Manila Standard - 2023 December 7 - Thursday

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VOL. XXXVII • NO. 295 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 •

PNP deploys 11k cops in NCR

La Salle's Evan Nelle scores against UP's Janjan Felicilda in Game 3 of the UAAP Men's Basketball Finals.

LA SALLE OUTLASTS UP, ENDS 7-YEAR UAAP WAIT

Police hardens targets in Metro Manila as 2 suspects in Marawi blast identified

NEWS / A2

By Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE National Capital Region Police Office will deploy more than 11,000 cops in Metro Manila as part of its target hardening efforts to ensure a secure environment during the Yuletide season.

T

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the deployment of 11,414 policemen to various areas, including places of worship, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, and transportation hubs to ensure peace and order.

Nartatez also instructed all commanders in the five police districts in Metro Manila Next page

Arsani Membesa

Kadapi Mimbesa

NSA JUNKS PEACE TALKS PRECONDITIONS

TARGET HARDENING. Manila Police District head Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay inspects the vicinity of Quiapo Church in Manila on Wednesday as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) gears up for the incoming Simbang Gabi festivities. Norman Cruz

NEWS / A2

LTFRB suspends Ceres bus units after 17 killed in Antique road crash

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta SEVENTEEN people died and 11 were injured when a passenger bus careered off a road on a "killer curve" and plunged down a mountain in the central Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

The government immediately suspended all vehicles of the Ceres Bus Liner plying that route as it began its investigation.

The bus was traveling in Hamtic municipality in Antique province when the crash happened Tuesday afternoon, provincial disaster agency head Roderick Train said.

Seven people were in critical condition in hospital and four others were stable, Train said, describing the section of road as "accident prone."

One Kenyan national was among those killed, and a second Kenyan was among those critically injured.

Gov. Rhodora Cadiao earlier told radio station dzRH there were four Kenyans on board the bus that was carrying mostly residents of Antique.

Local police later clarified there were only two. Another body was still being identified.

"I call that place 'killer curve'... it was already the second Ceres bus that fell off there," said Cadiao.

"With the many deaths, that road must be abandoned... and make another road to make that area safe."

Next page

TRAGIC CRASH. This handout photo taken on Dec. 5, 2023 and released on Dec. 6 by the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Office shows rescue personnel working at the scene where a bus plunged into a ravine in Hamtic town in Antique, leaving at least 17 people dead. Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office / AFP

House panel adopts resolution to suspend SMNI

Congress eyes decriminalizing libel, abortion

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo and Charles Dantes Speaker Martin Romualdez

PH LOGS 4 CASES OF ‘WALKING PNEUMONIA’ NEWS / A2

CONGRESS is reviewing the decriminalization of libel and abortion as part of efforts to decongest jails, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Wednesday in an address to the National Jail Decongestion Summit.

Romualdez said the House was commit-

ted to lending a hand in the collective effort to address the critical issue of jail congestion by considering various proposals, including the decriminalization of some offenses.

In his message, he pointed out that the congestion of jails is not merely a logistical or infrastructural problem but also a profound human rights issue.

The summit brought together

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin

SMNI anchor Lorraine Badoy

Next page

Chavez joins Palace communications team Cesar Chavez

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos appointed Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez as Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications.

Mr. Marcos signed Chavez's ap appointment on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

With the rank of undersecretary,

Chavez will be directly under the Office of the President and not the Presidential Communications Office.

Manila Standard previously reported that Chavez is set to join the administration's communications team.

A well-placed source said Chavez was already attending workshops and

Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE panel on Tuesday approved a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the operations of Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) for violating the terms and conditions of its franchise.

“We voted on that yesterday, [and] Next page

NEWS

A2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NSA junks peace talks preconditions In particular, he described as “premature” demands issued by the communists shortly after the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) agreed to resume peace negotiations.

The demands include:

• The release of NDFP peace consultants, allowing them to take part in the discussions and negotiations.

• The rescinding of the "terrorist” tag of the NDFP, Luis Jalandoni, the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and other personnel of the NDFP.

• The dismantling of the National Task Force (NTF)-ELCAC, the repeal of the Anti-Terror Law, and the withdrawal of AFP soldiers conducting "localized peace negotiations" and "community support.”

• The release of more than 800 political prisoners “All of these demands from the CPPNPA are premature,” Año said in a statement read by NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya during a press conference of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Año said the lifting of the terrorist

PNP...

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Wednesday identified two suspects in the bombing as Kadapi Mimbesa alias “Engineer” and Arsani Membesa alias “Khatab.”

The military said it was also validating the claim of the Islamic State and the Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group that they were responsible for the explosion.

For his part, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called on regional and local executives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to monitor alleged radicalization efforts after the 2017 Marawi Siege.

"There are radicalization efforts after the Marawi Siege. These are relatives and friends of those who died in the incident,” he said in an interview after an executive session with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and intelligence officials to discuss the Marawi bomb attack.

“We have to urge the BARMM government and local officials to monitor the radicalization efforts. These will persist,” he added.

ABS-CBN on Tuesday 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.

In Metro Manila, Nartatez said police assistance desks have been established near church entrances for immediate attention to emergencies.

“Ensuring a secure and joyous yuletide season is of utmost importance, and as we approach this festive time, NCRPO remains committed in terms of readiness and capability in its endeavor to ensure peaceful and orderly celebration,” he said.

simplifying the process for beneficiaries and expanding the pool of potential custodians.

Lastly, Romualdez backed proposals to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights to act as the national preventive mechanism against unjust incarceration. He said the proposal involves equipping the commission with data and analysis tools to monitor and address trends in incarceration and releases.

Romualdez commended the summit as a testament to the collective resolve of the government to confront the challenge of jail congestion.

“The collaboration under the auspices of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, which includes the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, is commendable. This partnership symbolizes a unified approach in dealing with complex challenges while respecting the autonomy of each institution,” he said.

In response to Romualdez’s speech, the DOJ said the decriminalization of libel and abortion should be left to Congress.

“We at the DOJ, we implement the law,” Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said in an interview.

He said they would leave it to the legislative branch to decide what to decriminalize.

But he said while this could decongest jails to a certain extent, “we don’t think it’s the full solution to the problem.”

“Out of the 52,000 [inmates] nationwide I wouldn’t say it would make a big dent. Maybe there would be some who will get released because of the decriminalization of libel and abortion but that only pertains to a small profile of persons deprived of liberty,” the DOJ official said.

Also at the summit: • President Marcos ordered the country’s justice sector to embrace technology and innovative practices to decongest jails. In a message delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the President urged member agencies of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council to pursue digitalization of frontline and back-end services. “By embracing technology and innovative practices, we can enhance our efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure swift and fair legal proceedings,” the President said.

• Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu on Wednesday expressed alarm that the congested penal facilities in the Philippines might result in terrorist inmates influencing and radicalizing other prisoners. “If we do not get this right, those terrorists who are stuck in jail could potentially come out just as extreme and in fact, in worst case scenarios, even radicalize others,” Yu said. “And in an overcrowded prison and jail it is very difficult to achieve rehabilitation,” the Australian ambassador said. Australia is one of the participants in the summit, which also includes the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The summit is being held by the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) composed of the Supreme Court, the Department of Justices and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

LTFRB...

for Antique from Iloilo City when the vehicle encountered a mechanical failure and overshot the permanent concrete barrier on the zigzag and mountainous road in Barangay Igbucagay before falling into the ravine.

The operator of the passenger bus Vallacar Transit, Inc. (VTI), said it would cooperate with any investigation the government is conducting.

“Vallacar Transit, Inc. would like to express its most heartfelt apologies to those who were involved in the incident," the company said. "We would also like to send our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families."

VTI said it will give financial assistance to the victims and their families, including shouldering their medical and burial expenses.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Hamtic Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Rafael Magbanua said the site of the crash is a known accident-prone area, with crashes in 2018, 2019 and 2023.

To avoid accidents, Magbanua said the road has been expanded to four lanes and concrete barriers have been set up on the cliff.

Cadiao, in an interview Tuesday night, said one of the passengers who was healthy enough to be interviewed told her that the driver checked the bus as if there was something wrong with it before they got onto the "mountain highway."

It was on the highway that the driver repeatedly honked the bus horn to indicate that he had lost control of the vehicle.

The governor also said the bus fell into a portion of the road that had no side barrier.

By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes

N

ATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Wednesday welcomed exploratory talks with the communist rebels but said these should be free of any preconditions.

From A1

(Manila, Quezon City, Northern, Southern, and Eastern) to enforce maximum police visibility around churches during the traditional nine-day dawn masses (Simbang Gabi) or "Misa de Gallo."

The Philippine National Police earlier went on heightened alert in Metro Manila and on red alert in Mindanao following a deadly bomb attack in Mindanao State University in Marawi that left four people dead and several others wounded.

Congress...

From A1

members of the justice sector, including the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other government agencies to tackle the complex issue of overcrowded detention facilities.

“The overcrowded conditions in our detention facilities reflect upon the state of our judicial processes and the very essence of justice and humanity in our society,” Romualdez said.

“Many languish in overcrowded jails, not due to the severity of their crimes, but because of prolonged processes and inadequate infrastructure. This reality calls for our immediate and decisive action,” he added.

Recently, the DOJ reported that 70 percent of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) detention facilities are already overcrowded at an average congestion rate of 386 percent.

To effectively address the challenges of jail congestion and the dire situation of prisoners, Romualdez outlined key proposals that the House is ready to consider and seriously study.

“As we deliberate over these proposals, let us remember that at the heart of our discussions are real people — individuals whose lives and futures depend on the decisions we make and the actions we take. Our duty is not just to the law but to humanity,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez said the House is amenable to a comprehensive review of the classification of crimes as “capital” and “non-bailable." He noted the Revised Penal Code's classification system, almost a century old, needs an overhaul.

“This review will assess the deterrent effect of these classifications and consider the decriminalization of certain offenses like libel, abortion, and dueling.

Our goal is to ensure that punishments are proportionate to the gravity of the crimes committed,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez also called for the enactment of a law on Diversion of Adult Offenders that would offer a program similar to the existing one diverting children in conflict with the law.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) “diversion" refers to an alternative, child-appropriate process of determining the responsibility and treatment of a child in conflict with the law on the basis of his or her social, cultural, economic, psychological or educational background without resorting to formal court proceedings.

Romualdez said the House recognizes the need for a more unified and efficient management of a unified penology system under a dedicated department.

“This new structure, we all hope, can lead to streamlining of operations and bring our standards in line with international obligations,” he said.

Romualdez also pointed out the need for a law on Reintegration and Psychosocial Rehabilitation, as he noted that the cycle of re-offending, particularly in drug-related and property crimes, highlights the absence of effective reintegration programs.

The House is also considering amendments to the Recognizance Act to make it more accessible and effective by

Chavez...

From A1

meetings inside the Palace as early as November.

Before his appointment, Chavez also served as the Undersecretary for Railways and Light Rail Transit

From A1

The heavily forested ravine was around 30 meters deep, Cadiao said.

Train said the bus "fell from a high place," resulting in many casualties.

"Based on the witnesses, it was a mechanical failure. The driver lost control, possible brake failure," Train said.

Cadiao visited the hospital where survivors were being treated for their injuries. She promised government assistance for medical and funeral expenses of victims.

Train said the search and rescue operation had finished and authorities would now focus on retrieving the bus.

"We searched for the bodies until this morning," Train said. "It was tiring to go up and down."

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) meted a 90-day suspension on Ceres Bus Liner, including the 15 buses plying that route.

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said roadworthiness is determined when a vehicle is registered, but it is incumbent upon the bus company to make sure their bus is in good shape every time it travels.

He said they would examine the company’s ledgers and determine the condition of the bus before it left the terminal.

“Of course, we will look into the condition of the driver,” he added.

The LTFRB has started a site inspection and is coordinating with the insurance company to compensate the victims.

Reports said the bus was bound

House...

From A1

there was no objection,” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel told CNN Philippines on Wednesday.

Pwersa ng Bayanihang Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles, author of House Resolution No. 1499, said pending the recommendation of the legislative franchises panel, it is the NTC’s duty “to immediately stop the deliberate dissemination of false information that may generate cynicism and mistrust on matters involving public interest.”

“It is clear that SMNI violated its responsibility to the public not to use its stations or facilities for the deliberate dissemination of false information or willful misrepresentation to the detriment of the public interest,” Nograles said.

The panel also found a second SMNI anchor, Lorraine Badoy, in contempt for lying under oath and ordered her detained until it finished its inquiry.

The panel earlier detained an SMNI anchor, Jeffrey Celiz for not revealing the source of his fake news that Speaker Marin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion in travel expenses from January to October this year. He later apologized to Romualdez but refused to reveal his source of that erroneous claim, saying only that it came from the Senate.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the Office of the Speaker only spent P4.3 million from January to

Authority Deputy during the Duterte administration.

Before joining the transport sector, Chavez was Assistant General Manager for Planning of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

He was also a former station manager of dzRH and previously served as chairperson of the National Youth Commission.

tag needs to follow a process spelled out under the Anti-Terrorism Act and should be a result of the signing of a final peace agreement.

In a statement, Año said, "The NTFELCAC will sustain gains and further advance the delivery of basic services, access to livelihood opportunities and complete the infrastructure development projects in isolated, conflict-affected communities."

He said the NTF-ELCAC will not relent in defending citizens from the threat of communist terrorist groups by maintaining peace and order.

October 2023 for foreign trips.

On Tuesday night, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr moved to cite Badoy in contempt for lying about the details of advertisements in her program.

Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, approved the motion after hearing no objections from the panel’s members.

Tambunting also granted another motion from Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano to detain Badoy until the committee finished its investigation.

Aside from the P100,000 monthly salary of Badoy and Celiz, SMNI counsel Mark Tolentino said the host of the radio program Laban Kasama ang Bayan also received a 25 percent share each from profits of advertisements as the remaining 50 percent of revenue will go to SMNI. Badoy cited e-fuel, a food cart, and Galileo Water as advertisers of her program after Quezon Rep. David Suarez asked her about the advertisers.

“Actually, there are very few sponsors because the anti-CPP work is not sexy. Nobody wants to touch it,” she said in Filipino and referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

But Tambunting expressed concern about Badoy's lack of awareness regarding her advertisers, after Tolentino revealed that her show had no advertisers.

The advertisers Badoy referred to paid for commercials for the program that preceded hers, he added.

The Palace also named new appointees to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Transportation.

Mary Jean Pacheco and Michel Ablan were appointed DTI Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively while Jeremy Regino was named DOTr Undersecretary.

La Salle outlasts UP, ends 7-year UAAP title wait

By Peter Atencio THE La Salle Green Archers put up a tough stand and weathered a big struggle against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 73-69, on Wednesday night to claim their 10th crown in the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

A record crowd of 25,192 watched the Green Archers as they ended a seven-year wait, after winning it back in 2016.

The Green Archers denied the Fighting Maroons four of five chances to score in the last 30 seconds as they prevented UP from a fourth crown since they last won it in 2021.

Since joining the league in 1986, the Green Archers won the championships in 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2013, and 2016.

This time, season MVP Kevin Quiambao played true to his worth, by eclipsing his averages of 16.71 points, 10.86 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.93 steals.

The 6’6” Quiambao struck with 24 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals for the Green Archers.

For three minutes, the Green Archers fought hard to protect a 7067 lead they got from Quiambao’s two freebies in the final 4:10.

Malick Diouf led the Fighting Maroons with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

DOH records 4 cases of ‘walking pneumonia FOUR confirmed cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae or the so-called “walking pneumonia” have been recorded by the Department of Health this year.

DOH data showed one case of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was logged in January, one in July, and two in September.

On Tuesday, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa assured the public there is no outbreak of “walking pneumonia” in the Philippines amid the rising cases of respiratory illness in China and other countries.

Meanwhile, the Palace said President Marcos is "doing well" after testing positive for COVID-19.

"He is doing well. He has a scheduled teleconference this afternoon," said Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil.

Mr. Marcos was scheduled to attend the National Jail Decongestion Summit at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Wednesday but Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin represented him instead.

"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.

Low survey score ‘uncomfortable’ truth—VP Sara VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday called for a collective action to address what she called an "uncomfortable truth" about the low scores of Filipino students in a foreign survey.

Results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 showed that Filipino students aged 15 continued to lag in math, reading and science compared with those of other countries.

"This is a call to action, a call to our collective responsibility as a nation," Duterte said in a statement.

"We need every stakeholder to join us in this journey moving forward. We may approach the solution differently, but we all agree on the destination.

Everyone's efforts are counted and everyone is accountable for our children's future," she added.

Duterte said the DepEd was now taking "significant strides forward" to address learning issues among Filipino children.

She cited the "Matatag Curriculum" that revised the K-to-10 program with a focus on the literacy and math skills of students.

NEWS

A3 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Canada vows to raise support for PH climate change projects

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Philippines, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Canada teamed up to address global warming and biodiversity loss through nature-based solutions funded under a $5.3-billion climate finance commitment.

T

Global Affairs Canada executive director of climate finance Andrew Hurst revealed his government’s increased support for the Philippines in promoting biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and

resilience, while prioritizing gender equality.

Hurst said Canada would stay engaged in climate finance and bilateral assistance programs in the Philippines.

“To the extent that good things come

out of this project, then the results that are generated will continue to look for opportunities to build on and also work together in the future,” he said.

The project, which runs until 2026, aims to address multiple challenges through a single intervention or in an integrated way.

“That includes trying to reduce poverty, trying to address gender inequality… trying to support communities that are often dependent on nature for their livelihoods while also looking to conserve and sustain…biodiversity,” he said.

The project covers research and knowledge-sharing activities, he said.

DFA to bring home bodies of executed Pinoys THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the remains of two Filipinos executed in China for drug trafficking are expected to arrive in the Philippines within the week.

The DFA said the two Filipino nationals were executed on Nov. 24, 2023. The two were arrested in 2013 after they were caught with 11 kilograms of shabu hidden in a DVD player and were convicted in 2016.

DFA officials said in an earlier statement they had accompanied the relatives of the two Filipinos for a “compassionate visit” of their loved ones.

The department said it provided all possible assistance, including legal funding through the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs from their arrest until the Chinese court’s judgment.

“The government of the Republic of the Philippines further exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds. There were also highlevel political representations in this regard,” the DFA said.

“Our repeated appeals were consistent with the laws and values of our nation, which put the highest premium on human life. In the end, the Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction, and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” it said.

The Chinese Embassy issued a statement reiterating China’s zerotolerance stance on cases involving illegal drugs. Rey E. Requejo

“It’s also looking at ways to encourage the private sector, both international and Filipino investors looking for opportunities to invest in these kinds of solutions,” Hurst said.

Hurst expressed hope the project would generate ideas and form creative solutions that would be sustained beyond the end of the project.

He also highlighted the diversity of stakeholders involved in the project including communities, national government and private sector. He said the uniqueness of arrangements would hopefully “stimulate some more efforts on cooperation in the future.”

FOLKLORIC DANCE.

Members of a folkloric dance troupe perform during the graduation ceremonies of The Army Training and Doctrine Command Officers Candidates at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Manny Palmero

By Vince Lopez THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Wednesday the reported fatalities due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur increased to three.

It said in its latest bulletin the fatalities were reported in Davao and Caraga regions. It also logged 48 injured individuals and 528,203 people or 132,615 families affected in Davao, Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

The NDRRMC said of the affected population, 28 people, or eight families, were staying in an evacuation center, and 23 persons, or six families, were taking shelter in other places.

Authorities also evacuated 1,845 individuals, or 447 families, in Davao Region.

The tremor left 3,887 houses damaged —3,583 partially and 304 totally. The damage to infrastructure was initially assessed at P4.81 million.

Hurdles in the communication lines were experienced in 19 areas, while water supply issues were reported in one area in Caraga.

Surigao del Sur province declared a state of calamity Tuesday.

The NDRRMC said the government extended P3,935,406 in assistance to earthquake victims so far.

The earthquake struck off the coast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Saturday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The earthquake, occurred at 10:37 p.m. at a depth of 25 kilometers, with the epicenter traced 30 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan town.

DPWH completes P73-m repair of 1.5-km Oriental Mindoro road

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it completed the P73-million improvement of Calapan South Road to provide tourists and motorists a smoother experience when travelling in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

DPWH Region IV-B director Gerald Pacanan said the project involved enhancing the 1.5-kilometer, four-lane road by providing an 80-millimeter asphalt overlay, establishing 2-meter shoulders on both sides and adding reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings as an added safety feature.

He said the improved road network would attract more tourists by providing safer and more convenient travel going to the magnificent San Rafael Cave, the largest in Oriental Mindoro declared as safe by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Calapan South Road is also vital for transporting goods and essential services, fostering better connectivity between Roxas’ town center and nearby municipalities.

The refurbished road project, which began construction in March 2023, and completed in August 2023, was funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“The completion of this road upgrade, through the efforts of the DPWH Southern Mindoro District Engineering Office, signifies the commitment of DPWH in bolstering infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient travel, thereby stimulating economic growth in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro,” said DWPH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

ILLEGAL PARCEL. Personnel from the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino

International Airport, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, intercept a parcel containing about 9,898 grams of shabu (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of P67.30 million at the Paircargo Warehouse in Pasay City. The shipment, declared as “bearing”, came from Mozambique via Hong Kong through an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Dec. 2, 2023.

PH Navy reports fewer Chinese militia vessels in Julian Felipe Reef A PHILIPPINE Navy official said Wednesday the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels at Julian Felipe Reef has significantly decreased from the previous weeks.

Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Western Command’s spokesperson, said the latest air patrol found a “drastic reduction” in Chinese vessels in the area from a high of 135 to only 28.

“We are still monitoring their locations as of now,” Carlos said in a briefing at the House Special Committee on the West

Surigao quake casualties rise to 3—NDRRMC

Philippine Sea. Carlos said the Philippine military’s standard operating procedure on dealing with Chinese vessels includes issuing radio challenges and monitoring their presence.

“When we monitor any increase in the presence of Chinese vessels in any feature in the WPS, we are always there. The Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, we follow the existing procedure to confront this presence,” Carlos said.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro expressed concern on the presence

of Chinese vessels in the area despite Philippine efforts.

“It seems that China is ignoring our note verbale and diplomatic protests. They need to leave because it is our exclusive economic zone. It seems the existing procedures are not effective,” Castro said.

Carlos said the Philippine response on the ground is really very calibrated. “We want peace on the ground,” he said.

Commodore Jay Tarriela said while the Philippine Coast Guard could not maintain a 24/7 presence in the area, current efforts are effective.

“With the transparency initiative that we have launched since February, wherein we expose the swarming of Chinese maritime militia, we can notice how they responded to the swarming in Sabina Shoal before, last April, when we publicized it. A few days after, they left,” Tarriela said.

The Philippine government continues to monitor the situation and implement its standard operating procedures to deter Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea. The military and Coast Guard said they are committed to maintaining peace and order in the area.

Maritime employers, AMOSUP unite to end ‘ambulance chasing’ practice THE Association of Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) expressed their opposition to the practice of ambulance chasing.

AMOSUP described ambulance chasing as an unethical legal practice that detrimentally drains Filipino seafarers and overseas Filipino workers of their hard-earned resources.

Several shipowners, key executives from prominent local manning agencies and AMOSUP officials recently paid a courtesy call to House Speaker Martin Romualdez to voice support for the House Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) meets with members of the Association deliberation of the Magna Carta of of Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines and foreign shipowners.

Filipino Seafarers bill at the bicameral

conference committee.

Joining them in the courtesy call are members of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs led by Rep. Ron Salo as chair and Rep. Christian Tell Yap as vice chair.

AMOSUP is pushing for the eradication of ambulance chasing in the Magna Carta bill.

Certain labor groups, including the National Association of Trade Unions and the Association of Marine Officers and Ratings or AMOR Seaman, however, expressed opposition to the escrow provision. There were also media releases indicating dissent from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

LTO apprehends 4,864 delinquent vehicle owners

By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Office said it apprehended 4,864 motor vehicle owners in a month-long implementation of the “no-registration, no-travel” policy.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II renewed his appeal to delinquent owners to register their vehicles, while commending the agency’s personnel for the aggressive operations.

Mendoza said the apprehension sent a strong message to delinquent vehicle owners that the agency was serious in compelling them to renew the registration of their vehicles.

“I expect for the continuity of the aggressive operation in the following months until we reach a point that the 24.7 million unregistered vehicles have been registered under this policy,” he said.

Region II or the Cagayan Valley Region recorded the most number of apprehended delinquent motor vehicles with 657, followed by Region VIII or Eastern Visayas with 531 and Region IV-B or MIMAROPA with 514.

LTO also apprehended 386 delinquent motor vehicles in Region IX or Zamboanga Peninsula, 357 in Region XI or Davao Region and 250 in Region XII or SOCCSKSARGEN.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

JAIL DECONGESTION SUMMIT. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin attend the National Jail Decongestion Summit on December 6, 2023 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, meant to come up with a comprehensive analysis of the penal system and address the perennial problem of jail congestions in the country.

Danny Pata

Envoy says France willing to hold joint patrols with allies in WPS FRANCE is willing to hold joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea, the French Ambassador to Manila disclosed.

Ambassador Marie Fontanel made the disclosure after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said more countries were eyeing joint air and sea patrols with the Philippines over the disputed territory.

Fontanel said they were willing to bolster cooperation with “like-minded” partners in the Indo-Pacific in keeping with its vision to reinforce its role in the region.

“So far, under my comprehension, we were ready to (do so). So, it might not really be us that would need the framework,” she told reporters in a presser at her residence in Makati City.

“We have always been told by the Philippines that the Philippines would need under your Constitution the agreement,” she added.

France and the Philippines look forward to the forging of a bilateral Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that would provide a legal framework for exchanges of military units and possible joint military exercises.

“The possibility of joint patrols would come after the discussion on visiting forces agreement, that is, as I said, was a pre-requisite or requirement before we could organize that,” Fontanel said.

The envoy clarified that France’s push to increase presence in the region is pursuant to its Indo-Pacific Strategy seeking to promote a rules-based order in the region.

She added that France is also concerned over the developments in the West Philippines Sea.

House panel stays P1.5-b bidding for 120 fire trucks

By Maricel V. Cruz

HE projected purchase of 120 brand new fire trucks worth P1.5 billion may have to wait a bit longer pending resolution of serious questions on the integrity of the bidding process being conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

T

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, recommended the suspension of the fire trucks procurement following revelation of an apparent irregularity involving the head of a technical working group of the BFP’s bids and awards committee.

It was disclosed during the committee

hearing that BFP Supt. Jan Garry Lunas has been using a sports utility van (SUV) ostensibly bought from an employee of one of the bidding companies.

Fernandez’s committee held the hearing in response to House Resolution 724 filed by ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro calling for a congressional review of the alleged restrictive and questionable fire truck

procurement bidding process of the BFP in line with its modernization program.

During the hearing, a video was shown indicating possible collusion involving Lunas and one of the bidders.

Ronald Canete, the private investigator who took the video, testified that Lunas was personally using the SUV registered under the name of an employee of the private firm involved in the bidding.

Fernandez said Lunas confessed to buying the Toyota Fortuner registered to the said employee.

Asked by Fernandez if Lunas considered his purchase of the SUV as unethical and immoral, the latter replied that he sees nothing wrong with the transaction.

He failed however, to provide details of the transaction such as the buying price.

House panel releases former Mexico mayor ‘in the spirit of X’mas season’ INVOKING the spirit of the Christmas season, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday decided to release from detention former Mayor Teddy Tumang of Mexico, Pampanga.

Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. moved to free Tumang during the committee’s third hearing on the seizure last September of 560 kilos of illegal drugs worth P3.6 billion in a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga.

“Mr. Chairman, may I move that the committee temporarily release Mayor Tumang, who is my kabalen and kumpare, so he could be with his family during the coming Christmas and New Year holidays,” Gonzales told the panel chaired by Surigao del

Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

Gonzales and Tumang are both from Mexico.

Gonzales said the former mayor’s furlough would also allow him to attend the wedding this week of one of his children and to recover from COVID-19, which he has contracted during his detention at the House premises.

“He should just isolate himself at home until he recovers,” he said.

“Let us thank Senior Deputy Speaker Gonzales for this gesture,” Barbers said.

Gonzales also proposed that Tumang’s temporary liberty last until Congress resumes its session on Jan. 22, 2024 after its Christmas break.

The committee approved his proposal.

Maricel V. Cruz

NEWLY MINTED ARMY OFFICERS. The Philippine Army has 288 new second lieutenants, fresh graduates of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC), a one-year intensive training for Army officers. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is guest of honor and speaker at the graduation ceremony held at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Dec. 5, 2023.

Agents intercept at NAIA smuggled shabu worth P67 million

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have intercepted a shipment containing shabu worth more than P67 million.

The operation conducted by a composite team from the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group also resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s claimant.

The package, falsely declared as “bearing,” originated

from Mozambique, Southeastern Africa via Hong Kong through Ethiopian Airlines flight number ET644.

Customs personnel placed the shipment under rigorous profiling, X-ray screening, and physical examination which led to the discovery of 9,898 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P67,306,400.

“The public is warned to be more aware of the variations of the love scam, where smugglers of illegal drugs use their Filipino partners to serve as couriers. Our laws are very clear that whoever is identified as the owner of the shipment remains under the pain of imprisonment if

found to be in violation of the rules,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

The authorities refused to reveal the name of the female claimant or the consignee. They said she would be prosecuted for violation of Republic Act 9165 the Anti-Illegal Drugs Act, and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. “I commend the (NAIA) Port, under the leadership of district collector Yasmin Mapa, and our partner agencies in their unwavering commitment to put an end to the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the country,” Rubio said.

Senator cites urgency in resolving education crisis

JOB HUNT. Job seekers fill out application forms at a mega job fair put together by the Public Employment Service Office of the Malabon City government under Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment and Tactika Ltd. Andrew Rabulan

THE government should not lose sight of the urgency in resolving the country’s education crisis and accelerating the learning recovery, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, made the statement as he noted very slight improvements in the country’s literary program.

The senator pointed out that from 340 in 2018, the country’s 15-year-old learners scored 347 in 2022 for Reading Literacy. For Mathematical Literacy, the scores minimally increased from 353 in 2018 to 355 in 2022, and for Scientific Literacy, from 357 in 2018 to 356 in 2022.

He regretted the slight improvement (+2.66 points) in the Philippines’ average performance in the 2022 round of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Analysis of learner-level data by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that the increases in Reading and Math scores among Filipino learners were not statistically significant, along with the decrease in the Science score.

In terms of ranking, the Philippines placed 76th out of 81 countries in Reading, 75th in Mathematics, and 79th in Science. While these results suggest that the learners did not regress despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Gatchalian emphasized that the changes in scores were not statistically significant.

Among Gatchalian’s proposed initiatives were the intensification of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) learning recovery programs and the enactment of the ARAL Program Act (Senate Bill No. 1604).

Navy erects new admin, research facility in Kalayaan

By Vince Lopez THE Philippine Navy (PN) has inaugurated the new administrative and research facility at Kota Island in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), the Naval Public Affairs Office said.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Navy said the inauguration was done during the Christmas visits of Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. to remote island detachments from November 29 to 30.

The facility is “a typhoon-resilient structure symbolizing progress and serving as shelter for personnel and equipment on the island station,” the PN said.

Adaci visited the Philippines farnorth islands of Basco and Itbayat in Batanes; Pag-asa and Kota islands in the KIG; and Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi.

The sailors and marines in the other island stations and detachments were able to participate in the events and hear Adaci’s message virtually.

“These island stations and detachments are key and strategic features of the Philippine territory manned by dedicated PN personnel alongside other uniformed agencies,” the PN said.

Adaci thanked the troops in the remote island stations and boosted their morale as he expressed support for their efforts in protecting the Philippine territory and national interests.

DMW launches Japan desk in Tokyo, Osaka THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched its Japan Employment Facilitation Desk (Japan Desk) in Tokyo and Osaka – a specialized unit aiming to streamline and facilitate the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Japan which is one of the Philippines’ key labor markets.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the creation of the Japan Desk is a testament to the strong labor market partnership between the Philippines and Japan, adding “we are committed to working with our Japanese counterparts to ensure that Filipino workers have access to safe, stable, and gainful employment opportunities in Japan.”

The Japan Desk will be responsible for monitoring the deployment and return of OFWs in Japan; enforcing and facilitating compliance with prescribed timeframes for actions on Japanese documents, processes, and concerns; serving as the focal unit for Japan concerns; and recommending rewards and incentives for Japanese principals and employers, Japan-registered vessels, and licensed PRAs (Philippine recruitment agencies) and manning agencies.

The establishment of the Japan Desk marks a significant milestone in the history of Philippine overseas employment. It is the first of its kind as it focuses on the processes and services of just one OFW host country. Its creation fulfils a commitment made by the late Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople in February 2023 on the sidelines of the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Vito Barcelo

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OPINION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

EDITORIAL

So I See

Lito Banayo

Decongesting our jails

The resurrection THIS column’s title refers to the political resurrection of Leila de Lima, whose well-known career in government started with being the chair of the Commission on Human Rights under GMA, then Secretary of Justice for the entirety of PNoy’s presidency, from which vantage point she got elected senator of the realm in 2016, the same year RRD became president.

As CHR chair, she initiated investigations into the activities of what was called the DDS, the ‘Davao Death Squad,’ allegedly under the direction of then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

She went public in condemning violations of human rights in Duterte’s handling of criminals in his jurisdiction.

The Davao mayor entered the presidency with just three senators allied with him: the Cayetano siblings and Koko Pimentel whose party, PDP, was the Comelec-listed vehicle for the president’s candidacy.

—“—

She was willing to forgive and forget, she said upon her release, but for the one person she accused of having ordered her ‘persecution’ – the former president

De Lima and other members of the LP supported Koko Pimentel for the presidency of the chamber and, for that, the neophyte senator was named chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

San Beda lawyers tried to get Sen. Leila to ‘smoke the peace pipe’ with the new president, and cooperate with his administration.

One hopeful sign of political rapprochement happened in the floor of the Batasan when right before ascending the dais for his first SONA, Duterte approached Sen. de Lima and offered his hand, something he did not accord to many other senators in the front row.

No sooner had she warmed her seat as chair of the justice committee when she called for a Senate investigation into the nascent ‘war on drugs’ featuring the dreaded Operation Tokhang, linking the same to the days of the DDS. That was when she got into the crosshairs with the administration and its new followers in the House as well as its prosecutorial arm which she previously headed.

They turned the tables on de Lima and accused her of taking drug money when she was justice secretary.

Congressional hearings saw Muntinglupa prisoners and even her underlings in the department coming out to testify against her. Even salacious details of her personal life were trotted out. Accuser became the accused.

And on Feb. 17, 2017, barely eight months from becoming a senator of the realm, de Lima was detained in the PNP custodial center for the non-bailable charg-

es filed against her by the prosecutors under the department she once headed.

Throughout the years of detention, international human rights associations and even the US government appealed for her to be released on bail.

The European Union warned our government that our trade privileges under the GSP+ scheme could be withdrawn, something that would affect our duty-free exports of some 6,000 commodities to the EU countries.

When the Marcos presidency took over from Duterte, several witnesses took turns in recanting their testimonies against the jailed senator, and some pointed to pressure from her successor in office as the instigator of what they later claimed as false testimony.

To cut a long story short, Leila de Lima was ordered released from jail by Muntinglupa RTC Judge Gener Gito last Nov. 13.

Shortly thereafter, the EU announced the continuation of our GSP+ privileges.

If it was a tit-for-tat agreement, it was well worth it. Besides, from a humanitarian point of view, the lady had suffered much.

She was willing to forgive and forget, she said upon her release, but for the one person she accused of having ordered her ‘persecution’ – the former president.

And after getting ‘holy’ benediction from a gaggle of bishops of the country’s numerous Church and a visit to the pilgrimage sites of Manaoag and Penafrancia, she sallied forth to voice out her angst, weighing in especially on the forthcoming investigation by the ICC of FPRRD and his co-accused, along with the issue of renewing acquiescence to the Rome Statute.

The lady has gone to town, savoring every moment of her liberation, and until Kathniel’s announced parting after 11 years of sweetie-sweetie, media gave Leila de Lima hog-space.

Her perorations about the ICC, her disavowal (“for now”) of another Senate run in the coming mid-terms, and her image build-up as another ‘martir de Mt. Apo’ by self-proclaimed political analysts and the sympathetic user-Left, all these were given front-page treatment till the separation of the telenovela lovebirds, followed by the tragedies in Mindanao.

The Duterte haters have a new ‘poster girl’ after France de Castro and Raoul Manuel succeeded in diminishing Inday Sara’s popularity.

Will Leila’s political resurrection be at the expense of the Duterte brand? Will her fulminations against her ‘persecutor’ get her personal approbation from the electorate?

As of now, the opposition to Duterte once vocalized by Ocho Derecho and the LP have but two fervent advocates in two ladies, Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima.

Their leader of choice in 2022 has gone hibernating in Naga City after traipsing around the world.

Bam Aquino has resigned from the party; Kiko Pangilinan has been unusually silent; and Frank Drilon limits himself to legal opinions every now and then.

The likelihood that they will gravitate towards the Marcos ‘unity” clarion is a not too remote possibility, as the former Uniteam morphs, amoeba-like, in to two.

Or do we see a third force? Marcos versus the new ‘opposition’ of Duterte supporters, and a third force led by De Lima or Hontiveros?

Iran’s ancient ‘wind catchers’ beat the heat naturally YAZD, Iran – Tall, chimney-like towers rise from centuries-old adobe houses in Iran’s desert city of Yazd, drawing in a pleasant breeze for residents of one of the hottest cities on earth.

The wind catchers, called badgirs in Persian, are just one of the engineering marvels inhabitants have developed in this ancient city in central Iran -- where temperatures reach well over 40 degrees celsius in the summer.

And, unlike energy-guzzling air-conditioners, they’re cost- and carbon emissionfree.

“For centuries, before we had electricity, they made it possible to cool dwellings,” said Abdolmajid Shakeri, the provincial deputy of Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism ministry.

The oldest of the city’s 700 wind catchers were built in the 14th century, but the architectural feature is believed to date back as far as 2,500 years when the Persian Empire ruled over much of the Middle East.

“The badgirs played a key role in the city’s prosperity,” said Shakeri about the desert city that was a caravan stop on the ancient Silk Road.

“Thanks to them, people lived at ease,” he added, describing how the wind catchers pull fresh air into buildings and allow hot air to ventilate out through large vertical slots.

Majid Oloumi, the head of Dowlatabad garden, home to a towering 33-meter foot) wind catcher -- one of the tallest in the world -- described the cooling method as “totally clean because it uses neither electricity nor polluting materials.”

UNESCO listed Yazd as a World Heritage Site in 2017, describing the city as a “living testimony to intelligent use of limited available resources in the desert for survival.”

‘Simplicity’ The bioclimatic architecture which provides thermal comfort for the people of Yazd has attracted interest elsewhere on a heating planet.

“Badgirs demonstrate that simplicity can be an essential attribute to sustainability,” said Paris-based architect Roland Dehghan Kamaraji, who has studied Iran’s wind catchers.

“It goes against the common misconception that sustainable solutions need to be complex or high-tech.”

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OULD you believe that some of our detention facilities, particularly in the National Capital Region, are so overcrowded by those facing trial for various criminal offenses, mostly drug cases, and packed like sardines they can barely move in cramped cells?

The problem has gotten so out of hand the government is conducting a National Jail Decongestion Summit until today to address the challenges faced by the country’s penal system.

According to a December 2021 survey, there were 199,079 inmates or persons deprived of liberty, with approximately 179 PDLs per 100,000 people in the population.

Of these, 13,704 are females, constituting 11 percent of the total population of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology jails.

Under the National Building Code, the requirement is about 4.8 square meters per PDL which is very far from what we are seeing now in our jails. In fact, the fa-

Duty Calls

cilities of both the Bureau of Corrections and BJMP have an average congestion rate of almost 400 percent.

Around 70 percent of BJMP detention facilities are overcrowded, with an average congestion rate of 386 percent. A particularly glaring example is the Quezon City Male Dormitory which has the highest congestion rate at 1,330 percent.

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The government is conducting a National Jail Decongestion Summit until today to address the challenges faced by the country’s penal system

The Department of Justice is spearheading the two-day Summit which ends today.

The importance of this meeting is underscored by the presence of President Marcos Jr. along with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Speaker Martin

Florencio Fianza

IN MY years of involvement in traffic management, I have learned it is advisable to stick to the science and not mix it with public relations or politics when making decisions.

Doing so often ends up with more problems.

The bus carousel case involving the name of Senator Bong Revilla is a good example.

The attempt by one MMDA official to please the good Senator whom he thought was there but was not caused his suspension.

Unfortunately, there are many instances wherein traffic management decisions are being made that are not science-based.

That is one of the many reasons why traffic in the Metro area keeps on deteriorating.

People who are in charge of traffic management do not stick to the science or, worse, simply do not know the science making the situation even more confused and chaotic.

After the fiasco in the handling of the Revilla incident, the MMDA announced a new set of guidelines on the use of the bus carousel.

Vehicles with government plates are no longer exempted from the ban.

Even police cars and fire trucks are no longer exempted unless actually performing official functions. Ambulances are still exempted when transporting a patient to a hospital but not when empty.

Those exempted are official vehicle convoys belonging to the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

All other officials including other members of Congress will have to use the other lanes just like any other motorist.

Not surprisingly, the public reacted nega-

—“—

The old houses stand in sharp contrast to modern cement buildings and multilane roads

At a sustainable urban community called Masdar city in the United Arab Emirates, where the UN’s COP28 climate talks are being held this week, buildings have been “designed to make use of the natural ventilation for cooling, like badgirs,” he said.

Similarly, ventilation inspired by “termite mounds, an approach similar to that of badgirs,” were built atop Eastgate Centre, a shopping mall and office complex in Harare, Zimbabwe.

However, Yazd’s unique architectural tra-

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

Romualdez.

The meeting gathers stakeholders, experts, and several government agencies to discuss several strategies, such as reducing prison admissions, increasing inmate releases upon completing their sentences, and expanding jail facility capacity.

The Justice Sector Coordinating Council composed of the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government will also ask President Marcos to certify priority legislation in Congress to improve the country’s prison system.

There will be short-term goals as well as long-term goals which the Summit will discuss and thoroughly analyze.

Among the proposed legislation are those creating the Department of Corrections and Penology, the Unified Penology Act, the bill on re-integration and psychosocial rehabilitation of released prisoners, and amendments to the Recognizance Act of 2012.

The Summit is expected to come up with a viable program for decongesting our jails that would include building new facilities nationwide and reviewing the criteria for the early release of detainees and convicts.

Needless to say, this would require close cooperation among the three branches of government—legislative, executive and judicial—to make it really work.

Sticking to the science

tively to the exemptions and rightly so.

It would have been better if the MMDA remained firm with its original guidelines and not allowed any exemptions.

This is where science should have been followed.

We have to understand that except under extraordinary circumstances, all motorists have the same rights as dictated by traffic laws when it comes to road use.

I can understand why the MMDA decided to give those exempted officials the pass even if the officials themselves did not ask for it but, as we can see, public reaction was mostly negative.

For one, the optics is not good seeing the convoy go thru when everyone is suffering.

A motor cycle rider for instance could be terminated if late for work but high ranking public officials will suffer no such thing if late for an appointment.

The bus carousel is good for bus riders but obviously problematic for the other motorists.

MMDA’s overall aim should be on improving the overall traffic flow of EDSA and not only the buses. But since MMDA is in it already, it should consider completely segregating the exclusive bus lane if possible to lessen and prevent violations.

As I have been trying to say in many articles, EDSA needs to be allocated more funds so the needed engineering improvements can be undertaken to improve traffic flow for all motorists.

But this should be done only after a thorough engineering study with the help of outside traffic experts so that the scope of work can be properly identified.

One problem with EDSA is that the North-South Skyway after much expectations is apparently not diverting a significant portion of the EDSA traffic to the Skyway so that EDSA traffic flow will improve significantly.

I suspect the reason is the small number of exit and entry points.

Fortunately, this might now be addressed by the just announced joint Ayala-SMC project to extend the Skyway in 2024.

The original Skyway plan then was for more exits and entry points to provide more options for motorists but did not go thru perhaps because of some objections or change in the design plans.

With the announcement, there will now be more ramps that will be added.

I do not know whether MMDA realizes that by completely segregating the bus carousel, the exclusive lane actually becomes a separate road and MMDA can do a lot with it if it wishes.

Engineering could provide a lot of possibilities that are not currently possible if only there are traffic engineers in MMDA with the imagination to take advantage of the situation.

ditions have largely been abandoned at their birthplace.

“Unfortunately, our ancestral heritage has been forgotten,” especially since the emergence of air conditioners, said Oloumi.

Yazd’s old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets and roofed alleyways. Its centuriesold edifices made of clay, mud brick and adobe all provide insulation against the torrid heat.

But the old houses stand in sharp contrast to modern cement buildings and multi-lane roads.

“Today, house architecture imitates that in other countries, and cement-based construction does not correspond to the climate of Yazd,” he added.

Kamaraji says bioclimatic architecture has waned due to economic constraints and modern construction methods that “largely favor the use of energy and fossil fuel intensive materials.”

Old but effective Another sustainable architectural feature of Yazd is its system of underground aqueducts called qanats, which transport water

from underground wells, aquifers or the mountains.

“These underground aqueducts have great utility,” said Zohreh Montazer, an expert on the water system. “They constitute a source of water supply and make it possible to cool the dwellings and to preserve food at an ideal temperature.”

Iran is estimated to have around 33,000 operational qanats today, sharply down from the 50,000 in use in the mid-20th century.

UNESCO says the decline in qanats is driven in part by the drying up of underground water sources due to over-consumption.

Iranian authorities have in recent years sought to rehabilitate the qanat of Zarch -considered the longest and oldest, dating to some 3,000 years ago.

The water network -- which stretches over 70 kilometers across Yazd, and runs at a depth of around 30 meters -- stands as a reminder for Yazd’s residents of the challenges ahead.

“The day when fossil fuels run out,” said Montazer, “we will have to return to these methods.” AFP

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By completely segregating the bus carousel, the exclusive lane actually becomes a separate road and MMDA can do a lot with it if it wishes

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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Zelensky to join G7 leaders Tokyo video summit TOKYO—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will join a video summit later Wednesday with the leaders of the G7, chair Japan said, hours after unexpectedly skipping a virtual meeting with US senators.

Almost two years after Russia’s invasion, signs are growing that Western support for Ukraine is fraying just as a counteroffensive struggles and as President Vladimir Putin’s oil revenues rebound.

The meeting from 9:30 am EST (10.30 pm in Manila) hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will see Zelensky “join the first part,” government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.

Besides Ukraine, the talks will cover the Middle East, support for developing countries, and artificial intelligence, a White House official said.

Zelensky unexpectedly canceled a planned videolink appearance with US senators on Tuesday in which he was to have appealed for continued funding.

He had been expected to press them to support a Wednesday procedural vote on an emergency aid package that includes more than $60 billion for Kyiv.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Zelensky had been prevented from taking part by a “last minute” hiccup, but he pressed ahead with the briefing anyway -- only for the proceedings to turn into a war of words.

The US Congress is more divided over backing for Ukraine than it has been at any time during the nearly twoyear conflict, with the country fast exhausting the military aid provided by the United States so far.

Senate Republicans are making their support for additional Ukraine funding contingent on President Joe Biden’s Democrats accepting reforms to the asylum system and tightened border security—measures the Democrats have already rejected. AFP

FRONTLINE BULLETIN.

A Ukrainian tankman takes part in a military training which focuses on fighting sabotage groups, in the Chernihiv region on Tuesday, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

Israeli troops encircle Gaza City, forcing civilians to pack up, flee I SRAELI forces were encircling southern Gaza’s main city on Wednesday, battling Hamas militants through streets and buildings in some of the most intense combat of the two-month war.

The focus of the conflict has shifted into the besieged territory’s south following fierce fighting and bombardment that reduced much of the north to rubble and forced nearly two million people to flee their homes.

Israeli tanks, armored personnel carriers and bulldozers were seen on Tuesday near southern Gaza’s city of Khan Yunis, forcing already displaced civilians to pack up and flee again, witnesses told AFP. “Our forces are now encircling the

Khan Yunis area in the southern Gaza Strip,” Israel’s army chief Herzi Halevi said late Tuesday.

“We have secured many Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip, and now we are operating against its strongholds in the south.”

The fighting on Tuesday was “the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation” in late October, the army’s Southern Command chief Major General Yaron Finkelman said.

JAILED, NOW ORDERED RELEASED.

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

The latest toll from the Hamas-run government media office said 16,248 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, had been killed.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and free 138 hostages still held after scores were freed during a short-lived truce.

Several Hamas commanders were killed in an air strike near the Indonesia Hospital, the Israeli military said early Wednesday on X. Sources in Hamas and Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian militant group, told AFP their fighters were battling Israeli

troops early Wednesday in a bid to prevent them from breaking into Khan Yunis and surrounding areas.

According to the Hamas-run government media office, dozens of people were killed and injured in heavy strikes on areas east of Khan Yunis.

Meanwhile, areas in the central and northern Gaza Strip were still coming under bombardment, according to Hamas.

The Hamas-run health ministry said air strikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed six people and injured 14 others.

Israel had previously told civilians in the north of the densely populated Gaza Strip to seek shelter in the south of the territory, with many fleeing to Khan Yunis believing it would be safer. AFP

‘Dictator’ Trump warnings spook America with grim predictions

Supporters of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori gather at the entrance of Barbadillo prison to demand his release in the eastern outskirts of Lima on Wednesday after Peru’s Constitutional Court ordered the release of former president Alberto Fujimori, 85, who has been serving a 25-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity committed during his incumbency from 1990 to 2000. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC—Could a second Donald Trump presidency slide into dictatorship?

A sudden spate of dystopian warnings has got America talking about the possibility less than a year before the US elections.

Dark scenarios about what could happen if the twice-impeached Republican former president wins in 2024 have appeared in the space of a few days in major US media outlets that include The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Atlantic.

Grim predictions also came from top Republican Trump critic Liz Cheney, who said that the country is “sleepwalking into dictatorship” and that she is

weighing a third-party presidential run of her own to try to stop him.

Together, they paint a bleak picture of an angrier yet more disciplined Trump than during his first spell in the White House, one who would wreak vengeance on his perceived enemies and possibly try to stay in power beyond the two-term US limit.

Trump, 77, responded to the warnings in typical style by laughing them off— with an edge.

“He says, you’re not going to be a dictator, are you? I said no, no, no— other than day one,” Trump said when asked in a televised Fox News townhall on Tuesday if he would abuse power or seek retribution. AFP

2023 to be hottest year on record Top China, US diplomats discuss Israel-Hamas conflict after ‘extraordinary’ November PARIS—This year will be the hottest in recorded history after an “extraordinary” November became the sixth record-breaking month in a row, Europe’s climate monitor said Wednesday, piling pressure on the COP28 talks to act on climate change.

Last month smashed the previous November heat record, pushing 2023’s global average temperature to 1.46 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said.

There had been warnings this year

TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR.

Workers remove mud from a street using excavators following landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in Katesh, Tanzania on Tuesday which washed away vehicles and brought down buildings in the hillside town of Katesh, 300 kilometers north of the capital Dodoma. The death toll from landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in northern Tanzania climbed to 68 on Monday. AFP

could take the title of hottest year from 2016—particularly after records toppled in September and October—but this marks the first time it has been confirmed.

November also contained two days that were 2C warmer than pre-industrial levels. Not one such day had ever before been recorded.

Samantha Burgess, deputy head of the Copernicus service, said that 2023 has “now had six record-breaking months and two record-breaking seasons.” AFP

BEIJING—The top diplomats from China and the United States discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict in a call on Wednesday, Beijing and Washington said, agreeing on the need to de-escalate the war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken “reiterated the imperative of all parties working to prevent the conflict from spreading”, according to the US State Department.

Beijing said Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed in turn that, regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas, “the top priority is to cease fire and end the war as soon as possible.”

“Major countries must adhere to fairness and justice, uphold objectivity and impartiality, demonstrate calm and rationality, and make every effort to cool down the situation and prevent larger-scale humanitarian disasters,” Wang said, according to the foreign ministry.

He reiterated Beijing’s calls for a two-state solution to the conflict, stressing that “any arrangement involving the future of Palestine must reflect the will of the Palestinian people.”

“China is willing to work with all parties to make efforts to this end,” he

said.

Blinken has made several visits to the Middle East in recent months as Israel pursues its campaign on the besieged Gaza Strip to destroy the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

China has good relations with Iran, whose clerical leadership supports both Hamas, which carried out deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia that could open a second front against Israel.

Washington has been pressing Beijing to use its influence to push for calm in the region. AFP

Indonesia volcano search effort focuses on last missing hiker AGAM, Indonesia—Indonesian rescuers were searching on Wednesday for the final hiker who went missing after a volcano eruption that left 22 other people dead, but hopes were fading three days after the disaster.

Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra spewed an ash tower 3,000 meters—taller than the volcano itself—into the sky on Sunday as 75 people hiked in the area.

Hundreds of rescuers have worked for days to find the missing hikers, who have been carried down the mountain in bodybags in an arduous search effort hampered by further eruptions and bad weather that forced workers to intermittently take shelter.

“There were many rumors and unclear reports.

Let us make it clear, we still don’t know the

whereabouts of this one victim,” Abdul Malik, head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, told reporters.

It came after Suharyono, West Sumatra police chief who goes by one name, told reporters late on Tuesday that the last hiker was feared dead, which has not been confirmed by the rescue officials on the ground.

“23 people are suspected to have died. We all prayed they all could be rescued but there was nothing we could do, God and nature had made a decision,” he said.

On Wednesday morning the volcano, which means “Mountain of Fire”, was still billowing a column of smoke into the sky, an AFP journalist said. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

extrastory2000@gmail.com

AIRPORT LEADER. Ricia

Alternergy taps K2M of Denmark to develop 164-MW wind projects

Vinelli Montejo (left), head of international terminal operations and customer experience of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, bags the 2023 Airport Leader of the Future Award at the recent Airport Honor Awards during the International Airport Summit 2023 in London, the UnitedKi ngdom.

A consistent outstanding performer, Ricia joined GMR Megawide Cebu International Corp. (GMCAC) as procurement manager in March 2016.

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. and K2 Management (K2M), an energy transition project management and engineering consultancy firm, teamed up to construct two onshore wind power projects with a combined capacity of 164 megawatts.

Alternergy said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Wednesday the boards of Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. (ATWC) and Alabat Wind Power Corp. (AWPC) approved the execution of the owner’s engineer (OE) contract to K2M following a competitive selection process which was participated in by six companies.

Alternergy’s project companies are developing the 102-MW Tanay wind project in Rizal and the 62-MW Alabat wind project in Quezon.

“This pair of projects represent excellent progress toward achieving the Philippines’ energy transition goals, and we are excited to be at the forefront,” said Alternergy Wind Group president Knud Hedeager.

“We look forward to working with K2M as we seek to ensure that this momentum continues. Leveraging insights from an independent advisor, whose expertise has come from established markets globally, was the natural choice for us as we aim to deliver clean and sustainable power,” he said.

K2M, as OE contractor, will support Alternergy in the procurement processes within a muti-contracting framework, followed by construction management, design reviews, site management and quality control measures.

in 2024, with some suggesting as soon as the first quarter.

The bank’s statement after next week’s policy meeting will be pored over by traders hoping for clues about decision-makers’ thinking on rates in light of the recent data.

“A clear trend of a weakening jobs market can be observed, providing evidence that rate hikes are working their way through the economy,” said Kyle Rodda at Capital.com.

But the past few days have seen fears building that the buying may have been overdone, and traders have taken a step back, with Asia particularly struggling.

“The latest US data conveyed a somewhat Goldilocks message,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“Economic growth appears satisfactory (as evidenced by services data), and there are indications that inflation may be poised to moderate further, given the ongoing rebalancing in the job market.”

He added that “the potential risk to the Santa rally doesn’t hinge on a catastrophic event (despite elevated geopolitical tensions) or an abrupt negative turn in the economic data. Instead, it revolves around the simple exhaustion of the investment flows that propelled last month’s historic surge. With AFP

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PH stocks end flat as investors await cues P

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HILIPPINE stocks ended nearly flat Wednesday amid the lack of market catalysts.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 3.10 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 6,305.85, while the broader all-shares index went down by 0.36 point, or 0.01 percent, to settle at 3,351.66 “Philippine shares closed almost flat with investors trying to get more cues from overseas that the world’s largest

economy is still on an uninterrupted path of recovery,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

He said local investors might be rebalancing their portfolios on the back of betterthan-expected November inflation rate.

The peso slightly rose Wednesday to close at 55.30 against the US dollar

from 55.32 Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Asian equities rose Wednesday after a tepid start to the week as data pointing to a softening US labor market restoked hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in the new year.

The below-forecast job openings figure bolstered optimism ahead of the closely watched non-farm payrolls report due Friday, which investors hope will confirm the economic slowdown sought by the central bank.

Markets rallied in November on growing hope that with inflation continuing to fall and other parts of the economy easing, the Fed will be able to slash rates

Tech firm edamama closes funding round, raises over $35m since launch ONLINE-TO-OFFLINE (O2O) parenting platform edamama closed its Series A+ funding round, raising a total of over $35 million since the platform’s launch.

The funding round was led by the Ayala Corporation Technology Innovation Venture (ACTIVE) Fund, the largest venture capital fund in the Philippines, managed by Kickstart Ventures and backed by Ayala Corp. and its subsidiaries.

Existing investors Kickstart Ventures, Gentree Fund and Innoven Capital also participated in the round, alongside new investor South Korean retail giant GS Group.

“We are excited to strengthen our collaboration with the Ayala ecosystem with this strategic investment from ACTIVE Fund, especially to unlock further synergies across the Ayala Malls network as we expand our physical stores nationwide next year,” edamama cofounder Nishant D’Souza said.

“We are immensely grateful for the continued trust from our repeat investors, and are honored to welcome our new partners, GS Group, with their first direct investment in the Philippines.

This funding will accelerate our offline roll-out and private label product development, providing even more value and accessibility to our customers wherever they choose to be - online or offline,” he said.

The fund raised from this round will support the company’s expansion strategy, intensifying its offline retail footprint across the Philippines.

Following successful pilot pop-up stores in Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Manila malls, the company plans to mark another milestone with the launch of a new store at Ayala Vertis North before year-end.

“We are truly inspired by the potential of the edamama platform to empower more Filipino parents and families.

Building on our outstanding partnership with edamama through Kickstart’s initial investment in 2021, we are delighted to continue supporting them via Ayala Corporation’s ACTIVE Fund to help bring about a frictionless future where affordable, quality products are made easily available to more Filipino families,” said Minette Navarrete of the ACTIVE Fund.

The leadership team of edamama includes (from left) chief commercial officer Rohan Aggarwal, co-founder Nishant D’Souza, offline retail director Donna Manalastas, co-founder Bela Gupta D’Souza and senior commercial director Rachit Gupta.

Meralco refund controversy lingers Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

ELECTRICITY rates in the Philippines remain a touchy subject because monthly bills make a dent on the household budget. The burden of of consumers does not get lighter if they realize that the Philippines has one of the higher electricity rates in Asia, along with those of Singapore.

Prohibitive power costs are blamed for the low level of foreign investments in the Philippines and the laggard growth of the manufacturing sector. A paper prepared by Associate Professor Majah-Leah V. Ravago of Ateneo de Manila University noted that electricity prices in the Philippines were high by regional standards.

Ms. Ravago’s paper, commissioned by the World Bank, stressed there is room for cost reduction from the various segments of the power supply chain in the Philippines, starting with the use “of an optimal mix of fuel sources based on the least-cost rule, where cost takes into account the environmental and health costs.”

The paper further observed that transmission and distribution losses in the Philippines were also high by regional standards. “Consumers in the Philippines are also taxed for systems losses and subsidies. A reevaluation of the tax base is also needed,” the paper recommended.

The complicated billing statement issued by utilities, including Manila Electric Co., does not help in easing the plight of inflation-weary Filipino consumers. More often than not, they merely glance at their Meralco bills electric bills without examining the details.

Consumers would just look at a set of numbers on their electric bills and part away with the chunk of their hard-earned pay to avoid losing power connection. Sad to say, the rest of the entries on consumers’ bills are difficult to understand, or even murky.

Meralco, to be fair, has launched a campaign to educate consumers about the components of its bills, but no one really understands or has the time to decipher the figures. Mistaken billings can happen and consumers can’t complain much due to their lack of knowledge on the ins and outs of electric charges. The will to complain and correct mistakes will just wilt with time.

One lawmaker, however, has taken notice of a glaring billing mistake. Rep. Dan Fernandez (Laguna, Sta. Rosa) cried out loud—Meralco owes customers at least P200 billion in refunds since 2012. By Fernandez’s computation and with the help of experts in the power distribution field, Meralco owes the money when it collected in excess of what it should charge consumers. It also owes interest on excess collections that rightfully belonged to consumers.

—“—

Meralco’s erroneous billing should not have happened in the the first place, given the supposed strict regulatory environment that protects consumers from abuses.

Meralco through a refund mechanism can return the excess collections. Customers will simply welcome the lower billing as Meralco was supposed to have already deducted the excess collection from the current rates.

The refund from the outset is logical. But there could be other options worth looking into to mollify the feelings of the aggrieved customers.

Fernandez and other lawmakers wondered aloud why Meralco did not return consumers’ money in cash, which could make the process clearer and easier to understand.

For the lawmakers, the monthly bill should reflect current charges so as not to burden consumers with the arduous task of looking for where the refund was coming from.

Meralco’s erroneous billing should not have

happened in the the first place, given the supposed strict regulatory environment that protects consumers from abuses. The law established the Energy Regulatory Commission to monitor and audit energy prices and yet, the private utility committed the overbill.

Did the ERC merely overlook the mistake? A startling testimony by former ERC official Agnes Devanadera at the House of Representatives appeared could provide the answer to the body’s lax supervision, She told legislators that expenses for the audit

by ERC staffers were once bankrolled by Meralco.

Though the practice has been stopped because it clearly smacked of conflict-of-interest, ERC still has a lot to explain. With a new set of officials, the ERC should take a look at the conduct of its past executives. Let the mistakes of the past serve as a lesson for the new crop of ERC officials.

Electric consumers, for one, have been on the receiving end of many power supply deals that they know little, or even nothing, of. They may not have time to complain and pursue such deals with the ERC, but the commission has an obligation to act motu propio in the interest of consumers.

The ERC, thus, should start acting as the guardian of consumers.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

B4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

Customs collected P75.3b in November to top target THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it surpassed its target for November 2023, driven by improved efficiency in tax collection.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a briefing the agency collected P75.338 billion in November, surpassing its target of P74.249 billion by 1.5 percent or P1.089 billion.

“The November performance was primarily driven by efficiency in tax collection,” Rubio said.

“We are on track to achieve our fullyear target,” Rubio said. The Customs seeks to collect P1 trillion this year.

Data showed that from January to November, the BOC also surpassed its target of P795.966 billion by 2.2 percent, or P17.685 billion, with total revenue of P813.651 billion.

The figure was also up by 3.09 percent, or P24.405 billion, from P789.246 billion registered in the same period last year.

The BOC said it saw effective customs operations, increased trade activity and rigorous revenue collection under the stewardship of Rubio.

It also collaborated with the Department of Trade and industry (DTI), Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO) and ARISE Plus Philippines to promote facilitation of customs procedures and improve trade competitiveness.

Rubio said the BOC’s achievements reflected its dedication to promoting growth of the economy. These successes will provide funding for significant government programs and services that will benefit the Filipino, he said.

Julito G. Rada

HEALTH REFORMS. The Asian Development Bank-funded Build Universal Healthcare Program (Subprogram 2) is helping scale up the Philippine government’s efforts to implement key reforms under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

ADB lends $450m to fund PH health reforms

By Julito G. Rada

HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it approved a $450-million (P24.75 billion) policy-based loan to help the Philippines strengthen health policy reforms, improve Filipinos’ access to medicines and health services, sustain universal health care (UHC) coverage and increase financing for UHC.

T

It said in a statement the Build Uni- gram 2) is helping scale up the governversal Health Care Program (Subpro- ment’s efforts to implement key reforms

Converge set to launch first AI call center

By Darwin G. Amojelar CONVERGE ICT Solutions said Wednesday it tapped global technology company Salesforce to launch one of the first generative AI contact centers in the Philippines.

The contact center is expected to be operational by the second half of 2024.

“We have the best-in-class network. Now we are leveraging the most modern technology to give the best customer experience to our more than 2 million subscribers,” Converge chief operations officer Jesus Romero said.

“We paved the way for the more meaningful use of AI in our network operations [in our back-end]. Now, we are embedding this into our customerfacing operations, in customer experience. We are committed to innovating in every aspect of our business to better serve the broadband needs of our customers,” he said.

This builds off the existing relationship between Converge and Salesforce to deliver customer experience and democratize connectivity across the Philippines. In 2022, Converge adopted Salesforce’s solutions, including Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud and Mulesoft to improve case routing processes and average case handling times.

under the UHC Act of 2019.

These reforms include sustainable financing for UHC, the integrated delivery of quality health services and the interoperability of health information systems.

The new program builds on previous ADB support provided under Subprogram 1 and technical assistance financed by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific approved in November 2021.

“The Build UHC Program is part of ADB’s commitment to deliver longterm support to the country to ensure

all Filipinos have equitable access to quality health services without exhausting their finances,” said ADB principal health specialist Eduardo Banzon.

“The program will also help ensure the reforms are responsive to genderspecific health issues and the impacts of climate change on people’s health and well-being,” he said.

Under Subprogram 2, the government adopted an updated health financing strategy, a national medicine access policy and the National Health Data Repository framework.

EXPORTERS’ WEEK.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual (center), Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (second from right) and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. (fourth from left) lead the opening of the National Exporters’ Week 2023 on Dec. 4 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in PasayC ity.

Diokno: PPP Code to support more infrastructure projects FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the newly-enacted PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 11966 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Dec. 5, 2023, will enhance publicprivate collaboration and lay the foundation to ensure the realization of high-quality infrastructure projects and services.

The PPP Code will establish a stable and predictable environment for collaboration of both public and private sectors and address the gaps in infrastructure financing, he said.

It will consolidate all legal frameworks and create a unified system for investors to refer to when engaging in PPP projects. It also clarifies the ambiguities in the existing Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, which was last amended in 1994.

The PPP Code was identified as a priority measure of President Marcos’ administration as it supports the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which prioritizes job creation through the promotion of trade and investments and improving infrastructure. The President said the PPP Code shows the country’s commitment and readiness to accelerate

economic development.

“The Department of Finance has been actively supporting this measure since day one. I thank the President for his swift response in enacting the PPP Code, which is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting stronger collaboration between the public and the private sectors,” Diokno said.

He said the Philippines has a private sector-led economy, highlighting that it plays an indispensable role in building the foundations to propel the economy’s long-term growth and development. Julito G. Rada

DOE promotes climate finance, pushes early phaseout of PH coal power plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY TRANSITION. BDO Unibank Inc. senior vice president and chief compliance officer Federico Tancongco (right), one of the panelists at the Unlocking Capital for Sustainability (UCFS) 2023 Forum, discusses BDO’s role in enabling an equitable transition.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday climate financing is key to the success of the Philippines’ energy transition even as it encouraged a voluntary early and orderly decommissioning or repurposing of existing coal-fired power plants.

It lauded ACEN Corp. in pioneering the voluntary retirement of its 246-megawatt (MW) South Luzon Thermal coal-fired power plant in Batangas province.

“This is consistent with our view that it must be voluntary and must make business sense in a power sector like the Philippines that is privately-owned, market driven and un-subsidized. ACEN has our full support for this initiative, and we will explore ways to facilitate this program through access to climate financing,” the agency said in a statement.

ACEN announced that it teamed up with The Rockefeller Foundation and Monetary Authority of Singapore to pilot the use of transition credits for the early retirement of its coal plant.

The Philippines has several large coal plants including the Dinginin coal plant, Masinloc coal plant, Calaca coal plant, San Buenaventura coal plant, Pagbilao coal plant, Mariveles coal plant, Quezon Power coal plant, Limay coal plant, among others.

These coal plants accounted for about 46 percent of the country’s dependable capacity as of June 2023.

“Accordingly, decisions by private businesses to retire coal-fired power plants and shift to full renewable energy are also purely market-driven and based on the economics of which projects will provide the most return to investors,” the DOE said.

EEI allocates P580m for free food of workers

By Othel V. Campos EEI Corp., the construction unit of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), is spending P580 million annually to improve the lives of its workers by providing free food onsite and in offices starting Jan. 1, 2024.

EEI president and chief executive Henry Dizon Antonio said the program is part of the company’s wholistic approach to provide assistance to employees especially those working at the construction sites.

“With the programs we’re putting in place, people might think we’re a charity company or part of social welfare. We just want a better life for our people. Our company is investing on this and it’s going to cost us half a billion pesos yearly, from now on,” Antonio said Tuesday night during a thanksgiving dinner with the media.

“The amount we’re investing yearly for the worker’s benefit is not small. And because of this, we expect them to work efficiently,” he said.

EEI supports nearly 19,000 employees across all projects in the Philippines, including those handling administrative work.

It also beefed up the lending capital of the workers’ cooperative which provides loan at 1 percent per annum.

Vista Land raises P6b from issuance of fixed-rate bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. said Wednesday it raised P6 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds.

It listed the bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx), the property developer said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The bonds were issued in two series.

The Series F three-year bonds due December 2026 will carry an interest rate of 7.5426 percent per annum, while the Series G five-year bonds due December 2028 will have an interest rate of 7.6886 percent.

Vista Land said it plans to use the net proceeds from the bond offering to refinance maturing obligations and for general corporate purposes.

The bonds represent the first tranche from the company’s P35-billion bond shelf registration programs approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in November.

China Bank Capital Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and Union Bank of the Philippines acted as the joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint book runners for the fund-raising activity.

Vista Land received a rating of AAA from local debt watcher Credit Rating and Investors Services Philippines Inc. and PRS Aaa from the Philippine Rating Services Corp.

C1

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

Clint Escamis of Mapua drives against Jomel Puno of San Beda during the NCAA 99 Men’s Basketball Finals at the MOA Arena.

Mark Magsayo

Magsayo debuts at 130 pounds in ring comeback MARK “Magnifico” Magsayo will be debuting in the heavier super featherweight division on December 9 in a non-title bout against Mexican Isaac Avelar at the Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, California.

After losing to Brandon Figueroa in his last fight at the featherweight class last March, the 28-year-old Tagbilaran City former World Boxing Council featherweight titleholder has decided to take a new challenge of campaigning in a new weight class in his bid to become a two-division world champion.

“I’m coming into this fight having fought some of the best fighters in boxing. My last three fights were all at the world-class level,” Magsayo said, referring to his last bouts against Gary Russell Jr., Rey Vargas and Figueroa.

“A victory will get me the notoriety at 130 pounds, where I feel I can become a two-division world champion. So this fight is very important to my career and I’m going to come out victorious.”

Sean Gibbons, the international matchmaker and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president, said that the opportunity would give Magsayo (24-2 win-loss record with 16 knockouts) a chance to go back to worldtitle contention level next year.

“This is his first fight in the 130 pounds, this is the start for his road back to put himself back into title contention. I think this fight will put Mark back in the position to fight for world title in 2024,” Gibbons said.

He reminded Magsayo to give his best in this fight to recover from his previous split decision loss to Vargas last July 2022 and a unanimous decision setback to Figueroa.

MVP candidate Escamis helps Cardinals whip Lions in Game 1

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Mapua Cardinals stayed on course with their goal of ending a 32-year title drought in the 99th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

Top MVP candidate Clint Escamis came back just in time from a bout with leg cramps to sink two crucial charities in the last 8.5 seconds, sending the Cardinals to a 68-63 stopping of a rallying San Beda Red Lions in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals’ showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 5’11” Escamis came through with 18 points, to go with six rebounds, two assists and three steals for the Cardinals, who now have the momentum to claim the crown in Game 2 on Sunday.

Escamis’ freebies halted the Red Lions’ big rally from 11 points down in the last five minutes.

“We’re glad na nakuha namin ang first game of the series. Pero hindi naman doon matatapos. It’s not done yet. We need to practice pa. Hindi pa tapos, kailangan namin paghandaan ang Game 2. Babawi ang San Beda,” said team skipper Warren Bonifacio.

Bonifacio spoke on behalf of Cardinals’ coach Randy Alcantara, who received first aid after the game following a hypertensive spell during the final moments of their encounter.

The Cardinals’ five-point cushion in the remaining time of the last period gave them an opportunity to close in on their sixth title conquest since they last took it in 1991.

Escamis shot five points in the last 10 minutes of the match, with his triple in the final 4:11 putting the Cardinals up by nine, 64-55.

Jacob Cortez, who had 12 points, presided over San Beda’s rally in the remaining time, scoring six points in the final quarter.

Cortez, along with Oliver Tagle, brought the Red Lions within range at 61-66 with their three charities and

triple, in the final 2:11.

James Payosing showed the way with 14 points for the Red Lions, who are seeking their first crown since 2018.

Escamis provided leadership in the second quarter, making six points, with his trey and jumper in the last 40.5 seconds fuelling Mapua’s 18-2 run which turned Cardinals’ 19-29 deficit into a 37-31 halftime edge.

Mapua moved away by 12 off Escamis’ triple and jumper, and Paolo Hernandez’ euro step drive, 55-43, with 2:04 to go in the second period.

Escamis’ temporary absence when he left the court because of cramps saw the Cardinals grabbing their biggest edge, 59-43, in the final 23 ticks of the third period, before the Lions threatened to within 5 at 61-66.

The scores: Mapua 68- Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0.

San Beda 63- Payosing 14, Puno 12, Cortez 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0.

Quarterscores: 17-17; 36-31; 59-48; 68-63.

Januarius Private Equity zooms to 13-point lead Phoenix’s BAGUIO—A pumped-up Januarius Private Equity crew, energized by the splendid play of Ayon Sanchez, sparkled with a superb 131 points at the Baguio Country Club to zoom to a 13-point advantage over defending champions Manila Southwoods in the Fil-Championship of the 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Golf Invitational.

Ayon, who shot a hole-in-one during practice on Monday, hit three birdies and the same number of bogeys for an even 36 points to lead the way. Other scorers were Terence Macatangay, who assisted with 33, while veteran Ray Sangil and Kirby Lachica each added 31.

Manila Southwoods, which is gunning for a ninth straight title in the centerpiece division of the world’s largest

amateur tournament, got 34 from Aidric Chan and 32 from local star Paolo Wong but teammates Ryan Monsalve and Lanz Uy turned in only 28 and 24, respectively, for a 118 output.

“We are proud of this round, but we will remain focused and continue to play our game. We can’t be too complacent,” said Januarius Private Equity manager Paolo Cagalingan.

Eastridge, another team laden with young talents, pooled in 116. Edison Tabalin paced with 30 and was supported by 29 each from John Uy and Chris Remate and 28 from Ronel Tagaan.

Time Cargo Logistics (113), SPES (112) and Forest Hills (109) completed the roster in the Fil-Championship.

Eastridge’s Team 2 had an even better round of 135 at Camp John Hay on the 37 of Demetrio Sanchez, 35 of Richard Joson, 32 of Lloyd Labrador and 31 of Jhondie Quibol.

Jonar Austria signed for 39 points and was the top man for Januarius Private Equity Team 2. Migo Ochoa and Marco Olives for good for 31 apiece and RJ Rizada accounted for 19 in the squad’s total 120, in a tie for third with Valley Golf Mamamboys at 120.

Manila Southwoods-2, also out to defend its crown, managed 117.

Other team leaders in the other divisions are Uraguns-1 211 (98-113) in Fil-A and Time Cargo Logistics-2 256 (135-121) in Am-A.

Rising star weightlifter Ramos bags 3 silvers in Doha

By Randy Caluag RISING weightlifting star Rose Jean Ramos from Zamboanga City towed the Philippines’ kickoff bid in the Weightlifting Federation Grand Prix II with a remarkable performance, securing three silver medals in the women’s 45kg category on Tuesday (Wednesday PH time) in Doha, Qatar.

The 18-year-old Zamboanga City pride showcased her prowess with a total lift of 155kgs, comprising a 70kg snatch and an 85kg clean and jerk.

Despite facing stiff competition, Ramos’s stellar performance earned her a well-deserved recognition on the podium.

The gold medals in the women’s 45kg category were claimed by North Korea’s Won Hyon, who demonstrated exceptional strength with a total lift of 181kgs (82-99).

Ramos expressed her gratitude to his coaches and teammates for their support.

“I thank the Lord because he never left me in the game, and I also thank the coaches, coach Armas De Fuego because he gives me strength to fight and I am also thankful to coach Diwa Delos San-

tos and coach Christopher Bureros,” said Ramos, who also thanked her institutional supporters, including the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Zamboanga.

Monico Puentevella, head of the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas, expressed satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the importance of representing the country in the international stage.

“When our kids go out to represent the country in the international field, we always look forward to gaining medals or they don’t go. It’s as simple as that,” said Puentevella.

Ramos, who became part of the national training pool in 2018, has an impressive track record, having won the World Youth Weightlifting Championships twice. Her dedication and talent were evident in her previous victories, including gold medals in clean and jerk and total in Mexico last year and a triumphant performance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2021.

Currently studying at Mampang National High School, Ramos has been under the guidance of national coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz for the past seven years.

Rose Jean Ramos with her coaches holding her medals

Perkins is week’s best A SLIMMED Jason Perkins is one of the major reasons behind the surprising rise of Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The former Rookie of the Year produced big numbers for the streaking Fuel Masters in their last two games, including a 98-97 thriller over a brave Converge FiberXers side.

Perkins’ perfect feed off a cutting Ken Tuffin produced the winning basket for the Fuel Masters, who claimed solo second with their fourth straight win for a 5-1 overall record.

Phoenix actually went 2-0 for the period Nov 29 to Dec. 3 as it also scored a 111-106 win over Blackwater with Perkins likewise having a big say.

In the two won games, Perkins averaged 15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds on a high 57 percent shooting from the floor to earn the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week.

The 31-year-old Fil-Am beat out rookie teammate Ricci Rivero, the San Miguel duo of Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez, Arvin Tolentino of Northport, Meralco’s Chris Newsome and Chris Banchero, the Ginebra trio of Christian Standhardinger, Jamie Malonzo, and Maverick Ahanmisi, along with Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca of Magnolia for the weekly honor handed out by the men and women who cover the PBA beat.

Perkins, who lost a considerable amount of weight going to the season in order to be in tip-top shape, finished with 20 points and seven rebounds in the win over Converge, where he also scored a crucial endgame basket to thwart a rallying FiberXers five.

Previously, the Gilas Pilipinas training pool member netted 23 points and eight rebounds against Blackwater Bossing.

C2

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

Cool Smashers, Crossovers duel; Flying Titans vs. HD Spikers Games Thursday

(Semifinal best-of-three) 4 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo 6 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Cignal

FORGET about the numbers, it’s all about the confidence and momentum gained from remarkable streaks in the eliminations.

Creamline, coming off a remarkable 11-game sweep, faces Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m. while Choco Mucho, with a stirring 10-game run, squares off with Cignal at 6 p.m. in a pair of best-of-three series kicking off the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League AllFilipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Thursday.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses highlights the goal to exceed their performance in the elims while focusing on hard work.

“Yung goal is mas mataas pa sa eliminations. But we need to work hard,” said Meneses, who expects Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao to crank up their respective games as they try to extend their unbeaten run.

He also rested skipper Alyssa Valdez against the Galeries Highrisers last Tuesday for optimal performance in the Final Four.

“Priority is for Aly (Valdez) to rest for the semis para mas maging maganda ang performance nya,” said Meneses, whose wards dismantled the Crossovers in four last Nov. 26.

While Creamline is on a streak, Chery Tiggo is on a skid, having dropped its last two matches, including a shutout loss to the soaring Choco Mucho in Iloilo last weekend.

But deputy coach Kungfu Reyes is motivated to bring out the best from the team as they aim for another shot at the finals in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa.

UST’s Kent Pastrana leads the celebration of the UST Growling Tigresses.

Tigresses crowned cage queens, end Lady Bulldogs’ 7-year reign F OR the first time in 17 years, University of Santo Tomas is on top of the UAAP Women’s Basketball world. And for the first time in eight seasons, National University settled for silver.

The Growling Tigresses foiled the Lady Bulldogs’ quest for an eight-peat, storming back from 14 down in the fourth to take the all-or-nothing Game 3, 71-69, and clinch the UAAP Season 86 championship on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Nikki Villasin, a graduating guard out of Chicago, nailed the biggest basket of her career, a fastbreak layup with 11.8 seconds to go that gave UST the lead for good and the crown.

Tin Cayabyab, last season’s Finals MVP who had her best game this series with 18 points, tried to win it for the NU with a three-pointer but was wellguarded as her attempt went way short as time expired.

“I’m really lost for words. I’m really so happy for the girls, sila may gawa nito,” said Growling Tigresses’ head coach Haydee Ong. “We were down big, 15 points ,sabi ko sa kanila don’t give up, stick together, unti-untiin natin until the fourth quarter, and NU gave us a lot of chances para makahabol kami.

“We made good stops in the last one minute. I think that spelled the difference, ‘yung puso ng mga players ko na hindi bumigay kahit down 15 sila,” the former national team head coach continued.

This was UST’s 12th championship in the women’s division, making them the winningest team in league history, breaking its tie with Far Eastern University at 11.

In control was NU heading into the final 10 minutes of the contest.

The Lady Bulldogs entered the fourth quarter ahead 61-47 but they were limited to eight points the rest of the way.

Ann Pingol’s layup with 4:12 remaining gave NU a 67-58 advantage then came the UST storm stirred by graduating forward Tantoy Ferrer, who missed the 5-on-5 tournament last season due to an ACL tear.

Ferrer went on a 9-2 run by her lonesome on the back of two triples and three free throws to pull the Growling Tigresses within two with 2:20 left, 69-67.

After missed chances from both sides multiple times, then emerged Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana’s moment.

The Season 82 Rookie of the Year attacked Camille Clarin then made a spin move before shooting a short stab to knot the game at 69 with 26.0 seconds left that forcing NU to call timeout.

The Lady Bulldogs went to one-anddone Stef Berberabe but her short jumper

missed with Pastrana grabbing the rebound and passing it forward to Rocel Dionisio, who then passed it to Villasin for the game-winner.

The series was decided by an average of 2.33 points as UST took Game 1, 7672, while NU won Game 2, 72-70.

Ferrer, who was part of the 3x3 team that dismantled NU’s reign in the threea-side game last season, emerged as the Finals MVP with averages of 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals.

“Alam kong matagal mo nang hinihintay ito coach,” said the Finals MVP, who tallied 19 points and 14 points while being a plus-23 in her 26 minutes and 50 seconds on the floor.

“Alam kong 2018 pa lang coach, nu’ng pumasok kami nina Tacky (Tacatac), sabi ko, ‘Coach, hindi puwede kaming e-exit kami dito sa UST team na walang championship na ibibigay sa iyo.

Sa wakas coach nabalik na natin yung korona sa España’,” the forward out of Calapandayan, Zambales furthered.

Messi named Time’s ‘Athlete of the Year’ LOS ANGELES—Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year” for 2023 after a trailblazing season marked by an eighth Ballon d’Or award and his ground-breaking move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.

Time said the Argentine superstar had already had a transformative impact on the American sporting landscape, which has been historically slow to embrace football.

“Lionel Messi this year managed to do what once seemed impossible, when he signed with Inter Miami: turning the US into a soccer country,” Time commented.

The 36-year-old Messi made his debut for Miami in July following an acrimonious departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

The World Cup-winner also rebuffed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in favor of a new chapter in MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made an instant impact on Miami’s fortunes, playing a pivotal role in helping the team win the expanded Leagues Cup, a cross-border competition for teams from MLS and Mexico’s top flight.

Messi finished the campaign with 11 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions, but an injury towards the end of the season meant he was unable to help Miami force their way into the playoffs.

Messi was quoted by Time as saying that his first preference

NBA Infinite brings nonstop basketball to players’ fingertips LEVEL Infinite, a gaming brand dedicated to delivering high-quality experiences to a global audience, and Lightspeed Studios, one of the most successful and innovative game developers in the world, today unveiled their new nonstop basketball action game, NBA Infinite.

Players who pre-register on the App Store or Google Play Store will receive exclusive in-game rewards that can be claimed at launch.

Players will also be eligible to enter into the official NBA Infinite Launch Sweepstakes.

You could win the Ultimate NBA Infinite Fan Pack that includes tickets to a 2024-2025 NBA regular season game of your choice! Dribble over to nbainfinite. com for more sweepstakes details and rules on how to participate.

NBA Infinite is an officially licensed free-to-play mobile game, offering fans infinite ways to play and compete anywhere. Gather friends to build your PvP team in 3v3 or see who really has game in 1v1 and Dynasty 5v5 modes. The online competitive modes offer a unique

experience for mobile. Hop into a quick multiplayer session experience between all NBA Infinite players to fuel your competitive spirit! Collect and upgrade a dream roster of current NBA players, make big decisions that turn a starting five into a championship lineup, and upgrade the coaching staff to strengthen their defensive and offensive tactics.

“We’re committed to crafting an authentic NBA gaming experience that fuels fans’ love of the game,” said Anthony Crouts, Senior Director, Level Infinite. “NBA Infinite offers realistic visuals, intense real-time PvP matchups, and an ever-growing roster of fanfavorite players. We can’t wait for everyone to lace up their sneakers and hit the court.”

At its core, NBA Infinite is about expressing love for the greatest game in the universe -- NBA basketball. Cross up opponents with Exclusive and Dominance skills that are unique to each NBA star, nail the perfect give and-go, and hit the game-winning buzzer beater—all from the comfort of a phone. It’s pure basketball —nothing more, nothing less—because basketball is perfect just the way it is.

Lionel Messi

after PSG had been a fairytale return to Barcelona, but that move stalled over the club’s finances.

“I tried to return, and it did not happen,” Messi said, adding that he was also “thinking a lot” about joining the wave of overseas players who have headed to the Saudi Pro League. AFP

AFAD’s Sporting Arms Show: Fusion of sports, advocacy, policy THE 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show, with its second edition to be launched from December 7 to 11 at SMX Mall of Asia, and organized by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc., is not merely an exposition of firearms but a strategic step towards transforming the annual gathering into a true sporting event.

AFAD President Aric Topacio shared his vision, saying, “It is time to make our annual event into something else. Very soon, Enthusiasts check the latest in guns and firearms.

beginning this year, we shall be known not just as individual gun enthusiasts but a unified industry.”

As the country’s longest-running sporting arms show, the event will showcase a diverse array of top-of-the-line local and imported firearms, optics, sporting goods, and accessories. Gun enthusiasts, hobbyists, and sportsmen are all invited to partake in this immersive experience.

What sets this edition apart is AFAD’s dual role, not only as a catalyst for show-

casing the latest in firearms, but also as a significant player in shaping policy and promoting responsible gun ownership.

AFAD aims to influence the narrative surrounding firearms, elevating it from a mere trade show to a forum for discussing policies that impact the industry.

“Despite the current gun ban due to the barangay elections, our athletes remain active in competition. AFAD stands ready to assist them, securing special permits when needed,” said Topacio, emphasizing AFAD’s commitment to navigating the regulatory landscape.

The show opens at 10 a.m. with Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, an advocate for responsible gun ownership and sports shooting, leading distinguished guests, including the top brass from both the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and agencies concerned.

One distinctive aspect of AFAD’s role is its active participation in policy advocacy.

The organization seeks to be a voice in developing regulations and policies that govern the firearms industry. By engaging with policymakers, AFAD aims to contribute to creating a regulatory framework that balances public safety concerns with the rights of responsible gun owners.

SHOWBIZ

C3 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

TVJ, Dabarkads start singing ‘E.A.T. Bulaga’

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

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

I

N YESTERDAY’S episode of E.A.T, the noontime show hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ), the Dabarkads started singing “E.A.T. Bulaga,” something they hadn’t done since the program aired on TV5 in July.

The atmosphere inside Studio 4, where the noontime show airs live daily, was different, with a palpable sense of renewed joy and energy from the hosts and the people in the audience area.

Earlier that day, TVJ called for a press conference to announce their official statement following the decision of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in the case against TAPE Incorporated (TAPE). The decision, dated Monday, December 4, mandates the cancellation of TAPE’s trademark registrations for “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” in specific contexts, including merchandising.

Accompanied by Attorney Buko dela Cruz (the lawyer of TVJ in their petition to cancel the trademarks “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” owned by TAPE) the trio said that they don’t feel vindicated at all, what they felt after hearing IPO decision was a sense of relief that they were finally recognized.

“There is one word more important now than ‘vindicated,’ and that is ‘respect.’ That’s what weighs heavily

From left: Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Tito Sotto call for a press conference to announce their official statement following the decision of the IPO on ‘Eat Bulaga’ trademark case

‘E.A.T’ hosts open the noontime show with its classic theme song

TOFA recipient champions Filipino artisans Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

IF YOU’RE a Filipina recognized by an award-giving body at the same ceremony as luminaries Jessica Soho and Leni Robredo are, then no doubt you’re one empowered woman making a difference.

Maria Victoria Santos Mejia, a resident of Marikina who moved to California, humbly accepted her award at the latest edition of The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) recently held at the Zipper Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California.

She was named an awardee for fashion and style, particularly for her Viktorya Minaudière bag collection “featuring shell craftsmanship by Cebu Artisans,” or as host Boy Abunda mentioned before she took the stage for a few words.

Minaudière is a jeweled evening bag for women of high taste.

Maria Victoria’s inclusion in this year’s list of TOFA recipients is largely attributed to the classy creations being produced by her accessory designing Victoria’s Craft which she founded, and already won awards for novelty bags that attracted socialites and notable people in Hollywood. The Philippines’ King of Talk himself stated that she “aims to export her products globally through handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.”

“I’m truly humbled and grateful to receive this prestigious award. Thank you TOFA board members for giving me this opportunity to be acknowledged in such a meaningful way,” she said in her acceptance speech during the 13th staging of the highly anticipated annual Fil-Am special held on the West Coast for the first time.

According to Hollywood journalist Janet Susan R. Nepales, Maria Victoria has been getting accolades for her “one-of-a-kind designs.” She wrote on goldenglobes.com that the rising fashion figure had launched her bag collection at the Philippine Fashion and Cultural Expo in L.A. just late last year. The latter also showcased her creations at the Musa fashion show in New York.

The TOFA awardee expressed pride in saying that her products are “proudly Filipino and handmade.” She has

Maria Victoria Santos Mejia (center) poses with her kids (from left) Gerard, Gabrielle, Gregory, and George

The 2023 TOFA awardee for fashion and style Maria Victoria Santos Mejia (left) with singeractress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle

collaborated with artisans who in return benefit from the livelihood opportunities that come with it.

She noted on the site www.viktorya-minaudiere.com that “each item is passed on from the skilled hands of Filipino artisans to the generous customer who becomes the proud owner of a masterfully crafted minaudière.”

Maria Victoria added, “This recognition holds a very special place in my heart as it acknowledges the incredible skills and talents of Filipino artisans to bring life to my brand.”

She mused that her daughter Gabrielle’s debut party, wherein fashion was definitely a strong statement, led to the birth of the Viktorya Minaudière brand which she likes to describe as “a testament to the power of creativity that pushes the boundaries of fashion and design.”

Back in the Philippines, the family woman studied medical technology and worked as a medical representative. Now in California, she works as a laboratory assistant at a hospital while pursuing her love for design that made her presence in the Fil-Am community significantly felt.

It should be no surprise if the brand literally handcrafted by Victoria’s Craft, and manifested through Viktorya Minaudière, will become a household name in her beloved country of origin.

“TOFA has not only recognized my American Dream but also validated the dream of Victoria’s Craft artisans from the Philippines,” she noted, “This recognition has provided a platform for us to showcase Viktorya Minaudière’s unique style and creativity.”

on me right now,” Joey said.

“Perhaps, another term that could be used, more palatable for Pareng Joey, instead of ‘vindicated,’ officially recognized, we are now officially recognized,” Tito responded.

“In simple terms, we are being removed from the program we have loved for four decades, the TV show we worked hard for, created, with blood, sweat, and then suddenly you’re told, ‘Hey, you’re out.’ It hurts. So, these developments, in a way, inspire us to continue,” Vic added.

IPO’s decision to cancel TAPE’s trademarks for “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” signed by Attorney Josephine Alon, the Adjudication Officer of the Bureau of Legal Affairs at IPO. According to Attorney Dela Cruz, the IPO supported the petition of Tito, Vic, and Joey in asserting that the creators of the trademark “Eat Bulaga” were indeed Tito, Vic, and Joey themselves.

“In essence, TVJ is synonymous with ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Consequently, the IPO’s decision entails the cancellation

of TAPE’s registration of ‘Eat Bulaga’ under its name,” the lawyer said.

As for the immediate implications, the lawyer mentioned that it is now allowed to use “Eat Bulaga” and “EB.” “They can use it anytime, even before the decision came out because their registration was not for entertainment but for merchandise. But TVJ chose to give way. Now that the government has spoken, stating that the true owners, the rightful titleholders of ‘Eat Bulaga’ and ‘EB’ are TVJ, then they should also respect that. If the question is when it can be used, anytime, they can use it,” the lawyer explained.

Tito asserted that they were on the correct side of the issue. Therefore, the prospect of an appeal doesn’t concern them.

“Everyone has the right to appeal, and that’s perfectly fine with us,” he said.

“If they show respect and stop using something that doesn’t belong to them, it will be more joyful, and we can be sure it’s not just Merry Christmas but a Happy New Year as well,” Vic concluded.

Myrtle Sarrosa’s tale of wins in and beyond the virtual world OTHERS win in games, but this girl is bringing wins in-game.

For the 4th Anniversary of Call of Duty Mobile, the most popular Mobile FPS in the Philippines, features an original song written by Myrtle Sarrosa, along with Brian Lotho and Rangel Fernandez.

The song is featured globally in the Call of Duty servers of Call of Duty Mobile, showcasing the international presence of Filipinos in gaming.

For gamers, the lobby music is the track that sets the mood before the game, and who would have thought that the song in Call of Duty was written and sung by Filipino gamers?

The song is performed by Myrtle, Sharlene San Pedro, Doc Z, and Patricia Reyes, who are collectively some of the most popular gaming streamers in the Philippines for the mobile gaming genre.

The music video is currently nearing one million views and has been featured in Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, and it is available on the game globally.

It’s an amazing feat that it was written by a gamer for gamers.

Apart from “In The Zone,” Myrtle also wrote two other songs for Call of Duty: “Ready Set” and “Better Run,” which garnered millions of views for Call of Duty Warzone 2 and Call of Duty Mobile.

She is one of the most successful gaming content creators and cosplayers in Southeast Asia, with 4.5 million followers on Facebook, 1.6 million on TikTok, and 1.2 million on Instagram. She also won the TikTok Award for Gaming in 2022, the Philippine Esports Award for Best Cosplayer in 2023, and the Cosplayer of the Year Award at the VP Choice Awards.

Myrtle doesn’t just play games, she also works behind the scenes as a contributor for international game developers. Earlier this year, Myrtle spoke at the Game Developers Conference 2023 in San Francisco about her contributions to WeMade Games and the creation of the Fan Token.

She was also recently part of the HoyoFest Live Action Video filmed in Indonesia for Genshin Impact, where she played the lead role of Layla.

Myrtle began cosplaying in 2009 and became the host of HeroTV. She also won the reality show Pinoy Big Brother 4 which launched her career in television.

Teen Edition 4, In gaming, she competitively played as the Guild Leader and founder of the Exodiac Guild, the No. 1 Filipino Guild in Ragnarok Mobile. She has participated in competitive gaming across various titles, including PUBG Mobile Stars in 2018, a PUBG Showmatch in Thailand in 2019, the Apex Mobile Showmatch in 2021, and the Diablo IV Showmatch as the Philippine representative.

Apart from actively creating gaming content and streaming, Myrtle is also filming as the kontrabida (antagonist) in the upcoming afternoon show of GMA Public Affairs titled Makiling, alongside Derrick Monasterio, Elle Villanueva, and Kristoffer Martin.

This marks her second television drama following her move to GMA. Myrtle Sarros co-writes Call of Duty Mobile anniversary song

C4

LIFE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023

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

Experience the healing power of water DISCOVER the therapeutic potential of water through the introduction of Grohe Spa in the Asia Pacific region. Launched at a prestigious event at the LIXIL Experience Center in Singapore, attended by industry partners, media, and guests, Grohe revealed its premium sub-brand committed to enhancing bathroom indulgence.

Water, often termed the elixir of life, possesses unique qualities that cleanse, invigorate, and heal. Grohe acknowledges water’s profound impact on well-being, transforming the bathroom from a utilitarian space into a personal haven for relaxation.

Rooted in the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquam, meaning “Health Through Water,” Grohe Spa aims to curate exclusive products that facilitate immersive water rituals, transforming bathrooms into luxurious wellbeing sanctuaries.

Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader of LIXIL Global Design, Asia, emphasizes the inspiration behind Grohe Spa, stating, “Embracing the belief of water as the source of vital energy is the inspiration and guidance behind Grohe Spa.” The collections are crafted to the highest standards, offering personalization options for a tailored, all-encompassing bathroom experience.

Grohe Spa installations embodying the “Health Through Water” concept can be explored at LIXIL Experience Centers in India, Indonesia, and Thailand. This innovative bathroom design approach allows for high customization, empowering users to express their individuality.

Satoshi Konagai, Leader of LIXIL Water Technology, APAC, highlights the personalized luxury offered by Grohe Spa, stating, “The GROHE SPA launch in APAC offers discerning homeowners and industry partners a personalized, differentiated luxury bathroom experience.”

LIXIL Experience Centers will support bespoke Grohe Spa projects, featuring products like the multisensory Rainshower AQUA Ceiling Shower and exclusive 3D metal-printed masterpieces.

The GROHE SPA portfolio boasts diverse personalization options. Noteworthy features include customizable Grohe Spa Rainshower Aqua Ceiling Shower Modules and the Grohe Allure basin mixer with haptic feedback, enhancing the tangible connection to water.

Collaboration with Caesarstone introduces authentic marble styles for faucet handles, expanding customization possibilities for creating personalized bathroom spaces.

Grohe Spa will be available across the APAC region at LIXIL Experience Centers and selected locations, offering a portfolio combining progressive design, sophisticated features, and various customization options for a truly unique and immersive bathroom experience. Visit grohespa.com for more details.

Grohe Spa curates exclusive products that facilitate immersive water rituals, transforming bathrooms into luxurious well-being sanctuaries

Breaking taboos and embracing menstrual health

Actress and pop singer Maymay Entrata is the new face of Whisper Long Protect pads

By Angelica Villanueva

F

OR many women, menstruation is a recurring monthly event that brings about a plethora of inconveniences. Cramps, mood fluctuations, and the constant anxiety of leaks are just a few of the challenges women face. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also the concern of “kapos” moments.

Kapos pads are those that simply don’t do the job.

They’re short, they’re thin, and they often lead to leaks.

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to live your life and go about your day.

Just like any other ladies in her generation, actress and pop singer Maymay Entrata also experienced and wasn’t immune to this kind of kapos moments either.

And as she created her own path of becoming a pop star, the “Amakabogera” singer marked a new milestone in her career as she embarked on a new journey of promoting women empowerment and

breaking taboos about menstrual health.

Part of her movement was being introduced as the newest face of Whisper’s latest product, Long Protect pads.

“To be part of the Whisper family is a huge blessing for me. I feel very welcome in this family.

They mentioned that they waited for me [to sign with them],” shared Maymay.

“To be able to become a part of the family and to represent its newest product, Whisper Long Protect, I was just so happy. This newest product has the best quality. It is not just because of its long pad but also affordable—which we, women, look for in our pads,” she added.

Maymay shared how she used to feel insecure about using kapos pads, which often led to unwanted leaks. She was always worried about having stains on her pants that made her feel anxious and self-conscious.

But with her newly discovered sanitary pad, Maymay shared how she could go about her day without having to worry about leaks.

“I tried using it myself. Naexperience ko mismo na hindi Maymay takes a groufie with the ladies who attended the Whisper Long ako kinapos and as a performer, Protect launch party

of course, hindi dapat tayo kakapusin or tatagusin because it could limit our movements. With this new product, I keep going with whatever I do,” Maymay continued.

Finding the right pad is important for all women, but it’s especially crucial for active women like Maymay. With the new Whisper Long Protect pad, Maymay can feel confident that she’s protected, no matter what she’s doing.

More than just doing its job to prevent leaks and stains, the young singer also shared what she loves about the brand.

“It is very inspirational. It’s not just a product; it has a message that it wants to tell everyone, which is to normalize talking about menstruation and menstrual health,” explained the 26-year-old star.

Just like the brand, Maymay also wants to use her platform to promote self-love and empowerment.

“I started choosing projects that would have an impact on young people, especially those who follow me. I really want to use my platform to empower people, inspire them, and help them accept their flaws and their beauty,” she explained.

Currently, the Kapamilya artist is focusing on her music career and shared that this is something she really loves doing.

“I am extremely grateful because singing is really one of my passions, and it’s something I have focused on for years. I invested in learning more about my craft because I’m not really a singer,” said Maymay.

“This year, I felt a sense of trust from people that I could perform not just here in the Philippines, but also in other countries, which is a huge achievement.

It feels like all the effort and hard work I put into learning my craft paid off,” she ended.

Hub for pulmo care, post-COVID recovery inaugurated LAST year, among the top 10 leading causes of death in the country were chronic lung disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia, COVID-19 infection, and lung cancer. Out of the four million Filipinos who contracted COVID-19, 280,000 continue to suffer from long COVID syndrome.

Despite the enactment of several laws to curb smoking in the country, many Filipinos still suffer from smoking-related lung diseases. The need for pulmonary rehabilitation to help those suffering from difficulty in breathing remains. Along with this is the need for an improved venue where pulmonary rehabilitation can be best carried out—both for in-person and virtual sessions.

Located at the Philippine General Hospital is the UP-PGH Pulmonary Care Center & Post-COVID Hub, which aims to help Filipinos afflicted with chronic lung diseases and long COVID-19 syndrome to breathe and live better. It is a milestone in healthcare as it is the first post-COVID hub in the country.

It was recently inaugurated with PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Division of Pulmonary Medicine Head Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez, Dr. Joselito Chavez, former chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Carissa Paz C. Dioquino, Chair, Department of Neurosciences, Dr. John Anonuevo, Chair,

Department of Medicine, and fellows of the Pulmonary Division, among others. SM Foundation was represented by Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles, Board of Trustee Engr.

Gil Macapagal, Senior Project Manager Albert Uy, and Assistant Project Manager Roma Hierro were in attendance.

It is the 199th SM Foundation Wellness Center and is the third project of SM Foundation with PGH’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine. The first was the renovation of the Pulmonary room at the Outpatient Department. This was followed two years later with the renovation of another room to house the CPET (CardioPulmonary Exercise Testing) machine and as the venue for Pulmonary rehab sessions.

The UP-PGH Pulmonary Care Center and Post-COVID Hub offer the following services: multi-disciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program; comprehensive diagnostic assessment for chronic lung diseases and long COVID syndrome; smoking cessation program; asthma education program; lung cancer and interstitial lung disease multi-disciplinary care; and home care referral network provision.

It is under the Division of Pulmonary Medicine of UP-PGH headed by Dr. Fernandez. Aside from the country’s top pulmonologists, it boasts a multidisciplinary medical team from the UPPGH’s Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Neurosciences, Family Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Respiratory therapists as well as the Medical Social Services and Dietary Section are also partners in dispensing the Hub’s services.

UP-PGH Pulmonary Care Center and Post-COVID Hub is SM Foundation’s 199th Wellness Center

UP-PGH Pulmonary Care Center & Post-COVID Hub aims to help Filipinos afflicted with chronic lung diseases and long COVID-19 syndrome to breathe and live better

Health and well-being initiative brings free medical services to residents in Cebu WATSONS continues to do good for others by helping to provide free diagnostic tests and medications to areas in need through its medical missions.

As the country’s leading health retailer, Watsons is committed to its Environmental, Social, and Governance goal of helping to uplift the health and well-being of the community. It has been conducting Alagang Pangkalusugan initiatives since 2013 in the country’s various regions.

On November 15, Watsons brought Alagang Pangkalusugan to Cebu at Hoops Dome Arena, Lapu Lapu City. Watsons provided the residents of the community with free doctor consultations and free medicines prescribed by doctors.

The health retailer also provided the

residents of Lapu Lapu with free BP monitoring, ECG, blood glucose monitoring, dental services, uric/hemoglobin/cholesterol tests, skin analysis, bone screening, audiometry, hair analysis, eye check-up, and chest X-ray. The services were availed themselves of by a total of 784 patients, which exceeded the target of 500 patients to be served.

The Alagang Pangkalusugan initiative by Watsons in Cebu gathered 41 local volunteers and Watsons employees. As the Alagang Pangkalusugan program continues to reach other areas in the Philippines, Watsons has been seeing rising employee participation in support of the cause across all areas as more and more patients benefit from the initiative.

Lapu Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong”

Quirante Chan and District Rep. Ma. Cynthia K. Chan visited the medical mission.

“Since 2013, Alagang Pangkalusugan has benefited over 6,500 Filipinos. Watsons is very proud to be a partner of Filipino families in their journey to good health. We’re also very happy that our employees are participating in this. We are very grateful to all the volunteers and our supplier partners who took part in this initiative,” said Belle Pesayco, CSR Pillar Head of Watsons Philippines.

Because doing good is not something that Watsons can do alone, the retailer enlisted the help of its supplier partners. Among the brands that supported the medical mission were JLC Miller, North Summit, Ritemed, Torrent, and Patients receive vitamins from Watsons’ partner retailers who have also participated in making the medical mission possible Fine Nutrition.