Manila Standard - 2023 December 6 - Wednesday

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3,812 pass Bar; law schools in provinces ‘faring better’—SC

By Rey E. Requejo A TOTAL of 3,812 or 36.77 percent of the 10,387 examinees passed the 2023 online Bar examinations administered by the Supreme Court in September.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, chairman of the 2023 Bar Examinations, said Ephraim Porciuncula Bie from the University of the Santo Tomas topped the exams with a score of

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 294 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023 •

89.2625 percent.

Ateneo de Manila University clinched the highest Bar exam passing rate at 94.08 percent, followed by San Beda University at 92.20 percent.

Hernando said law schools in the provinces were "faring better" in the Bar, with some of their graduates making it to the top 20 passers in this year's examinations.

graduate tops Bar exams, Lawmakers unite UST commits to serve the people behind peace talks

By Joel E. Zurbano

Crossing party lines, House rejects VP Sara's warning vs. dialog with Reds

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas law graduate Ephraim Porciuncula Bie, this year’s Bar exam topnotcher, said being a lawyer was his childhood dream as it will allow him to “serve the people as much as I can.” "[I want to] serve the people as much as I can, to give back to the community, to use the legal knowledge and expertise I gained from my alma mater,

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UST, for the rule of law, for justice," Bie said in an interview with ANC. Topping the exam, however, came as “100 percent a shock.”

"I wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember... [but] I didn’t even expect to pass… It was difficult for me, that’s why I was scared I would fail the Bar,” he said.

With a grade of 89.2625 percent, Bie, who works for a law firm, bested Next page 3,811 other Bar passers.

TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS FOR FIRST-TIME TAKERS

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

L

AWMAKERS crossed party lines on Tuesday to support President Marcos’ peace initiative a day after Vice President Sara Duterte warned him that resuming talks with the communists was like reaching “an agreement with the devil.”

"As the united voice of the House of Representatives, representing all political parties, we collectively express our unwavering support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative for peace and national unity," a joint statement released Tuesday said.

"President Marcos's call for peace transcends political boundaries and speaks to the core of our shared values as Filipinos. It is a call for understanding, cooperation, and collective action towards a future where every citizen can live in harmony and prosperity," the House leaders said.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, who released the statement, said it had the support of all parties, including those in the opposition and the Makabayan bloc.

Party leaders who support the statement include Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats; Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit,

TEARS OF JOY.

Successful Bar examinees and their loved ones cry tears of joy as the results are announced in front of the Supreme Court. Inset photo shows the top five Bar passers led by University of Santo Tomas law graduate Ephraim Porciuncula Bie, who bested 3,811 other successful examinees with a grade of 89.2625 percent. Angie de Silva

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Police tracking 4 persons DOH: No outbreak of ‘walking pneumonia’ in PH of interest in Marawi bombing

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz POLICE said they now have four persons of interest in the deadly bomb attack in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City that killed four people and injured dozens more during

a Mass service on Sunday, even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines ruled out the need for martial law.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo said they had added two possible lookouts to their persons of interest.

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THERE is no outbreak of the mycoplasma pneumoniae or “walking pneumonia” in the Philippines despite the rising cases of respiratory illness in China and other European countries, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Tuesday.

Citing the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, he said increases in the number

of flu-like cases could be attributed to the “season of respiratory illness.”

He added that the spike in respiratory illness in China is not caused by a new virus but by previous microbes.

He noted that the spike of respiratory illness in China is not caused by a new virus but by previous microbes like mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial

virus, and influenza.

Meanwhile, DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag said a cough that lasts for two-four weeks can likely be "walking pneumonia.”

However, he said the presence of walking pneumonia has yet to be confirmed in the Philippines because "we have no official reporting here."

He said doctors are not asking Next page

Marcos positive House cites SMNI's Celiz in contempt for COVID-19 for third time

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Charles Dantes

BOMB REMNANTS.

Screengrabs from ABS-CBN show the black tote bag that reportedly contained the improvised explosive device used in the bomb attack in Marawi City as well as fragments of the bomb recovered from the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University.

PRESIDENT Marcos is isolating for five days after testing positive for COVID-19 for a third time, the Presidential Communication Office said Tuesday.

"The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference. Updates on his health will be provided as available," the PCO said in a post on Facebook.

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A HOUSE panel on Tuesday cited Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) anchor Jeffrey Celiz for contempt and detained him after he refused to reveal the source of his fake news.

The committee on legislative franchises led by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting ordered Celiz to be detained at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City until after the adoption in the plenary of the panel's committee report

on its inquiry into the matter.

During a hearing of the panel, Celiz refused several times to say who his source was for his claim that Speaker Martin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion in travel expenses.

"I move to detain Mr. Celiz for he was cited in contempt until the adoption of the committee report at the plenary session," Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said. The motion was seconded and carried.

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MANILA TRENCH MOVEMENT CAUSES M5.9 QUAKE NEWS / A3

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t to limit sugar imports in 2024 Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel said during yesterday's confirmation hearing with the Commission on Appointments that the Department of Agriculture concurred with the initial assessment of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

“Based on the estimates with the SRA, which we have been meeting for the last two weeks, we feel that for next year, we don’t need to import too much sugar,” he

said.

The SRA confirmed that carry-over stocks from the 2022 importation would help meet local demand.

“The assessment of the industry and the DA was that importation should be about 200,000 (MT) only, assuming that we won’t have any adverse weather conditions,” Laurel said.

The SRA said the country had ample stock of refined sugar, or about 200 per-

cent higher than last year's and nearly two months worth of inventory, boosted by imports of 440,00 MT sugar under Sugar Order (SO) 6.

Withdrawal from the imports, so far, amounted to 200,000, leaving a balance of 220,000 MT. About 420,000 MT from the authorized 440,00 MT imports have arrived in the Philippines. About 85 percent of the imports have been allocated to bottlers and industrial users.

In addition, about 30,000 MT from the 150,000 MT of sugar imported under SO 7 arrived in August, leaving a balance of 120,000 MT that should have been shipped by now in time for peak demand during the holidays.

According to the pre-milling estimate of the SRA, sugar output may reach 1.84

Lawmakers...

bolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMPRPA-ABB), Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.

Romualdez said the chamber inteds to adopt all four concurrent resolutions before the Christmas break.

"The timely adoption of these concurrent resolutions is attuned with the spirit of hope, peace, and joy that the Christmas season brings," Romualdez said.

Deliberations on the concurrent resolutions began Tuesday in the House committee on justice.

"Recognizing the complexities and challenges of this peace process, we pledge our support and commitment to contribute constructively to these negotiations. We are united in the belief that through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, we can overcome historical divides and build a more inclusive and peaceful nation," the political parties said in the joint statement.

"We urge all Filipinos from every corner of our archipelago to join us in this noble pursuit. It is only through our joint

efforts that we can turn the aspirations of peace, unity, and progress into reality," they said.

"In solidarity, we commend President Marcos for his visionary leadership. Together, as a united House of Representatives and as one nation, we look forward to a future marked by peace, unity, and prosperity for all Filipinos," they concluded.

The statement was a clear rejection of Duterte’s opposition to the amnesty proclamations issued by the President and the decision to resume peace talks with the communists.

"History has proven the communists are not serious and are insincere in peace talks. They will use the peace negotiation to betray the government and dupe our people," the Vice President said in a statement Monday.

"We appeal to your power to review these proclamations and agreements," she added.

Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, terminated peace negotiations in 2017 and declared the NPA a terrorist organization.

"I support efforts to pursue peace because the fight against terrorists is deeply personal to me, as it is deeply personal to the families of countless Filipinos whose lives were forever upended because of the

madness of terrorists. But granting amnesty is not the way to peace," the Vice President said, publicly contradicting the President.

"Mr. President, we can negotiate for peace and reconciliation and pursue meaningful development efforts in the Philippines without capitulating to the enemies. We ask that you hear us out," Duterte added.

The government and the CPP-NDF issued a joint communique last month in Oslo signaling the commitment of both parties to restart peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez said granting amnesty to former rebels is a crucial component of efforts to end the communist insurgency and urged a joint meeting of the House committees on justice and on national defense and security to support the President’s amnesty proclamation.

“The granting of amnesty is an integral part of the comprehensive peace process.

It is a path towards normalization that would allow these former rebels not only to fully reintegrate themselves into mainstream society as peaceful, productive and law-abiding citizens, but more importantly, enable them to rebuild their lives and ensure a better future for themselves and their families,” he said.

The AFP said it is validating the claims of the Islamic State (IS) and Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group that they were responsible for the attack.

At the same time, the assistant director general of the National Security Council, Jonathan Malaya, said, “I think that kind of arrangement has to end because of the threat of the violent extremism that we have witnessed over the weekend," Malaya said.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said there is no need to declare martial law because security forces are on top of the situation and the local terrorist group suspected to be behind the bombing no longer has the capacity to execute another massive attack.

Brawner also said that more security measures should have been implemented at MSU.

"There should have been more security measures in place like the inspection of bags. We should be doing that," Brawner said when asked if there was a failure of security in the incident during the interview.

"Let's not really be complacent because anything can happen," he added.

The terrorists were able to bring the bomb inside the Dimaporo Gymnasium in MSU, Brawner said, because bags were not inspected upon entry at the university gates.

The AFP chief said the MSU had its own security personnel, and the military and police needed permission to enter the campus.

For Brawner, there was no failure of intelligence on the part of the military because it had warned security forces, local government forces, and even

civilians to be vigilant against such threats.

He said that the military received intelligence information that there could be a possible retaliatory attack from the Daulah Islamiyah extremist group, whose members were killed in a military operation on Friday in Maguindanao del Sur. But Brawner said the military did not receive any imminent threat with a specific target.

Malaya, in a televised interview, said the remnants of the Maute group and other violent extremists were behind the MSU bomb attack Malaya also pointed out that there was no basis to blame the military for the lapses in Marawi bombing because its main focus is on territorial defense.

zon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

ADMU law graduate Mark Josel Padua took the 2nd place with a rating of 89.125 percent, while Frances Camille Altonaga-Francisco of San Beda University grabbed the 3rd place with a rating of 88.9125 percent.

Nathaniel Niño Alipio Aquinas Tang of UST- Legazpi landed in 4th place with a rating of 88.65 percent followed

by David Joseph Austria of De La Salle University – Manila as 5th placer with a rating of 88.55 percent.

The Supreme Court said the oath taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys of the successful examinees will be held on Dec. 22 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The 2023 Bar examinations marked the first time that successful examinees will be admitted into the practice of their profession on the same year they took the examinations.

UST...

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE government plans to cap sugar imports in 2024 to 200,000 metric tons (MT) following ample shipments this year.

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Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC); Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Romblon Rep Eleandro Jesus Madrona of the Nacionalista Party (NP); Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia of the National Unity Party (NUP); Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, and Barangay Health & Wellness (BHW) party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI); and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco of the Partido Navoteño and a representative of other political parties in the House of Representatives.

Earlier, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led the filing of House Concurrent Resolutions (HCRs) 19, 20, 21, and 22, which sought to concur with the amnesty proclamations President Marcos issued earlier in favor of various rebel groups.

Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405, and 406 cover members of the Re-

Police...

From A1

She said investigators have already obtained CCTV footage outside the MSU and are reviewing these to track back the movements of the persons of interest.

Fajardo said the two persons of interest who were initially identified had criminal records and could be affiliated with a local terrorist group operating in Mindanao.

ABS-CBN reported the improvised explosive device used in the bomb attack was contained in a black tote bag.

Citing a well-placed source, the news outlet said the bomb was composed of a 60mm mortar and a rocket-propelled grenade.

3,812 pass...

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“I think it is because access to legal education now has spread out. The provincial law schools, they’re faring better in the Bar,” Hernando said.

President Marcos reminded the new batch of Bar passers to ensure every Filipino has access to a fair and equitable justice system.

"As you begin your unique paths, stand firm in upholding integrity and remain true to the reasons that called you to practice law," President Marcos said on X. "Remain united in ensuring that every Filipino has the benefit of a fair and equitable justice system," he added.

The 2023 Bar Examinations were held on September 17, 20, and 24, 2023 in 14 local testing centers spread out across the National Capital Region, Lu-

House...

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In refusing to answer, Celiz invoked the Sotto law or Republic Act (RA) No. 11458, which exempts publishers, editors, and reporters from revealing their news sources or information obtained in confidence.

However, panel members said the Sotto Law does not apply in the case of Celiz, who would only say his information came from the Senate, and that it was inaccurate.

“At the last hearing, he (Celiz) admitted that his source fed him the wrong information and apologized, so to use that Sotto Law is no longer applicable to him because he said it was wrong,” said Quezon Rep David Suarez, who spoke in Filipino.

Tambunting said the panel gave Celiz all the opportunities to exercise his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. They even offered to take his testimony in an executive session.

During Tuesday's hearing, Suarez, the proponent of the inquiry into the allegations about the Speaker's travel expenses, pressed Celiz to name his informant.

Suarez said it was important for the SMNI program host to identify his source because Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri stated that he knew no one in the Senate who could have provided such information.

He quoted Zubiri as saying that until Celiz named names, the Speaker's travel expenses claim was just an "intrigue" aimed at creating controversy and a "rift in the strong partnership" of the Senate and the House.

Suarez further quoted the Senate presi-

million MT in crop year (CY) 2023 to 2024, up 2.7 percent from 1.79 million MT in CY 2022 to 2023 given the mild El Niño climate.

An additional 50,000 MT of raw sugar output is expected if El Niño will not be as severe as predicted by experts, as a long dry season favors sugarcane production.

“The outlook is basically very preliminary. That is based on the area planted (to sugarcane) and based on the production average last year,” said SRA administrator and chief executive officer Pablo Luis Azcona.

He said the increase in hectares planted to sugarcane would contribute to higher yields in crop year 2023-2024, despite the closure of a sugar mill in Batangas.

By Rey E. Requejo CHINA said the presence of maritime militia boats in Julian Felipe Reef is “justified and lawful” after the Philippines recently spotted over 130 Chinese vessels over the area.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Monday evening in a press conference that Julian Felipe Reef, which he called Niu’e Jiao, was part of China’s Nansha Qundao.

“Niu’e Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. Relevant waters of the South China Sea, including Niu’e Jiao and its adjacent waters, have always been important operating areas and shelters for Chinese fishing boats,” the Chinese official said.

“It is justified and lawful for Chinese fishing boats to operate or shelter from wind in the area, and the Philippines is in no position to make irresponsible remarks,” he added.

The Chinese official reiterated his country's claim after the Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday reported that more than 135 Chinese maritime militia had been monitored off Julian Felipe Reef.

“No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef,” the PCG said.

DOH:...

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suspected walking pneumonia patients to be tested and instead prescribe antibiotics.

Also, despite a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, the DOH does not recommend any restrictions as there has not been overcrowding in hospitals.

The DOH, he said, has been continuously monitoring the COVID-19 cases.

"We are expecting this since there is no restriction and many people are coming out this Holiday Season,” he said.

Because of this, he still proposed that use of face mask although it is not mandatory, "What is important is selfrestriction. If one has symptoms of COVId-19 like fever and cough, a COVID-19 test should be immediately conducted. Don't go to school or your place of work. Wear face masks in places where there are many people.

Wash your hands and observe social distancing," the DOH official said.

In the Philippines, flu-like and other respiratory diseases have increased since January.

As of Nov. 11, the DOH has recorded more than 180,000 cases.

Marcos...

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"My mother actually jumped for joy and cried. I was very ecstatic," he said.

“We were praying for it, especially [my mother]. It’s a culmination of hard work and prayers,” he said.

The UST Civil Law Student Council congratulated Bie for his achievement.

“You have made the whole UST Community proud!” the council said in a statement.

UST's Faculty of Civil Law also feted the 113 new Thomasian lawyers, saying their hard work and commitment have paid off.

“May you continue to serve our countrymen with competence, compassion, and commitment. Your success symbolizes a new hope for a better future for the people in the pursuit of justice. You have finally conquered the Bar, now is the time to conquer the legal profession.”

Bie was followed by Mark Josel Padual Vivit from the Ateneo de Manila University with a score of 89.125 percent.

Vivit said he was watching on YouTube the live announcement of the Bar results with his parents.

“We were screaming, crying and hugging each other after hearing my name,” he said, describing the feeling of passing the Bar and clinching the second top spot as “surreal.” dent as adding that he would order an investigation and impose disciplinary action on the Senate employee involved if he were identified.

"So I am asking you, who is the source of your information, which you have admitted to be not true, and who you claimed is from the Senate?" Suarez asked Celiz.

The Quezon lawmaker said identifying the informant was crucial because the issue "involved inter-parliamentary relationship" between the Senate and the House.

Celiz refused to answer the question and proceeded to give a lengthy statement.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel accused SMNI of being a “serial harasser” and an “irresponsible network,” as lawmakers delved deeper into its franchise violations related to dissemination of fake news and red-tagging.

At the continuation of the House committee on legislative franchises hearing,

China justifies maritime militia boats in WPS

Pimentel raised an alarm over SMNI's tendency to harass its targets by spreading false information.

He drew attention to the possible infringement of SMNI's congressional franchise under Republic Act (RA) 11422, specifically referencing Section 4 on responsibilities to the public, which could serve as grounds for revoking the network's franchise.

“It seems that SMNI has a pattern of harassing individuals and entities using false information. I sincerely believe that SMNI is being used as a tool to spread false information with regard to attacking, maligning, [and] destroying the reputation of certain individuals and entities,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said SMNI faced several cases, not only before the courts, but also before regulatory agencies and industry associations.

The Department of Health said it recorded an uptick in COVID-19 cases, but assured the public there is still no overcrowding in hospitals.

The DOH is checking if the increase in coronavirus cases was due to the new "variants of interest" reported by the World Health Organization," Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said.

"We are expecting this matter since there is no restriction and many people are coming out this holiday season,” he added.

Mr. Marcos urged the public to take precautions against the virus, including getting vaccinated and practicing voluntary mask-wearing when entering crowded places.

Mr. Marcos first contracted the respiratory illness in March 2020 and then in July 2022.

Pasig City Vico Sotto on Monday also announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Annoying!!! Tested positive for COVID. I have mild symptoms, so I took an antigen test,” the mayor said.

Senator Cynthia Villar also confirmed contracting the illness last week but already testing negative in her antigen yesterday.

The DOH logged 1,340 new COVID-19 cases from November 28 to December 4, bringing the country's active cases to 3,311.

The average daily COVID infections this week increased to 191 cases, around 10 percent higher compared to the daily average from November 21 to 27, the DOH said.

NEWS

A3 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

New DA chief vows to chase big-time agriculture smugglers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PORT VENTURE. Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI) chairman Reghis Romero II (left) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Jonathan Tan look at the replica of the Subic Port joint venture project between the two groups. They led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 5, 2023 at the NSD Compound in Subic Bay, Zambales.

NEWLY-CONFIRMED Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday vowed to chase agriculture smugglers whose list was given to him

by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Facing the Commission on Appointments, Tiu-Laurel said he would go after the smugglers “by first quarter” next year.

Tiu-Laurel was asked by Senator Grace Poe if he and the President discussed the “usual suspects” in agriculture smuggling.

“Yes, a few. Basically, we have those names already of the people that were usual suspects. I have a new intelligence and enforcement unit who are verifying everything, so maybe by first quarter of next year we will be moving it already,” he told the CA panel.

He promised to file cases against those involved in smuggling.

Poe said the government should pursue cases against the smugglers in the list to set an example.

Tiu-Laurel said he would tap national and even international law enforcers to stop food hoarders, price manipulators and smugglers.

“That’s the strict order to me by President—to clean the DA, go after the smugglers and increase food production,”Tiu-Laurel said in his opening statement.

The DA secretary said he was called by the President to serve the country and to lead it out of high food prices, low food production, broken food supply chains, lack of irrigation, cold storage, credit and other key inputs and aging farmers and fisherfolk.

Air Force finds missing aircraft in Isabela T

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vince Lopez

HE Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Thursday its personnel found the missing Piper Seneca plane in Isabela province.

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the Air Force public affairs chief, said one of their air assets located the missing civilian aircraft in San Mariano, Isabela.

“At around 8:05 a.m., on Dec. 5, the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Sokol helicopter, dedicated for the search

and rescue efforts for the missing Piper Plane RPC 1234, has been able to locate the missing aircraft in the vicinity of Barangay Casala, San Mariano, Isabela,” Castillo said.

“While the Helicopter could not land nor come close due to the strong winds and growing fog in

the mountainous site, the aircrew were able to relay the exact location to ground forces for the continuous search on foot towards the aircraft’s exact location,” she said.

Tactical Operations Group 2, the PAF unit in charge of air operations in the area, said a civilian R44 aircraft of Lion Air also helped in the search.

It said the ground search party includes of personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office units from Palanan, San Mariano

and Divilacan with local Dumagats as guide.

The PAF said it is making available its parachute jumpers and additional rescue helicopters from the 505th Search and Rescue Group for possible helicopter rescue, once weather permits.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed the discovery of crash site. CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio, however, did not provide further details until aerial accident investigators reached the area.

“There are sightings of the crash

site and just waiting for the official initial report from our aircraft accident and inquiry board investigators on the ground,” said Apolonio.

The plane, owned by Fliteline Airways and operated by Cyclone Airways, went missing after departing from Cauayan Airport on Thursday.

The aircraft, with registry number RP-C1234, left Cauayan at 9:39 a.m. on Nov. 30 and was supposed to arrive at Palanan Airport at 10:23 a.m. The last communication with Cauayan Tower was around 9:50 a.m. Thursday morning.

3 workers bound for Vietnam stopped for posing as tourists

By Vito Barcelo IMMIGRATION agents at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) intercepted three Filipina workers posing as tourists bound for Vietnam.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three victims, whose names were withheld for their protection, attempted to board a Royal Air flight to Hong Kong.

Tansingco said the victims initially presented themselves on primary inspection as tourists embarking on a four-day trip to Hong Kong.

They later admitted to concealing their onward ticket to Vietnam, where they were slated to undergo a hiring process for a company that was referred to them by an acquaintance.

The victims were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance and further investigation.

Tansingco expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the dangers associated with not adhering to the proper processes and documentation when seeking employment abroad.

“It is crucial for aspiring overseas workers to undergo the right processes, secure the appropriate documents, and be cautious of schemes that exploit their vulnerability,” he said.

“Remain vigilant and always seek the help of authorized agencies, especially amid the influx of international passengers who will be vacationing during the holidays,” Tansingco said.

Magnitude 5.9 earthquake rocks Mindoro

By Rio N. Araja A MAGNITUDE 5.9 earthquake rocked Occidental Mindoro Tuesday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The tremor of tectonic origin hit some seven kilometers southeast off Lubang town at 4:23 p.m. It had a depth of 79 kilometers.

Phivolcs advised residents near the epicenter to expect aftershocks.

Intensity 5 was felt in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, while intensity 4 was felt in Metro Manila’s Makati City, Taguig City and Quezon City; and Bulacan’s Malolos City, Meycauayan City, Obando, and Plaridel.

It was also felt at intensity 4 in Pampanga’s Floridablanca; Batangas’ San Jose and Cavite’s Tagaytay City.

Metro Manila’s Caloocan City and Pasig City; Batangas’ Cuenca and Talisay; Cavite’s Bacoor City and General Trias City; Rizal’s Rodriguez, and Occidental Mindoro’s Mamburao felt it at intensity 3.

Intensity 2 was registered in Marikina City; Bulacan’s San Jose Del Monte; Nuevo Ecija’s Gabaldon; Quezon’s Lucban; Rizal’s San Mateo; and Romblon’s Odiongan.

Pampanga’s San Fernando City, Laguna’s San Pedro City and Quezon’s Mauban recorded intensity 1.

CHRISTMAX BOXES.Officials of the city government of Manila distribute Christmas boxes to residents at a basketball court in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila on Tuesday morning. Norman Araga

PNR plans to build one-stop-shop for train commuters PHILIPPINE National Railways chairman Michael Ted Macapagal said he plans to establish a one-stopshop terminal for train commuters, similar to the One Ayala Transport Terminal for bus passengers in Makati City.

Macapagal said he was impressed by the One Ayala Terminal, saying it is a good model for the government to follow in its efforts to minimize traffic gridlocks.

One Ayala Transport Terminal is where Metro Rail Transit Line-3 and overland passenger transportation such as city buses, utility vehicle express vans and jeepneys converge. It is a major stop for point-topoint buses, which are given a lane of their own to minimize road congestion and cut travel time.

One Ayala, situated at the corners of EDSA and Ayala Ave., is a walking distance from SM Makati,

Glorietta 4 and 5 and Ayala Malls. It has food stalls, shops offering all kinds of goods and services and ATMs. Across the road lie high-end condominiums that cater to expatriates.

Macapagal said he plans to transform North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) stations into commerce centers, incorporating condominiums, malls and varManila ious shops in the immediate vicinity.

Standard The NSCR, also known as the Clark–Calamba TODAY Railway, is a 147-kilometer rail transit system under construction, which will run upon completion from Angeles City in Pampanga to Calamba City in Laguna, covering 147 kilometers and 36 train stations.

“Our immediate goal is to provide the same level of comfort, security, and seamless travel experience to the public,” said Macapagal.

He said NSCR could take a page from the One

Ayala playbook.

Macapagal said the purpose is to make every station a transportation hub, where commuters get off from public utility vehicles and motorists leave their cars on a parking lot so that they can take the NSCR train to their destination in either direction, north or south.

“If you visit China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, you will realize that the transport interconnectivity being provided by the railway system is key to economic development in those countries,” he said.

The same is true in the US, Canada, Great Britain and countries in the European Union such as France, Germany and Italy, “but on a smaller scale since these countries are primarily dependent on cars and trucks to transport people and goods,” he said.

Joel E. Zurbano

‘WALK IN HER SHOES’. Senators

Pia Cayetano (right) and Loren Legarda (center) join the opening of an interactive exhibit at the Senate hall depicting real stories of women who are victims of violence in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA), for its consent to the nominations of the following Senior Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 1. COL. ALVIN M. HATE to the rank of Brigadier General 2. COL. EUGENIO JULIO C. OSIAS IV to the rank of Brigadier General 3. COL. ROMULO D. QUEMADO II to the rank of Brigadier General The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above nominations in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 88311824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 8834-2706 and 8551-1989.

4 December 2023.

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary (MS-DEC. 6, 2023)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Lawmaker seeks probe on alleged De Lima named new irregularities in recent BSK polls Liberal Party spokesperson C

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Liberal Party (LP) has appointed former Sen. Leila de Lima as its new spokesperson, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman announced on Tuesday.

Lagman, LP president, said in a statement that De Lima whom the party decided to designate de Lima as its as official spokesperson during a meeting held Monday. She is a longtime party member, said Lagman.

“De Lima committed to resume her active role in advocating and enhancing the Party’s advocacy on good governance, social justice and liberalism,” Lagman said.

De Lima erstwhile served as the party’s vice president for policy, platform, and advocacy.

“She has not revealed, however, her future political plans pending thorough consultation with allies and kin,” Lagman said.

De Lima, for her part, said she was “honored and grateful” for the nomination.

“I hope to convey our party’s message of reforms and advocacy on good governance, social justice and civil liberties,” she said in a statement. Maricel V. Cruz

surely be displaced and would not be able to vote, thus resulting in a failure of election,” the resolution stated.

Another instance of irregularity allegedly took place in Barangay Bubuan in the town of Tabuan Lasa where the voting stopped before noon because the voters had fled the polling place due to the presence of armed men who surrounded the elementary school that used as a polling center.

In another town in Barangay Landugan, Lantawan town, several masked men with high-powered firearms allegedly entered the polling place, seized the ballot boxes and the ballots, then came back later with the ballots all filled out.

ITING allegations of fraud, anomalies and irregularities, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman sought a congressional inquiry on the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

Hataman on Tuesday filed House Resolution 1497 asking for a legislative probe of alleged fraud, anomalies and other election irregularities that took place in Basilan and other parts of the country.

The resolution cited reports that officers of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and members of security forces were even involved in

illegal activities during the BSKE held last October.

The resolution specifically cited Maluso town in Basilan where members of the electoral board attempted to transfer the polling place in Samal Village to another location without authority from the Comelec.

“If such an illegal and criminal act was not prevented, the voters would

‘Congress intends to sustain drive to rein in inflation’

House resolution exalts Michelle Dee THE House of Representatives has adopted a resolution congratulating and commending Michelle Dee for her Miss Universe performance, and for her appointment as a Philippine tourism ambassador by the Department of Tourism.

House Resolution (HR) No. 1493, approved by a majority of members of the bigger chamber, was introduced by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Senior Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Reps.

Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Jude Acidre, and Samuel Verzosa Jr. “Ms. Dee made us all proud with her beauty, brains and composure during the last Miss Universe pageant. And I am very grateful that she was appointed as tourism ambassador because she personifies everything that makes the Philippines such a breathtaking country to visit,” Romualdez said, Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines for 2023 and she represented the country during the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.

“Ms. Dee’s masterful execution of grace and elegance on the prestigious international stage showcased Filipino culture and heritage through her pageant outfits, such as her evening gown, which paid tribute to the country’s living legend and traditional tattoo artist Apo WhangOd, and her national costume where she donned an aviation-inspired ensemble to honor her role as an Air Force reservist, “ the resolution read.

The measure also cited her “incredible performance” as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, arising from her vast experience in joining previous beauty competitions where she was crowned as Miss World Philippines in 2019 and represented the Philippines in the Miss World Competition at ExCeL in London, England where she finished in the top 12. Maricel V. Cruz

HEIGHTENED ALERT DURING THE HOLIDAYS. Quezon City police chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan checks on operatives of the District Anti-Crime Reaction and members of a bike patrol team deployed at Gateway Mall in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City in line with their heightened alert status during the Yuletide season. Danny Querubin

Treaty to bolster protection for informal workers—Imee

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

INFORMAL workers comprising 42 percent of the country’s working force, will get the same protection as regular employees.

This as the Senate was close to ratifying an international labor treaty, Senator Imee Marcos said.

Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said the informal workers will be protected against physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.

She said her committee was ready to

recommend International Labor Organization Convention 190 to the Senate plenary after the proposed treaty received “unanimous concurrence” from key government agencies and non-governmental organizations during the committee’s hearing last week.

She also said many of the informal workers were farmhands, house helps, and gig workers in the creative industries,” she pointed out.

She added that their number could be higher if an accurate national inventory of informal workers were conducted.

Also known as the Violence and Harassment Convention of 2019, the ILO treaty “no longer refers to a territorial workplace but, more importantly, the entire world of work.”

The treaty expanded the protection of workers beyond the traditional workplace and now includes places where workers take a meal or rest break, sanitary and changing facilities, employer-provided accommodation, venues of work-related trips and social activities, as well as virtual spaces where work-related communications take place.

agents assigned at the Port of Clark in Pampanga intercept 135.24 grams of cocaine valued at P716,700, falsely declared as hoodies and T-shirts from Los Angeles, California.

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have joined hands in boosting their cybersecurity initiatives.

The MMDA has requested the CICC for technical assistance on the conduct of information communications technology security, cybercrime resilience, and data protection assessments of the agency’s critical information infrastructure.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said his agency will work closely with the CICC, other government offices, and private sec-

tor organizations on cybersecurity and anticybercrime planning and policy formulation.

Artes emphasized the importance of cybercrime resilience amid rapid technological advances and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding crucial data.

“We are very thankful to the CICC for their assistance in ensuring that appropriate and effective cybercrime risk mitigation measures are in place,” he said.

Artes said cyber protection is vital to the agency, which handles large amounts of data such as apprehensions and video footage of the major thoroughfares recorded via closed circuit television cameras along Metro Manila, among others.

THE House of Representatives, in partnership with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., will continue to pursue its campaign to bring down food inflation or temper the increase in food prices and inflation in general, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Tuesday.

Romualdez issued the statement as he welcomed the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report that inflation fell to 4.1 percent from 4.9 percent last month.

He said the House “remains dedicated to crafting and implementing policies that will continue to curb inflation and foster a more stable and prosperous economy.”

“We are optimistic that these efforts will yield even more positive results, contributing to the joy and peace of the holiday season for every Filipino family. Together, we can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous new year,” he added.

The Speaker attributed the drop in inflation rate to intervention measures taken by President Marcos as supported by members of the House of Representatives.

In particular, Romualdez cited the P45per-kilo cap on the price of rice the President enunciated in early September.

“We will continue to monitor the prices of rice and other staples. If we notice an unreasonable and unjustified increase, we will not hesitate to recommend to the President the reimposition of a price limit,” Romualdez stressed.

He cited complaints that low-priced rice is now seldom available in the market, which he added is flooded with varieties selling for P50-P60 per kilo. Maricel V. Cruz

Solon says proper gov’t intervention will curb recidivists, decongest jails

FOILED DRUG SMUGGLING BID. Customs

PROVIDING appropriate interventions to prisoners or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to prevent them from becoming repeat offenders will help decongest the country’s overpopulated penal and detention facilities.

Bicol Saro part-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan made this observation as he cited initiatives by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to decongest detention facilities under its supervision, leading to the release of over 74,000 inmates in the first 10 months of 2023.

“The BJMP’s jail decongestion initiatives not only involve speeding up the necessary legal processes to free PDLs eligible for release, but also rehabilitation programs that pro-

MMDA, anti-cybercrime body seal partnership

By Joel E. Zurbano

The resolution asserted that these allegations of election irregularities did not only happen in Basilan, but in other places in Mindanao as well.

“In another area in Mindanao, a video was taken where an army officer was seen appearing to be in the act of interfering with the tasks of the Electoral Board by calling them one by one and asking them to do certain acts that are already beyond such officer’s mandate or jurisdiction,” the resolution said.

Hataman charged that the prevalence of such instances of fraud, anomalies and election irregularities, “is very alarming” as it will cast doubt on the integrity of the election and endanger the lives of the electorate.

“Our partnership with the CICC will aid in safeguarding these crucial data that we handle on a daily basis as we remain committed to our vision of a safe and livable metropolis,” he added.

Under the memorandum of agreement signed by Artes and CICC executive director Alexander Ramos, the CICC will allow authorized MMDA representatives to access NCH resources, technical expertise, and institutional/international linkage for MMDA mandate fulfilment.

It will also assist MMDA in digitalization projects, such as revitalizing its Security Operations Center, to ensure cybersecurity and risk mitigation.

vide them with jobs and livelihood opportunities to help them return to society as productive individuals,” said Yamsuan, a staunch advocate for reforms in the country’s correctional system.

Citing a report submitted by the BJMP to his office, Yamsuan said on top of assisting PDLs in legal and paralegal services, the agency has also encouraged tie-ups with tertiary educational institutions through its College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) program for PDLs; coordinated with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement its alternative learning system inside jails; and provided PDLs with training on employable skills. Maricel V. Cruz

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAYS.

Like a dutiful, doting father, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora tries if the shoes fit on a tot who was among the over 1,000 young learners of a day care center chosen as recipients of school shoes as a gift from the mayor who celebrated his 46th birthday on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Manny Palmero

B1

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

EDITORIAL

Pop Goes The World Jenny Ortuoste

Critical moment

Farewell, Mali success in zoo animal management.

“Advanced zoological practices, like those employed at Manila Zoo, focus on not just the physical well-being of animals like Mali but also their psychological health.

“Through regular health checks, zoos aim to provide a quality of life that often surpasses what can be expected in the wild, where threats like poaching and habitat loss loom large.

“The debate over whether Mali should have been returned to the wild or moved to a sanctuary overlooks critical aspects of wildlife management.

An animal long accustomed to captivity faces significant challenges in the wild.

“Elephants, known for their complex social structures and deep familial bonds, are not solitary creatures. A reintroduced individual like Mali would likely face rejection or aggression from wild herds.

“Additionally, the survival skills necessary for life in the wild, which are instinctively taught from a young age in natural settings, are often underdeveloped in animals raised in captivity.

“While the idea of sanctuaries is appealing, it’s important to recognize that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

“Sanctuaries vary greatly in quality and in their ability to meet the specific needs of individual animals. The notion that a sanctuary would inherently provide a better life for Mali is not guaranteed.”

Other carers of Mali through the years, such as the late photographer John Chua and his daughter Kathy Chua-Grimme, have written about their volunteer services to the zoo during less animal-rights enlightened times, and their comments on the sanctuary debate.

Relocating Mali to a sanctuary would not have been the best choice for her.

Why move her to a place where she didn’t know anyone and whose caretakers might not have had the same malasakit for her that her regular carer, Noel Co, showed her over 20 years?

More information will enlighten you about the whole picture, which you can search online.

“Mali’s life in captivity was not without its imperfections,” Buencamino wrote.

But “it’s important to view her story through a lens of nuanced understanding of zoo animal management.

“Mali’s life at the Manila Zoo, under the care of dedicated professionals, was filled with attention, care, and respect.”

THE Philippines’ lone elephant at the Manila Zoo, Vishmali (Mali for short), passed away last month at the age of 50, ending an era that saw generations of people visit the only elephant many would likely see in their entire lives.

Much has been written about the pros and cons of the circumstances of Mali’s captivity.

Over the years, we’ve even seen foreign individuals and groups put in their two cents’ worth about the matter.

Let me just say, based on personal experience, that some such arguments should be considered carefully, after noticing bullying tactics that I’ve also been subjected to in the past.

In the melee of the debate, the voices of Mali’s carers – vets and caretakers – have been drowned out by strident voices, some of whom see Mali as only another issue to further their agenda.

—“—

For African elephants, the average lifespan in captivity is around 17 years, while Asian elephants in captivity live for about 19 years

Before making up your mind on the issue, try to discover both sides.

For Mali to reach an age that is in the higher range for elephants in captivity is proof of the care she received.

According to veterinarian Andrew Rovie M. Buencamino, a former director of the Manila Zoo, Mali’s reaching 50 is an achievement.

He explains: “On average, the lifespan of elephants in captivity is significantly shorter than in the wild. For African elephants, the average lifespan in captivity is around 17 years, while Asian elephants in captivity live for about 19 years.

“In contrast, in their natural habitats, African elephants can live up to 60-70 years, and Asian elephants can live up to 48 years.”

Given this, Mali lived double her expected life expectancy in the zoo setting.

“It’s crucial to acknowledge and commend the dedicated caretakers, veterinarians, and management of the Philippines’ premier zoo,” Buencamino wrote in a Facebook post.

“Mali’s long life, spanning half a century, is a testament to their exceptional care. Contrary to common criti* * FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / cisms about aged animals in zoos, this longevity should be celebrated as a Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

World could breach 1.5C warming threshold in 7 years — study PARIS — The world may cross the crucial 1.5C global warming threshold in seven years as fossil fuel CO2 emissions continue to rise, scientists have warned, urging countries at the COP28 talks in Dubai to “act now” on coal, oil and gas pollution.

Battle lines are being drawn over the future of fossil fuels at the UN climate summit, with big polluters trying to see off calls for an agreement to phase out the carbon-intensive energy responsible for most of human-caused greenhouse gas.

Fossil fuel CO2 pollution rose 1.1 percent last year, according to an international consortium of climate scientists in their annual Global Carbon Project assessment, with surging emissions in China and India -- now the world’s first and third biggest emitters.

They estimated that there is a 50 percent chance warming will exceed the Paris deal’s goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius over multiple years by around 2030, although they noted uncertainties around warming from non-CO2 greenhouse gases.

“It is getting more and more urgent,” lead author Pierre Friedlingstein, of Exeter University’s Global Systems Institute, told reporters.

“The time between now and 1.5

degrees is shrinking massively, so to keep a chance to stay below 1.5C, or very close to 1.5C, we need to act now.”

‘Wrong direction’ The landmark 2015 Paris Agreement saw countries commit to limiting temperature rise to well below 2C above the pre-industrial era and preferably 1.5C. The more ambitious 1.5C goal has since taken on greater urgency as evidence emerges that warming beyond this could trigger dangerous and irreversible tipping points.

To keep to that limit, the UN’s IPCC climate science panel has said CO2 emissions need to be halved this decade.

That is becoming a more challenging task as emissions continue to rise, the Global Carbon Project found.

Glen Peters, a senior researcher at the CICERO Center for International Climate Research, said carbon dioxide emissions are now six percent higher than when countries signed the Paris deal.

“Things are going in the wrong direction,” he said.

That is despite a promising surge in renewable energy, a key issue at the Dubai climate talks where more than 100 countries have signed a call to triple renewable capacity this decade.

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HE United Nations climate summit in Dubai, known as Conference of Parties 28 (COP28) is giving leaders the opportunity to change course and create a better world for people, nature and the climate.

The 13-day conference, which began on Nov. 30, will have a curated selection of future-focused innovation covering multiple themes including artificial intelligence, satellite technology, big data, clean energy, industrial decarbonization, advanced materials, hydrogen, energy storage and much much more.

The climate crisis indeed has never been more discernible as now.

In 2023 alone, the world witnessed both its hottest day and hottest month in history, record-low Antarctic ice and extreme ocean temperatures.

Communities across the globe are feeling the effects in the form of sweltering heat waves, withering drought and scarce water supplies.

Developing nations, including the Philippines – those least responsible for fueling climate change – are experienc-

About Town

ing the impacts most acutely.

At the Dubai summit, national governments and others will conclude the first Global Stocktake, and the results of their collective action to curb climate change.

—“—

The toughest talks at COP28 have focus on the future role of fossil fuels, and whether countries should commit to start phasing out the use of CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas

The UN’s Global Stocktake synthesis report, released in September 2023, shows that despite some progress since the Paris Agreement was forged in 2015, the world is still far off track from reducing emissions enough to keep temperature rise to safe levels.

How policymakers, business leaders and others respond to the Global Stocktake

Ernesto M. Hilario

HOW wrong we all were in thinking that with the resounding defeat of the Islamic State-linked Maute Group in Marawi City in 2017, the threat of terrorist attacks has diminished, even disappeared altogether.

The stark reality is that remnants of terrorist cells have simply been hiding in the shadows, recruiting new members and planning yet another attack that would send a clear signal they are alive and well.

Is it true that the bombing that took place inside the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur last week, killing four people and leaving 50 more injured during a Catholic Mass, is the handiwork of the Islamic State?

If that claim can be validated, then authorities should work double-time and run after the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group reported to be operating in Lanao del Sur. News reports indicate that probers are trying to determine if the attack is retaliation for the killing of 11 members of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah in Maguindanao, including its declared leader Abdullah Sapal, on December 1.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned “in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists” and directed police and armed forces “to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities.”

He also urged the public to remain calm and keep the victims and affected individuals in their prayers.

The latest terrorist incident in Mindanao has even gained international attention, with the ambassadors of the United States and European Union expressing strong condemnation of the

—“—

The Earth has already warmed some 1.2C, unleashing ferocious heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms

“Solar wind, electric vehicles, batteries, they’re all growing rapidly, which is great. But that is only half the story,” he said.

“The other half is reducing fossil fuel emissions. And we’re simply not doing enough.”

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

findings at COP28 will help determine whether the world confronts the climate crisis, or continues to fall victim to it.

Other issues the parties are discussing is how to phase out fossil fuels – energy source formed in the Earth’s crust from decayed organic material like petroleum, coal and natural gas – and how to finance the energy transition in developing nations.

Climatologists are saying the toughest talks at COP28 have focus on the future role of fossil fuels, and whether countries should commit to start phasing out the use of CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas.

Countries agreed at COP26 to phase down the use of coal, but they have never agreed to quit all fossil fuels -- the main source of planet-warming emissions.

The United States, European Union and many climate-vulnerable countries are insisting on a final COP28 deal that commits countries to phase out fossil fuels.

But the Group of 20 failed to agree on this point at their summit in July, and countries including Russia have said they would oppose a fossil fuel phase-out.

The UAE’s incoming COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber has said the phase down of fossil fuels is “inevitable,” countries are waiting to see if the UAE will push other oil-rich nations to back the idea during the Dubai summit.

Terror in Marawi

bombing incident.

“We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.

For his part, EU Ambassador the Philippines Luc Véron said: “It’s deeply disheartening to learn of the explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools.

In this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to the families who have lost their loved ones.”

—“—

This latest act of terrorism in Mindanao should prod law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and bringing them to justice The MSU, meanwhile, said its “community is deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering at the university gymnasium.”

School officials said they are working closely with local authorities and law enforcement to ensure the safety of the campus.

The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry India overtakes EU The research found fossil fuels accounted for 36.8 billion tonnes of a total of 40.9 billion tonnes of CO2 estimated to be emitted this year.

Several major polluters have clocked falling CO2 emissions this year -- including a three percent decrease in the United States and a 7.4 percent drop across the European Union.

But China, which accounts for almost a third of global emissions, is expected to see a four percent rise in fossil fuel CO2 this year, the research found, with increases in coal, oil and gas as the country continues to rebound from its Covid-19 lockdowns.

Meanwhile, a rise in CO2 emissions of more than eight percent in India means the country has now overtaken the EU as the third-biggest fossil fuel

Division said the bombing incident is an act of terror. “Probably the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group since they are in Lanao del Sur but we are looking at the bomb signature to determine if the group was indeed behind it,” they said, adding there are around 41 remnants of the terrorist group in Lanao del Sur. The Philippine National Police confirmed the four casualties and many more wounded: “Our dedicated teams are on the ground, diligently working to establish the facts and identify the individuals or groups responsible for this despicable act.”

Camp Crame also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow investigative teams to complete their work.

This latest act of terrorism in Mindanao should prod law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

Terrorist acts such as this should not go unpunished as these will set back government efforts to restore peace and order in southern Philippines which has long been wracked by rebellion, kidnapping for ransom incidents and clan wars.

The result: sluggish economic development and perpetuation of mass poverty for many of its people.

We should not allow a repeat of the 2017 Marawi siege that led to intense fighting that cost many lives and neartotal destruction of the city that still needs to be rebuilt from the ground up six years later.

The government should now run after terrorist groups with hammer and tongs if we want peace to prevail southern Philippines.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

emitter, scientists said.

In both India and China increasing demand for power is outstripping a significant rollout of renewables, said Peters.

Emissions from aviation rose by 28 percent this year as it rebound from pandemic-era lows.

The research was published in the journal Earth System Science Data.

The Earth has already warmed some 1.2C, unleashing ferocious heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms.

Temperatures this year have surged to the highest in recorded history and the UN’s World Meteorological Organization has said 2023 was already around 1.4C above the pre-industrial baseline by October.

Going above 1.5C for a single year would not breach the Paris deal, however, which is measured over decades. AFP

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Ex-US ambassador arrested, charged with spying for Cuba MIAMI – A former US ambassador to Bolivia has been arrested and charged with spying for Cuba over a 40-year span, the Justice Department announced Monday (Tuesday in Manila), detailing a shock betrayal by a suspect who called the United States “the enemy.”

US Attorney General Merrick Garland laid out the allegations against Victor Manuel Rocha, a onetime member of the White House’s National Security Council now accused of using his positions within government to support Cuba’s “clandestine intelligence-gathering mission” against the United States.

The charges against the 73-year-old retired diplomat expose “one of the highest-reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the United States government by a foreign agent,” Garland

said in a statement.

Rocha, a naturalized US citizen originally from Colombia, allegedly began aiding Havana as a covert agent of Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence in 1981, and his espionage activities continued to the present, the statement said.

Garland delivered remarks about the arrest of Rocha Friday in Miami and elaborated on details learned when Rocha spoke at length with someone he believed to be a Cuban operative but who was in fact an undercover FBI agent.

“As detailed in the complaint, Rocha repeatedly referred to the United States as ‘the enemy’” and spoke of his own “meticulous” efforts to infiltrate Washington’s power center and influence American foreign policy, Garland said. AFP

HELPLESS VICTIMS. Palestinians wounded during Israeli bombardment are transported to Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. AFP

Israeli troops battle Hamas militants in southern Gaza

I

SRAELI troops battled Hamas militants in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after expanding their offensive deeper into the besieged territory, with warnings that an “even more hellish scenario” was unfolding for trapped civilians.

(MS-NOV. 29, DEC. 6 & 13, 2023)

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FRE-MC23-1735 EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 AS AMENDED BY 4118

SPS. RODEL B. ABALAJON AND YVONNE V. ABALAJON, Borrowers/Mortgagors, x-----------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by BANK OF COMMERCE, as Mortgagee, against SPS. RODEL B. ABALAJON AND YVONNE V. ABALAJON, Borrowers/Mortgagors, with postal addresses at Purok 5 (at the back of Brgy. Hall) 76-A, Davao City, Unit 1402 14th Floor, The Niagara Tower, Acqua Private Residences Coronado Street, Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City and 872 Gallego St., Kalawag 2 Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of October 15, 2023 amounts to TWO MILLION THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO PESOS & 83/100 (Php 2,381,532.83) ONLY Philippine Currency, inclusive of accrued interest, penalties and other charges, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency on the 4th day of January 2024 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter but not later than 12:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the main entrance of Mandaluyong City Hall, Maynila Circle, Mandaluyong City, the following condominium unit together with all the improvements existing therein and its appurtenant Parking Slot to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. -008-2016003526Registry of Deeds – City of Mandaluyong

OF “ACQUA PROJECT

: 14 : 1402 : 27.30 SQM

PRIVATE

RESIDENCES”

CONDOMINIUM

in the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 2011000713 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT (2,128) Square Meter xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP Parking Slot No. 15

Khan Yunis, warning that the main road in the north and east of the city “constitutes a battlefield.”

Hamas claimed via Telegram its militants had targeted two personnel carriers and a tank near Khan Yunis.

Rocket salvos were again fired from Gaza towards Israeli territory.

As the war spreads, international aid organizations have warned that civilians in the densely populated territory are running out of places to flee to.

“Nowhere is safe in Gaza and there is nowhere left to go,” said Lynn Hastings, UN humanitarian coordinator for

handout photo taken on Monday and released Tuesday by the National Search and Rescue Agency shows rescuers evacuating one of the victims from the slopes of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra. Hundreds of Indonesian rescuers were racing to find 10 hikers who went missing after a volcano eruption that killed 13 people.

AFP

Location Level 5

AREA 12.5 SQM.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.”

‘In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on January 11, 2024 at the same time and place without further notice.”

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines, December 1, 2023.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF BY: (Sgd.) ARMANDO O. DE LEON II Sheriff iv WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law.

Copy furnished: BANK OF COMMERCE San Miguel Properties Centre, No. 7 St. Francis Street, Mandaluyong City GALLEGO & VILLAMOR LAW OFFICES Suite 15, 2nd Floor, Facilities Centre Building, 548 Shaw Boulevard, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City SPS. RODEL B. ABALAJON AND YVONNE V. ABALAJON Purok 5 (at the back of Brgy. Hall) 76-A, Davao City, Unit 1402 14th Floor, The Niagara Tower, Acqua Private Residences Coronado Street, Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City and 872 Gallego St., Kalawag 2 Isulan, Sultan Kudarat (MStandard – Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 2023)

AGAM, Indonesia — The total number of hikers found dead after a volcano eruption in Indonesia has risen to 13 after two more bodies were found, a local rescue official said Tuesday.

“The total number of people who have died is currently 13,” Abdul Malik, head of Padang Search and Rescue Agency told AFP, adding that 10 hikers were still missing, while 52 have been evacuated.

The bodies of the two hikers were found late Monday, he added.

The rescue mission is being hampered by further volcanic activity

In Deir al-Balah further to the north, Walaa Abu Libda found shelter at a hospital, but said her four-year-old daughter remained trapped under rubble.

“I don’t know if she is dead or alive,” said Libda, one of an estimated 1.8 million people displaced in Gaza -- roughly three-quarters of the population, according to UN figures.

The Israeli army on Tuesday denied telling the World Health Organization to empty an aid warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours before ground operations in the area render it unusable.

On Monday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X that his organisation had received a notification from the military “that we should remove our supplies from our medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours”.

Key ally the United States has cautioned Israel to do more to avert civilian casualties as operations shift to the south. AFP

UN foresees ‘hellish scene’ as aid to Gaza grinds to halt

RACE AGAINST TIME. This

Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 13 – official

NIAGARA TOWER FLOOR NUMBER UNIT NUMBER TOTAL UNIT AREA

Israel had initially focused its offensive on the north of the territory, but the army is now also dropping leaflets on parts of the south, telling Palestinian civilians there to flee to other areas.

Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers and bulldozers were seen on Monday near the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, which is packed with civilians who fled their homes further north in the territory earlier in the war, witnesses told AFP. The army said Monday it was taking “aggressive” action against “Hamas and other terrorist organizations” in

the Palestinian territories.

“If possible, an even more hellish scenario is about to unfold, one in which humanitarian operations may not be able to respond,” Hastings said in a statement.

Israel declared war on Hamas after the militant group’s Oct. 7 attacks that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and which saw around 240 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities.

In retaliation for the worst attack in its history, Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas and secure the release of all the hostages held in Gaza.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says the war has killed nearly 15,900 people in the territory, around 70 percent of them women and children.

In the city of Rafah near the Egyptian border, resident Abu Jahar al-Hajj said an air strike near his home felt “like an earthquake.”

“Pieces of concrete started falling on us,” he said.

and bad weather.

“The volcanic ash has reached the foot of the hill, which is a challenge for the team. Both routes will be steep and slippery,” Malik said.

Eleven dead hikers were found Monday near the crater of Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, while several others were found alive and carried down the mountain.

The volcano spewed an ash tower 3,000 meters -- taller than the volcano itself -- into the sky on Sunday.

Mount Marapi, which means ‘Mountain of Fire’, is the most active volcano on Sumatra island.

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide.

The archipelago nation has nearly 130 active volcanoes.

“This morning we will deploy around 200 personnel, on top of the personnel who are already staying up there. Until now five bodies have been brought down,” Hendri, head of operations at the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, told AFP Tuesday.

“The volcano is still erupting,” said the official, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. AFP

UNITED NATIONS, New York -- A UN official warned on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that “an even more hellish scenario” looms in Gaza in which humanitarian aid simply grinds to a halt.

“The conditions required to deliver aid to the people of Gaza do not exist,” said Lynn Hastings, UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories.

Since the end of a seven-day truce, Israeli forces have pushed into southern Gaza, “forcing tens of thousands... into increasingly compressed spaces, desperate to find food, water, shelter and safety,” Hastings said.

“Nowhere is safe in Gaza and there is nowhere left to go.”

“If possible, an even more hellish scenario is about to unfold, one in which humanitarian operations may not be able to respond,” Hastings said in a statement.

Hastings, a Canadian, rejected the idea of “safe zones” urged upon Israel by the US government where people are still unable to move about freely.

“These zones cannot be safe nor humanitarian when unilaterally declared,” she said. AFP

White House warns Putin could win war if military assistance for Ukraine dries up WASHINGTON, DC – The White House issued a dire warning Monday (Tuesday nin Manila) that US aid for Ukraine will run out by the end of the year, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin could win the war if Congress fails to agree fresh funding.

President Joe Biden’s budget director, Shalanda Young, said in a blunt letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson that if military assistance dries up it would “kneecap” Kyiv’s fight against the Russian invasion.

Democrat Biden asked Congress in October for a huge $106 billion national security package including military assistance for Ukraine

and for Israel’s war against Hamas, but the funding has been mired in divisions on Capitol Hill.

“There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -and nearly out of time,” wrote Young.

“Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made, but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories.”

National Security Advisory Jake Sullivan ‘IF AID DRIES UP.’ National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during a went further, suggesting that voting against aid news briefing at the White House Tuesday where he spoke on a range of topics for Ukraine was effectively voting to make it including the conflict between Israel and Hamas and US President Joe Biden’s administration’s calls for Congress to pass further funding for Ukraine. AFP easier for Russia to succeed. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock index climbs above 6,300 level as investors cheer slower inflation

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE benchmark index of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) climbed above 6,300 level Tuesday as investors welcomed the easing inflation rate.

The 30-company PSE index advanced by 24.58 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 6,308.95, while the broader all-shares index added 4.58 points, or 0.14 percent, to settle at 3,352.02.

Analysts said investors cheered the November inflation rate, which dropped to a 20-month low of 4.1 percent from 4.9 percent in October on slower increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages.

“The local bourse was in the red territory for the most part of the day before a last-minute push from the buyers, ended the session above the 6,300 level,” Philstocks Financial Inc. analyst Mikhail Plopenio said.

The steady decline in global oil prices also boosted investor sentiment as this will be a factor in continued decline in inflation.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks fell Tuesday, extending the sell-off seen on Wall Street, with analysts warning November’s rally fueled by bets on interest rate cuts may have gone too far, forcing traders to take a step back.

Markets surged last month as data pointing to slowing inflation and softer job markets combined with a dovish turn by Federal Reserve officials to stoke expectations they will next year begin loosening monetary policy.

Those hopes were boosted Friday when Fed chief Jerome Powell said rates were “well into restrictive territory”.

More than one percentage point of reductions through to next December have been priced in by futures traders, according to Bloomberg News.

But observers said the euphoria may have caused investors to get ahead of themselves and the next few weeks could be a little bumpy, while they remained broadly upbeat about the new year.

Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson said in a note that this month could see “near-term volatility in both rates and equities” before positive seasonal trends and “January effect” provide a lift in January.

All three main indexes in New York ended in the red, with the S&P 500 coming off a nine percent November rally.

And the selling continued in Asia.

Hong Kong tumbled more than two percent while Tokyo and Sydney shed more than one percent apiece.

Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were also well down.

“The biggest near-term risk for the markets could simply be that after a phenomenal one-month rally, a period of consolidation may be a necessary breather,” said UBS Global Wealth Management’s Jason Draho.

“A lot of good news is priced in, and investors seeing little imminent downside risk does make the markets vulnerable to even small disappointments.”

Goldman Sachs strategists said “markets are approaching the limits of what can plausibly be priced without attaching material odds of a recession in the near term.” With AFP

Panlilio steps down as PLDT president, cites health reasons

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. on Tuesday announced the retirement of Alfredo Panlilio as its president and chief executive effective Dec. 31 this year due to health reasons.

The company said its board of directors appointed Manuel Pangilinan as president and chief executive effective Jan. 1, 2024 concurrent to his role as incumbent chairman.

Panlilio replaced Pangilinan in July 2021 as president and chief executive of PLDT and Smart.

Meralco expects lower generation rates this month

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects lower generation charges in December with fewer power plants on outage last month.

“Initial indications show a possibility of lower generation charge this December. We observed an improved supply situation due to lower demand and fewer plant outages, which are expected to bring down prices in the WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market],” Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said.

The WESM is the trading floor of electricity where prices are dictated by supply and demand.

Based on Meralco’s monitoring, the average capacity on outage went down by more than 600 megawatts (MW), and the average demand also declined by more than 400 MW during the November supply month.

Meralco’s overall power rates went up in November by P0.2347 per kilowatt-hour on higher ancillary charges.

The overall rate for a typical household went up to P12.0545 per kWh last month from P11.8198 per kWh in October.

Meralco said the transmission charge went up by P0.1211 per kWh for residential customers due to higher ancillary service charges.

It said National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) ancillary charges for regulating reserves went up almost fourfold to P91.35 per kW from P23.17 per kW. The cost of regulating reserves accounted for around 76.5 percent of total ancillary service charges.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved an additional 257.78 MW for regulating reserve under new ancillary service procurement agreements as of October.

This was brought about by the directive of the Department of Energy to NGCP to conduct firm contracting to ensure availability of power supply.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Therma Visayas Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation launch Project T3, a skills training and community bakery project in Barangays Bato and Cabitoonan in Toledo City. The program aims to provide skills training for residents to increase their hiring potential across the Toledo industrial hub.

Aboitiz’s TVI launches community skills training program

By Othel V. Campos THERMA Visayas Inc. (TVI), which operates Aboitiz Power Corp.’s Toledo City power plant, launched “Project T3” which stands for TechVoc-TESDA-Training, a community skills training program which aims to address unemployment in the company’s host communities.

“Toledo City, an industrial hub, needs a skilled workforce.

The graduates of this skills training course would be ‘jobready’. It is the objective of Project T3 to increase the hiring potential of the participants so that they can contribute immediately to a more vibrant Toledo economy,” said TVI facility head Noel Cabahug.

Project T3 will provide technical vocational training in NCII shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and NC-II pipefitting plus NC-II bread and pastry production in connection with a community bakery project.

“We have high hopes for Project T3 because of the virtuous cycle it creates – with each and every progress the program achieves, the greater sustainability we promote in terms of the increased living standards and the economy of Toledo,” Cabahug said.

Trainees were selected from residents of TVI’s impact communities in Barangays Bato and Cabitoonan in Toledo City.

TVI also sponsored the assessment fees for NC-II certifications, ensuring that trainees not only have access to comprehensive training and support, but also highlighting their commitment towards creating job-ready individuals.

Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales commended

the initiative as she cited TVI’s earlier contributions to Toledo including various health centers, crop production enhancement projects, financial assistance to indigent students, and Covid-19 support and disaster relief.

“Our profound thanks to TVI and the Aboitiz Foundation, TESDA and CTU. The T3 program is very relevant and timely indeed, as it directly supports and promotes the economy of Toledo City as a vital cog in the growth of Cebu and Central Visayas,” said Perales.

A collaboration with the Aboitiz Foundation, TESDA and the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Pinamungajan, the “T3” initiative will ensure quality technical training and workshops for 100 beneficiaries in its launch phase.

The T3 training program banks on practical training and current industry trends making it highly relevant and attuned to market requirements towards gainful employment.

Panlilio has been instrumental in steering the PLDT Group during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic and enabling PLDT to sustain profitability and industry leadership in that difficult period.

Under his leadership, PLDT received numerous accolades for its pioneering brand, corporate social responsibility, cybersecurity, network, and sustainability initiatives.

Panlilio was recognized as CEO of the Year in 2022 and PLDT was named one of the World’s Best Companies

by Time Magazine in 2023.

Pangilinan expressed his gratitude to Panlilio for the vision, energy and heart that he dedicated to PLDT’s customers, employees, shareholders and the board of directors.

“I would like to thank Al profusely for his service and his loyalty, and wish him the very best. I also enjoin everyone to support a smooth transition within the PLDT Group at this critical juncture of its corporate life,” Pangilinan said.

NOTICE

SUSTAINABLE POWER. Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) president and chief executive Oliver Tan (second from right) joins a panel represented by international groups Macquarie Asset Management, Global Infrastructure Facility, Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation and Pentagreen Capital – jointly owned by Temasek and HSBC, during the FAST-Infra side event held in 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, UAE. CREC is one of the world’s first to receive the FAST-Infra Sustainability Infrastructure (FISI) Label for its Bokbok 1 and 2 Solar Power Plant Projects in Batangas.

Notice is hereby given that SAGITTARIUS MINES, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Export Producer of Copper Concentrate at an annual ore milling capacity of 15 million tons with project location at Tampakan, South Cotabato; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Malungon, Sarangani; and Kiblawan, Davao del Sur under the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. No. 11534, otherwise known as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE).

Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE Director Resource-Based Industries Service

(MS-DEC. 6, 2023)

BUSINESS

B4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

Cebu Pacific, Bulgaria Air sign damp leasing deal

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said Tuesday it signed a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air to meet the expected rise in passenger demand in line with continued post-pandemic air travel recovery.

Damp leasing, also known as ACMI, is an agreement between two airlines, where the lessor provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) to the lessee.

Under the agreement, the airline unit of the Gokongwei Group will lease two Airbus 320 CEO aircraft from Bulgaria Air that will service two domestic routes―Cebu and Davao―from January to May 2024.

Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria, has many years of experience in damp leasing of aircraft having partnered with airlines all over the world.

The two leased A320ceo will each have a 180-seat capacity and will fly passengers from Manila to Cebu and Davao.

“We continue to explore various opportunities to supplement the fleet and ensure operational resilience.

This includes signing a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air for five months in 2024,” Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said.

“We expect to increase our fleet to 92 come end 2024. With this, we expect our year-on-year seat growth to be within 5 percent to 8 percent in 2024,” he said.

Cebu Pacific earlier posted a net income of P1.3 billion in the third quarter, a turnaround from last year’s net loss of P2.5 billion.

The airline generated P23.3 billion in revenue in the third quarter, up by 39 percent year-on-year and 23 percent above the same period in 2019.

This was on the back of over 5.3 million passengers flown onboard 35,000 flights, which were 27 percent and 18 percent higher year-on-year, respectively.

November inflation softened to 4.1%, lowest in 20 months

By Julito G. Rada

I

NFLATION rate in November 2023 eased to a 20-month low of 4.1 percent from 4.9 percent in October on slower increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

PSA data showed this was the slowest since inflation settled at 4 percent in March 2022. It also fell within the 4.0 percent to 4.8 percent range announced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas last week.

“This brought the average inflation from January to November 2023 to 6.2

percent,” National statistician and civil registrar Dennis Mapa said in a briefing.

The 11-month average, however, remained above the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

Mapa said the slight uptick in rice prices for November 2023 was offset

by the deceleration in the prices of other food commodities such as fish, meat, sugar and vegetables.

Mapa said their data collection showed that the average price of regular-milled rice per kilogram in November increased to P46.73 from P45.42 a month ago. Well-milled rice price also went up to P51.99 from P51, while the cost of special rice rose to P61.47 from P60.95.

“All three subgroups of rice increased month on month, causing higher rice inflation for the month,” Mapa said.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the further drop in the inflation rate could be attributed to

TOURISM DESTINATION. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (eighth from left), along with AppleOne Group Inc. president and chief executive Ray Manigsaca and Marriott International vice president for Korea and the Philippines Duke Nam, leads the groundbreaking ceremony for for JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Residences Panglao Island, a luxury residential development.

Gov’t debt rose to record P14.5t as of end-October

World Bank keeps 2023 PH growth forecast, sees stronger rebound in 2024

REGULATORY CHAMPIONS. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto Perez hands over the plaque of recognition to British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils during the agency’s gathering of diplomatic corps, partners, stakeholders and champions of regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Joseph Muego

Local, foreign experts to discuss competition law, proposed changes INTERNATIONAL and local experts are meeting to discuss and review the Philippine Competition Law or Republic Act No. 10667.

Eight years into its enforcement, RA 10667 has yet to realize its full potential to penalize cartels and promote business competition, the bedrock of consumer protection, and help accelerate investments and job creation, according to the experts.

Experts will discuss what needs to be done to further strengthen the law and provide the needed support to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) in its investigation and enforcement mandate in a two-day seminar at

the UP Law Center on Dec. 5 and 6.

Among the attendees are PCC chair Michael Aguinaldo; Prof. William Kovacic of George Washington University and former commissioner and chair of the United States Federal Trade Commission; and Prof. Cuyvers and Ben Van Rompuy, EU competition law experts from Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Also attending are Dr. Andrea Gideon of the University of Liverpool and Rachel Burgess, visiting professor at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

The hybrid event will also be available online through Zoom.

THE World Bank on Tuesday kept its 2023 growth forecast for the Philippines at 5.6 percent, saying the economy remained resilient despite local and global headwinds marked by elevated inflation, higher interest rates, world growth slowdown and geopolitical tensions.

The bank in October cut its previous forecast to 5.6 percent from 6 percent in June 2023.

World Bank Philippines senior economist Ralph van Doorn said in a briefing the gross domestic product growth would rebound stronger in the next two years.

“The Philippine economy showed resilience despite a global slowdown and grew by 5.5 percent in the first three quarters of 2023, faster than peer countries in the region. Growth is projected to increase to an average of 5.8 percent in 2024-2025, supported by robust private consumption and rising investments,” Doorn said.

The bank’s 5.6 percent growth forecast is below the government’s target

the timely implementation of strategies to stabilize food supply amid the anticipated domestic and external headwinds in the coming months.

The downtrend in the overall inflation last month was primarily brought about by the decrease in food inflation to 5.8 percent from 7.1 percent in October.

This was due to the deflation in vegetables (-2.0 percent from 11.9 percent) and lower inflation of fish (4.9 percent from 5.6 percent), meat (0.5 percent from 0.8 percent), sugar (1.5 percent from 4.9 percent), bread and other cereals (6.9 percent from 7.4 percent) and fruits (13.1 percent from 13.5 percent), according to NEDA.

range of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year. Economic managers remained optimistic that the low end of the target range remained doable on more economic activities during the holiday season.

Doorn said external risks to growth include the escalation of geopolitical tensions that could lead to additional food and energy supply shocks, placing additional pressure on inflation.

“Trade restrictions on agricultural products could cause supply disruptions and lead to increased volatility in commodity prices,” he said.

Doorn said that in major advanced economies, the still elevated core inflation could prompt central banks to keep interest rates higher longer than expected.

He also said the global environment was less favorable that would affect exports in the Philippines. He said higher inflation could tighten financial conditions and higher cost of borrowing.

Julito G. Rada

THE government’s outstanding debt ballooned to a record P14.48 trillion as of end-October from P14.27 trillion in the previous month, the Bureau of the Treasury said Tuesday. “[The] NG’s [national government’s] debt stock increased by P212.13 billion, or 1.49 percent, month-over-month, reflecting the net issuance and availment of domestic and external loans, as well as the revaluation effect of peso depreciation against the US dollar,” the Treasury said in a statement.

It said of the total debt stock, 31.62 percent came from external sources, while 68.38 percent represented domestic borrowings.

Domestic debt hit P9.90 trillion as of end-October, up by P167.98 billion, or 1.73 percent, from the previous month due to the net issuance of government securities.

Gross issuance of domestic debt for the month totaled P213.42 billion, while principal payments amounted to P45.68 billion, resulting in a net repayment of P167.75 billion.

“The effect of local currency depreciation against the US dollar on the debt stock valuation was minimal at only P0.23 billion. Year-todate, domestic debt registered an increment of P693.95 billion or 7.54 percent,” it said.

The government’s external debt of P4.58 trillion increased P44.15 billion, or 0.97 percent, from the previous month.

“Favorable movement of third currencies tempered the increase by P1.21 billion. NG external debt has increased by P367.99 billion or 8.74 percent from the end-December 2022 level,” the Treasury said.

Julito G. Rada

SEAL OF PROTECTION. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso (second from right), core business sector acting executive vice president Jason Teng (left) and insurance group acting senior vice president Valerie Marquez (right) and marketing, underwriting and claims office OIC-vice president Ma. Rosanna Sanchez (second from left) award the GSIS Seal of Protection to the city governments of Makati and Pasig.

C1

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

HD Spikers secure last semis berth

Cignal players celebrate a scored point against Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League AllFilipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.

Maroons, Archers seek UAAP basketball crown U

NIVERSITY of the Philippines and De La Salle clash in a duel to the death in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball finale Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The first two games were lopsided affairs, as the Fighting Maroons made history by posting by largest Finals winning margin in the Final Four, 97-67, in the opener before the Green Archers leveled the series with a 22-point rout, 82-60.

It was De La Salle’s biggest championship series win since a 72-47 dismantling of Far Eastern University in Game 1 on October 1998.

The Finals decider is at 6 p.m., before an expected SRO crowd at the historic Big Dome.

Eight-peat-seeking National University and University of Santo Tomas dispute the women’s crown at 12 noon.

UP is 1-1 in Game 3s, as the Dili-

man-based squad ended its 36-year title drought in the Season 84 bubble by dethroning Ateneo in overtime on a JD Cagulangan game-winning triple in May last year. The Fighting Maroons’ reign, however, was short-lived as the Blue Eagles won Game 3 to reclaim the throne last December.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde is setting aside the Game 2 loss, as he is looking forward to the second chance to redeem themselves from the Season 85 championship setback.

“Well, it is what it is kung ano nangyari today (Sunday). We’re not gonna make any reasons kung ano turnout ng game today, rather we’re gonna look in-

side us, kung ano dapat namin ginawa. Ang importante dito may Game Three pa so nandoon pa yung chance namin. Yun lang, learn from it lang,” said Monteverde.

“It will count how to face challenges not alone, but to face challenges working together, helping each other out,” he added.

The Fighting Maroons started strong, racing to a 12-2 lead, before the Green Archers used a strong second quarter to take control and never looked back.

This will be the ninth Game 3 of La Salle in the Final Four era - the most by any team in the league. The Green Archers are 3-5 all-time, as their most recent Finals decider appearance ended in a loss to the Blue Eagles, 86-88, in 2017.

Gunning for his first collegiate coaching title, De La Salle mentor Topex Robinson is bracing for what UP will throw at them in the finale.

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – UPIS vs FEU-D (Boys) 10 a.m. – DLSZ vs UST (Boys) 12 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women Finals) 6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals)

“We know that it’s gonna be hard.

Winning a championship is gonna be hard. Playing against the top college team in the country right now is gonna be hard. But sa amin, at the moment we just keep on enjoying that game, the game that we love, the game that has been good to us, and not shy away from the responsibility of the result of the ball game,” said Robinson.

The Green Archers hope to cash in that they are the only unbeaten team in Araneta Coliseum this season, winning all their six games. Game 3 is scheduled on December 6 at Araneta Coliseum.

Pacquiao already plotting bigger MPBL next year THE MPBL just concluded its fifth season, and yet league officials are already looking forward to the next one.

Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said league founder Manny Pacquiao is now thinking of ways on how to maintain or even exceed the success gained in the recent season moving forward.

The league is looking to open its sixth season by March of next year as Pampanga Giant Lanterns emerged as the new national champion following a 3-0 sweep of Bacoor Strikers in the finals last week.

“Right after ng championship, nagpatawag agad ng meeting si Senator (Pacquiao) sa bahay niya. So nagsecelebrate pa ‘yung buong Pampanga nandu’n na kami sa bahay niya kasi he’s excited dahil nakita niya ‘yung growth

and success ng league and gusto niya magkaroon agad ng plano this early,” said Duremdes in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

While Pampanga was a dominant force in the playoffs, including becoming the first team to sweep the finals, Duremdes noted too, how the Lanterns are the fifth different national champion in five seasons of the league so far.

Batangas was the inaugural champion followed by San Juan, Davao Occidental, and Nueva Ecija.

“Kung mapapansin ninyo ang MPBL talaga is an unpredictable league. Walang dominant teams. History-wise since our inaugural season wala pang nakapagback-to-back championship. And ngay-

on ang magiging barometer naman ng mga teams yung Pampanga,” said the PBA great in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. “’Yun ang pinaka-exciting na part ng MPBL. Hindi mo alam kung sino ang mananalo,” said Duremdes, adding last year’s finalists Nueva Ecija and Zamboanga were both eliminated in this season’s playoffs.

“Nakita natin ‘yung improvement and level playing field at ‘yung quality ng mga players nag-improve talaga ng malaki.”

That perhaps has been the reason for the MPBL finally breaching the 1 million followers from its Facebook page.

Kenneth Duremdes

Go bats for more Paris 2024 funding at Siklab Youth Awards RECOGNIZING the importance of the country’s campaign in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Senator Christopher Go said he will help seek additional funding to aid Olympiadbound athletes in their preparation.

Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Sports, made the

Siklab Youth Sports Awards

pledge during the third Siklab Youth Sports Awards staged Monday night at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls, BGC in Taguig City, where he was feted with the “Sports Godfather” award.

The senator authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, which estab-

lished the National Academy of Sports, and has been an ardent supporter of Philippine sports. This has led him to be recognized in the gala awards organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group.

A total of 60 young athletes from 33

sports shared the limelight in the returning awards ceremony for the finest Filipino junior and youth athletes.

Go For Gold Young Heroes Awardees Gennah Malapit of athletics (javelin throw), fencers Andrea Sayson, Alexa Larrazabal, Rex Dela Cruz, gymnast Ancilla ``Charlie’’ Manzano, all of them medalists in the Southeast Asian Games, were recognized.

World Games champion Alyssa Kylie Mallari of muay, kickboxer Fitzchel Martinez Fermato, jiu-jitsu’s Santino Luzuriaga, golfer Rianne Malixi and gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo joined them on stage in the event also supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Smart/PLDT, CEL Logistics, JC, NLEX, Pacquiao 3-in-1 Coffee and Giligan’s with Market! Market! and Ayala Malls as venue partners.

The third edition of the award-giving ceremony for the nation’s top junior and youth athletes across all sports likewise presented a special citation to the Youth Football League and the Davao Aguilas Football Club of grassroots sports benefactors Mike Atayde and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos ``Arjo’’ Atayde.

CIGNAL recoiled from a lackluster start coming off a 10-day break, dispatching Gerflor, 25-22, 25-11, 25-10, and collaring the fourth and last semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.

Gen Casugod came off the bench to fire nine points, matching top hitter Ces Molina’s output while Vanie Gandler scored eight points and Jovelyn Gonzaga added seven markers as the HD Spikers settled down to re-establish control in the last two sets after a wobbly stint in the opener that had the Defenders out-hitting them, 16-14.

But they regrouped and dished out the game expected of them at the resumption of the match, unloading 16 attack points while limiting their young rivals to just five spikes. The HD Spikers also pounced on the Defenders’ service reception struggles and scored four aces on their way to the lopsided 14-point win.

Coach Shaq delos Santos also took advantage of their huge lead to provide playing time for the bench players with Casugod responding and spearheading the HD Spikers’ relentless charge in the third, leading to the 70-minute romp that sent them to the Final Four with the Creamline Cool Smashers, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.

They finished at 8-3 (win-loss), matching the Crossovers record but the HD Spikers took the No. 3 spot in the rankings due to higher tiebreak points.

The No. 1 Creamline will thus face No. 4 Chery Tiggo while Choco Mucho and Cignal tangle in a pair of best-ofthree semis playoffs starting tomorrow (Thursday), also at the Philsports Arena.

Cignal’s victory likewise dashed the hopes of Petro Gazz and PLDT, both with 6-4 cards. The Angels and the High Speed Hitters were playing for final placings at presstime.

The Defenders, determined to nail the elusive first win, surprised the HD Spikers with superior attacks and blocks, 3-2, in the early going but yielded too many unforced errors – eight – ultimately leading to their three-point loss.

Bumina-ang out to give Team Lakay year-ending win AS 2023 comes to an end, Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang is ready to bring home one final win for Team Lakay, which has experienced a rollercoaster of a year.

Bumina-ang targets win number three in ONE Championship when he battles Ilyas Dursun in three-round bantamweight MMA action at ONE Friday Fights 44 on 8 December in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fresh off a win over Denis Andreev in October, “The Bull” is ready to charge at Dursun as he looks to make the most of the opportunities presented to him.

“I’m really happy. It’s an important thing to continue fighting and stay active, so I’m really blessed to be in this position,” he said.

“I think I’ve improved a lot since joining ONE Friday Fights. My last fight, I really had to earn it. It was tough, but I know that my experience there really grew. I got more confident as well.”

He’s entering this fight knowing that he has to work more on his footwork, especially after he got tagged quite a few times by Andreev the last time out.

Bumina-ang knows that he can’t repeat the same mistake against the Russian. But he’ll have a sizable advantage on the feet if he keeps polishing his footwork.

“We worked on our footwork.

We’re always cautious about it because I think in terms of damage and striking. That will be my advantage in this fight,” he said.

“When it comes to ground control, I know that he’s also good on the ground. So we need to continue what we’re doing during practices on the ground, and I hope that it all works out entering this next fight.

C2

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

HD Spikers, Nationals clash in marquee volley matchup

FIL-AM GOLF UNDERWAY. The

regular competition of the 73rd Fil Am Invitational officially began Monday with the ceremonial tee off at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay. Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong (center) led the affair, together with JJ Atencio (2nd from left) of title sponsor Januarius Holdings, Fil-Am Foundation Board Ely Lagman (left) and Fil-Am cochairmen Anthony de Leon (right) and Jude (4th from left) Eustaquio.

Experience vs. youth as Fil-Am golf gets going BAGUIO—It is going to be youth versus experience when the championship teams in the regular FIL division begin their quest for the crown in the 73rd Januarius Fil Am Invitational slated at Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay here.

Defending champion Manila Southwoods and Eastridge have put a premium on young players, while Januarius Private Equity and SPES-1 will have a mix of veterans in their lineups.

National mainstay Aidric Chan, a product of the University of Arizona, is spearheading Southwoods’ drive for a ninth straight title. Local star Paolo Wong, Ryan Monsalve, Lanz Uy and Shinichi Suzuki are teammates.

“We will go for No. 9. Competition will be tough as other teams beefed up their rosters but we are ready as always. think our advantage is our familiarity with each other, said Southwoods captain Thirdy Escano.

Eastridge, on one hand, will parade in amateurs Edison Tabalin, Chris Remata, first-timer Alex Bisera, Ronel Tagaan and John Uy. Cebuano stars Mark Dy, Bayani Garcia, and Tyler Po, will team up with Justin Limjap, Marvin Mendoza and Homacio Mendoza for SPES-1.

Januarius Private Equity looms as the underdog but has a good shot at success with veterans Ray Sangil, Terence Macatangay and Jet Mathay partnering with Kirby Lachica and Ayon Sanchez.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious event. Win or lose, everybody goes home a winner,” said Januarius Private Equity manager Paolo Cagalingan.

Games Wednesday

3:30 p.m. – Cignal vs National U 5:30 p.m. – Letran vs Perpetual

Cardinals, Red Lions begin title showdown C

By Peter Atencio

ONSISTENCY will be the key as the Mapua Cardinals seek to end a long title drought when they confront the San Beda Red Lions in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association Wednesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Cardinals will look up to MVP candidate Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez as their leaders in their quest to win their first cage crown in 32 years.

Game 2 is set Sunday also at the MOA Arena, while a decider, if necessary, is Dec. 17 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Both teams enter the finals with win-

ning streaks, with Mapua having the momentum of a seven-game run, while San Beda boasts of a 6-game surge.

“Hindi ito ibinigay sa amin nang ganoon kadali. Pero siyempre, ang focus namin diyan ay paano namin itutuloy na maging consistent, with the help of these two veterans, Clint Escamis and Paolo Hernandez,” said Cardinals’

Nadal plays down expectations before Brisbane return PARIS—Former world number one Rafael Nadal said on Monday he expects “nothing” from himself before his return to the courts next month.

Nadal, 37, has been out with a hip injury since last January but is set to feature at Brisbane in the near year.

The Spaniard will use the tournament as a warm-up to the Australian Open in Melbourne having slumped to 663rd in the world before starting his final year before his expected retirement.

“I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that all goes well and it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court,” Nadal said in a video on social media.

“I expect from myself to expect nothing.

“To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demandºed myself throughout my career,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner added.

Since being sidelined Nadal has been overtaken in the number of Grand Slam tournaments won by Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, who now has 24 major titles.

Nadal will try to return to the highest level in Australia with the aim of competing at the French Open which he has won a record 14 times.

He is in line for a busy final season with the Grand Slams and the Olympic Games, where he won singles gold in Beijing in 2008 and doubles gold in Rio in 2016.

“I believe I’m in a different moment, situation. I am in an unex-

coach Randy Alcantara.

The Red Lions will definitely make things hard for the Cardinals, with their winning tradition putting them in the finals for the 15th time since 2006.

San Beda is expected to bank on the big games of Jacob Cortez in its bid to claim their 12th crown.

“At the start of the season, our goal really was—like every team in the NCAA—the championship, so one step closer,” said Red Lions’ coach Yuri Escueta.

Mapua’s tough defensive stance will be tested by the Red Lions’ outside shooters and three-point specialists, who had 26 triples overall in their clash with the Lyceum Pirates in the semis.

Rafael Nadal

plored terrain,” Nadal said.

“I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum.

“Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time,” he added. AFP

CIGNAL faces a familiar and formidable foe while two of NCAA’s top squads collide in a fitting start to what promises to be a slambang semifinal round of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila today (Wednesday).

The HD Spikers step up their drive for a sweep of the season’s two titles, mixing it up with the Sta. Elena Nationals in the 3:30 p.m. duel of power, style and class, kicking off the five-playdate round robin semis that will also feature Japanese guest team Maruichi Hyogo.

Cignal, which swept the Pool C elims and rolled to the semis with a sweep of La Salle-EcoOil in the knockout quarters, hopes to draw the best from its loaded roster led

by Jau Umandal and JP Bugaoan, while Nationals, the Pool A topnotchers who leaned on Leo Ordiales and Obed Mukaba to hold off the PGJC-Navy Sealions in a tight four-set encounter, both last Sunday.

Despite their romp over the Green Oilers, Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor emphasized the need for his wards to elevate their performance for the challenging semifinals of the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision and backed

by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa.

“Going to the semifinals we are happy but of course, we are not contented kung ano ‘yung naging performance namin. Dapat mas maging maganda pa ‘yung performance namin sa semifinals. We’ll prepare more and hayun, one at a time,” said Clamor.

Counterpart Dante Alinsunurin, on the other hand, wants the Nationals to maintain their level of play and recover from their grueling knockout encounter with the Sealions last Sunday.

“Continue lang namin ‘yung ginagawa namin. Siguro kailangan lang namin magpahinga, mag-scouting talaga para sa Japanese team kasi ‘yung mga kasama naman namin sa semifinals nakita naman na namin ‘yung mga makakalaban namin,” said Alinsunurin.

Meanwhile, the Altas, also coming off a dominant win over the FEU-Chef on a Diet Tamaraws in the quarterfinals, seek to get past the Saints Spikers, the surprise package of the conference after snatching the second berth in Pool C next to the HD Spikers then disposing of Pool B topnotchers Cabuyao-Cabstars in the quarters.

Perpetual will again rely on the hard-hitting Louie Ramirez Jefferson Marapoc and Micheal Medalla while Letran will be led

by Bem-Bem Bautista while hoping for the return of star middle blocker Vince Himzon, who suffered an ankle sprain after scoring 13 points in the first two sets against the Cabstars.

Games can be streamed live on SpikersTurf.ph and Pilipinas Live and telecast on OneSports and OneSportsPlus.

Road Warriors sign Valdez, Nermal to 2-year deals Enoch Valdez

THE NLEX Road Warriors announced the signing of two promising talents, Enoch Valdez and Jhan Nermal, who have both inked two-year deals with the team.

The signings come on the heels of the recent PBA Season 48 Draft, where Valdez and Nermal were selected with the 18th and 21st overall picks, respectively.

Valdez, a 6’3” dynamic winger hailing from Mangatarem, Pangasinan, brings his prowess and skills

to the Road Warriors after a standout career at Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Nermal, a 6’3” forward from Bacolod, adds versatility and experience to the NLEX roster.

The 21st overall pick not only showcased his talents in the PBA 3x3 with San Miguel but also ear ned recognition as the MPBL Fifth Season Most Improved Player.

Team management expressed

their enthusiasm on the new signings, highlighting the potential that Valdez and Nermal bring to the Road Warriors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Enoch Valdez and Jhan Nermal to the NLEX Road Warriors family. Both players have showcased exceptional talent, and we believe they will be instrumental in our pursuit of success,” said NLEX Road Warriors’ Team Governor Ronald Dulatre.

Jhan Nermal

C3

SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

IPO revokes TAPE’s trademark for ‘Eat Bulaga’ and ‘EB,’ credits TVJ as creator ‘Eat Bulaga!’ legit dabarkads led by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon (center)

THE Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has invalidated the trademark registration of Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE Inc.) for the names “Eat Bulaga” and “EB,” crediting

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) as the original creators.

The IPO’s decision came after TAPE Inc. failed to substantiate the origins of the “Eat Bulaga” mark.

Contrarily, TVJ provided compelling testimony and explanations, solidifying their claim as the rightful originators of the iconic mark.

The IPO decision acknowledged TVJ’s credible and believable account of how the idea for the “Eat Bulaga” mark originated.

“The Petitioners proved that it is the originator and owner of the contested EAT BULAGA mark.

Petitioners’ explanation or story on how initially the idea of the EAT BULAGA mark came about did seem

believable and credible,” according to the IPO decision.

During the period when the IPO decision was pending, TVJ and the Dabarkads temporarily adopted the title E.A.T. for their noontime show on TV5.

IPO’s decision means that E.A.T. can now use “Eat Bulaga” as its program title.

Conflict arose between TAPE and TVJ when TAPE planned to remove the three veteran hosts and designate Allan K, Wally Bayola, and Jose Manalo as the main hosts.

Mainstay Ruby Rodriguez was also removed by TAPE, allowing Ryzza Mae Dizon to be in the show only once a week. Maine Mendoza and other hosts disapproved of the changes, leading to their resignation and move to TV5.

Eat Bulaga is a cornerstone in Philippine television, airing on the GMA network as a blocktimer produced

by TAPE Inc. The show, credited to TVJ as creators, maintains its status as the longest-running variety show in the country since its debut on July 30, 1979.

Senator Lito Lapid recalls missed opportunity to work with Jackie Chan S

By Nickie Wang

Actor and politician Lito Lapid was supposed to work with international action star Jackie Chan (inset) in the ‘70s

ENATOR Lito Lapid recently hosted a Christmas party, recalling his missed opportunity to collaborate with Jackie Chan due to the sudden success of Drunken Master, the latter’s blockbuster 1979 film.

“We were supposed to be in a movie together,” the senator said, recalling his near collaboration with the international action star. “At that time, he was working on Drunken Master. In his next project, we were supposed to be together. They talked about it, and only the schedule needed to be worked out. They even agreed on the TF (talent fee),” the senator explained, speaking in the presence of Jesse Chua, the producer who took a gamble on him and launched him in his first starring role in The Jess Lapid Story in 1978.

“But what happened was, Drunken Master suddenly became a box office hit. When Jessie went back to Jackie’s manager, the price had changed,” the senator continued, lamenting the missed opportunity.

“It’s crazy how just because Jackie suddenly became popular, the planned project didn’t push

through,” the senator said in the vernacular even remembering having dinner together with Jackie in a restaurant in Hong Kong for their supposed project.

“Yes, we met, we saw each other in a restaurant. It’s really a shame,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Lapid expressed gratitude to the showbiz press and explained why he prioritized them during the holiday season.

“I really want that when there’s a Christmas party, the showbiz press comes first. I owe you a lot. You were with me for a long time before. You have helped me a lot, and I am happy with you.

So in occasions like this, you are the ones I think of,” Senator Lapid said.

Currently, Lapid can be seen in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo alongside Lorna Tolentino, forming the successful PriManda tandem.

Andrea Brillantes starrer series ‘Senior High’ now available in Canada ANDREA Brillantes, the lead star in Senior High, takes the spotlight on ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading content provider, extending its reach to a broader global audience.

Starting this month, the series and other select programs, including primetime and afternoon shows are now accessible on-demand in Canada through YouTube.

Canadian viewers can now enjoy the latest episodes of their beloved Kapamilya shows on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, free of charge and with the convenience of on-demand access. These episodes became available in Canada one week after their initial livestream in the Philippines.

Indulge in the captivating adventures of Tanggol (Coco Martin) in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,, the delightful Belle Mariano investigation of Caroline and Bingo (Belle and Donny Pangilinan) in Can’t Buy Me Love,, and the thrilling revelations of Sky (Brillantes) in Senior High.

The noontime program It’s Showtime continues to spread joy and entertainment, featuring nonstop good vibes and enjoyable moments with the “Showtime” family. Afternoon shows like PiraPirasong Paraiso and Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin promise to evoke a rollercoaster of emotions as shocking truths unfold in the series.

Music enthusiasts can tune in to musical game shows Everybody, Sing! with Vice Ganda and I Can See Your Voice with Luis Manzano.. For those seeking inspiring and lighthearted conversations, join momshies Jolina Magdangal, Melai Cantiveros, and Regine Velasquez on the lifestyle talk show Magandang Buhay.

ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel is recognized as the most subscribed YouTube channel in Southeast Asia with over 45 million subscribers.

Brillantes plays the dual role of twins —Luna and Sky—in the teen series ‘Senior High’

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

Enchong Dee to star in international film

can start recruiting SAG (Screen ACTOR Enchong Dee is set to Actors’ Guild) actors to be part of make his international film debut the cast.” in 2024. The actor revealed the So, there will be Hollywood news during a recent showbiz actors in the movie? event.

“Yes! That’s why I’m very “I always say that every year, excited!” Enchong exclaimed. “I you’ll be able to experience and feel that it will be the highlight of do something fresh. So, I think my 2024.” it’s safe to say that I will Meanwhile, Enchong is shoot my first international currently busy promoting his movie come February,” new film. He is part of the 2023 he said.

Metro Manila Film Festival entry The film, which will GomBurZa. He shares the bill be directed by director with Cedrick Juan and Dante Brillante Mendoza, Mendoza Rivero in the movie. is still under wraps. *** However, Dee hinted Jona joins Viva Artists Agency that it would be a Kapamilya singer Jona is now different kind of officially part of the Viva Artists role for him.

Agency (VAA). The 34-year-old “ I t ’ s singer recently inked a contract definitely with the talent management not going to agency. be anything Jona shared that she is happy like I’ve and excited about this new chapter done before,” in her career. She also said that Enchong said. she hopes to venture into acting “I’m looking again now that she is with Viva. forward to Jona first received an offer challenging myself ‘GomBurZa’ star Enchong Dee from Viva in 2015, but it didn’t and taking on a new push through because she role.”

Who are his co-stars in this ambitious silver decided to go with ABS-CBN instead. Another offer came in 2020, but Jona had an ongoing project with Star Music screen offering?

“I still can’t divulge as of now,” Enchong at the time. This year, Viva made an offer again and Jona admitted with a hint of excitement. “But the last finally accepted it. She made sure to ask permission from time we were in Los Angeles, Direk Brillante told her ABS-CBN bosses first, and they were understanding me that I can share that we’ll be doing a big project about her decision.

“I made sure first that I asked permission from my ABSnext year. Besides, we just waited for the end of the actors’ strike in Hollywood. Now that it’s over, we CBN bosses and I’m glad that they understood,” Jona stated.

C4

LIFE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

A shoutout to the years that were ASAAN ang column mo?” came the message from dear friend-editor Nickie Wang one Monday morning two years ago.

“N

I remember being confused after reading his message for a few seconds until it dawned on me what he meant.

Rewind to a few days before the message: Nickie, Joba Botana (the author behind the Job Well Done column) and

I escaped from the conundrum of the pandemic situation and traveled to our fave stomping ground up north.

While enjoying bottles of beer after playing with the waves, Nickie opened the possibility of writing a column for the Lifestyle section of Manila Standard. He said I could write about arts and culture, while Joba could write about wellness and beauty. My would-be column would come out every Wednesday, while Joba’s would be every Thursday.

“Are we qualified to be columnists?”

I remember Joba throwing that question while we chugged beer. We had misgivings about the idea. The three of us discussed it

for some time about our so-called merits, as well as the whys - why we are qualified to do it, why we should do it, and in some part, why he chose us.

Eventually, we said yes. Nickie named our would-be columns. He does really have a knack and talent for creating witty titles and names.

Back to that last Monday of November 2021, I replied: “Seryoso ka nga na kunin akong columnist?”

Nickie was quite adamant about it that all I could say was “When is the deadline?,” to which he replied, “Today.”

Still reluctant, but I started writing about the re-opening of the Cultural Center of the Philippines a year after the pandemic hit the country. The article was about the first live performance, Tuloy Ang Pasko.

That was my first column, and two years later, Glazing Life is still here.

Having a weekly column is a

Transformative exhibit chronicles evolution of ‘white lady’ from ghost to hypebeast fashion icon

Contemporary artist Klaris

FOUR years in the making, Where is Maria? transforms the folklore figure of the white lady from an enigmatic ghost to a resin art collectible dressed in bold colors and hypebeast fashion named Maria. Contemporary artist Klaris uncovers the obscurity of the “off white lady” in her third solo art show at GF Newport Garden Wing, Newport World Resorts.

On display until December 8 through Newport Mall-seum, Where is Maria? explores fragments of Maria’s new adventures, reflecting its creator’s own quest of self-searching.

“I am continuously thinking of gradually revealing her identity through her small escapades,” Klaris recalls working with Meatspace Art Gallery in bringing Maria to life piece by piece, figure by figure, streetwear by streetwear since its inception in 2009.

Their collaborative efforts led to the weaving of a custom show in Where is Maria? that features 75 different artists and their unique creative expressions of the “off white lady.”

These colorful figures invite spectators to ponder on the deep connection between perception and perspective.

After years of extensive preparation, Klaris found the opportune time and place to finally unveil Where is Maria?\ in the country’s premiere lifestyle and entertainment destination with Newport Mall-seum. “I feel overwhelmed and blessed at the same time,” she shares her experience launching the exhibit with family and artist friends, “This is my first time to have a solo exhibit in a prestigious venue [in] Metro Manila!”

A longtime advocate of Filipino arts and culture, Newport World Resorts also embraces its epic transformation to a newer, bigger, and more multifaceted integrated resort.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on Newport Mall, visit www. newportworldresorts.com

Hapag Movement, Lakbay Hibla unite to showcase indigenous fabric, community products including ASEAN Fashion Designers GLOBE’S Hapag Movement and our help.”

Hayden Ng, Founder of ASEAN Showcase #modelambassadors Dom Petch Lakbay Hibla recently joined forces for a transformative fashion extravaganza Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS), from Thailand and Jan Villanueva from the echoed Vicente’s statement: “We’re Philippines. celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month.

The event’s success extended Lakbay Hibla Project highlighted the trying to promote the talents and crafts of rich cultural heritage of the Philippines Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines more beyond the runway, offering the Hapag and creations of the Hapag Movement’s to an international platform by coming Movement’s sewing program participants talented sewing program participants. The together with ASEAN designers so there is a unique opportunity to display their work to a wider audience Hapag Movement is a Globe and opening doors for them of Good initiative aimed at in the evolving fashion reducing hunger and providing landscape. The event also job opportunities to help families served as a platform for them in need. to show that they can be a Organized by JCI QC source of talented and skilled Diamante with Marianas individuals in the fashion Momentous Events industry.

Management, the impressive “This partnership marks Lakbay Hibla event held at the an exciting new chapter, Hotel Lucky Chinatown aimed brimming with possibilities to promote, preserve, and protect for our graduates and the the Filipino indigenous fabrics Hapag Movement, fueling and weaving traditions. our anticipation for what “The Lakbay Hibla project showcases our indigenous Hapag Movement’s sewing program participant gets the opportunity to the future holds,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief fabrics in traditional clothing, as display their work at the Lakbay Hibla event Sustainability and Corporate well as contemporary fashion.

We asked ASEAN designers to feature a market available for them. It also provides Communications Officer.

The partnership between Hapag them in their designs to promote our woven a livelihood for the indigenous people.” fabrics not just locally but also in other The one-day runway show featured a Movement and Lakbay Hibla set a new countries,” said Dani Vicente, JCI Quezon remarkable lineup of 10 ASEAN Fashion standard for fashion events, proving that City Diamante President. “We want to help Designers Showcase #fashionambassadors, when creativity and social responsibility people in a sustainable way. We don’t want who collaborated with JCI Quezon City come together, the possibilities are limitless.

To learn more about the Hapag to do a one-time project. It doesn’t matter Diamante to unveil their latest creations. if it’s slow as long as it’s sustainable and These exceptional designs were brought to Movement, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ they can carry it out in the future without life by a cast of 40 talented Filipino models, globeofgood.

From left: The author with Manila Standard Life editor Nickie Wang and ‘Job Well Done’ columnist Joba Botana in La Union’s picturesque Tangadan Falls

commitment. In spite of my busy schedule (yes, I’m busy despite some people thinking I’m not doing anything), I always find time to make sure I have a column every Wednesday.

Of course, there were some weeks I had to beg off and tell my editor that I didn’t have anything to send. Or when the editor himself would tell me to skip because of certain circumstances, like when death claimed a loved one.

Truth is, I hate it when I have to skip a week for some reason. I felt bad whenever I had to copy and paste press releases because I couldn’t write and I did not want to skip another week.

Being a columnist, just like being a regular journalist, comes with responsibilities. There is always a deadline to think of. Even if it is a column, the content has to be factual.

I’m not a very political writer. But every now and then, I’d take a jab. I’m not a humorous writer. I don’t have the comedic timing to throw a joke.

Personally, I want my column to be informative. I want to tell stories of people through my column, hoping the readers would learn something and be inspired.

I still occasionally suffer from Imposter Syndrome. I’m still not sure if people outside my circle read it. I still have doubts whether I’m qualified to be a columnist or if I’m writing the right thing.

But all I know is that when I said yes to writing a column over bottles of beer while lounging on the beach in Elyu two years ago, it wasn’t just the alcohol talking.

That day when I sent more than my first column to Nickie, I didn’t just send an article. I signed a commitment.

Joba and I (sometimes with columnist Kate Adajar) often joke that we are doing this for the love of our butihing editor.

It is partially true. But more than that,

what keeps me going is my love for the craft. My column has now become a personal homage to the media industry that first embraced a pledging writer who was just starting her career and a love letter for the arts and culture industry I am now in.

Now that I have some moments to ponder, Glazing Life is a celebration of a great friendship among three friends who share a deep level of understanding and trust, as well as have a strong belief in each other’s abilities.

A friendship that accepts who and what we are, with genuine interest in what we have to say and how we think and feel. I believe that is what Glazing Life is and will be.

So, here’s to more years of writing.

Happy Glazing Life! *** Speaking of celebration, Filipino group Brass Pas Pas Pas celebrated their 11th anniversary recently with 11.11 anniversary gig at Mandala Park in Mandaluyong.

Established in 2012, the group is composed of drummer Wendell Garcia, guitarist Kakoy Legaspi, bass ace Francis De Veyra, keyboardist Juni Sitaca, vocalist Mike Luis, and the brass squad of baritone saxophonist Ganza Panganiban, alto saxman Joseph Cabanero, tenor sax dude Kaynne Castillo, trumpeters EJ Celestial, Marc Nicolas, and David Jorvina, and trombonist Isla Antinero.

The group was formed through a shared interest in hip-shaking, headswaying, booty-bumping music of old and of late. The group was named after a sound that emanated from Pinoy reggae band Junior Kilat.

Eleven years seems like a short time when you are having fun. Reminiscing the individual anecdotes and experiences made the group realize how long they have been in business.

“We feel like we would keep on being together for more years to come—and we’re very excited for what lies ahead for us, musically and as bandmates,” said singer Mike Luis.

For their anniversary concert, Brass Pas Pas Pas had a full-length shindig featuring the band’s extensive repertoire of originals — tunes that are a delightful amalgamation of jazz, swing, blues, soul disco-funk, and contemporary grooving – with a 20-piece ensemble band.

Celebrating with them as guest performers were Unique Salonga, Leanne & Naara, Kat Agarrado, Ebe Dancel, Jensen Gomez, and Sammy Valenia, with Zsaris and her live looper as the front act.

With the holiday season approaching, it is truly a time for celebration!

Philippine mythical creatures featured in play about teenage bullying ADA, Lundag sa Hiwaga, a dance performance that features Philippine mythical creatures will be staged from December 11 to 12 at the 5F Theater of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Design + Arts Campus.

A tale of self-discovery and the effects of teenage bullying, the story centers on the life of high school student Ada, who suddenly faced day-to-day intimidation from her once close friend Maggie after an incident during a wholesome game.

With her lost confidence and morale, she found hope after she discovered and entered the magical world called Hiwaga.

Ada then explored an adventure filled with challenges and heartbreaks through a new domain inhabited by mythological beings such as bakunawa (serpent-like dragon), diwata (fairies), duwende (dwarfs), and kapre (tree demon). They all assisted her to open up with her true identity.

The 90-minute production was written by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee and staging company Langgam Performance Troupe Artistic Associate Jay “BJ” Crisostomo IV. It was directed by Benilde Dance Program educators and industry experts Madonna Tinoy and Mycs Villoso. The full-length play was produced by Benilde Dance Chairperson and training school Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB) accredited examiner Nina Anonas.

Choreography was by Tinoy, Villoso, and Anonas, and was co-chreographed by Benilde Dance alumna and first resident group of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Ballet Philippines soloist Monica Gana.

It will showcase the talent and skills of the young student-artists led by the Dance Program, in collaboration with Creative Industries Management, Culture-Based Arts, Music Production, Production Design, and Theater Arts Programs of the Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP).

Tickets are available at P600.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook. com/benildearts.

Erica Prado as Bakunawa