusing them of killing police and soldiers while negotiations were underway. With AFP

floor by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.

The allegations against Romualdez were made on the SMNI program "Laban Kasama Ang Bayan."

On Tuesday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco dismissed the SMNI report as “false and unfounded.”

Velasco said the bloated amount for the Speaker's travel expenses does not exist.

“These allegations are a clear example of fake news, designed to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the Speaker and the entire House of Representatives as an institution,” he said.

“We urge the public and the media to exercise caution and verify facts before sharing such baseless claims," Velasco added.

According to the Sec-Gen, "the House of Representatives is committed

to transparency and accountability, and the Office of the Secretary-General can confirm that such a bloated amount for the Speaker's travel expenses does not exist."

Furthermore, Velasco "assures the public that the House was serving the nation with integrity and would continue to focus on its legislative duties, rather than being distracted by unfounded rumors and misinformation."

cos,” Drilon said.

Cooperating with the ICC Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday filed a Senate resolution urging Malacañang to cooperate with the ICC and assist in its investigation of alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s war on drugs.

The President recently confirmed that his administration is studying the possibility of the Philippines resuming its membership in the ICC, nearly five years after former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew the country from the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.

But Hontiveros argued that the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in March 2018 amid an active ICC investigation into summary killings during the war on drugs, does not mean that it no longer needs to cooperate with the international agency.

The Rome Statute states that “withdrawal shall not affect any cooperation with the Court in connection with criminal investigations and proceedings in relation to which the withdrawing state had a duty to cooperate and which were commenced prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective…”

Hontiveros also pointed out that the Supreme Court, in Pangilinan v. Cayetano, declared that the Philippines’ withdrawal “does not undermine or diminish the ICC's jurisdiction and power to continue a probe that it has commenced while a state was a party to the Rome Statute,” and “does not discharge a state party from the obligations it has incurred as a member.”

“The Philippines has historically been at the forefront of advancing humanitarian law and international justice, and it is high time that we affirm our commitment to these values before the international community,” Hontiveros’ resolution said.

“The recent pronouncements by the President, his allies and his deputies offer hope for a “game changer” for the families of Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman, and thousands of other Filipino families seeking justice for human rights violations,” she said.

Senators...

next month.

The House had approved the P5.768trillion national budget on itsthird and final reading on Sept. 27, then the Senate received it on Nov. 4.

The bicameral conference committee will then meet to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the versions of the budget bill.

The Senate bicam panel is composed of Finance committee chair Angara and Senators Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, Ronald Dela Rosa, Sherwin Gatchalian, Christopher Go, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Francis Tolentino, Mark Villar, JV Ejercito, and Jinggoy Estrada.

After the bicam, the Senate and House will ratify the final version of the 2024 budget before it is submitted to the President for his signature.

Angara noted that “ultimately, the drive for a new Philippines needs to coincide with efforts to build a better, more transparent, and more responsive government” through the budget.

"If that law won’t be amended, we will fulfill it because we promised to implement it (UHC Law)," Balena said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Based on the schedule, the contribution rate from the public will increase to 5 percent with the ceiling set at P100,000. The current contribution rate is at 4 percent.

The official said that even before the PhilHealth increase, the stateinsurer already implemented enhancements in its coverage plan, including the expansion of hemodialysis sessions from 90 sessions to 156 sessions and a 100-percent increase in coverage for acute stroke patients.

Last week, PhilHealth also said it will adjust the rates of most of its benefit packages in 2024, which will result in increased financial coverage for Filipinos’ hospitalization expenses.

It said the adjustment is in response

to the increasing costs of healthcare in the country brought about by inflation.

The state insurer first implemented the case rate payment system in 2013 when it reimbursed a fixed amount for a specific medical condition or surgical case.

“It is about time that PhilHealth adjusts its rates in order for our members to cope with the increasing cost of medical care. We want our members to feel the value of their benefits which translates to meaningful financial risk protection,” said PhilHealth president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. The case rates are likely to increase to a maximum of 30 percent across all cases, it said. This is expected to reduce out-of-pocket expenses of patients during hospitalization and in availing PhilHealth benefits for outpatient care.

To minimize untoward inflationary effects after rate adjustments, PhilHealth said it would prescribe a cost-sharing mechanism where health facilities and the members would have fixed co-payment rates on top of what is being paid for by PhilHealth as the insurer. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

the jurisdiction and privilege to make and use artificial islands, installations, and structures for marine scientific research and other activities to protect the marine environment.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the special Senate committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty

zones and one of the authors of the bill, said it was based on the Constitution, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 decision of the PermanentCourt of Arbitration that rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. In other developments:

• Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Southeast Asian nations should be wary of relying on "bigger and mightier countries of brute power" to advance their issues of national territory and sovereignty. Macon Ramos-Araneta, Vince Lopez, and AFP

make sure that we also notify authorities as may be needed," he said.

Earlier, an infectious diseases expert said people should wear masks and keep their vaccinations up to date amid reports of a surge in respiratory illnesses in China.

“Let’s not panic and conclude that this is another COVID or a novel pathogen we know nothing about,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante, president of the Phil-

ippine College of Physicians and an expert on infectious diseases.

“But it is also important while monitoring the situation that we take precautions because we know how rapidly illnesses can travel from one country to another because there are no restrictions,” he added.

Solante said vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly should

take extra precautions as they could be easily infected with respiratory illnesses.

Aside from COVID-19 vaccines, Solante also urged the public to get flu shots.

Chinese health authorities have said the rising infections are a mix of already known viruses and are linked to the country's first full cold season after strict COVID restrictions were lifted last December.

By Rio N. Araja

F

ARMERS in Batangas, Cavite and Oriental Mindoro must brace for drought by the end of December, the state weather bureau said Tuesday, noting that the current El Niño phenomenon may intensify further in the coming months and continue until the second quarter of 2024.

Peace...

From A1

''This joint communiqué highlights a significant milestone in the quest of the Filipino people to achieve peace, reconciliation, and unity," Galvez said in a Palace briefing yesterday.

"We will start anew... really a fresh start," he added.

For her part, NDFP chief negotiator Julieta De Lima-Sison said they will raise some "impediments" such as the release of peace consultants and political prisoners, as well as the terrorist designation of

House...

From A1

the committee, including this personal and collective privilege,” Suarez told his colleagues.

The legislative franchises panel, chaired by Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, will begin its investigation following a motion on the

PH...

From A1

On the other hand, Duterte’s allies— including his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte; her ally and the President’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos; and his former police chief, Senator Ronald dela Rosa—argue against rejoining the ICC in an apparent bid to shield the former president from ICC scrutiny.

They could draw solace from a Department of Justice statement, released Tuesday, saying the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.

No Senate concurrence needed Zubiri’s statement contradicted Dela Rosa’s assertion earlier this week that a presidential decision to rejoin the ICC would need Senate concurrence.

Zubiri’s stand drew support from former Senate president and Justice secretary Franklin Drilon, who said President Marcos has the legal authority to rejoin the ICC without the need for Senate concurrence.

“In my view, the concurrence of the Senate is not necessary for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Philippines can rejoin the ICC without returning to the Senate.

The President can rely on the original resolution or ratification, as it remains valid and in effect," Drilon said.

Senate Resolution No. 57, which was passed on Aug. 23, 2011, expressed the Senate's concurrence in the ratification of the Rome Statute creating the ICC. Like any other resolution or law, Senate Resolution No. 57 remains legally binding unless it is specifically repealed, Drilon said.

Drilon cited previous executive actions, including the unilateral withdrawal from the ICC by former President Duterte in 2017.

"The Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the Rome Statute was never withdrawn. It therefore remains valid," he said.

“If withdrawal from a treaty can be made through an executive action as shown by former President Duterte, then the decision to rejoin can likewise be made through an executive action by President Mar-

Penalties...

From A1

and manage natural resources and conduct any activities, such as exploration for gas and research for energy production.

It also states that the Philippines has

DOH...

From A1

The DOH has logged 190,000 influenza-like cases so far this year, he said.

Tayag urged doctors to promptly report any unusual clustering of flu-like cases. "[That way] we can investigate and

From A1

Sonny Angara, sponsor of the 2024 GAB, mentioned major amendments to the House of Representatives’ version, but he did not disclose the amounts that were involved.

Meanwhile, President Marcos is expected to sign the national budget measure by the middle of December, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

"Malamang (most likely)," Diokno told Palace reporters when asked if Mr. Marcos would approve the 2024 budget before he leaves for Japan from Dec. 16 to 18.

"I was talking to a liaison officer, and the budget got approved (in the Senate), so they will go into conference committee by December 1st. There's enough time before the President leaves,'" he added.

Mr. Marcos will participate in the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit in Japan

PhilHealth...

From A1

Truce extended in Gaza; Pinay still missing ISRAEL and Hamas embarked on a two-day extension Tuesday to a truce that has allowed Israeli hostages to be freed from Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Mediator Qatar and Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed the extension and Israeli media reported the government had received a new list of 10 more hostages who would be freed.

The 7:00 am (0500 GMT, 1 p.m.

Manila time) deadline for the previouspause in fighting to expire passed without incident, after 11 more Israeli hostages were freed from Gaza overnight.

This was matched by Israel with the release of another 33 Palestinian prisoners—the last exchange under the initial deal.

In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs is working with Israel and other friendly countries to discover the whereabouts of overseas Filipino worker Noralyn Babadilla, who went missing after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The DFA had asked fellow OFW Jimmy Pacheco, who had been taken captive by Hamas and released on Nov. 24, if he had come across any other Filipino hostages. But he said he was unaware of any fellow OFW captives.

AFP with Rey Requejo

IN BRIEF DMW mulls warning for Pinoys in Red Sea THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) wants to declare certain areas in the Red Sea as high-risk zones for Filipino seafarers after another hijacking incident occurred in the area involving a merchant ship with two Filipino seafarers on board.

In a statement, the DMW said the hijacking was foiled by the US Navy, which rendered both the ship and crew safe and free following the arrest of at least five suspected hijackers in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Africa, over the weekend.

The department reported that it was the second hijacking incident involving ships with Filipino seafarers, raising the idea of declaring certain areas in the Red Sea as high-risk zones for Filipino mariners.

It said that the two Filipino seafarers have already reported the foiled hijacking issue to the manning and shipping agencies to provide the government with a full report of the incident. Vito Barcelo

‘Authentic’ picked Word of the Year IN AN age where forces from AI to Donald Trump have left Americans doubting the truth, US dictionary Merriam-Webster says that 2023's most looked-up word was "authentic."

The venerable publisher, whose dictionary is especially popular online, said the trend was driven by people reading and talking about artificial intelligence, celebrity culture, identity and social media.

"Authentic" beat out other contenders such as "deepfake," "rizz" (young-people speak for charisma) and "coronation" for honors as the word that most often sent people to the dictionary.

"Authentic" has several shades of meaning including "not false or imitation," and "true to one's own personality, spirit, or character," Merriam-Webster said.

"Although clearly a desirable quality, authentic is hard to define and subject to debate—two reasons it sends many people to the dictionary," the publisher said in a news release. AFP

Speaker...

From A1

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The CARD program distributes financial and rice assistance to vulnerable Filipino families through the legislative districts in the country in response to President Marcos' call for the House to help provide cheaper rice for needy Filipinos.

Romualdez said the achievement of providing quality rice at such a low price demonstrates the determination of the Sugbuanon people to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions to address the impact of global inflation on essential commodities.

"Rather than curse in the dark, people of Cebu chose to rise to the challenge and seek innovative ways to address the high prices of rice and other basic goods brought by global inflation," he said.

Romualdez thanked the leaders of Cebu province, particularly Gov. Gwen Garcia, for their leadership in implementing innovative solutions.

The model adopted by Cebu in providing rice at P20 per kilo through a subsidy is revolutionary and deserves replication across the country, he said.

NEWS

A3 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

LAGUSNILAD BACK IN HARNESS. Manila

Mayor Honey Lacuna (center) formally reopens LAGUSNILAD (underpass fronting Manila City Hall) to motorists (inset) after months of repair and rehabilitation.

Norman Cruz

Gabriela solon cites measure allowing for early CBA talks

By Maricel V. Cruz

Villar launches compost plants in Bacoor City

Senator tells ERC to speed up reset of Meralco power rates

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TO reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilizer which costs the country P10 billion a year, Sen. CynthiaVillar launched three new organic composting facilities in Bacoor City, Cavite province.

“The current global demand greatly affects the entry of fertilizer imports in our country. This caused limited local fertilizer supply that influenced the escalation of local prices,” said Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

She related that the Philippines lost to super typhoon Ondoy the only producer of compost fertilizer in Leyte.

Villar has been allocating an annual budget for the procurement of composting facilities which are distributed nationwide by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture.

“Aside from the huge savings, a composting facility helps reduces the volume of trash thrown in dumpsites,” said Villar during the turn-over and launch of the three composting facilities in Brgy. Zapote 5, Bacoor City last Saturday.

“A composting facility turns bio-degradable wastes like kitchen wastes into organic fertilizer. Each composter can produce one ton organic fertilizer per month,” said Villar.

The senator has provided her home city of Las Piñas with 89 composting facilities which reduce the local government’s expenses on waste disposal, even saving P300 million a year.

She enjoins the public to share her passion to maintain a clean and healthy environment while giving jobs to our people and savings to the country.

S

Abalos cites BJMP for decongesting jails nationwide

By Vince Lopez SECRETARY Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Monday cited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for facilitating the release of 74,590 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as part of the agency’s continuing initiatives to decongest jails throughout the country.

Abalos credited the BJMP for introducing various programs such as legal and paralegal services to reduce overcrowding in jail facilities nationwide.

“The overcrowding in January was 281 percent, now it appears at 238 percent so we are reducing it a lot and we will work on it more,” he said.

Abalos also pushed the introduction of comprehensive programs that would convince inmates to reform and become more productive members of society to achieve long-term solutions to jail decongestion.

Abalos pointed out that instead of constructing more jail facilities, the BJMP should take steps towards full reformation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to give them a second chance in life.

“The solution is not to build a new jail; the right solution is to prevent crime and not go back to jail,” he said.

ENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to expedite the reset of Manila Electric Co.’s power distribution rate, which some lawmakers blamed for increases in power rates.

The senator’s call followed remarks by former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Agnes Devanadera at a House hearing that Meralco had previously paid for the expenses of ERC consultants tasked with determining weighted average cost of capital (WACC) that has an impact on power rates.

It has since been discontinued. Gatchalian said it was inappropriate for Meralco to foot the bill for the regulator’s consultants.

“As we anticipate revised distribution rates that should be more favorable for our consumers, it is imperative that we not only hope but demand a refund if applicable,” said Gatchalian.

The senator’s observations also came in the wake of a privilege speech by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez blaming Meralco’s unadjusted WAC,C as the key reason for the consistently high power rates, which are among the highest in Asia.

Fernandez said the current WACC of Meralco was computed to allow the utility to cope with the Asian financial crisis then, but remained unchanged even after the crisis, allowing the utility to collect higher rates.

Meralco strongly denied however, allegations by Fernandez that the distribution utility has been overcharging its customers since 2012.

Gatchalian said the ERC should look into the factors that go into computing Meralco’s WACC, which had been stuck at 14.97 percent since 2015. WACC is a key determinant in computing distribution rates.

“The ERC should make sure that rates being passed on by distribution utilities are fair and correct for consumers...Consumers should not be paying more than they should,” he said.

BIGGEST PAROL. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas (right, first photo) and Enchanted Kingdom president and chairman Mario Mamon (center, in purple shirt) lead the switch-on rite for the theme park’s Christmas tree and a 22-foot lantern, reputedly the biggest of its kind in the country. Also present at the launch are Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas and the cast of the movie Pedro Penduko. Roy Tomandao

Enchanted Kingdom lights up 22-foot Christmas lantern

By Roy Tomandao SANTA ROSA CITY—A prominent theme part has formally joined Christmas celebrations with unique features highlighted by a 22-foot lantern as the centrepiece.

The Enchanted Kingdom (EK), reputedly the first and only world class theme park in the Philippines, on Sunday switched on the parol made by Pampanga’s renowned lantern whiz Eric Bondoc Quiwa.

Also helping light up the entire EK facility are 100 smaller lanterns strategi-

cally installed throughout the park.

In her message, Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas said; “All over the Philippines the biggest parol lighted is here in the Enchanted Kingdom in the City of Santa Rosa.”

“I would like to thank EK for helping Santa Rosa City grow. EK has made Santa Rosa its home for 28 years,” Arcillas said.

She also noted that EK has been a way of life for the people of Santa Rosa, where they come together on quality time for bonding and sharing of memories.

The mayor also said EK has been the

Faster delivery of seniors’ pensions sought SENIOR Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes has lauded Senator Juan Edgardo Angara for calling on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to streamline the distribution of increased monthly pension for senior citizens.

Angara earlier said there are 466,000 backlogs of senior citizen social pensioners based on the DSWD data.

“Senator Angara’s call is an additional voice for the immediate distribution of the social pension for our indigent senior citizens. This additional P500 for their pension is of big help for them to buy food and medicine,” Ordanes said.

The Department of Budget and Management approved last August the release

of P49.8 billion for the social pension which will cover the P1,000-increase for senior citizens.

The doubling of the social pension for indigent senior citizens was a result of the budget deliberation in line with the Republic Act 11916 amid calls from Ordanes and other groups to increase the pension.

Ordanes earlier assured indigent senior citizens that the additional social pension would be received starting January next year after the RA 11916 lapsed into law in July last year.

Angara was among the co-authors of the RA 1191 and the principal a thor of the Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

city’s top taxpayer.

EK president and chairman Mario Mamon said their theme park “is committed to showcase the Filipino Christmas tradition of parols and local decorations to bring nostalgia during the holiday season.”

“It is no doubt that Christmas is the most festive and magical time of the year in the Philippines. As a proud Filipino company, EK is the ideal place where Filipino families can create more magical experiences and reminisce about their most enchanted Christmas stories,” Mamon said.

A MEMBER of the opposition bloc in Congress has welcomed the leadership’s passage of a bill shortening the cycle of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) from the current five years to three years.

Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said with the shortened CBA cycle under House Bill 9320, workers can negotiate earlier for the whole range of economic and political provisions of the CBA instead of waiting for five years.

“This will also allow workers to decide on whether to remain under the current union or to establish a new one in a timelier manner, as the so-called freedom period will be just three years after the signing of the CBA,” Brosas said.

The freedom period refers to a sixtyday time frame immediately preceding the expiration of the CBA wherein certification elections can be held to challenge the incumbent union.

Brosas noted however, that the gains of the proposed measure “could only be unleashed if there will be a vibrant and expansive trade union movement in the country.”

“Currently, only seven percent of all private sector workers are unionized, and a much lower figure are covered by working CBAs. Efforts to reform the regulation of CBAs must then be complemented by laws strengthening union formation and protection for trade unionists and labor organizers,” Brosas said.

Lawmaker eyes Senate action on bill vs. digital financial scams A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has urged the Senate to speedily act on a bill seeking to impose stiff penalties against digital financial fraud Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group, one of principal authors of a bill on digital economy, made the call following reports about the proliferation of fake bank and e-wallet advisories circulated by scammers.

Yamsuan said these scams have become so prevalent that banks have resorted to sending messages to their clients through text, emails and even Viber, warning them about these deceptive schemes.

After phishing, in which scammers use fake emails and links to trick potential victims into revealing their personal and financial data, these fraudsters have resorted to smishing, or sending bogus text messages, and vishing or making fraudulent calls—both with the same purpose as phishing, Yamsuan said.

He said consumers need to be protected from these fraudulent tactics through the passage of the proposed Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which the House of Representatives passed last May under House Bill (HB) 7393. However, the Senate has yet to ratify its version of the measure.

“On top of providing a shield of protection to consumers, the AFASA will also help safeguard the integrity of our financial system. We urge the Senate to pass its version of the AFASA to assure the public that they can continue to trust our financial system as we go forth with our inevitable shift to a digital economy,” Yamsuan noted. Maricel V. Cruz

FOR PROFICIENT HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATION.

Occupational English Test chief executive officer Sujata Stead (right) and OET ambassador May Parsons, a United Kingdombased Filipina nurse renowned for injecting the world’s first COVID vaccine into a patient, flash the thumbs up sign during the opening of their promotions drive dubbed ‘Advancing Healthcare Communication in the Philippines: OET’s Role in Enabling Collaboration’ at The Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros, Manila.

The event focuses on addressing challenges in the healthcare sector, such as the need for proficient English skills among professionals. Norman Cruz

A4

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Rationalize LGU fees imposer on digital infra projects—group A CITIZEN welfare advocacy group is calling on local government units to rationalize fees required of telcos for the latter’s digital infrastructure projects.

CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Christopher Belmonte said current practices undermine the objectives of an executive order streamlining the permitting process for establishing connectivity infrastructure.

“We have to know who ultimately suffers in the end,” he said.

“In this case, that would be the end-users and consumers, who have to make do with limited connectivity amid great demand for broadband services,” he added.

At present, local government units charge fees for the construction of towers, poles, and other infrastructure in their areas of jurisdiction.

Belmonte said the fees that LGUs require telcos to pay add to the cost of

broadband services that all consumers, including their constituents, will eventually pay.

“Ordinances are being issued to charge regulatory fees, ranging from P500 to per pole post, per year and P50,000 per cell tower on top of other fees such as P150,000 inspection/audit and inventory fees,” he said.

“From our own probing, other fees for the building of a cell sites would include building permit, electrical permit, mechanical permit,encing permit, plumbing permit, sanitary permit, civil/structural permit, architectural permit, and electronics permit, with amounts that differ per city/municipality. Furthermore, these fees are not published as standard fees and charged on a case to case basis with amounts ranging from P8,000 to over P70,000,” he said.

RELIEF FROM HOLIDAY TRAFFIC WOES.

Ramiro Hinojas, an enforcer dressed as Santa Claus to entertain motorists, directs traffic along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City on Nov. 28, 2023. Norman Cruz

HNP, PDP members join Lakas

By Maricel V. Cruz

the Nacionalista Party.

Duterte said she has no comment on the decision of HNP members to bolt the party.

OME members of Vice President Sara Duterte’s A number of local officials, including three lawmakers who were former members of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago have transferred to the Lakaserstwhile ruling Partido Demokratiko PilipiChristian Muslim Democrats political party Davao no-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), also joined Oriental Vice Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. and five provincial Lakas Tuesday, bringing the party’s strength in the House of Representatives to 89. board members took their oath before Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is Lakas-CMD presiRomualdez of Lakas-CMD. dent, administered the oath to Reps. Richard Kho, Olga Kho, and Wilton Kho of Masbate’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd districts, respecDayanghirang is a known ally of the Du- were then stalwarts of the HNP. tertes, while some of the board members The vice governor is a former member of tively, and 17 town mayors and a municipal

S

vice mayor as new party members.

“We are elated to welcome our colleagues and local officials, who, we believe, share our deep commitment to help our beloved President, further grow our economy, create more income and job opportunities, and make food products accessible and affordable. In sum, to make life generally better for our people,” Romualdez said.

He expressed hoped that “our new members will have a memorable and fruitful engagement with us, and we look forward to exchanging views and experiences with them.”

DA chief seeks amendment of Fisheries Authority charter

By Othel V. Campos AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called for the amendment of the charter of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) to expand its function to include developing

and managing marine and agro-industrial estates across the country to ensure ample food supply.

Laurel said he envisions marine and agroindustrial estates to be one-stop shops that will house ports, cold-storage facilities, silos, and warehouses to store farm and ma-

rine products such as rice, sugar, vegetables, palm oil, and other basic commodities and ensure their stable supply.

“I’ve seen this model successfully implemented in South Korea and Japan. I hope the World Bank can help us realize this vision,” he said during the unveiling

of World’ Bank’s latest report on the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Laurel underscored the World Bank’s suggestions on the need for digital transformation in agriculture as well as improving the sector’s logistics.

P1.2b released to 12,186 Pinoy centenarians

By Maricel V. Cruz THE national government has paid out an aggregate of P1.2 billion in cash gifts to Filipinos who have reached the age of 100 years old.

“A total of 12,186 Filipinos have already received their P100,000 cash award each since the passage of the Centenarian’s Law up to September this year,” said Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, a member of the House committee on appropriations.

“We wish to assure Filipinos who are nearing a century old that Congress is absolutely committed to keep up the annual appropriations for their cash grant,” he added.

The lawmaker said Congress has earmarked another P186 million for the cash gift in the 2024 national budget.

WORLD N. Korea defends Rescuers make painstaking satellite launch at UN council progress towards trapped 41 S

ILKYARA TUNNEL, India – Indian rescue teams digging by hand are within just five meters of reaching 41 men trapped in a collapsed road tunnel for 17 days, officials said Tuesday, saying a breakthrough was expected “soon.”

“The escape passage has been prepared rescue operation is expected to be comup to 52 meters inside the tunnel, and pas- pleted soon,” chief minister of Uttarakhand sage will break through at 57 meters... the state Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters

at the site, without giving a specific time frame.

Rajput Rai, a drilling expert, told the Press Trust of India that three-person teams are taking turns working at the rock face inside a metal pipe, just wide enough for someone to squeeze through.

While one worker drills, a second scoops up the rubble by hand, and the third places it on a wheeled trolley to be pulled out, Rai said, according to PTI’s Tuesday report.

Jimmy Carter, 99, to attend wife’s memorial tribute ATLANTA – Jimmy Carter, the 99-year-old former president whose lifelong love for his wife Rosalynn became a near legend in US politics, will bid farewell to her Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) in a ceremony also attended by President Joe Biden.

Jimmy Carter, himself in hospice care through most of this year, will make the journey from the modest home in Plains, Georgia, that he shared with Rosalynn much of their lives to the city of Atlanta.

“The current plan is for President Carter to attend the national tribute service for Mrs Carter at Glenn Memorial Church,” the former first couple’s charity organization, The Carter Center, said.

Rosalynn Carter died Nov 19, aged 96, just two days after joining her husband in hospice care at the house in Plains.

Celebrated as a highly active first lady who championed then little-discussed issues of mental health, Rosalynn Carter’s reputation only grew, along with her husband’s, once they left the White House. AFP

Rescuers have brought in a super heated plasma cutter to slice through submerged metal rods that have repeatedly impeded progress.

Tunnel expert Chris Cooper, who is advising the rescue teams, said Monday he was optimistic that they would break through.

“It depends on how the ground behaves,” he told reporters, adding that they may have to cut through heavy-duty girders that had been meant to hold the collapsed roof up. AFP NEAR SALVATION. Rescue personnel work at the collapsed under construction Silkyara toad tunnel in the Uttarkashi district of India’s Uttarakhand state on Tuesday.

Indian military engineers were preparing to dig by hand to reach the 41 workers trapped in the tunnel for 17 days, a rescue operation hit by repeated setbacks. AFP

UNITED NATIONS, New York – North Korea’s ambassador made a rare appearance at the UN Security Council on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) to defend his country’s launch of a spy satellite, as leader Kim Jong Un studied images including of the White House and Pentagon.

Western powers, Japan and South Korea have said North Korea violated Security Council resolutions by launching the satellite last week.

The totalitarian state has said that its new eye in the sky has already provided images of major US and South Korea military sites, as well as photos of the Italian capital Rome.

On Monday it took “in detail” images of the White House and the Pentagon in Washington, according to state-run KCNA news agency, which said Kim was reviewing the photos.

He also counted some aircraft carriers at a military base and a shipyard in the neighboring state of Virginia, the report said.

At the Security Council, North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, complained that other countries faced no restrictions on satellites.

“No other nation in the world is in the security environment as critical as the DPRK,” said Kim, using the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. AFP

13 dead in hurricane force winds, storm, snowfall, floods across Russia, Ukraine, Moldova MOSCOW –Hurricane force winds, snowfall and flooding that swept parts of southern Russia, Ukraine and Moldova left at least 13 people dead Monday and almost two million without power, authorities said.

Dubbed the ‘storm of the century’ by Russian media, the violent weather has lashed the southern regions of Dagestan,

Krasnodar and Rostov, as well as the occupied Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea since Sunday.

President Vladimir Putin has been following reports of the “meteorological disasters” and ordered the government to take measures to help the affected regions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri

Peskov said.

Russia’s energy ministry said about 1.9 million people were affected by power cuts.

Four people were reported to have died in Russia and Crimea due to the storms, with another four reported dead in Moldova.

In Ukraine, the severe weather left at

least five people dead and almost 1,500 towns and villages in the dark after storms dumped up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) of snow in some places.

“Unfortunately, as of now, there are some deaths. The highest number (of casualties) is in the Odesa region -- five people,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. AFP

OPINION

B1 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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

EDITORIAL

On alert for new pathogens

Banner Year for SMC

By Melandrew T. Velasco SEVERAL organizations have annually recognized individuals who are innovators in their fields, who stand out among their peers, and exemplify what leadership is all about.

Recently, Esquire Philippines named San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang Businessman of the Year.

This latest commendation adds to the growing list of accolades for RSA who is forward-looking – toward growth and sustainable economic development.

Under his leadership, San Miguel Corporation became one of the most diversified business entities in the country.

Its portfolio includes food and beverage manufacturing, banking, power and energy, packaging, and infrastructure.

—“—

Aside from projects that will stoke economic development, SMC is a staunch supporter of programs for environment protection

For the nine-month period of 2023, SMC’s net income grew by 141 percent to P31.2 billion compared to the same period in 2022.

“SMC’s resilient performance in the face of economic challenges is very encouraging. Our achievements highlight our consistent focus on quality and strategic business growth. We remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our customers while contributing to broader national initiatives,” said RSA. The goal for economic development has been around for a long time.

Its fulfillment will depend on the degree of cooperation and collaboration with various sectors including those in the private sector.

Over the years, SMC has remained an active contributor to the growth of the nation.

Despite the pandemic, SMC under RSA’s leadership continued to pursue its projects even as it utilized available resources to help government in efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos and contain the spread of COVID-19.

SMC made sure food products were available to consumers. SMC also donated food packs, PCR testing machines, PPEs, quarantine facilities, vaccines, waived toll fees for frontliners and advance payment of taxes.

Pouring investments in agriculture, energy, power, and infrastructure has given SMC the edge over other corporations.

This year, the first among 11 mega farms that SMC intends to build throughout the country under the San Miguel Foods’ Mega Farm Projects has been inaugurated by SMC through San Miguel Foods, Inc. in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. The mega farm is envisioned to modernize poultry production while supporting local communities and

promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Also inaugurated this year is the Better World Smokey Mountain in Tondo.

It is a testament to SMC’s unwavering commitment to nation-building by helping uplift the lives of more Filipinos.

The community center which has 39 modern classrooms and training rooms is a venue for learning and skills development. About 12,500 individuals from Tondo are target beneficiaries of the center.

They will be trained to make them employable and thus improve their living standards.

This year, SMC is targeting to complete its battery energy storage systems network with a combined total capacity of 1,000 megawatt hours.

Already inaugurated is the battery energy storage system facility in Limay, Bataan which is among 32 battery storage stations built by SMC nationwide.

Another recent development that will impact on economic development was the signing of a toll concession and joint venture agreement between SMC and the provincial government of Pangasinan.

Involved is the Pangasinan Link Expressway project, a 76.8-km expressway starting at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan all the way to Alaminos.

Last October, RSA was elected as a member of the board of directors of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

The infrastructure and transport projects of SMC lessen problems in logistics network.

These projects provide seamless travel.

Among these are Metro Manila Skyway, Naia Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, Star Tollway, and the TarlacPangasinan, La Union Expressway.

Ongoing are the MRT Line 7 and the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan that will boost the country as an investment and tourism destination and stimulate economic development.

Aside from projects that will stoke economic development, SMC is a staunch supporter of programs for environment protection.

It completed the clean-up and rehabilitation of the Tullahan River spending P1 billion without cost from the government.

The river is a tributary of Manila Bay. It is also undertaking the rehabilitation of Pasig River.

SMC also supports the government’s greening program with the growing of trees and mangroves by its subsidiaries.

It is likewise an institutional partner of the Million Trees Foundation.

He envisions a resilient and globally competitive Philippines where every individual share in the fruits of sustainable growth and prosperity.

“Never perceive yourself as superior or above others. Possessing more doesn’t elevate one’s worth. In fact, it calls for greater generosity,” said RSA who remains humble despite being in the Forbes list of richest billionaires in the Philippines.

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

An immigrant chef in Miami trots the globe to feed the needy MIAMI—Karla Hoyos is a chef ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice.

Whenever she gets the call, she leaves her taco business in Miami to go anywhere in the world to help feed victims of natural disasters or war.

She is one of dozens of chefs connected to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit group founded by renowned chef Jose Andres that provides meals at global hotspots where people face trauma.

A few days ago, Hoyos, 35, returned from Israel, where she spent two weeks teaching volunteers how to make huge pots of food for those who had to evacuate their homes after the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed, according to Israel.

Security issues forced her to return to Florida, but WCK remains in Israel and Gaza, where it delivers food to those affected by the war between Israel and Hamas.

Israel’s campaign against Hamas has

killed almost 15,000 people, mostly Palestinian civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas government.

“It was a new experience. I’ve never seen missiles go off and having to go seek shelter,” says Hoyos, who is Mexican and was also recently deployed to feed victims in Ukraine affected by the war with Russia.

“But at the end of the day, conflicts are conflicts, and innocent people suffer all the time and we are there to help whoever is hungry.”

Andres, the Spanish-American restaurateur who founded WCK in 2010, mobilizes his network quickly after any catastrophe, and they serve up to 100,000 meals a day with the help of local relief groups and markets.

In recent weeks, the organization has mustered to action in the Mexican resort of Acapulco in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, as well as in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The role of Hoyos is to set up the make-

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

C

OMFORTING may not be enough a mask as the Department of Health remains on alert for new pathogens following an increase in influenza-like illnesses here, while a wave of respiratory diseases is hitting China.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag has confirmed patients with flu-like symptoms, like high-grade fever, cough, cold, and sore throat, who have visited DOH facilities have been tested and the virus that caused their illness has been identified.

“And indeed we confirm that several cases are due to COVID-19 and the other numbers point to influenza A or influenza B,” he said, adding “We are doing this on a regular basis because we are on a watch out for new pathogens.”

But Filipinos must have eyes like a hawk with the respiratory diseases hitting China, although Beijing said there were no “unusual or novel pathogens” in illnesses spreading in the northern part of the world’s most populous country of 1.4 billion people.

Some say China is getting hit now, with the arrival of the virus season, because it maintained COVID lockdowns far longer than most other countries.

But the demand by the World Health Organization last week for information

—“—

It may be consolatory that China’s health ministry has said flu and other known viruses and bacteria are causing the surge, not a novel virus from Beijing on “reported clusters of pneumonia in children in Northern China” reminded the world of the start of the pandemic nearly four years ago, and triggered anxiety a new pathogen may again cause a global outbreak.

It may be consolatory that China’s health ministry has said flu and other known viruses and bacteria are causing the surge, not a novel virus.

Then experts say because there’s no new pathogen to date, the risk of the out-

break spreading to people living outside of China is low.

The biggest implication will likely be stress on China’s hospital systems.

Within China, the outbreak could be the beginning of a surge of respiratory infections, because children are “often the conduits of disease” to their families, according to medical experts.

Babies born during the pandemic had limited exposure to RSV because of pandemic precautions, but once those measures ended and people started to get together as they had before COVID arrived, the number of RSV cases in the United States increased there in 2022.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.

Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

In the Philippines, some 190,000 influenza-like cases have been reported thus far this year.

It is heartening that Tayag urged doctors to promptly report any unusual clustering of flu-like cases “so that we can investigate and make sure that we also notify authorities as may be needed.”

Vigilance is vital.

Can we sustain the economic advance?

—“— IN A a recent Saturday News Forum in Quezon City which we co-host, we asked Michael Ricafort, the Chief Economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., what Filipinos can expect in terms of economic performance in the next six months.

Here’s what he explained to us.

Our economic situation has vastly improved after the end of lockdowns and the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19 last year.

We have no more restrictions, so the economy has opened up and recovery is in full swing.

The services sector, including local and foreign tourism, continues to grow; this is a low-hanging fruit at present.

Various other sectors continue to open up.

For example, students have returned to in-person learning, more passengers use the public transport system, and micro, small and medium enterprises have boosted economic activity, contributing to overall economic growth.

Other major contributors to economic recovery are OFW remittances growing at the rate of 3 to 4 percent to more than $40 million dollars annually.

Then there’s the BPOs or Business Process Outsourcing, which also continues to post growth to more than US$35 billion per year. The Philippines is number two in BPOs in the world; in call centers we are number one; in OFW remittances, we are number four.

The visit to the Philippines two months ago of Akio Toyoda, the chairman of top global carmaker Toyota, reflects confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination.

He acknowledged that ours is the number 10 biggest market of Toyota vehicles in the world.

The Philippine economy posted a higher gross domestic product growth of

—“—

Inspired by her grandmother and rejecting her father’s wishes for her to become a lawyer, she studied at a culinary school in Mexico before traveling to Spain...and on to Italy shift kitchens, manage logistics and even offer the recipes used to prepare dishes.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a garage, if it’s a basement, if it’s a warehouse, if you have running water, electric and air vents, I’ll build a kitchen,” she says.

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

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

Lower GDP base in the 3rd quarter could quantitatively lead to faster year-on-year GDP growth after the higher base in the 2nd quarter

5.9 percent in the third quarter of 2023, the strongest among major economies in Asia.

This is faster than the 4.3 percent growth in Q2 2023 and exceeded the expectations of private sector analysts with a median forecast of 4.9 percent.

The faster GDP growth of 5.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of this year is not really surprising and somewhat expected.

We expect similar or even higher GDP growth in the 4th quarter, amid the catchup in government spending especially on infrastructure, after some underspending/ slower spending earlier this year.

Spending during the barangay and SK election towards the end of October also provided a boost to the economy.

The continued recovery of many businesses/industries as the economy further reopened towards greater normalcy has led to higher sales, incomes, jobs, livelihood and other economic opportunities.

But there are also risk factors.

Among these are inflation/higher prices that reduced spending by consumers, businesses, industries, and government.

Another is higher interest rates that increased borrowing and financing costs and put a drag on investments and spending.

The US Federal Reserve and other central banks increased interest rates since 2022 to fulfill their mandate of price stability.

Still another is the geopolitical situation, especially the Israel-Hamas war, which has a potential impact on global crude oil prices and inflation.

And there’s also the risk of economic slowdown or even recession in the U.S., which is the world’s largest economy, after

the series of Fed rate hikes since 2022 to better manage inflation.

The Philippine GDP growth estimate could normalize to around 5.5 to 6 percent in 2023 and beyond. We will be among the fastest growing economies in ASEAN with the stabilization of the GDP base (diminishing low base effects).

Before the pandemic, Philippine GDP consistently grew by at least 6 percent from 2012-2019 due to the demographic sweet spot.

Philippine GDP growth will be supported by catch-up spending by the national government, especially on infrastructure.

Employment data will be among the best levels since the onset of the pandemic and economic reopening with no more lockdowns since 2022 and the lifting of the COVID state of public health emergency.

Lower GDP base in the 3rd quarter could quantitatively lead to faster yearon-year GDP growth after the higher base in the 2nd quarter due to the national and local election-related spending a year ago that partly led to slower GDP growth in 2Q 2023.

We can also expect further recovery in foreign and local tourism as a growth driver that creates more jobs and livelihoods for the labor force.

Lower individual income tax rates starting January 2023 for most income brackets as part of the TRAIN Law could lead to increased consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of the economy.

This could lead to faster economic/GDP growth and help ease the adverse effects of recent higher prices.

Vocation to feed Hoyos speaks passionately about her trade from Tacotomia, the small restaurant she opened four months ago in a gastronomic market in downtown Miami.

For her, there is little separation between her humanitarian work and what she does in her business. It’s all part of the same vocation, born at age 12 when she baked her first tray of cookies.

“I want to put as much detail, as much love, in both things. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Michelin star restaurant or you’re eating a taco or you’re going to receive a free plate of rice because you haven’t eaten in days.”

Inspired by her grandmother and rejecting her father’s wishes for her to become a lawyer, she studied at a culinary school in Mexico before traveling to Spain -- where she spent a year at a restaurant awarded three Michelin stars -- and on to Italy.

Upon her return, she settled in Indianapolis and opened a Mexican restaurant with her aunt. There she began to help others, in an association supporting immigrants.

Her collaboration with WCK began in 2017, when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. The catering company she worked for at the time, Bon Appetit, decided to send chefs to the Caribbean island to help Andres feed the population.

Hoyos immediately agreed to go despite widespread power outages and scarce potable water. She initially sized up Andres as a “grumpy man,” but her admiration for the Spanish chef grew, and she worked at his side for three months, eventually hiring on at his Miami restaurant.

Six years later, Hoyos sometimes wonders why she travels to dangerous places like Ukraine or Israel, but her vocation to help always prevails.

The hardest part, she says, is returning to the normalcy of home.

“When you are trying to help people, and [you have] leave, it’s very hard to accept that you have to go home, to your AC, to your fridge full of food, to your job, to your comfort. And there’s a lot of guilt in there.” AFP

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Circular No. 1182 Series of 2023

Subject: Amendments to Part Nine of the Manual of Regulations for Banks and Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions – Enhancing the Provisions on Targeted Financial Sanctions The Monetary Board, in its Resolution No. 1443 dated 03 November 2023, approved the amendments to Part Nine of the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB) and relevant provisions of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (MORNBFI), enhancing the regulations on targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism, terrorist financing, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and proliferation financing.

Section 2. Section 911/911-Q of the MORB/MORNBFI shall be amended and read, as follows: 911/911-Q RISK MANAGEMENT xxx

Section 1. Section 904/904-Q shall be amended to read, as follows:

Risk assessment. Consistent with risk-based approach, covered persons are required to identify, understand, and assess their ML/TF/PF1 and sanctions risks or risks of potential breach, non-compliance, non-implementation or evasion of TFS obligations, arising from their customers, countries or geographic areas of operations and customers, products, services, transactions or delivery channels, among others. xxx

904/904-Q DEFINITION OF TERMS Except as otherwise defined herein, all terms used shall have the same meaning as those terms that are defined in the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended, targeted financial sanctions (TFS)-related laws and their respective Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Based on the results of the risk assessment, the covered person shall take appropriate measures to manage and mitigate ML/TF/PF and sanctions risks and take enhanced measures on identified high risks areas, which should be incorporated in its MTPP. The risk assessment shall be made available to the Bangko Sentral during examination or in other circumstances deemed necessary as part of continuous supervision.

xxx j.

Customer/client refers to any person who keeps or maintains an account, or otherwise transacts business with a covered person. It includes the following: (1) Beneficial owner, or any natural person who ultimately owns or controls a customer and/or on whose behalf an account is maintained or a transaction is conducted;

New products and business practices risk assessment. Covered persons are also required to identify and assess the ML/TF/PF and sanctions risks that may arise in relation to the development of new products and new business practices, including new delivery mechanisms, and the use of new or developing technologies for both new and pre-existing products. Such risk assessment should be an integral part of product or service development process and should take place prior to the launch of the new products, business practices or the use of new or developing technologies.

Covered persons should take appropriate measures to manage and mitigate the identified risks.

(2) Transactors, agents and other authorized representatives of beneficial owners; (3) Beneficiaries of trusts, investment and pension funds, insurance policies, and remittance transactions; (4) Persons whose assets are managed by an asset manager;

Section 3. Section 921/921-Q is hereby amended to read, as follows:

(5) Trustors/grantors/settlors of a trust;

921/921-Q

(6) Insurance policy holders, whether actual or prospective; and

xxx

(7) Juridical person. The term juridical person shall refer to an entity other than a natural person as defined under the Civil Code of the Philippines, including corporate clients who keep or maintain an account with a covered person.

On-going monitoring of customers, accounts and transactions. xxx

xxx

Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) related to terrorism, terrorist financing (TF), proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and proliferation financing (PF). Covered persons shall adopt appropriate policies and procedures to effectively implement TFS related to terrorism, TF, proliferation of WMD, and PF.

hh. Designated persons refer to: (1) Any person or entity designated as a terrorist, one who finances terrorism, or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions (UNSCR) and their successor resolutions; or

TFS related to terrorism and TF. In relation to designated persons under relevant binding terrorism-related Resolutions, including UNSCR No. 1373 pursuant to Article 41 of the UN Charter and the ATA, covered persons, upon receipt of the notice of AMLC resolution on the issuance of sanctions freeze order, are required to freeze without delay the following:

(2) Any person, organization, association, or group of persons designated under Paragraph 3, Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA); and (3) Any person or entity designated under UNSCR Nos. 1718 (2006) and 2231 (2015) and their successor resolutions. ii.

Name Match refers to an individual or entity whose name matches with a name in the UNSC Consolidated List, any list of designations made by the AntiTerrorism Council (ATC) under Paragraph 3, Section 25 of the ATA, or those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA.

jj.

Property or Fund refers to financial assets, property of every kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable, however acquired, and legal documents or instruments in any form, including electronic or digital, evidencing title to, or interest in, such funds or other assets, including, but not limited to, bank credits, traveler’s cheques, bank cheques, money orders, shares, securities, bonds, drafts, or letters of credit, and any interest, dividends, or other income on or value accruing from or generated by such funds or other assets.

a. b.

a. b. c. d.

that are owned or controlled by the subject of designation and is not limited to those that are directly related or tied to a particular terrorist act, plot or threat. that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the subject of designation. derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the subject of designation. of persons or entities acting on behalf or at the direction of the subject of designation.

In case of asset freeze, covered persons are generally prohibited to:

Prohibition against dealing prohibits any person from (1) dealing, directly or indirectly, in any way and by any means, with any property or funds that he knows or has reasonable ground to believe is owned or controlled by a designated person, organization, association or group of persons, including funds derived or generated from property or funds owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a designated person, organization, association or group of persons; or (2) making available any property or funds, or financial services or other related services to a designated person, organization, association or group of persons.

a. b. c.

deal with the frozen funds or economic resources, belonging to or owned, held or controlled by a designated person; make funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to, or for the benefit of, a designated person; and/or engage in actions that, directly or indirectly, circumvent the financial sanctions prohibitions.

The freeze orders shall also cover those persons or entities included in the subsequent updates, modifications and amendments to the UNSC Consolidated List, as well as those designated by the ATC under Section 25 of the ATA and those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA.

mm. Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Financing/Proliferation Financing (PF) refers to an action or circumstances when a person makes available an asset; or provides a financial service; or conducts a financial transaction; and the person knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the asset, financial service or transaction is intended to, in whole or in part, facilitate proliferation of WMD in relation to UNSCR Nos. 1718 (2006) (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) and 2231 (2015) (Islamic Republic of Iran or Iran) and their successor resolutions.

All covered persons shall submit to the AMLC a detailed written return, pursuant to, and containing details required under, Rule 16.c of the TFPSA IRR. TFS related to proliferation of WMD and PF. In relation to designated persons pursuant to UNSCR Nos. 1718 (2006) and 2231 (2015), and their successor resolutions, as well as any binding resolution of the Security Council, covered persons are required to:

nn. Proliferation of WMD refers to the manufacture, acquisition, possession, development, export, trans-shipment, brokering, transport, transfer, stockpiling or use of WMD, in contravention of national laws or, where applicable, international obligations.

a.

Freeze the following within a matter of hours from the time that the designation and the freeze order is published in the AMLC website: (1) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons, and not just those that can be tied to a particular act, plot or threat of proliferation of WMD and PF; (2) those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons; (3) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons; and (4) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons;

oo. Sanctions risk refers to the risk of losses arising from failure to implement relevant sanctions requirements, including TFS. This includes risks of potential breach, non-compliance/non-implementation or evasion of TFS obligations. pp. Targeted asset freeze applies to named individuals, entities and bodies, restricting access to funds and economic resources. Someone subject to an asset freeze will be listed on the Consolidated List, designated or proscribed and posted under the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) or ATC websites. qq. Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) refers to:

rr.

property or funds that are in any way related to financing of terrorism or acts of terrorism; or property or funds of any person, group of persons, terrorist organization, or association, in relation to whom there is probable cause to believe that they are committing or attempting or conspiring to commit, or participating in or facilitating the commission of financing of terrorism or acts of terrorism as defined under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, the ATA and their respective IRRs.

The property or funds referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall include all property or funds:

kk. Potential Target Match refers to an individual or entity whose identity matches most, but not all, of the identifier information provided in the UNSC Consolidated List, any list of designations made by the ATC under Paragraph 3, Section 25 of the ATA, or those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA. ll.

CUSTOMER DUE DILIGENCE

b.

(1) For TFS related to terrorism and TF: both asset freezing and prohibitions to prevent funds or other assets from being made available, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of designated persons and those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA.

Block or restrain specific properties or funds that are owned or controlled by a designated person from being transacted, converted, concealed, moved, or disposed; and

c.

(2) For TFS related to PF: both asset freezing and prohibition to prevent funds or other assets from being made available, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of any individual, natural or legal persons or entity designated pursuant to UNSCR and its designation process.

Prohibit any person or entity from making any funds or other assets available for the benefit of designated persons, unless licensed, authorized or otherwise notified in accordance with the relevant UNSCR.

TFS related to terrorism, TF, proliferation of WMD, and PF, requires full application or implementation. The TFS shall be effective until the basis for its issuance has been lifted.

General Requirements to Implement TFS related to terrorism, TF, proliferation of WMD, and PF. Covered persons shall adopt risk-based and proportionate measures to reinforce and complement the full implementation of the TFS requirements which shall include, at a minimum, the following:

Target Match refers to an individual or entity whose identity matches all the identifier information and is identified to be the designated person in the UNSC Consolidated List, any list of designations made by the ATC under Paragraph 3, Section 25 of the ATA, or those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA.

ss. UNSC Consolidated List refers to the integrated list of individuals and entities subject to measures imposed by the UNSC, as relevant to the Philippines’ sanctions regime. This includes those designated under UNSCR Nos. 1267/1989/2253 (Al Qaeda/ISIL Da’esh), 1988 (Taliban), 1718 (2006) (DPRK) and 2231 (2015) (Iran) and their successor resolutions. tt. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) refers to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons which are capable of high order of destruction or causing mass casualties. It excludes the means of transporting or propelling the weapon where such means is a separable and divisible part from the weapon.

a.

Sanctions Policies and Procedures. Informed by the results of the sanctions risk assessment, covered persons shall adopt proportionate and risk-based sanctions policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors or equivalent body/ authority to facilitate implementation of TFS without delay.

b.

Sanctions Screening Procedures. As part of the customer due diligence process, covered persons shall develop sanctions screening system and procedures, which include, among others: (1) Screening of (a) customers, including beneficial owners or any persons purporting to act on behalf of the customer and their authorized signatories, (b) transactors/non-accountholders transacting with the covered person, and (c) counterparties/other credentials or relevant information in wire transfers or trade transactions, at the minimum.

A particular type of financial institution may be exempted from the requirements to identify, assess, monitor, manage and mitigate PF risks provided there is proven low risk of PF relating to such financial institution.

1

BUSINESS

B3 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi rises above 6,300 as oil prices ease P HILIPPINE stocks rose Tuesday, following a long break, on growing optimism about the economy and easing global oil prices amid the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 40 points, or 0.64 percent, to close at 6,309.57, while the broader all-shares index picked up 10 points, or 0.31 percent to settle at 3,358.70 on a value turnover of P5.34 billion.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Claire Alviar said investors welcomed the easing oil prices in the world

market as this could support the growth of the Philippine economy in the fourth quarter of the year.

Alviar said foreign buying, worth P657 million, also boosted the market and helped push the value turnover above the P5-billion mark for the first time this month.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales from Regina Capital Development Corp.

said investors were gearing up for the trading last month and preparing for some window-dressing activites.

Losers outnumbered gainers, 106 to 79, while 39 issues were unchanged.

Five of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by SM Prime Holdings Inc. which climbed 4.46 percent to P33.95 and Ayala Land Inc. which rose 3.68 percent to P31.00.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Tuesday following a tepid performance on Wall Street, with profittaking tempering hopes for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts next year and traders awaiting key US inflation data due later this week.

A string of indicators in recent months pointing to a slowing economy -- as well as a below-forecast rise in consumer prices -- have fueled optimism that the US central bank has hiked borrowing costs for the last time this cycle.

That has led to speculation decisionmakers have managed to walk the thin line between bringing inflation down and averting a recession.

However, analysts said there was a sliver of concern that the readings could point to weakness down the line.

In addition to the closely watched personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred guide on inflation, investors will be keeping

an eye this week on several other pointers, including consumer confidence and gross domestic product.

A number of central bank officials are also lined up to talk, including boss Jerome Powell, though they are expected to stick to their long-running line that their policy decisions will be based on data, and they see rates staying higher for longer to tame inflation completely.

“The market appears to have embraced the idea that slowing economic data will hasten the arrival of marketfriendly rate cuts, even though the Fed has continued to telegraph otherwise,” said Chris Larkin at E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. With AFP

AirAsia PH prepares to serve 450k passengers over holidays

By Darwin G. Amojelar AIRASIA Philippines said Tuesday it expects to fly some 450,000 domestic and international passengers for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The budget airline said it would keep ticket prices affordable, especially with more travelers planning their flights for the first quarter of 2024.

CREDIT FACILITY. Union Bank of the Philippines extends a credit facility to Wefund Lending Corp., the operator of lending app JuanHand. Signing the agreement on Oct. 3, 2023 are (from left) JuanHand chief executive Francisco Mauricio and UnionBank executive vice president Bobby Abastillas.

PH Sukuk bonds receive investment-grade ratings

By Julito G. Rada THE Philippines’ first US dollardenominated Islamic bonds received investment-grade ratings from international debt watchers.

Fitch Ratings said Tuesday it assigned the Shari’ah-compliant trust certificate (sukuk) bonds a ‘BBB’ rating.

Land Bank of the Philippines - Trust Banking Group formed a special purpose vehicle called ROP Sukuk Trust to issue the bonds.

“The proposed sukuk’s rating is driven solely by the Philippines’ Issuer Default Rating which we affirmed at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook in November 2023. This reflects our view that a default of the senior unsecured obliga-

tions would reflect a default of the Philippines, in accordance with our rating definitions,” Fitch said.

Moody’s Investors Service also assigned a senior unsecured rating of “Baa2” or investment grade to the issuance maturing in 2029.

The sukuk will constitute direct, unconditional and unsubordinated obligations of the government of the Philippines, according to the transaction documents made available to Moody’s.

The government on Monday announced the sale of its maiden Islamic bonds or Sukuk bonds.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said in an announcement it was planning the issuance of a benchmark-sized US dollar-denominated Sukuk bonds offering,

which will have a 5.5-year tenure The ratings mirror the government of the Philippines’ issuer rating of Baa2.

Moody’s said its sukuk ratings do not express an opinion on the structures’ compliance with Shari’ah law.

“The Philippines’ Baa2 issuer rating is characterized by high potential growth and moderate government debt compared with peers, although the coronavirus pandemic had led to a weakening of our broader assessments for economic and fiscal strength,” Moody’s said.

“At the same time, the Philippines has sustained strong access to domestic and international funding markets, a stable banking system and ample foreign-currency reserves to weather global capital flow volatility,” it said.

Sanctions screening procedures for transactions under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) shall be governed by items “c(1)” and “c(2)” on AML Requirements of Section 803/801-Q of the MORB/MORNBFI, wherein the originating/sending institution and beneficiary/receiving institution shall be responsible for the appropriate screening of their respective clients.

Sanctions Database. Covered persons shall adopt and maintain suitable sanctions database (electronic and/or manual) that is commensurate to its risk profile and complexity of operations to facilitate screening of customers and their transactions.

The sanctions database must include, at the minimum, the following and their successor resolutions: (1) UNSC Consolidated List that includes UNSCR Nos. 1267/1989 (Al Qaeda), 1988 (Taliban), and 2253 (ISIL Da’esh) for TFS on terrorism and TF; (2) UNSC Consolidated List that includes UNSCR Nos. 1718/2006 (DPRK) and 2231/2015 (Iran) for TFS on proliferation of WMD and PF; and (3) Domestic designations by the ATC pursuant to UNSCR No. 1373 and Paragraph 3, Section 25 of the ATA, and those proscribed by the Court of Appeals under Section 26 of the ATA. Covered persons shall adopt mechanisms to ensure that the sanctions database is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. All new designations shall be included in the sanctions database and checked or screened against existing customer base without delay to adhere to the TFS requirements under applicable laws and regulations.

Covered persons may consider including other unilateral sanctions lists (e.g., Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury and European Union) based on the applicable laws and implementing regulations, internal policy and results of their sanctions risk assessment, in line with their risk profile and operations, for purposes of risk management and suspicious transaction (ST) reporting, among others. d.

Disposition of Matches and Handling of Freeze Order. Covered persons shall adopt suitable name screening policies and procedures to determine name match, potential target match, and target match, as well as the corresponding actions to take, in accordance with the procedures, reporting requirements and timelines prescribed by the AMLC. For name match, covered persons should have defined hierarchy of actions and references to disambiguate or resolve the name match. This includes inquiring or requesting additional information and identification documents from the customer and/or other reliable parties/relevant government agencies, such as the AMLC, to verify whether the name match is a potential target match or target match.

“It is our commitment to provide our guests with the lowest ticket price in the market whilst maintaining our positive on-time performance and the utmost consideration for safety. We know that a lot of Filipinos save money and allot their time for quick get-aways either in

In case of potential target match, the covered person shall freeze without delay the funds or other assets of designated persons that it has control over and inform the AMLC on the same day the freeze is implemented. An ST report shall also be submitted to the AMLC, including for attempted transactions or dealings.

A detailed electronic return shall be filed to the AMLC within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the AMLC’s confirmation of the propriety of the freeze. In case no confirmation is received from the AMLC within thirtysix (36) hours from receipt of the information, the freeze shall be automatically lifted.

(2) Defining the timing of the conduct of screening such as (a) upon establishment of relationship or opening of an account, or at the latest prior to the first transaction, regardless of the customer risk profile, (b) periodically over the course of the relationship, especially whenever new designations or updates are issued, and (c) whenever there are updates to the client’s information, such as change of ultimate beneficial owners or authorized signatories.

c.

AirAsia country head for communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan

the provinces or their bucket list abroad,” AirAsia country head for communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said.

“For this reason, AirAsia Philippines is offering various promos which will delight our guests and help them fulfill their travel plans,”’ he said.

AirAsia Philippines advised its guests to book their flights and schedule travel time ahead of the holiday rush, avoiding travel on high traffic dates such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve to avoid the added congestion.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) recorded a high of 125,000 daily passenger arrivals and departures during the Christmas holiday peak last year.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) logged 32,000 arrivals on Christmas Eve. “While we cannot avoid last-minute changes in travel arrangements, it really pays off to plan ahead. This way you can still get the best value for your money and foresee days which are more less-hassle for travel,” Dailisan said.

For those extending their vacation after the holidays, AirAsia is offering 22 percent off on flights–from P79 to P449 one-way base fare domestic and from P479 to P2,838 for international flights–with the AirAsia 22nd birthday sale.

AirAsia said passengers should simply book their flights from Nov. 7, to Dec. 3 with a travel period between Jan. 8 to Sept. 30, 2024.

In case of target match, the covered person shall freeze the account or assets and file a detailed electronic return to the AMLC within 24 hours from effecting the freeze. e.

Delisting and Unfreezing. A designated person may be delisted by the UNSC or its appropriate Sanctions Committee, or by other competent authorities, and the AMLC may issue unfreezing orders, both in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Accordingly, upon receipt of the unfreezing order from the AMLC, or upon knowledge of the delisting made by the UNSC or its Committee, or other competent authorities, the covered person holding the frozen funds and other assets shall implement the unfreezing order or unfreeze without delay, and submit a detailed report to the AMLC. The detailed report shall be filed within 24 hours from the lifting of the freeze order, and include the time and date of unfreezing and a list of the unfrozen funds and other assets. Covered persons shall refer to the delisting process and/or unfreezing procedures under applicable UNSC Committee and AMLC guidelines and issuances.

For uniform and effective implementation of TFS requirements, covered persons shall regularly refer to the relevant and up-to-date legislation as well as specific AMLC and BSP rules and regulations on TFS. Non-discrimination against certain types of customers. xxx Section 4. The provisions on Compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) under Section 923/923-Q of the MORB/MORNBFI are hereby deleted.

Section 5. This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days following its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

FOR THE MONETARY BOARD: (ORIGINAL SIGNED) MAMERTO E. TANGONAN Officer-in-Charge 10 November 2023 Note: This Circular can be accessed at the BSP website:: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Regulations/Issuances/2023/1182.pdf

ment ment eting eeting

B4

Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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

16th to 22nd Floors, Fort Legend Towers 16th 22nd Floors, Fort Global LegendCity, Towers 31st Street corner 3rdtoAvenue, Bonifacio Taguig City 1634 31st Street corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634 Statement of Condition Statement of Condition (Head Office and Branches) (Head Office and 30, Branches) As of September 2023 As of September 30, 2023 ASSETS ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Cash andBangko Cash Items Due from Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Duefrom fromOther Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Due Banks Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM)- Financial Assets-Net Loans and Receivables Net Loans and Receivables - Net Interbank Loans Receivable Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and - Others General LoanReceivables Loss Provision Loan Loss Provision OtherGeneral Financial Assets OtherPremises, FinancialFurniture, Assets Fixture and Equipment-Net Bank Bankand Premises, Furniture,Acquired-Net Fixture and Equipment-Net Real Other Properties Real Assets-Net and Other Properties Acquired-Net Other Other Assets-Net TOTAL ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable Bills Payable a) Interbank Loans Payable InterbankLiabilities Loans Payable Othera)Financial OtherLiabilities Financial Liabilities Other Other Liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Capital StockAccounts Other Capital Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Retained Earnings TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Financial Standby Letters of Credit Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Commitments Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts SpotDepartment Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Accounts Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b)a)Agency Accounts b) Agency Accounts Derivatives Derivatives Others Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) Gross Total Loan Portfolio Specific Allowance for credit(TLP) losses on the TLP Specific Allowance for(NPLs) credit losses on the TLP Non-performing Loans Non-performing a. Gross NPLsLoans (NPLs) Gross b.a.Ratio of NPLs gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c.b.Net NPLs Net NPLs d.c.Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) Ratio of Net NPLs to TLP (%) e.d.Ratio of total allowance forgross credit losses to gross NPL (%) Ratioofofspecific total allowance forfor credit losses toon gross f.e.Ratio allowance credit losses the NPL gross(%) TLP f.toRatio specific grossofNPL (%) allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPL (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of Classified & Other allowanceLoans for credit lossesRisk Assets, gross of allowance credit losses gross of DOSRI Loansforand receivables, DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses allowance forLoans credit and losses Ratio of DOSRI receivables, gross of Ratio of DOSRI Loans and receivables, allowance for credit losses, to TLP (%) gross of allowance for credit losses, to Carta TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna (%) Percent Magna Carta (%) a. 8% Compliance for Micro andwith Small Enterprises 8%for forMedium Micro and Small Enterprises b.a.2% Enterprises b. on 2%Equity for Medium Return (ROE)Enterprises (%) ReturnAdequacy on Equity Ratio (ROE)(CAR) (%) on Solo Basis Capital Capital Adequacy a. Total CAR (%)Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis Total1CAR b.a.TIER Ratio(%) (%) TIER 1 Ratio (%) c.b.CET 1 (%) 1 (%)Ratio (BLR) on Solo Basis, as prescribe under Baselc.IIICET Leverage Basel III Leverage Ratio (BLR) on Solo Basis, as prescribe under existing regulations regulations i. existing Capital Measure - Tier 1 Capital Measure ii.i.Exposure Measure- Tier 1 Exposure Measure iii.ii.Total BLR (%) iii. TotalCoverage BLR (%) Ratio (LCR) on Single Currency Basis, Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) on Single Currency Basis, asLiquidity prescribed under existing regulations as prescribed under existing regulations i. Total High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) TotalNet High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) ii.i.Total Cash Outflows TotalLCR Net Cash iii.ii.Total (%) Outflows iii. Total LCR (%) Ratio (NSFR) on Single Currency Basis, Net Stable Funding Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) on Single Currency Basis, asNet prescribed under existing regulations prescribed under existing regulations i. as Available Stable Funding AvailableStable StableFunding Funding ii.i.Required Required Funding iii.ii.Net Stable Stable Funding Ratio iii. Net Stable Funding Ratio

ders olders

ng of ing of mote emote visit e visit mote mote

te in ote in -mail e-mail cess ccess 2022 2022

wish t wish email email

eport Report

mote emote ment ement n be an be

9, 2023) 29, 2023)

pperoppernces ances East, g:East, ng:

mber ember

orate porate

ed to led to ntine antine ail to mail emailto email their f their

ation cation start l start

o be to be loor, aFloor, for la for ated. dated. ress dress

ning aining ts as nts as ports eports ngs. nings.

29, 2023) & 29, 2023)

AMOUNTS AMOUNTS CURRENT QUARTER PREVIOUS QUARTER CURRENT QUARTER PREVIOUS QUARTER 508,935,267.40 485,373,519.05 508,935,267.40 485,373,519.05 3,233,134,260.18 2,962,514,955.15 3,233,134,260.18 2,962,514,955.15 898,399,950.47 692,400,167.56 898,399,950.47 692,400,167.56 489,341,149.43 1,566,501,904.43 489,341,149.43 1,566,501,904.43 5,012,252,208.61 4,735,452,505.35 5,012,252,208.61 4,735,452,505.35 12,326,925,117.62 11,576,774,426.24 12,326,925,117.62 11,576,774,426.24 42,624,919,849.85 44,516,375,924.56 42,624,919,849.85 44,516,375,924.56 585,551,250.03 1,823,778,000.03 585,551,250.03 1,823,778,000.03 43,016,320,197.30 43,999,885,424.10 43,016,320,197.30 43,999,885,424.10 976,951,597.48 719,989,499.57 976,951,597.48 719,989,499.57 548,339,513.56 506,790,912.52 548,339,513.56 506,790,912.52 876,983,713.83 889,354,024.96 876,983,713.83 889,354,024.96 214,598,252.05 205,829,301.65 214,598,252.05 205,829,301.65 4,664,049,150.77 4,316,764,898.54 4,664,049,150.77 4,316,764,898.54 71,397,878,433.77 72,454,132,540.01 71,397,878,433.77 72,454,132,540.01

92,492,319.35 92,492,319.35 47,212,012,824.99 47,212,012,824.99 7,061,754,328.79 7,061,754,328.79 7,061,754,328.79 7,061,754,328.79 319,225,028.27 319,225,028.27 6,123,900,415.04 6,123,900,415.04 60,809,384,916.44 60,809,384,916.44

97,529,350.51 97,529,350.51 47,799,774,612.33 47,799,774,612.33 7,202,415,896.12 7,202,415,896.12 7,202,415,896.12 7,202,415,896.12 399,165,510.76 399,165,510.76 6,301,557,030.98 6,301,557,030.98 61,800,442,400.70 61,800,442,400.70

5,509,619,040.24 5,509,619,040.24 (529,138,369.62) (529,138,369.62) 5,608,012,846.71 5,608,012,846.71 10,588,493,517.33 10,588,493,517.33 71,397,878,433.77 71,397,878,433.77

5,508,689,857.81 5,508,689,857.81 (463,012,565.21) (463,012,565.21) 5,608,012,846.71 5,608,012,846.71 10,653,690,139.31 10,653,690,139.31 72,454,132,540.01 72,454,132,540.01

2,878,573,853.06 2,878,573,853.06 1,628,909,159.33 1,628,909,159.33 1,162,290,828.75 1,162,290,828.75 1,889,759,592.53 1,889,759,592.53 2,224,849,601.16 2,224,849,601.16 2,054,215,575.07 2,054,215,575.07 619,997,304.61 619,997,304.61 1,434,218,270.47 1,434,218,270.47 17,037,180,598.00 17,037,180,598.00 746,808,725.35 746,808,725.35 29,622,587,933.25 29,622,587,933.25

2,327,885,714.35 2,327,885,714.35 964,377,678.02 964,377,678.02 469,640,700.90 469,640,700.90 1,806,526,394.93 1,806,526,394.93 3,922,013,102.95 3,922,013,102.95 2,055,055,829.84 2,055,055,829.84 590,421,582.79 590,421,582.79 1,464,634,247.05 1,464,634,247.05 12,381,790,026.08 12,381,790,026.08 1,348,559,159.50 1,348,559,159.50 25,275,848,606.57 25,275,848,606.57

44,538,214,404.82 44,538,214,404.82 936,342,957.49 936,342,957.49 973,855,054.03 973,855,054.03 2.19% 2.19% 444,531,134.97 444,531,134.97 1.00% 1.00% 196.47% 196.47% 96.15% 96.15% 4,082,895,986.32 4,082,895,986.32 20,130,488.39 20,130,488.39 0.05% 0.05% 1.72% 1.72% 2.07% 2.07% 3.12% 3.12% 17.53% 17.53% 16.63% 16.63% 16.63% 16.63%

46,267,344,414.20 46,267,344,414.20 1,030,978,990.07 1,030,978,990.07 1,067,092,426.45 1,067,092,426.45 2.31% 2.31% 443,325,627.01 443,325,627.01 0.96% 0.96% 164.09% 164.09% 96.62% 96.62% 4,616,315,443.64 4,616,315,443.64 19,883,705.08 19,883,705.08 0.04% 0.04% 2.34% 2.34% 1.61% 1.61% 4.53% 4.53% 17.90% 17.90% 17.00% 17.00% 17.00% 17.00%

9,943,204,709.12 9,943,204,709.12 76,215,376,200.36 76,215,376,200.36 13.05% 13.05%

9,700,866,570.49 9,700,866,570.49 76,470,849,719.18 76,470,849,719.18 12.69% 12.69%

20,204,872,504.72 20,204,872,504.72 16,626,583,076.85 16,626,583,076.85 121.52% 121.52%

20,341,524,263.24 20,341,524,263.24 14,771,438,651.51 14,771,438,651.51 137.71% 137.71%

45,781,455,401.57 45,781,455,401.57 37,483,173,539.73 37,483,173,539.73 122.14% 122.14%

45,960,391,606.10 45,960,391,606.10 40,401,530,232.05 40,401,530,232.05 113.76% 113.76%

I/ We hereby certify that all matters set forth in this Published Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my I/ We hereby knowledge andcertify belief.that all matters set forth in this Published Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) ANDREW A. FALCON (Sgd.) OLIVER D. JIMENO (Sgd.) ANDREW A. FALCON (Sgd.) OLIVER JIMENO Chief Finance Officer President andD.CEO ChiefOver Finance Officer President and CEO (Signature Printed Name) (Signature Over Printed Name) (Signature Over Printed Name) (Signature Over Printed Name)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

Oil firm lauds gov’t efforts to assert rights over WPS

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A

N OIL and gas exploration company lauded the Marcos administration for asserting the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

TO TOALL ALLSTOCKHOLDERS: STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Please be informed that International, the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders NiHAO Mineral Resources Inc. (“NiHAO”) shall be heldof NiHAO Mineral Resources International, Inc. (“NiHAO”) be held and conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform onshall Thursday, and conducted2023, virtually via secure online on Thursday, 14 December at 10:00 a.m., for the meeting followingplatform purposes: 14 December 2023, at 10:00 a.m., for the following purposes: AGENDA1 1 AGENDA 1.

2.1.

3.2.

3.

Call to Order Call to Orderof Notice and Quorum Certification Certification of Minutes Notice and Quorum Approval of the of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 15 December 2022 on 15 December 2022 4. Management Report Management Report 5.4. Approval of Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial 5. Statements Approval offor Parent Company and31Consolidated Audited Financial the period ending December 2022 Statementsofforallthe period ending 31 December 2022 6. Ratification legal acts, resolutions and proceedings of the 6. Board Ratification of all legal resolutions and proceedings of the of Directors and acts, of Management, done in the ordinary Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 15 December 2023 up to 14 December course of business from 15 December 2023 up to 14 December 2023 2023 of Directors 7. Election Election of Directors 8.7. Appointment of External Auditors Appointment 9.8. Other Matters of External Auditors 9. Adjournment Other Matters 10.

10. Adjournment The record date for stockholders entitled to notice and vote at the TheStockholders’ record date Meeting for stockholders to notice Annual is set on entitled 27 October 2023. and vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is set on 27 October 2023.

The 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of NiHAO will be conducted The Stockholders 2023 Annual of Stockholders’ of NiHAO via willproxy, be conducted virtually.

Record mayMeeting attend/participate remote virtually.

Stockholders Record may attend/participate proxy, remote communication, or voteof in absentia.

For the detailed via registration and communication, or please vote in visit absentia.

For the detailed registration and and voting procedures, https://www.nihaominerals.com voting procedures, please visit https://www.nihaominerals.com and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy.” and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy.”

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via remote Stockholdersand who wish intoabsentia participate in the meeting via remote communication to vote should notify the Office of the communication and through to vote in absentia shouldtonotify the via Office of the Corporate Secretary a Letter of Intent be sent e-mail to Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail nihao.8888@yahoo.com on or before 24 November 2023. Validatedto nihao.8888@yahoo.com onaccess or before November stockholders will be provided to the24live streaming2023. of the Validated meeting stockholders provided access toontheorlive streaming of the meeting and can cast will theirbevotes in absentia before 1 December 2023 and canNiHAO’s cast their votesonline in absentia or before 1 December through secure voting on facility.

All votes cast shall2023 be throughtoNiHAO’s subject validation.secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation.

NiHAO is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable NiHAO not soliciting for proxies. whoAgenda are unable to join the is meeting but wish to vote Stockholders on items in the by to joinmust the submit meeting butduly wish to vote on items in thevia Agenda by proxy their accomplished proxy forms email to proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to nihao.8888@yahoo.com, not later than 4 December 2023. nihao.8888@yahoo.com, not later than 4 December 2023.

Stockholders of Record may send their inquiries and comments Stockholders of Record their inquiries andAgenda comments to the Management Reportmay andsend other items in the to to the Management Report other items in the Agenda to nihao.8888@yahoo.com on orand before 4 December 2023. nihao.8888@yahoo.com on or before 4 December 2023.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/ The(via Definitive Statement containing the attendance/ voting remote Information communication) and election procedures, along voting (via remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form with the Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, andNotice, other Agenda, information related to the Annual Stockholders’ 17-A, and information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting canother be accessed at http://www.nihaominerals.com and Meeting can be accessed at and at the disclosure made through http://www.nihaominerals.com the Electronic Disclosure Generation at the disclosure made through the Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology of the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE Edge”).

Technology of the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE Edge”).

Very truly yours, Very truly yours, (SGD) ARSENIO C.(SGD) CABRERA, JR. ARSENIO C. CABRERA, Corporate Secretary JR. Corporate Secretary (MS NOV. 28 & 29, 2023) (MS NOV. 28 & 29, 2023)

PXP Energy Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position on the WPS, which is also claimed by China and other Asian countries, would advance national interest.

“The President is doing an excellent job in asserting our rights over the disputed territory. That’s absolutely correct,” said.

He said China’s behavior in the WPS was “not helping the relationship.”

“The interest of the country should be paramount. In this particular case, the government is absolutely correct,” Pangilinan said.

The tension in the WPS halted exploration and development of oil and gas-rich areas west of Palawan province, including the Recto Bank being explored by a unit of PXP. Pangilinan said they had not engaged in talks with China or Chinese companies for a possible joint activity recently.

“No. We are not the government. That is being conducted at the government level. Our contact is commercial, CNOOC [China National Offshore Oil Corp.], and we haven’t spoken to them for more than a year,” he said.

PXP subsidiary Forum Energy Plc operates Service Contract 72 or the Recto Bank, while PXP operates SC 75. Both are under force majeure because of the ongoing geopolitical issues with China.

PXP and Forum Energy earlier said they would continue to coordinate with the government on the resumption of activities in both areas.

PXP said, however, it would continue to pursue exploration works on other projects in the Philippines, including SC 40 and SC 74.

The Department of Energy granted PXP’s request on March 29, 2023 to place SC 74 under a technical moratorium from Sept.

13, 2022 to Sept. 13, 2024.

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION. Aboitiz Equity Ventures chief reputation and sustainability officer Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar (center) receives the award from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the top female sustainability champion in the private sector. With her are (from left) SEC commissioner Mc Jill Bryant Fernandez, Philippine Stock Exchange chief operating officer Roel Refrean and Global Reporting Initiative country manager Ma. Katreena Pillejera. Hontiveros-Malvar highlighted the Aboitiz Group’s efforts in integrating sustainability across its portfolio of businesses, from power, banking, infrastructure and other business units.

ADB wants NAIA bidding deadline extended

By Darwin G. Amojelar

including large, credible international airport operators with no prior investment in the PhilAN ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) docu- ippines sought an extension.

The four groups reportedly asked for more ment recommended the extension of bid subtime to request and analyze additional informission for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Public-Private Partnership mation from the Manila International Airport Project by a month to give bidders more time Authority and DOTr because securing their internal corporate approvals could take longer in to prepare and submit bids.

The document shows that the ADB, which light of the upcoming holiday season.

The ADB document said that if the bid date serves as the transaction advisor on the of Dec. 27, 2023 would be retained, only two NAIA PPP Project, pushed for the extension of the deadline from Dec. 27, 2023 to Jan. prospective bidderslarge local corporations— 29, 2024 which it said would result in more would be able to submit bids because both competition and a better financial outcome for of them previously submitted unsolicited proposals for NAIA and were significantly the government.

It would also provide concrete evidence of more familiar with the project compared to the government’s commitment to encourage other four prospective bidders.

It said extending the bid submission date new players, and foreign investment in Philipwould attract more bids, resulting in greater pine public-private partnerships, without causing undue delay to NAIA’s modernization and competition and a better financial outcome for the government. the PPP program, according the document.

CYANtoMAGENTA YELLOW BLACK This is because the winning MAGENTA YELLOW bidderBLACK would have bested robust competition The Department ofCYAN Transportation earlier from a larger number of bidders, giving the identified six prospective bidders participating actively in pre-bid activities, and four of them public further assurance that the concession was awarded to the best possible bidder.

LODESTAR INVESTMENT HOLDINGS CORPORATION 7th Floor Peaksun Building Princeton cor. Shaw Boulevard, Wack-Wack Mandaluyong City

NOTICE NOTICEOF OFANNUAL ANNUALSTOCKHOLDERS’ STOCKHOLDERS’MEETING MEETING

r 16, er 16,

orate porate

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila Manila

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Please beRESOURCES informed that the Annual INC. Stockholders’ Meeting GEOGRACE PHILIPPINES, (“GEOGRACE”) shallof GEOGRACE RESOURCES PHILIPPINES, shall be held on Thursday, 14 December 2023, atINC. 2:00 (“GEOGRACE”) p.m. and conducted be heldremote on Thursday, 14 December 2023, at 2:00 p.m.platform and conducted through communication via secure online meeting for the through remote communication via secure online meeting platform for the following purposes: following purposes:

AG E N D A

AG E N D A 1.

Call to Order Call to Orderof Notice and Quorum 2.1. Certification Certification of Minutes Notice and Quorum 3.2. Approval of the of the Annual Stockholders’ 3. Meeting Approvalheld of the of the2022 Annual Stockholders’ on Minutes 15 December Meeting heldofon December 2022 4.

Amendment the15Articles of Incorporation and By 4. Laws Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws 4.1. Change of Principal Office Address to 1505 4.1. Princeton Change ofStreet Principal Office Address to 1505 corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Princeton Street cornerEast, ShawMandaluyong Boulevard, Barangay Wack-Wack, Greenhills City Wack-Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City 5.

Management Report 5.

Management Report 6.

Approval of the Parent Company and Consolidated 6. Audited Approval of the Parent Company Financial Statements as ofand 31 Consolidated December Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022 2022 7.

Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and 7. proceedings Ratification of acts, resolutions, of all thelegal Board of Directors andand of proceedings the Board of Directors andofofbusiness Management,of done in the ordinary course CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Management, done in the ordinary course of business CYAN YELLOW BLACK from 15 December 2022MAGENTA to 14 December 2023 from 15 of December 8.

Election Directors2022 to 14 December 2023 8.

Election of Directors 9.

Appointment of External Auditor 9. Other Appointment 10.

Matters of External Auditor 10.

Other Matters 11. Adjournment 11. Adjournment The Board of Directors of GEOGRACE has fixed the RECORD DATE The Board ofentitled Directors of GEOGRACE fixed to thebeRECORD DATE for stockholders to vote at this annualhas meeting on 27 October for stockholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be on 27 October 2023.

2023.

The 2023 Annual Stockholders‘ Meeting of GEOGRACE will be conducted The 2023 Annual Stockholders‘ Meeting of GEOGRACE willproxy, be conducted virtually.

Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via remote virtually.

Stockholders of absentia.

Record may via proxy, communication or vote in For attend/participate the detailed registration and remote voting communication or vote in absentia.

For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://geograceholdings.com/ and refer to the procedures, please visit https://geograceholdings.com/ and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting “Guidelines for through Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and Proxy”. in Absentia and through Proxy”.

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote Stockholdersand whotowish in the meeting communication votetoinparticipate absentia should notify thethrough Office remote of the communication and through to vote in absentia shouldtonotify the via Office of the Corporate Secretary a Letter of Intent be sent e-mail to Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail g.geograce@yahoo.com on or before 6 December 2023. Validatedto g.geograce@yahoo.com on or before 6 December 2023.

Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting stockholders provided access to streaming of the meeting and can cast will theirbevotes in absentia onthe or live before 13 December 2023 and canGEOGRACE’s cast their votes in absentia on or before December through secure online voting facility.

All 13 votes cast shall2023 be through GEOGRACE’s secure online voting facility.

All votes cast shall be subject to validation. subject to validation.

GEOGRACE is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable GEOGRACE is but not wish soliciting for on proxies. are unable to join the meeting to vote items Stockholders in the agendawho by proxy must to join the but wish to vote on forms items in agenda by proxy must submit theirmeeting duly accomplished proxy viathe email to g.geograce@ submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to g.geograce@ yahoo.com, not later than 13 December 2023. yahoo.com, not later than 13 December 2023.

Stockholders of Record may send their queries and comments to the Stockholders of Record may send queries andtocomments to the Management Report and other items their in the Agenda g.geograce@ Management and items 2023. in the Agenda to g.geograce@ yahoo.com on Report or before 13 other December yahoo.com on or before 13 December 2023.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/voting The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/voting (through remote communication) and election procedures, along with the (through remoteProxy, communication) andReport, electionSEC procedures, along the Notice, Agenda, Management Form 17-A, andwith other Notice, Agenda, Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information relatedProxy, to theManagement Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed atinformation https://geograceholdings.com/. at https://geograceholdings.com/.

Very truly yours, Very truly yours, Original signed Original signed JR. ARSENIO C. CABRERA, ARSENIO C. CABRERA, Corporate Secretary JR. Corporate Secretary (MS NOV. 28 & 29, 2023) (MS NOV. 28 & 29, 2023)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Lodestar Investment Holdings Corporation (“Lodestar”) shall be held and conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform on Friday, 15 December 2023, at 2:00 P.M., for the following purposes: AGENDA 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Call to Order.

Determination of Quorum.

Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Stockholders Annual Meeting of December 16, 2022.

Approval of the 2022 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statement.

Ratification of the Acts, Resolutions and Proceeding of the Board of Directors, Corporate Officers, and Management from December 16, 2022 to December 14, 2023.

Election of the Board of Directors and Independent Directors.

Appointment of Independent Auditors.

Other business as may properly be brought the meeting and open forum.

Adjournment.

The record date for stockholders entitled to notice and vote at the Annual Stockholders Meeting was set on September 29, 2023.

For the safety and convenience of participants, the 2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Lodestar will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication, or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://www.lodestarholdings.com.ph and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy.”

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to ilodestar@yahoo.com on or before December 8, 2023. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before December 9, 2022 through Lodestar’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation.

Lodestar is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the Agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to ilodestar@yahoo.com, not later than December 8, 2023.

Stockholders of Record may send their inquiries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to ilodestar@yahoo.com on or before December 8, 2023.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/voting (via remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at https://www.lodestarholdings.com.ph Atty. Arlene M. Wilkerson Corporate Secretary

(MS-NOV. 28 & 29, 2023)

DIZON COPPER-SILVER MINES, INC. ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Dizon CopperSilver Mines, Inc. (DCSMI) will be conducted virtually via ZOOM Platform and, if circumstances allow, will be held at the 7th Floor, Peaksun Building, 1505 Princeton Street, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila on December 15, 2023 (Friday) at 10:00 AM with the following: AGENDA 1.

2.

3.

Call to Order.

Determination of Quorum.

Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Stockholders’ Annual Meeting of December 16, 2022.

4. Annual Report and Approval of 2022 Audited Financial Statement.

5. Ratification of the Acts, Resolutions and Proceeding of the Board of Directors, Corporate Officers and Management from December 16, 2022 to December 14, 2023.

6. Approval of the sale of a property in Subic, Zambales 7. Election of the Board of Directors and Independent Directors.

8. Appointment of External Auditor.

9. Other business as may properly be brought the meeting and open forum.

10. Adjournment.

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 29, 2023 are entitled to notice and vote at this meeting. The meeting will be held online due to the on-going quarantine via Zoom platform. Those stockholders interested to join the meeting must send their email to our the Company’s email address: dcsmines@yahoo.com or the Corporate Secretary’s email address: fvgustilo@yahoo.com no later than December 8, 2023 to receive the confirmation of their registration, Zoom ID and password.

If a physical meeting will be allowed, the stockholders must bring some form of identification such as passport, driver’s license, or company I.D. in order to facilitate registration which will start at 9:00 AM. Any stockholder who does not expect to attend the meeting in person and desires to be represented may send your duly accomplished proxy form to the Corporate Secretary, 7th Floor, Peaksun Building, 1505 Princeton Street, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila for validation on or before December 8, 2023. Only proxy forms submitted on time will be validated.

Only those registered stockholders and confirmed at the above-mentioned email address shall be allowed into the online meeting.

A copy of the Annual Report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 containing the Information and Financial Statements for the year 2022 and the Interim Financial Statements as of September 30, 2023 accompanies this notice. The Information Statement; Management Reports (SEC Form 17-A) and other pertinent documents can be found on our website: https://dizminings. com/ and PSE EDGE portal via https://edge.pse.com.ph https://edge.pse.com.ph.

For more information, contact the Corporate Secretary at Tel. No. 8856-2011.

ATTY. FRANCIS V. GUSTILO Corporate Secretary

(MS-NOV. 28 & 29, 2023)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

C1

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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

Triple Giga crowned 3x3 kings

Ping Exciminiano screams in delight as TNT capped an amazing PBA 3x3 Second Conference campaign by topping the grand finals for a record sixth straight time,

Archers vow to give Maroons good fight in UAAP cage finals

By Peter Atencio

T

HE University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will carry with them the experience of three finals’ appearances when they meet the La Salle Green Archers in Game 1 of the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The Green Archers will be back after six years in a finals’ scenario featuring two teams which have not been together in a championship setting before.

“We have an opportunity now, and that’s why we want to make sure that we will take care of that opportunity and not just roll down and just die swinging. We’re just gonna give a good fight against UP,” said La Salle coach Topex Robinson, who steered Lyceum

of the Philippines to back-to-back finals appearances in NCAA Seasons 93 and 94 (2017 and 2018).

With the two squads getting together in unchartered waters, the one which pulls through with the challenges in their 6 p.m. clash at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday will gain the momentum to possibly win their bestof-three finals series in their encounter on Dec. 6.

Jovan Medallo

UP will sport a five-game winning streak — including a 57-46 romp of defending champion Ateneo last Saturday to advance to the finals.

Meanwhile, La Salle has yet to taste defeat since a 67-64 loss to UP, riding a season-high nine-game winning streak — capped by a masterful 97-73 rout of National U also last Saturday.

“For us, it’s a matter of taking advantage of what we built through the years. ‘Yung pagpiga namin sa kakayahan ng team. Coach Gold (Goldwin Monteverde) says it’s always a process. It’s never about the result,” said UP’s assistant coach Christian Luanzon.

For the Maroons, they will be bracing themselves for a new championship environment, after having made it to the finals since 2021 when they

Games Wednesday (SM Mall of Asia Arena) 8 a.m. - ADU vs Ateneo (boys) 10 a.m. - UST vs UPIS (boys’) 12 p.m. - NU vs UST (women’s finals) 6 p.m. - UP vs DLSU (men’s finals)

took their second crown in 35 years with an overtime win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 72-69.

The Fighting Maroons also went to the finals with the Blue Eagles in 2018, but were swept by Ateneo back then in their title showdown.

La Salle has confronted different challengers outside of UP in past championships, after 16 past finals appearances.

The Fighting Maroons have been in four finals; stints, three of them against the Blue Eagles.

PH bets bag silver, bronze in world vovinam tourney

By Randy Caluag EMMANUAL Cantores bagged a silver in combat vovinam, while forms event specialist Jovan Medallo took the bronze in the men’s Sun-Moon Broadsword late Monday in the 7th WVVF World Vovinam Championships in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Cantores defeated three rivals on the way to the finals, but lost to a more superior opponent in Vinh Truong of host Vietnam, 1-6, in the battle for gold in the Men’s Fighting -60 kg.

Medallo, a Cebuano multi-medalist in forms competitions, placed third in the event to repeat his bronze-medal finish in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games last May. Medallo’s first major victory was when he captured the country’s first gold medal in the

Asian Kickboxing Championship by ruling the senior men’s musical forms with weapons to bring home the gold medal.

The silver and bronze medals in the world tourney of vovinam, a young combat sport that originated in Vietnam, came a day after the Philippines bagged its first gold medal in the sport’s world championship courtesy of Hergie Bacyadan.

Bacyadan almost nailed the gold in the Cambodia SEA Games, no thanks to a controversial decision after her final match with a Vietnamese foe ended in a draw and was settled by a raffle.

Vovinam, which originated from Vietnam, is a combat sport, with elements from different martial arts, like kicks from tae kwon do, grapples from hop kido, and throws from Judo.

Dreaming of change, Esteban hopes she’s last national athlete to switch nationalities FILIPINO-IVORIAN fencer Maxine Esteban said she looks forward to the day that no national athlete hoping to bring honor to the country will have to chase their dreams elsewhere.

“I hope I will be the last,” said the highest-ranked Philippine-born fencer in the world, who finally opened up on the circumstances that led to her switching her allegiance to Cote d’Ivoire.

“Napakasakit po. Sobra akong nabastos,” Esteban told Power and Play over the weekend. “My prayer and hope is that whatever happened to me would never happen to any Filipino athlete. What [my federation] did to me was extremely hurtful, unfair, and disrespectful.”

TNT capped an amazing PBA 3x3 Second Conference campaign by topping the grand finals for a record sixth straight time on Monday night at the Ayala Malls Trinoma.

Almond Vosotros was again the man of the hour for the Triple Giga, nailing the game-winning deuce in a 2120 overtime thriller against the hardfighting Meralco Bolts to extend their dominance in the three-a-side game.

The 33-year-old Vosotros topscored with nine points and delivered just in time to thwart what had been the most serious threat to TNT’s championship reign.

The Bolts twice came close to upending the defending champions, but couldn’t deliver when it mattered most as Jeff Manday, Raymar Caduyac, and Alfred Batino all missed out on potential game-winning baskets both in regulation and in overtime.

“Tiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa, na hanggang hindi nakaka-shoot ‘yung kalaban, babalik sa amin ang bola at may tsansa kaming manalo pa,” said Ping Exciminiano of the win worth P750,000.

Gryann Mendoza finished with six points and Exciminiano and Chester Saldua combined for another six points for the Triple Giga of coach Mau Belen.

It was the sixth straight conference championship for the telecommunication franchise dating back to the Third Conference of Season 1, and moved the team on the cusp of repeating its grand slam feat from last season.

Likewise, it was the perfect finishing touch to a dominant drive that saw the Triple Giga win five of the six legs at stake.

The Bolts copped the P250,000 runner up purse, with Manday leading the charge with seven points and Caduyac adding six.

The top two seeded teams arranged the title match by closing out their respective semifinal opponents. TNT plastered Pioneer Elastoseal, 21-13, while the Bolts hammered out a 22-16 win over Cavitex Braves.

In the battle for third and the P100,000 prize money, the Elastoseal edged out the Braves, 16-15.

Esteban said things started to sour when she got injured while representing the Philippines in the World Championship in Egypt in July last year.

The eight-time national champion and the only Filipino fencer World Cup multi-medalist tore her ACL, which required a six-month rehabilitation program. Esteban said that upon learning the extent of her injury, she immediately wrote the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) requesting that she be excused from the national and international events of the qualifiers.

The PFA, Esteban said, wrote back and excused her.

“In other countries, you don’t

need to do that,” Esteban said. “You are excused and your ranking stays while you recover because that is the least that they can do to show their appreciation for your service and sacrifices.”

To her surprise, she was informed by fellow fencers that when the list of national athletes was posted, she was no longer part of the team. Esteban said the PFA did not even inform her of the decision.

The world No. 39 then sought an audience with the PFA board to clarify the situation, attaching the federation’s response to her excuse letter— to no avail.

Esteban denied leaving the country due to rich offers from abroad, saying

Maxine Esteban receives pointers from renowned fencing coach, Italian Andrea Magro.

“first of all, I did not turn my back on my country. I turned my back on my federation because it turned its back on me first.”

Paolo Hernandez

NCAA: Cardinals rip CSB Blazers WARREN Bonifacio steered Mapua in the final minute, as his two charities in the last 1:04 gave his squad enough room to post a 78-67 triumph over the College of St. Benilde Blazers on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Bonifacio’s basket handed the Cardinals an eight-point, 75-67 edge in the remaining time and this helped push them to the bestof-three finals of the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Paolo Hernandez led with 22 points for the twice-to-beat Cardinals, who entered their Final Four playoffs with the Blazers as the topseeded squad.

“Sa ganda ng nilaro ng Benilde, alam namin na hindi ibibigay sa amin ito,” said Cardinals’ coach Randy Alcantara as Mapua returned to the finals after a season-long absence.

Bonifacio’s imposing presence got felt by the Blazers during an 11-2 run, which saw Mapua moving away from a 64-65 deficit, and ahead by eight when their final assault was over.

The fourth-seeded Blazers, behind Miguel Oczon with 17 points and rebounds, missed the finals after losing the crown to the Letran Knights last year. Peter Atencio

C2

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

World Beach Pro Tour PH leg in Nuvali draws world’s best

O

LYMPIC and world champions and top-ranked athletes take centerstage in the Philippine leg of the prestigious Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge that starts with the qualifiers on Thursday on five world-class sand courts in Nuvali in Santa Rosa City.

Reigning champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum of Norway banner the cast in the loaded men’s division of the four-day competition that drew representatives from over 30 countries.

Mol and Sorum, gold medalists at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and FIVB 2022 Beach Volleyball World Championships, won the inaugural BPT Challenge season last year in Doha, Qatar.

That should be enough for the Norwegians to loom as the heavy title favorites in men’s play of the competitions hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Tickets are available at vw.ticketmax.ph pegged at P100 for morning sessions and P200 for afternoon sessions. Tickets will also be available onsite starting Thursday.

The Mol-Sorum tandem will face a bevy of challengers led by top-ranked players from Sweden, the Czech Republic, United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Poland and the Netherlands— which are all in the top 10 of the latest world beach volleyball rankings.

Mol and Sorum are already seeded in the 16team main draw that also includes home bets Ran Abdilla and Jaron Requinton with eight more teams coming from the qualifications featuring 32 hopefuls.

James Buytrago and Rancel Varga as well as Anthony Arbasto and Alche Gupiteo will carry the flag in the qualifiers of the tournament that

caps the PNVF’s busy 2023 calendar and supported by gold sponsors Ayala Land, Mikasa, Senoh, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay In Action and Smart as gold sponsors and PLDT, Gatorade, Maynilad, Rebisco, Ayala Malls, Department of Tourism, CBPI, Club Laiya, Foton as bronze sponsors.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng of the United States as well as top-ranked and world champions Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) and Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil are out of the cast this time, but the women’s bets are still not lacking in stars.

World No. 7 Barbara Seixas and Carol Solberg of Brazil with world No. 9 Chen Xue and Xinyi Xia of China spearhead the main draw of the women’s team with hopes of capturing their own moments this time.

Also in the 16-team main draw are Filipina spikers Jen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez, while Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella will vie in the 32-team qualifiers, where eight more teams will advance.

Japanese Olympian Miki Ishi and partner Akiko Hasegawa, who’ll turn 38 Thursday, have already tested the five-court Nuvali Sand Courts.

Stalwarts from Australia, Switzerland, France, England, Portugal, China, Chile, Austria, Lithuania, Estonia, Switzerland, Oman, Thailand, Latvia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Turkey, Gambia, Morocco, Malaysia, Finland, Slovenia, Ukraine and Slovakia are also in the fray.

Olympian Miki Ishi and partner Akiko Hasegawa of Japan test the Nuvali Sand Courts.

29th Defense/Sporting Arms Show set Dec. 7 to 11 THE second edition of the 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show, organized by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD), will take place from December 7 to 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The event is the country’s longest-running arms’ show and will feature a wide range of top-of-the-line local and imported firearms, optics, sporting goods, and accessories. The event is open to the public, gun enthusiasts, hobbyists and sportsmen.

After a successful first edition at its new home, the show’s members and exhibitors are anticipating heavy participation, under the leadership of Aric Topacio and Edwin Año.

“We’re happy to be back. With a huge turnout of visitors in the first edition last May, our members particularly the major players in the industry are so eager and enthusiastic to participate and put on display their products,” said Topacio during the launch on Tuesday at the Milkyway Restaurant in Makati City.

AFAD is eager to give visitors an unforgettable lifetime experience, with officials stating that it is no longer an association of gun manufacturers and importers, but an active organization of sportsmen, responsible gun owners and a moving force for the continuing progress in the industry.

The arms show has been the leading firearms’ industry hub for almost three decades, providing opportunities for gun enthusiasts, law enforcement, collectors, and industry professionals to learn about

President’s Golf Cup launched to support priority projects

Shown here are (from left )AFAD president Aric Topacio, his brother Hagen, World Shoot medalist Grace Tan, Jane Roxas and Edwin Año.

the latest products, innovations, and technology.

In the opening ceremony set at 10 a.m., top officials from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and relevant agencies will be among the guests.

In addition to the usual product display, promotional program and activities on renewing licenses and applications for newly registered gun owners,

visitors will have the chance to participate in an open discussion about self-defense, firearms’ safety handling, security, responsible gun ownership, and regulation policies.

AFAD’s unwavering passion and commitment is to educate the public on responsible gun ownership, safety, and security.

Topacio added that they are proud to say that for

Bolts parade Lofton in EASL game vs Lin, Taipei Kings MERALCO plays its second game in the EASL Home and Away Season with a better equipped roster.

The Bolts parade new reinforcement Zach Lofton to team up with big man Prince Ibeh when they go up against the New Taipei Kings Wednesday night at the New Taipei Xinzhuang gymnasium.

The 7 p.m. match will be the debut of the 31-yearold Lofton, who had a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons, as he tries to bolster a Meralco side that will still be without injured Allein Maliksi.

But good thing, the team welcomed back guard Chris

Members of the Solid North Transit Team namely, Ariel Monteiro, Boyet del Rosario, team captain Mon Cabrera, Jaime Chua, Rhodel Rivera and Roly Esteban

Banchero after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old Fil-Italian scored 18 points and was 3-of-5 from three-point range in the team’s 10995 win over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Bolts played with only Ibeh as sole import in an 89-61 loss to reigning B. League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings during their EASL debut two weeks ago at the Okinawa Arena in Japan.

Current import Suleiman Braimoh couldn’t accompany Meralco again as the team plays on the road for the second straight time owing to visa issues.

Truly, Meralco needs all the help it can get as it will be up against an opponent that boasts of former NBA player Jeremy Lin and younger brother Joseph Lin. The Taipei Kings also have in their roster imports Kenny Manigault and Christian Anigwe, naturalized player Quincy Davis, and former Bay Area Dragons gunner Hayden Blankley.

The Lin brothers, Manigault, and Anigwe did most of the damage as the team ran away with a 9072 win over the Seoul SK Knights at home for their first ever win in the regional tournament.

THE University of the Philippines Alumni Association will host the inaugural UPAA President’s Golf Cup on December 14, 2023 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

UPAA president and UP Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton said the golf tournament is a unique opportunity for UP alumni and friends to come together for a day of fun and camaraderie, while supporting a worthy cause.

Tournament fee is P8,000 inclusive of green fee, cart sharing, food, and raffle prizes. The proceeds from the tournament will help the UPAA achieve its goal of providing more opportunities for UP graduates to succeed in their careers and contribute to the betterment of the country.

With its theme “Pumapalo Para sa Bayan,” this golf tournament is among the fundraising events of the current UPAA Board of Directors to support its priority projects under its flagship program 4Es CONNECT. 4Es stands for Experiential Education towards Employment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, which will be achieved through CONNECT: CCollaboration and Networking; O- Organizing Job Fairs and Recruitment Events; N- Nurturing through Mentorship Programs; N- Nurturing Skills Development and Training Programs; EEstablishing Industry Partnerships; C- Cultivating Entrepreneurship Support; T- Transformative Advocacy and Policy Recommendations.

Among the specific projects under the 4Es CONNECT which this tournament shall fund include the relaunching the UPAA Website; revival of the Botika ng Alumni; creating internship and job search platforms; and invigorating existing scholarship programs.

Camp John Hay Golf Club-1 nears Fil-A title BAGUIO—With a 31-point advantage and 18 holes left, Camp John Hay Golf Club-1 has a strong lock-for the title in Fil-A division after pulling away after in the third round of the 73rd Januarius FilAm Golf Invitational seniors’ competition in the City of Pines on Tuesday.

Dr. Bayani Tecson used his course knowledge to the hilt and finished with an 8-over 69, worth 28 points at Baguio Country Club and got ample support from Villamor Bumanglag (25), John Marasigan (22) and Dai Tsuchiya (22) for 97 and 318 total.

Down by 15 in the first 36 holes, Silicon Valley Golfers Link-1 (287) failed to chop off some of the lead and its players could only produce an 81 on the 27 of Ramon Ocampo, 21 of Cesar Cabang, 20 of Henry Amador and 13 of Ed Cabanayan.

CJHGC could make it a double celebration as its squad continues to dominate the Am-A division. Pol Mayos (27), Manny Solis (27), Charles Baguilat (24) and Marciano Garcia (22) accounted for the team’s 100 and 267 at the CJH course.

Rudy Lockey sparkled for 30 markers to pace Baguio Blue Bloods Seniors (106-256), but his teammates Won San Moon, Materno Luspian and former Mayor Mauricio Domogan would need to step up big in the hopes of turning things around.

Over at the CJH course, MCG-Mimosa 210 (98-112) was ahead by three over Baguio Country Club-I 207 (10899) in the Fil-B division. A1-MGC 162 (80-82) extended its lead to 14 in the Am side against Team MelbourneAustralia 148 (67-81).

C3

SHOWBIZ Gen Z’s rising rockstar Lesha

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

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

sets bold tone with empowering anthem

R

ISING rockstar Lesha has just released another surefire hit single titled “no heart.” Expect this new track to offer fresh spins, as coming from the fearless singer-songwriter Lesha, it’s no doubt she’s going to dish out a different kind of vibe. “no heart” is an anthem of empowerment and resilience, where the act of dancing symbolizes the ability to move forward and embrace life with a fearless heart. It embodies the essence of danceable dark pop with its combination of catchy beats and lyrics about self-discovery, and unapologetically being oneself.

Lesha is very enthusiastic about this song’s debut. She shares, “I’m really excited for this one because of how different it is from my last release, ‘GO TO HELL!!!’ This track is leaning more into the dark dance pop side – a genre I’m well known for. I can’t wait to perform this song live soon!”

One can indeed say that “no heart” is quite different from her previous tracks.

For one, it’s a very bouncy danceable anthem. It’s the track you listen to when you want to boost your energy and confidence. Lesha has also incorporated different vocal chops into the song’s production, working with her USbased producer De’La and LA-based songwriter Krizia Carbonell.

“I wrote this song with LA-based songwriter Krizia Carbonell, and I remember us just coming up with the concept of empowerment and not caring about what anyone else thinks,

in reference to the ‘dancing with no heart’ line. While the line ‘glowing in the dark’ metaphorically symbolizes just me being an untouchable magical force, or in general as someone who possesses power,” Lesha emphasizes.

It has always been her trademark to share her feelings and innermost thoughts in all her songs. For “no heart,” the lyrics express her own imperfections in the context of a troubled relationship. Her selfrealization led her to make amends, realizing she wasn’t as bad as she was made to believe. While the idea of ‘dancing’ as symbolism used in the song reflects a sense of liberation or living without holding back, and just allowing herself to have control over how she moves through life.

Lesha can only attest to how “no heart” has made a great impact on her life. “It’s a song that I wrote about a phase in my life where I finally decided to move on and not care about what anyone thought of me.”

The year is almost ending, but Lesha remains unstoppable in her pace, moving forward and achieving a whole lot more. “For now, I’m focusing on my upcoming plans for next year as we prepare to drop more

Lesha’s new single ‘no heart’ delves into the concept of empowerment

singles, and hopefully, I get to perform all my new songs live soon too!”

As a true believer in manifestation, Lesha shares what’s on her mind lately and what she’s manifesting to happen

sooner than you think.

“A lot of my fans would agree with me on this, but I honestly can’t wait to drop another unreleased song of mine called ‘Skin2Skin.’ It’s also produced

by De’La and written by me in LA last

Taylor Swift embodies Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year MERRIAM-WEBSTER’S dictionary says pop star Taylor Swift is closely associated with the quality of being ‘authentic,’ its word of the year for 2023.

In an age where forces from AI to Donald Trump have left Americans doubting the truth, US dictionary Merriam-Webster says that 2023’s most looked-up word was “authentic.”

The venerable publisher, whose dictionary is especially popular online, said the trend was driven by people reading and talking about artificial intelligence, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.

“Authentic” beat out other contenders such as “deepfake,” “rizz” (young-people speak for charisma), and “coronation” for honors as the word that most often sent people to the dictionary.

“Authentic” has several shades of meaning including “not false or imitation,” and “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character,” Merriam-Webster said.

“Although clearly a desirable quality, authentic is hard to define and subject to debate – two reasons it sends many people to the dictionary,” the publisher said in a news release.

It noted that celebrities such as Taylor Swift talked this year about their interest in seeking an authentic voice or self.

“What makes Swift a cultural phenomenon is not only her musical prowess and versatility but the trademark authenticity she

Francine Diaz teams up with Jamie Rivera for uplifting track

puts on each note and verse,” Forbes magazine said in an article published in October.

This was Merriam-Webster’s 20th year of picking one of the half-million words it defines online as the one getting searched most often.

Last year’s was “gaslighting” – emotional abuse that makes people question themselves.

In 2021, as the coronavirus pandemic raged, it was “vaccine.” AFP

American singersongwriter Taylor Swift

year. I’ve been performing it at all my live shows this year, and it organically built its own fanbase on social media! So, wait for it!”

Listen to “no heart” on Lesha’s Spotify. Check out other social media platforms – Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok – for more updates.

Francine Diaz shares that she is set to have a collaboration with a Korean artist before the year ends

By Angelica Villanueva YOUNG actress Francine Diaz has joined forces with OPM (Original Pilipino Music) icon JJamie Rivera for the release of the song “Faith, Hope and Love”. This collaboration marks Francine’s foray into the music industry, adding another dimension to her blooming career.

The song, released under the Inspire Music label headed

by Rivera, carries a powerful message of peace and positivity.

It also features the talents of male singers KD Estrada and Jed Madela Madela.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to be

part of this meaningful project, Diaz shared her sentiments during a recent press conference.

“It’s both exciting and nervewracking because I’m afraid that people might expect me to be a good singer just because I’m part of ‘Faith, Hope and Love.’ But that’s not the case, I’m still learning and improving,” she shared.

The young actress also admitted to having doubts about pursuing a career in music, but the invitation to join this project solidified her desire to explore this new path.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to fully enter the music industry just yet. But this isn’t just an opportunity for me, it’s also a blessing,” said Francine.

“As someone who’s really a not singer, Ms. Jamie trusted me to be part of ‘Faith, Hope, and Love.’ I’m sure that when I’m ready, I’ll take the chance to enter the music industry. But for now, I’m keeping my doors open to new possibilities,” she stated.

Working with the inspirational singer, Francine was asked what made her say to sing a track under Inspire Music.

“It’s Ms. Jamie, how could I say no? Of course, I would give it a try.

I also told myself that this is once in a lifetime, it might not happen again when I get older or if I say no, I might never really experience it at all. So,

even though I am full of worries and fears, I still said yes,” she added.

The Fractured lead star also revealed how Jamie’s music had been a part of her childhood.

“I’ve been listening to Ms. Jamie’s songs since I was a kid. I even make it a habit to listen to her music every morning. So, when I heard that she was producing a song and I was part of it, I was overwhelmed with joy and surprise,” Francine continued.

The 19-year-old Kapamilya star also revealed that she is set to have collaboration with a Korean artist.

“It’s like an English version of a Korean song. But that’s all I can say for now. But we might start maybe this month or next month. We might do the shoot of the music video in Korea and then in the Philippines,” shared Francine.

On the other hand, Jamie, the driving force behind Inspire Music, shared how she envisions the label as a platform to inspire individuals from all walks of life through the power of music.

“Inspire Music is about inspiring people from all walks of life, to be inspired by the melody, by the lyrics, by the music,” she explained.

Inspire Music is set to release more inspirational tracks from Kapamilya singers Angela Ken, Fana, Fabio Santos, and Imogen.

ABS-CBN journalists earn local, international recognition for excellence in their craft

From left: ABS-CBN journalists Dennis Datu, Mike Navallo, Karen Davila, Jervis Manahan, and Jacque Manabat

FIVE prominent ABS-CBN journalists, Karen Davila, Mike Navallo, Dennis Datu, Jervis Manahan, and Jacque Manabat, received recognition from both local award-giving bodies and international agencies for their exceptional contributions to journalism.

Karen Davila, anchor of TV Patrol and ANC Headstart, achieved the distinction of being appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines by UN Women. Her role

involves amplifying critical issues, inspiring change, and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Mike Navallo is honored with the prestigious Jaime V. Ongpin (JVO) Award of Distinction from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), while Dennis Datu earns the title of TV Reporter of the Year from the Manila Overseas Press Club at the inaugural MOPC Bell of Freedom and Excellence Award.

Jervis Manahan’s investigative

work was recognized with the Best Online Story award at the 16th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards for his special report, “The Onion Story,” shedding light on the challenges faced by onion farmers in the country.

Jacque Manabat, the sole Filipino journalist invited, represents ABSCBN at the World Creator Festival in South Korea. The event celebrated individuals who shape how netizens consume media and information.

C4

LIFE

ON DISPLAY.

The finished artworks of live painting contestants

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer From left: Art Warrior Live Painting Competition winner Adrian Nelson Ibesate, Crimson Boracay’s General Manager Patrick Manthe, and runner-up placer Jenny Lyn Patricio

RIMSON Resort & Spa recently kicked off the holiday season with a festive Filipino-themed event that not only lit up their Christmas tree but also set the stage for one of the most vibrant art showdowns on the island – the Art Warrior Live Painting Competition. This clash of creativity took place on November 11, offering a visual feast and free entertainment for the island resort’s guests and visitors.

C

The brainchild of Crimson Boracay’s General Manager, Patrick Manthe, the Art Warrior Live Painting Competition brought together talented artists who transformed blank canvases into masterpieces within a mere 20 minutes.

The event showcased a diverse range of artistic styles, from serene portraits to abstract masterpieces, all created under the pressure of the ticking clock.

The winners were determined by the audience attending the event, adding an interactive and engaging element to the competition. Tattoo artist Adrian Nelson Ibesate emerged victorious, captivating the crowd with his depiction of the “woman who cannot be seen or heard.”

Meanwhile, Jenny Lyn Patricio secured the runner-up position with her interactive blue light painting titled “Dare to Dream.”

The competition featured two elimination rounds, with the top two artists from each round advancing to the final showdown. The finalists presented a captivating array of artwork, including a serene lady adorned with flowers, an abstract masterpiece, a powerful “make love not war” statement, and a striking black and white portrait with vibrant colored highlights.

Other artists showcased remarkable

talent with works featuring guitar player and chimpanzee paintings.

“We’re deeply connected with the local artistic community, actively supporting and fostering the growth of artists. We want them to continually evolve and thrive, ensuring there’s always a platform for them to showcase their artistic creations,” Manthe told Manila Standard Life in an interview.

Art enthusiasts and island visitors alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for December 16 when Crimson Boracay will host the grand finale of the 2023 Art Warrior event. The finale will feature the previous winners and runners-up from this year’s competitions, promising an unforgettable display of artistic prowess.

The success of the Art Warrior event suggests that it deserves to be expanded across all Crimson hotels in 2024. Such initiatives serve as exceptional platforms to discover new artistic talent, foster a deeper appreciation for art, and create a sense of community engagement.

Crimson Boracay’s commitment to community extends beyond the Art Warrior event. Manthe highlighted the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, which involves training 10 to 15 students with certain skill levels.

After 10 weeks of training, there is an exhibition where the students present their works, and all proceeds go to them. This initiative not only supports local youth but also contributes to the flourishing

Crimson Resort & Spa lights up its Christmas tree

Be captivated by Crimson Resort & Spa’s breathtaking views

A brushstroke of creativity and community artistic scene in Boracay.

Manthe emphasized the therapeutic nature of art, especially during challenging times. The hotel actively engages guests and the local artistic community through painting classes and events like Art Warrior.

“Art has become a channel for guests to cope with anxiety, and Crimson ensures that there is always a venue for artists to

Participants of Art Warrior Live Painting Competition

showcase their works,” Manthe said.

Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, situated in the exclusive Station Zero, offers a unique and luxurious experience on the island. With breathtaking views, pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a commitment to the arts, Crimson is not just a destination; it’s a canvas waiting to be explored and appreciated.

“After visiting Crimson, some find inspiration to start daily painting, but it’s not just about art. We encourage guests to explore various creative pursuits, offering opportunities for active engagement through painting classes, events like the Art Warrior, or simply observing with the potential to join in the future. It’s more than a destination; it’s a place to unleash creativity,” Manthe concluded.

Art Warrior Live Painting Competition gathers talented artists who transform blank canvases into masterpieces in just 20 minutes

Collaborative showcase of Philippine art and culture by CCP, National Museum

UNITED towards a common goal of preserving and promoting Philippine arts and culture, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Museum of the Philippines (NM) team up to present a collaborative exhibit, titled Selections from the 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection.

Officially on view on November 16 with an exhibition reception on November 21, 2023, at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Gallery XXVII and Gallery XXVIII on the Fourth Floor, the Selections from the 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection is a continuation of CCP’s programs to promote its collection to a wider audience by gathering artworks that seek to outline the early trajectories of Philippine contemporary art from the 1960s to the 1980s.

This effort is also in line with the institution’s goal to further promote Philippine arts and culture outside of the complex while the CCP Main Building is being rehabilitated.

The exhibition consists of two sections – “The Possibilities of Luminance” and “Man and Nature” – which are based on the initial formation of the collection under the CCP Museum and the now defunct Museum of Philippine Art (MOPA), and the visual thematic of illumination, materiality, nature, and spirited innovation that is aimed to spotlight artists who defied traditional art forms and broke new grounds in the creation of conceptual, experimental, and abstract works.

While separated into two exhibitions, the artistic practices wholly depict or deconstruct figurative and non-representational forms of

art, informed by the artists’ creative expressions, gestural spontaneity, material, and personal philosophies.

On display at the Gallery XXVII, the “Possibilities of Luminance,” is anchored on the concept of brightness or luminance as an artistic expression that ties across visual characteristics and affinities found in the artworks from the collection. The term tanglaw or light connotes the visual perception and traversal of lightness and darkness, presenting an understanding and control of light expressed through the intensity of its light source.

This section seeks to explore the passages and evocations of lightness and darkness present in these artworks, which are confined within the dense colors from black to white, or the excess or emptiness of its value. It also brings together meditations of forms and new media, such as shape, material, textures, and translucency that is evocative of its time.

On the other hand, “Man and Nature,” contemplates visual expressions surrounding humans and the environment, explored through the works of select National Artists for the Visual Arts.

The featured artworks include modernist and abstract art practices within the Philippine contemporary art scene between the 1970s and 1980s, and eschew pastoral and genre paintings

‘Shapes and Squares I,’ Artist Proof

by Benedicto ‘Bencab’ Cabrera ‘Figures on Fire’ by Ang Kiukok

of landscapes and scenes in everyday life, navigating their practices around portrayals of human anxiety, materiality, and our shared relationship with objects and surroundings.

Displayed in the two galleries are works by National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Ang Kiukok, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, Vicente Manansala, Guillermo Tolentino, and Lee Aguinaldo, Raymundo Albano, Augusto “Gus” Albor, Constancio Bernardo, Roberto Chabet, Mariano “Nonong” Del Rosario, Lao Lianben, Ileana Lee, Alfredo Liongoren, Ben Maramag, Flora

Mauleon, Romulo Olazo, Rodolfo Samonte, Dani Sibayan, Gerardo “Gerry” Tan, Phyllis Zaballero, and Fernando Zobel.

The exhibit is on view until November 2024.

The entrance to the exhibition is free to the public.

The National Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. The National Museum of Fine Arts is located along Padre Burgos Avenue, Rizal Park, Ermita in Manila City, Philippines.

Follow the official CCP and CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for more news on CCP programs and projects.