Manila Standard - 2023 December 28 - Thursday

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DOTR SAYS CONSOLIDATED GROUPS COVER MAJOR METRO MANILA ROUTES

By Rio N. Araja and Darwin Amojelar AHEAD of the Dec. 31 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles, “all major routes or thoroughfares” in Metro Manila are now being operated by consolidated transport groups, the Department of Transportation said.

Secondary routes without consolidated entities, on the other hand, will be served by other modes of public transport, the DOTr said.

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 317 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 •

495k tons of rice from imports to boost local stocks

By Othel V. Campos and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE country will have enough rice to meet the local consumption until the start of the next harvest season in March 2024, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday.

Augmenting the local harvest are 495,000 metric tons of rice imported by private traders due to arrive between December and early February 2024, DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro said in a statement.

"We received reports that around 100,000 tons of imported rice has already arrived in the country. This is part of the 495,000 metric tons (MT) committed by import permit holders to Secretary [Francisco] Tiu Laurel," Navarro said.

These imports and the local harvest would be sufficient for the national

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said some 154,000 public utility vehicles or 70 percent of the total PUVs are expected to consolidate into a corporation or a cooperative by Dec. 31 across the country.

But while the nationwide data showed that only 30 percent of jeepney units have yet to comply, the number significantly increases in certain regions.

In Metro Manila, some 73.5 percent or 31,058 traditional jeepneys have yet to be consolidated ahead of the deadline.

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Stop interfering in WPS missions—AFP to China But Beijing still blaming Manila’s change of policy, position

By Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo

T

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it would ask China to stop interfering with their resupply operations and its harassment of Filipino fishermen within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), if talks between the two countries materialize.

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‘PARASITE’ STAR FOUND DEAD

GOOD LUCK CHARMS. Shopkeepers

at the New Victory Trading Chinese one-stopshop at Ongpin Street in Binondo, Manila show their display of dragon figurines and good luck charms, as 2024 will be the Year of the Wood Dragon. Meanwhile. Street vendors arrange varieties of round fruits along Litex Market, Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City (inset), as every Filipino household aims to present 12 circular fruits on the table on New Year's Eve for prosperity, happiness, and good health.

Norman Cruz and Manny Palmero

NEWS / A2

Marcos’ trips net P300b ‘actualized’ investments—DTI

"Non-interference in our operations is good enough," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a message.

The AFP official was referring to the regular rotation and resupply (RORE) missions being conducted by the AFP in support of Philippine outposts in the WPS, which have been targeted by China's recent aggressive actions.

"Yes. Plus non-harassment of our fishermen within the country's EEZ," Aguilar said when asked if he would consider it an act of good faith should China comply with their first demand.

But China on Wednesday again blamed the Philippines for heightened tension in the disputed waters in the South China Sea, saying it was caused Next page

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos' foreign trips this year have translated into P300 billion worth of "actualized" investments, the Department of Trade and Industry said.

Since he assumed office, some 200,000 job opportunities were likewise generated from his visits abroad.

DTI-Board of Investments Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the projects have already been registered with the BOI and Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Rodolfo said the materialized investments amounted to P227.72 billion for eight projects; P44.02 billion for 11 projects, and P22.17 billion for nine projects as of Dec. 21.

“Some of these projects have short gestation periods and are already fully Next page

Rody still top-of-mind Senate bet for 2025 polls in Pahayag survey FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is the top-of-mind candidate of the senator for the midterm elections in 2025, a non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. showed.

The survey, conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, 2023, showed Duterte with a voting predisposition of 48 percent and a trust rating of 59 percent.

With a margin of error of +/- 3 percent, Duterte was statistically tied in terms of voting predisposition with ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (44 percent) and former vice-presidential candidate and cardiologist Dr. Willie

Ong (43 percent).

Tulfo logged a 44 percent trust rating while Ong had 50 percent. PUBLiCUS said both recorded a drop in support in Mindanao.

Duterte initially filed a certificate of candidacy for a Senate seat in the 2022 polls but eventually withdrew from the race.

The former President earlier warned he would be compelled to come out of retirement and run for senator if his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is impeached.

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NO TO ‘PAPUTOXIC’.

Juan Luna police precinct commander Police Maj. Bernardino Diaz Venturina holds some of the confiscated illegal fireworks sold in the Divisoria market area on Wednesday, as members of the EcoWaste Coalition ramp up their campaign at Barangay 176 in Caloocan City against ‘paputoxic’ fireworks and for a safer and cleaner New Year (inset). Norman Cruz and Manny Palmero

Fireworks not toys, DOH warns families lost their fingers.

In its latest case bulletin, the DOH reported 23 new fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total so far to 75.

“The new cases include two new THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded families that amputations, both involving the illegal fireworks are not toys, as it reported new Pla-pla lit by male teenagers who lost Next page injuries, including two teenagers who

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano READY FOR 2024. A worker shows off the 2024 calendar made by their printing shop along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, while a street vendor shows the ‘peach fuzz’ color T-shirts with dragon design that are selling fast for being the ‘trending’ color for next year at Divisoria market in Manila. Manny Palmero and Danny Pata

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

4 groups vie for NAIA rehab deal F

By Darwin G. Amojelar

OUR big groups are vying for the P171-billion contract to rehabilitate, optimize, and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Department of Transportation said.

Eight groups earlier bought bid documents, but only the Manila International Airport Consortium, Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airport Consortium, and SMC SAP & Co. Consortium submitted their bids

IN BRIEF Solon wants removal of dynasty provision SAN Jose del Monte (Bulacan) Rep. Florida Robes has filed a bill that seeks to remove the anti-political dynasty provision in the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, which would be enforced in future SK elections.

House Bill 9273 seeks to delete the prohibition against SK candidates who have a relative within the second civil degree who are incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officials in the locality where the candidate wants to be elected.

"Unfortunately, the aforesaid provision is discriminatory and prejudicial against well-abled SK candidates who possess leadership qualities and are distinctively competent in the formulation and implementation of youth programs merely because of their family lineages," Robes said in her explanatory note.

The same bill seeks to amend the form used by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for filing certificates of candidacy to remove the need for the declaration of the candidate that no such relative exists. Rio Araja

Private hospitals report COVID uptick THE Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) has reported a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among its members as more Filipinos and their families gather for celebrations during the holiday season.

According to a dzBB report, PHAPI said most of the cases are mild, especially for patients who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano was quoted as saying the rise in COVID cases was possibly due to more gatherings being held this December.

The group expects the number of COVID-19 cases to decrease over the coming weeks, de Grano added.

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) reinstated this month the mandatory use of face masks inside the hospital amid the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country.

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The younger Duterte was criticized for her past use of confidential funds and her request for P650 million under the 2024 national budget, which she later withdrew.

“If you do that, I'll return to politics.

I will be forced to,” the 78-year-old Duterte patriarch said. “It's either I will run for senator or I will run for vice president even if I'm old.”

Rounding up the top 12 are reelectionist senators Christopher Go (40 percent), Imee Marcos (38 percent), and Ronald Dela Rosa (36 percent); former Senate President Vicente Sotto (33 percent); former Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and former senator Panfilo Lacson at 31 percent each; former Vice President Leni Robredo (27 percent); Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (26 percent), and re-electionist senator Pia Cayetano (25 percent).

The survey used purposive sampling composed of 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with multinational presence.

The sample was restricted to registered Filipino voters.

before the 10 a.m. deadline yesterday.

"This is a very important project of the government. The airport is very, very congested," Transportation Secretary Jame Bautista said.

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by Manila’s change of policy and position over the disputed maritime territories.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said the responsibility "lies with the Philippines" as far as the maritime conflict is concerned.

However, Aguilar said other agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation with the Philippine Coast Guard under it would have their own demands.

On Tuesday, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said that while they welcome China's offer of dialogue, it must first immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the WPS as these seriously undermine regional peace and security.

This was in response to Beijing's accusation that Manila is encroaching on its territory and making provocative actions in the WPS. Beijing, however, said it is ready to work with Manila to resolve maritime issues.

"China’s illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, and other activities that infringe upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the WPS are clear violations of international law," Malaya said.

He also said that the dialogue can only

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At least 66 percent of jeepneys were not yet consolidated in Calabarzon and 63 percent in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The LTFRB cited the route rationalization study which was designed to provide rationalized and efficiently planned routes that would be responsive to the demands of the passenger.

“It is a comprehensive and strategic assessment of the current public transport

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consumption estimated at 36,000 MT a day, until the next harvest starts in March, he added.

There are also 40,000 bags of rice donated by Taiwan, equivalent to about 2,000 MT, half of which has already been delivered.

Some 295,000 MT of rice from India is also coming in the coming weeks, after the Indian government approved the export of the grain to the Philippines in October, despite its general export ban of non-basmati white rice.

Navarro said about 76,000 MT of rice from Taiwan and India would reach the country before the year ends.

Economic managers, especially the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), are closely watching the supply and cost of rice due to its impact on inflation.

The BSP has aggressively raised interest rates since last year to tame inflation, which affects the purchasing power of consumers and undermines economic growth.

Meat imports Meanwhile, the country’s biggest group of meat importers welcomed the

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operational and are already employing full-time Filipinos, producing goods or delivering services,” Rodolfo said.

“Some are already setting up or expanding their facilities – but are nevertheless already employing Filipinos as they already have set up or expanded their offices and physical presence in the Philippines,” the Trade official added.

Since Mr. Marcos was elected in 2022, the consolidated and processed

The Manila International Airport Consortium is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Ayala’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global-Infracorp, Filinvest, and JG Summit Holdings.

GMR Airport Consortium, which earlier operated the Mactan Cebu International Airport, is now joined by the Yuchencgcoled House of Investments and Cavitex Holdings for the NAIA project, while SMC is building the new international airport in Bulacan.

The Asian Airport Consortium, on the other hand, is with Cosco Capital Inc. NAIA handles about 50 million passen-

gers annually, more than 50 percent higher than its designed capacity of only 32 million passengers a year.

The DOTr's Bids and Awards Committee will open the technical bids after 10 days from the date of submission, followed by the financial bids.

The department expects to award the contract by the first quarter of 2024 and achieve financial closure by the second quarter.

Once the airport is turned over to the winning bidder, its capacity is expected to increase to 60 million passengers annually.

succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations.

Malaya said China is the only country that believes in its narrative and propaganda, and not a single nation has expressed support for its claim of the entire South China Sea. "The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying, and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China," he added.

In Beijing, Mao added: "The recent developments involving China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are caused by the Philippines’ change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment, violation of the international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and deliberate infringement of China’s sovereignty and provocations."

Despite international agreement that its claims over the entire South China Sea are illegal, China refuses to recognize the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines, and claims these as its own.

Mao said China is hoping the Philippines will make a “wise choice, return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, and work with China to manage the situation at sea.”

Meanwhile, two navy ships from South Korea arrived in the Philippines for a series of activities aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.

Training ship ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon will be participating in the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)'s Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG), which will be held in the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

CTTG's participating ships arrived on Wednesday at the port of Manila as the training's 12th port of call, with 460 sailors aboard. It is CTTG's 28th visit to the country, the highest record among countries in Asia.

Among CTTG's scheduled activities in Manila is a visit to the Korean War memorial in the Cemetery of the Heroes for a wreath-laying ceremony and a visit to the Korean War memorial hall to honor the sacrifice of the Korean War veterans.

Another activity is a joint cultural performance of both navies' bands and honor guards, which will happen in Rizal Park.

CTTG will also visit the Philippine Fleet, tour the Philippine Navy Special Operations Command and host receptions to strengthen the friendship between the navies of both sides.

It will host a Defense Industry Exhibition on board ROKS Hwacheon in tandem with the ROK ship tour during the port call at Manila.

CTTG will also conduct a joint passing exercise with BRP Jose Rizal of the Philippine Navy to refortify the relationship between the two navies.

based on passenger demand, location of major movement and future travel demand patterns,” the agency said.

LTFRB said it is closely coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the route rationalization to ensure that by Jan. 1, 2024, there would be sufficient number of PUVs plying their routes.

It warned PUV drivers and operators who will resist the consolidation requirement of the PUV Modernization Program that their franchise may be canceled and their motor vehicle

registration may be rejected.

“Local government units will continue to assist LTFRB in planning the local routes according to the passenger demand and required PUV units," the DOTr said.

“The focus of the LTFRB under the PUVMP is the welfare of commuters so that come January 15, 2024, sufficient number of PUVs are expected to continue plying their routes, considering the ongoing application for consolidation of numerous transport groups trying ot beat the deadline,” it added.

President’s decision to keep import duties on imported meat low for another year, until December 2024, saying this would address supply constraints and ease prices.

Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. (PAMPI) commended the President and his economic team for extending the temporary reduction of duties on rice, corn and pork, as spelled out in Executive Order No. 10.

'We believe it is a step in the right direction, as it will tame food inflation and make these vital commodities affordable to consumers,’ PAMPI vice president Jerome Ong said.

The group said the EO may evolve into a win-win solution for imports and agriculture producers when combined with effective sanctions against smugglers and hoarders, as well as continued support for farmers.

On the other hand, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI), the country’s largest association of farmers, said the extended tariff reduction may not curb the problem of rising prices.

“It is only the traders and importers who will benefit from this and will only bring further discouragement to local production,” said PCAFI president Danny Fausto. investments from his foreign trips already reached some P4.019 trillion, comprising at least 148 projects in various stages, the DTI previously said.

The Trade department said that the investments were mostly in the sectors of manufacturing, IT-BPM, renewable energy, data centers, and telecommunications.

In terms of volume of job creation, Mr. Marcos' trip to New York in September 2022 generated a significant 98,000 job opportunities, followed by China in January this year at 32,722 and Japan in February at 24,000.

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their fingers,” the DOH said. “One amputation case yesterday was misreported, hence the total number of amputations this season is now six.”

The DOH reminded the public that parents and older siblings should set an example for the young men in their families to ensure that every family member has complete hands and fingers.

Most of the victims, between 6 and 55 years old, are male, and 96 percent of the incidents happened at home or on the streets, and about 60 percent involved illegal firecrackers.

Under the Philippine National Police list the prohibited firecrackers are Watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Super Lolo, Atomic Triangle, Goodbye Bading, Large-size Judas Belt, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Delima, Bin Laden, Hello Columbia, Mother Rockets, Goodbye Napoles, Coke-in-Can, Super Yolanda, Pillbox, Mother Rockets, Boga, Kwiton, Kabasi, all overweight and oversized firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, all imported finished products, and other unlabeled, locally made firecrackers.

Most of the reported firecrackerrelated injuries—about 30 percent to 40 percent—were in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos said that former President Rodrigo Duterte had already banned firecrackers in 2017 through Executive Order No. 28.

She said the administration— headed by her brother, President Marcos—is obligated to implement and strengthen the EO. "Until there is another order from the Executive that supersedes EO 28-2017, the administration has to implement it," Senator Marcos said. “There is good wisdom behind the EO.”

Housing board okays 4% cap in rent increases

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Wednesday announced the National Human Settlements Board’s approval of a 4-percent increase cap for monthly residential rental rates of P10,000 and below.

This becomes effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024 to avoid unwarranted rental rate hikes among lower income families, the DHSUD said.

Undersecretary Henry Yap said NHSB Resolution No. 2023-03, approved on Oct. 13 and published on Dec. 16 provides for the continuous implementation of rental regulation under the terms and conditions of its predecessor policy, NHSB Resolution No. 2022-01, but with modification in rate increase.

The decision was based on the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority to set a uniform maximum percentage increase at the upper bound of the inflation rate target of the administration.

Yap, representing DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar as the NHSB chairperson, said the policy was reviewed and revised according to latest empirical studies, such as the annual family income and expenditure survey and census of population and housing.

President’s 2024 travel fund hiked to P1.4 billion

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received an increase in his travel funds for local and foreign trips for next year amounting to P1.4 billion, according to the recently signed Republic Act No. 11975 or General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024.

The presidential travel fund next year is 58 percent higher than this year's P895 million budget.

President Marcos flew out of the country 11 times and traveled to nine countries for 2023. Since assuming office in June 2022, Mr. Marcos has recorded a total of 19 foreign trips.

For 2023, the President visited China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, while Mr. Marcos traveled to the United States, Japan, and Indonesia twice this year.

His most recent foreign trip was to Japan for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit earlier this month.

The Chief Executive also has one canceled trip, when he was supposed to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai before calling it off last minute due to developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers.

President Marcos is set to fly to Vietnam in January to cap off the fiveyear Plan of Action and boost the ties between the two countries.

‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead SEOUL—South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", was found dead Wednesday, police said. He was 48.

The actor was found inside a vehicle parked on the street in Seoul's mid-northern Seongbuk district, an official from the Seongbuk police station told AFP. "We believe his body has now been transferred to the Seoul National University Hospital," he added.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing police, that Lee had left a "note that reads like a will".

Lee had been under police investigation over his alleged use of marijuana and other drugs.

Once celebrated for his wholesome image, local news outlets reported that the actor was being dropped from television and commercial projects following the scandal.

A graduate of South Korea's prestigious Korea National University of Arts, Lee made his acting debut in 2001 in a television sitcom titled "Lovers".

He later won acclaim for his performances in a variety of roles, including a charismatic chef and a genius neuroscientist who is incapable of empathy. AFP

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

PBBM renames PNP camps, lots to honor ex-officers

IMPENDING PHASEOUT. Warlito Clarito repairs a cooperative-owned passenger jeepney which he drives in Quezon City. Clarito said that his fellow drivers and operators should collectively stand against the impending jeepney phaseout as it is their only source of livelihood.

(See story on A1) Manny Palmero

By Charles Dantes

DOJ set to file additional charge vs. cops in ‘anomalous’ drug bust T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said an additional complaint has been filed against police officials and non-commissioned officers who were reportedly involved in the “anomalous” anti-illegal drugs operations in Manila in 2002.

In the said operations, 990 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were seized.

“In response to this additional complaint, the DOJ has constituted a panel of experienced prosecutors,” the DOJ said in a statement.

The DOJ’s panel’s mandate is “to rigorously evaluate the additional complaint and associated evidence to determine the presence of all necessary elements to substantiate the crime charged,” the department stressed.

“The submitted evidence, which is voluminous, is currently under detailed examination by the panel,” it said.

The DOJ however did not mention what were the charges filed in the additional complaint against the police officials and non-commissioned officers.

It merely said that “once the evaluation of the complaint and evidence is thoroughly completed, the panel will immediately initiate the preliminary investigation of the additional complaint.”

In July, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. announced that criminal complaints were filed against those involved in the “anomalous operation.”

They were accused of violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019, the Anti-

Graft and Corrupt Practices; RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022; falsification; perjury; false testimony; malversation of public property under the Revised Penal Code (RPC); and obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829.

Abalos identified those charged as Police Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, Col. Julian Olonan, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibanez, Lt. Col. Glen Gonzales, Major Michael Salmingo, Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, Lt. Col. Dhefrey Punzalan, Lt. Jefrrey Padilla, Lt. Randolph Pinon, Lt. Silverio Bulleser II and Lt. Ashrap Amerol.

The 38 non-commissioned officers charged were also identified by Abalos as Police Senior Master Sgts. Jerrywin Rebosora, Roman Jimenez, Marian Mananghaya, Clitton de Leon, Arnold Tibay and Ronnie Alonzo; Police Master Sgts. Lorenzo Catarata, Bryan Rodas, Carlo Bayeta and Alejandro Flores; Police Chief Master Sgts. Emmanuele Docena and Jerry Barit; Police Corporals Jose Joey Igana IV, Joan Franceslynn Taradji, Joshua Ivan Baltazar

and Jhon Roland Gelacio; Patrolmen Joe Marie Cristobal, Dennis Carolino, Rommar Bugarin, Hassan Kalaw, Hustin Peter Gular, Adrian Florie Sanchez, Nathaniel Gomez, Windel de Ramos, Mario Atchuela Jr., Jayson Tomas, Rommel Fabian, Kyhke Ramilo, Nemar Baylon, Maico Bien Baldeo, Mara Magaway, Ivan Jay Calcetas,Abigail Tumanguil,Dhonna May Facton, Melvin Barbo, James Osalvo and Darious Camacho.

Also included in the complaint was dismissed Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. who was arrested and tagged as the owner of the 990 kilos of shabu.

The DOJ said the panel was formed following a conference conducted by the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (NPS) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Dec. 15.

“The focus of the conference was an additional complaint that has emerged following an investigation into potential anomalies and irregularities committed by certain individuals during the operation,” it said.

SC upholds conviction of cops over robbery, extortion case THE Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the conviction of two police officers who were sentenced to up to eight years in jail for robbery through extortion.

In a statement Wednesday, the tribunal said its Second Division denied the petitions for review filed by then Police Officer 2 (PO2) Ireneo Sosas Jr. and Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Ariel Salvador.

“Law enforcement officers who abuse their authority to intimidate persons under their custody for money are guilty of robbery by extortion,” the court said.

The charges against the two had been originally filed by the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices following a complaint from Janith Arbuez, a salesperson at a used mobile phones shop inside the Isetann mall in Recto, Manila.

She alleged that on Nov. 10, 2010, Sosas escorted her from the shop to the mall’s administrative office to report her sale of stolen items.

Sosas then brought her to the police station where she was led to a room with Salvador. Sosas then proposed that no criminal complaint for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law would be charged against Arbuez if she would give the officers P20,000.

When Arbuez negotiated for a lower amount, Sosas agreed on the condition they become “sweethearts.” Arbuez refused and called her sister-in-law to bring the money to the station.

After 18 hours in detention, Arbuez was released the next day following Sosas’ receipt of the money. Sosas also stated that a complaint will no longer be filed against Arbuez. Rey E. Requejo

AFTERMATH.

Personnel of the city social welfare office visited the site of the fire that razed at least 300 houses in Barangay Leon Garcia in Davao City’s Agdao District at about 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Robinson Niñal Jr.

intelligence or automation systems.

The HB also seeks to prohibit the replacement of human workers, displacement, loss of security of tenure, or diminution of existing salaries and/ or benefits because of the adoption and use of AI and automation technologies, ABS-CBN News further reported.

“There is a fear that the use of AI will

Airport staff faces human trafficking raps

By Vito Barcelo

TUPAD PROGRAM. Senator Lito Lapid distributed financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) TUPAD program to residents in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Some 177 beneficiaries received P5,000 each under the DOLE program.

Atayde files bill seeking to regulate AI in country’s workforce QUEZON City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlo Arjo Atayde has filed a bill to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and prevent the technology from replacing humans in the workforce.

Atayde’s House Bill (HB) 9448 seeks to prohibit employers from making decisions based solely on recommendations or results generated by artificial

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the renaming of eight Philippine National Police (PNP) camps and PNPowned lots to honor exemplary former police officers.

Among the notable renamings, the President designated the donated lot to the PNP in Pasacao, Camarines Sur as Camp Brigadier General Ludovico Padilla Arejola.

The lot donated to PRO-5 was renamed Camp Captain Salvador Jaucian del Rosaro, Sr., and the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office is now known as Camp Colonel Juan Querubin Miranda.

“It is fitting to give honor to former servicemen who have shown patriotism, courage, and dedication in serving the country and the provinces to which they are assigned, and distinguished themselves in their service to the nation, by way of naming and renaming PNP facilities in their honor,” President Marcos said.

Proclamation No. 429, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, underscores the importance of bestowing honor upon former police officers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the provinces and municipalities where they were stationed.

Further additions include the 50th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5, renamed Camp Police Max Jim Ramirez Tria, and the transformation of Camp Efigenio C Navarro, PRO MIMROPA Headquarters into Camp Brigadier General Efigenio C Navarro.

Proclamation No. 430 which was also inked by Bersamin, renamed Police Regional Officer 12 of General Santos City to Camp General Paulino T. Santos, Police Regional Office 12, while the Biliran Police Provincial Office was renamed Camp Private Andres P. Dadizon, Police Regional Office 8.

Additionally, President Marcos bestowed the title of Camp 2LT Carlos Rafael Paz Imperial upon the Camarines Sur 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company Headquarters, Police Regional Office 5.

result in displacement by substituting human workers who will then lose their jobs,” Atayde said in the explanatory note of his bill.

Atayde said the measure will regulate the use of artificial intelligence and automation systems. It also seeks to promote labor augmentation as employers may deem AI useful in the workplace, provided that AI

governance policies are in place.

“It is important to create a clear framework on the use of AI to minimize the chances of discrimination. The government should set forth policies in welcoming the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence that would augment human intelligence and skills without destroying or replacing jobs,” Atayde said.

AN airport employee is facing criminal and administrative charges for attempting to escort three women at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to work as household workers in Dubai.

The passengers, initially posing as friends from General Santos City on vacation, were victims of human trafficking, according to Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

The three were prevented from boarding their plane after immigration officers discovered that they did not know each other and also lacked return tickets.

The victims confessed to being recruited as household service workers in Dubai through Facebook, with no knowledge of their transit arrangements to the UAE. Tansingco further disclosed that an airport employee was seen escorting the victims to the immigration counters.

“Immigration supervisors promptly intervened, signaling that such actions were unauthorized and against protocol,” Tansingco said.

Tansingco, responding to this incident, emphasized that airport immigration areas are strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel, especially those providing VIP treatment to trafficking victims.

DSWD to provide aid to fire victims in Davao

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday ordered its Field Office-11 (Davao Region) to provide immediate assistance to over 300 families who were affected by a fire incident at Purok San Vicente, Barangay Leon Garcia in Davao City.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed Field Office-11 director Vanessa Goc-Ong to closely coordinate with the local government unit for the provision of resource augmentation

to address the needs of the affected families.

Based on initial reports, 357 families or 1,428 individuals were affected by the fire incident.

Personnel from the Field Office are now on the ground interviewing the affected families to validate the actual number of individuals.

Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao, the agency’s data privacy officer and co-spokesperson, said the DSWD through its Field Office -11 is ready to assist the local government when necessary,

such as food and other needs of the fire survivors.

“In keeping with the directive of Secretary Gatchalian to ensure that those affected by disasters and emergencies should be immediately assisted, the Field Office is now preparing various relief supplies such as family food packs and other non-food items to augment the resources of the LGU,” she said.

The Davao regional office has more than P86 million worth of stockpiles of relief supplies and standby funds ready to be used for disaster operations.

NEWS

A5 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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Makati mayor extols suspension of amusement tax by local council

By Joel E. Zurbano

TRAFFIC JAMS…AS USUAL. Motorists encounter heavy traffic along EDSA in Pasay City on Wednesday morning as construction workers repair a portion of Roxas Boulevard connecting to the northbound lane of the EDSA flyover. Norman Cruz

MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay has lauded the local Sangguniang Panlungsod for its decision to suspend amusement tax collection to help promote arts and tourism in the city.

The city council approved on Dec. 27. Ordinance No. 2023-269 suspending the collection of amusement taxes.

In a letter addressed to the council, Mayor Binay said the temporary lifting of the amusement tax would encourage “more investment in creative projects and provide more room for economic growth in the tourism sector.”

Under City Ordinance No. 2004-

025, also known as the Revised Makati Revenue Code, the local government could collect taxes in the form of amusement fees for any theatrical, musical, or other performances and for the use of public entertainment areas.

“By suspending amusement taxes, we are promoting economic sustainability and empowering the creative force within our city. I see a Makati that positively buzzes with creativity and innovation, a city that appreciates and fully supports the ingenuity of the Filipino artist,” Binay said.

The mayor said such initiative was an unprecedented move, highlighting the city’s commitment to developing creative industries in keeping with national government efforts.

Workers dismayed over minimum wage hikes

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE militant labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) has expressed dismay over the minimum wage increases granted by the Department of Labor and Employment, saying these were not enough to support families in a way that promotes health and keep them out of poverty.

In a statement, the PM said at the childcare, and healthcare anywhere in current minimum wage, the workers the country. cannot afford even the basic necessities The labor group pointed out that the such as food, housing, transportation, workers were caught between runaway

prices and shrinking value of their wages, adding that the minimum wage earners were “reeling from hardship during the holidays.”

“No wonder that a survey has shown that one of every four employees prefer to monetize the Christmas parties held by companies for their workforce. It is better to have money in the pocket than to have fun with workmates,” the group noted.

The PM cited that the minimum wage hikes as implemented in 14 out of 17 regions nationwide, increased the workers’ income by P30 to P40 in

the second half of this year, bringing the amount to a high of P610 in Metro Manila to a low of P368 in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

However, the equivalent “real wages” remained low, the group said. It explained that the real wage in Metro Manila was only P504, translated to P610 in 2023 which had a purchasing value of P504 in 2018, or a deficit of P106.

The difference between nominal and real wages was a result of inflation over the years as wage hikes could not cope up with rising

DMW hails new minimum wage orders of Taiwan, HK THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) hailed the new minimum wage orders issued by the governments of Taiwan and Hong Kong benefitting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the two states.

“We thank Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor and the Hongkong Special Administrative Region Labor Department respectively for enacting wage legislation that recognizes the work of our OFWs and their contribution to the economic development of their host countries,” said DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac.

The Taiwan Ministry of Labor’s (MOL) new wage order mandates a 4.05 percent increase in the monthly minimum salary from NT$ 26,400 (P46,378.70) to NT$27,470 (P48,223.43). The same wage order also increases the minimum hourly wage by NT$7 from NT$168 (P295.14) to NT$183 (P321.48).

The Ministry of Labor disclosed that

151, 562 Filipinos were working in Taiwan as of October 2023. Of these number, 123,768 who work in the manufacturing sector stand to benefit from the new wage whch takes effect on January 1st.

The DMW estimated that another 17,721 workers in this category would be hired by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, OFWs working as domestic helpers (or household service workers (HSWs) in Hongkong will benefit from a similar wage legislation decreed by Hongkong’s Labor Department.

OFWs working as domestic helpers in HK will receive a minimum allowable wage of HK$4,870 or P38,010.35. This is a HK$140 increase from the previous rate of HK$4,730 or P36,917.65.

The Hongkong wage order also mandates an adjustment in the food allowance for such workers ito HK$1,236 or P9,649.98 from the existing rate of HK$1,196 or P9,334.78. Vito Barcelo

Solon: Extra aid under GAA will allow poor to cope with inflation

By Rio N. Araja

ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR SHIPBOARD TOUR. Civilians get up close and personal with a Philippine Navy ship anchored at Capt. Veloso Pier in Lapu-Lapu City through a shipboard tour project of the Naval Task Force 50. PN photo

Bill enables NHA to take back abandoned socialized housing units A BILL filed in the House of Representatives aims to empower the National Housing Authority (NHA) to sequester state-sponsored housing units that were abandoned or left unoccupied by the owners.

House Bill 9258 filed by PINUNO party-list Rep. Ivan Howard Guintu seeks to amend Presidential Decree 757 or the NHA charter, enabling the agency to revoke the award of beneficiaries of unoccupied or abandoned socialized housing units.

The measure grants the NHA the authority to confiscate housing units abandoned by the recipients for at least

Guintu

one year after the award of the contract.

The measure also allows the NHA to take back units occupied by a family other than the beneficiary or any member of the recipient-household, and transfer the unit to the actual occupants of the unit provided that a reasonable portion of the amortization payments made by the beneficiary will be returned.

If enacted into law, the bill tasked the NHA and local government units to do an inventory of unoccupied and abandoned socialized housing units in their jurisdictions.

Guintu cited the 2022 Performance

Scorecard of the NHA Estate Management Department showing that 22,635 housing units were awarded, but left unoccupied or vacant as of June 2022.

“The substantial number of unoccupied or abandoned housing units of the NHA calls for measures to ensure that housing units of the NHA are awarded and utilized by qualified and deserving beneficiaries who will use and occupy the same,” Guintu said.

Guintu hopes his bill will allow the NHA to better utilize its resources in addressing the housing needs of the most vulnerable sectors of the population.

Iloilo City mayor cites awards in cultural heritage promos First of Two Parts ILOILO CITY­—This southern city has placed itself anew on the global map for innovations and initiatives in the promotion of its rich cultural heritage for other local government units (LGUs) to emulate.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said beyond the multiple awards and recognitions the city reaped this 2023, however, is a far more important accomplishment – the Ilonggos’ deep sense of pride for their city.

“Our big accomplishment is that we were able to cultivate a sense of pride among the Ilonggos, from the street sweepers to taxi and jeepney drivers, and everyone. I believe this is the result of the awards and citations we received, the latest of which is our recognition

prices, thus the workers’ purchasing power has been depleted, the PM explained.

The group said nominal versus real wage gap ranges from P63 in the Zamboanga peninsula to P108 in Central Luzon, hence, the necessity for Congress to bridge the gap by passing a bill for a P150 salary increase.

In December 2022, the group Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa filed a petition for an additional P100 in minimum wage “so that workers can recover their lost purchasing power.”

as Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Creative Cities Network, making us the first city from the Philippines to be designated as such,” Treñas said.

Iloilo City’s commendations highlight the rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture of the Ilonggos, offering an opportunity for the city to further boost its tourism and cultural sectors.

Along with this international achievement are more recognitions and awards such as the Creative-Friendly Destination from the Creative Tourism Network, Lungsod Lunsad Award from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Best Book on Food in the 2023 National Book Awards for the publication “Flavors of Iloilo.”

This year, Treñas spearheaded a project showcasing Iloilo City to the world through two

prestigious international events — the Executive Board Meeting of CityNet in South Korea in October where he was elected as member of the Executive Committee; and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) forum in Vienna, Austria in September where he served as panelist.

As an offshoot of the South Korea event, Iloilo City will be hosting the 44th CityNet Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting slated on Oct. 23 to 25 next year.

At the national level, Iloilo City is the country’s Top 4 Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC) and Top 1 outside the National Capital Region (NCR) surpassing big cities like Muntinlupa, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Makati, Pasig, and Valenzuela. Norman Cruz (To be continued)

AN extra financial assistance in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) could help vulnerable families cope with higher prices amid the El Niño phenomenon, a party-list lawmaker said.

According to 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, the cash aid in the form of new cash transfers and other subsidy programs in the 2024 national budget were “expected to help vulnerable sectors cope with potential basic commodity price increases due to the harsh impact of the El Niño phenomenon on farm harvests.”

“We are counting on the expanded cash aid and other forms of government support, such as food stamps, to serve as a buffer and provide relief to disadvantaged households,” Libanan said.

“Along with the recent increases in the regional minimum wage rates, the subsidies will help struggling families grapple with the upward pressure on consumer prices,” he added.

The tripartite wages and productivity boards in 16 regions have ordered increases ranging from P30 to P50 in the daily minimum wage of workers employed in the private establishments.

The pay adjustments are seen to benefit 3.82 million workers receiving the minimum wage rate.

Speaker Martin Romualdez earlier said the 2024 national budget included P60 billion for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) that provides a one-time P5,000-cash payment to 12 million poor and low-income households.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the 2024 budget, including another P30 billion for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers (TUPAD) plus P23 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.

ILOILO CITY RACKS UP CITATIONS.

Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas shows another plaque, the newest addition to the city’s long list of awards and commendations for initiatives in the promotion of its rich heritage in culture and the arts.

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OPINION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

EDITORIAL

Active transport

W

EVERYMAN

Poverty isn’t really falling, govt can do more

By IBON Foundation, Inc.

goal of single-digit poverty by 2028.

Poverty incidence even according to the much too low poverty threshold will not be reduced to single-digit levels by 2028.

The rate of poverty reduction from reopening after 2021 is already at an artificially fast pace but even this isn’t fast enough – what more how poverty incidence actually increased between 2018 and 2023.

Poverty is stubborn from high disguised joblessness and because there is so much informality in the economy.

It’s also important to stress how the first semester poverty results confirm the incorrectness of using headline unemployment figures to claim a “bright jobs market,” as the government is so insistent on saying.

The incidence and magnitude of poverty increased between the first semester of 2018 and the first semester of 2023 despite unemployment falling from some 5.4 percent to 4.6 percent over that same period.

Substantial amounts of cash assistance will provide momentary relief for poor families and can reduce officially reported poverty.

This is the biggest achievement of the likes of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which has grown twentyfold from P5 billion in 2009 to P103 billion this year.

That kind of statistical improvement in poverty figures is artificial though and sustainable poverty reduction comes from more jobs and better incomes for every Filipino.

This can only come from structural transformation of the economy with Filipino industrialization astride modernized agriculture.

Poverty is paradoxically helpful for politicians and their populist propaganda.

The default mode of most Filipinos is of a government absent from economic activity so their livelihoods are their personal responsibility.

In this context, amid the chronic poverty that inevitably accompanies such an economy, politicians twist government welfare programs as patronage given benevolently as charity by caring leaders.

The current administration is very much in this mold.

But poverty persists not because there aren’t enough welfare programs but because the economy isn’t creating enough jobs and incomes for most Filipinos.

While our economic managers insist on obsolete “free market” economics because this is their dogma, many of our politicians likely prefer their constituents to be poor because the dependence this creates helps keep them in power.

Instituting a radical rethink of the country’s economics and politics in government is long overdue.

THE last big release of official statistics for the year is sobering and preempts the revelry that, somehow, Filipinos will find a way to have in the closing days of the year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the preliminary 2023 first semester official poverty statistics.

The results seem favorable at first glance with the incidence and magnitude of poverty reported to decline from the last reporting year in 2021.

Until we remember the country was still suffering from the pandemic lockdowns of the Duterte administration in 2021.

The reopening of the economy is the main factor in the reported decline between the first semester of 2021 and the same period in 2023.

But this isn’t a constructive action to reduce poverty and is just a passive lowering of restrictions on economic activity that were too harsh and too long to begin with.

—“—

Poverty persists not because there aren’t enough welfare programs but because the economy isn’t creating enough jobs and incomes for most Filipinos

Poverty only seems lower because it’s compared to when the economy was locked down.

Compared to the first semester of 2018, there are three million more poor Filipinos or 472,000 more poor families – even by the unrealistically low poverty line of just P91 per person per day.

This is a better indicator of the structural direction that poverty is taking, given the preferred obsolete “free market” policy thrusts of consecutive administrations.

While falling poverty should always be taken as good news, policymaking shouldn’t be driven by what’s good for economic propaganda.

After a year-and-a-half already of the economy reopening, and despite growth hyped as among the fastest in Asia, the government should be asking why poverty is still above pre-pandemic levels.

Like New Year’s resolutions, aspirational targets always give an endorphin rush especially for Filipinos who are always portrayed as a hopeful lot.

The Marcos administration is playing that game and audaciously still declared its

(The author is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues).

The DOTR is also collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment to distribute livelihood packages to at least 148 residents and vendors who will be affected by the EDSA Greenways Project.

ORTH waiting for by those who regularly traverse Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare for their daily commute is the EDSA Greenways project that will start in mid-2024 and is targeted for completion by 2027.

—“—

Building continuous networks of sidewalks and bike lanes throughout a city enable more people to travel independently, at much lower cost

The project seeks to promote sustainable mobility options for city dwellers by connecting upgraded pedestrian networks to key train stations along 23.8-km EDSA, namely Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft, to enhance the overall urban environment and transport connectivity in these areas.

A total 3,064 sq. meters out of 5,657 sq. meters or 54.16 percent of property have been acquired for the project.

At present, the Department of Transportation is working on the right-of-way acquisition and relocation of utilities that would be affected by the project. The right-of-way acquisition of properties affected by the project is halfway complete.

The livelihood package consists of P30,000 worth of rice, dressmaking package and food packages as a start-up for small eateries and “negosyo” carts.

DOTr said the project will promote the use of public transportation as it will connect pedestrians and commuters to mass transit stations.

It is working on this project with the

Duty Calls

Florencio Fianza

THIS is supposed to be the season to be merry and peace but the tension in the WPS is not cooling down.

Instead, it continues to simmer, prompting PBBM to say we need a paradigm shift in handling the situation.

The Chinese state media continues to warn and accuse us of wanting to provoke conflict in the WPS. They even accused us of bringing an outsider which is, of course, the United States into the conflict.

In the last ramming incident, the Chinese wanted to file a protest against our supply ships for alleged dangerous maneuvers.

But since China does not recognize the authority of any third party to settle disputes, where will the protest be filed?

The Chinese Coast Guard?

They probably saw the absurdity of the accusation and simply kept quiet.

It would, however, be good if China would be willing to submit the dispute to a third party for judgment like the International Court of Justice, with the proviso that both countries abide by whatever verdict is reached.

That way, the constant confrontations in the high seas can be avoided.

One way to defuse the rising tension is to talk as China has been suggesting.

Unfortunately, China has always preferred bilateral talks to multilateral probably to better control the narrative.

And since China has stated it would defend its nine-dash-line proclamation with all its might and considers the 2016 Arbitral Ruling as void and illegal, one wonders why it still wants to talk to us at all.

Perhaps, it should instead explain to the world why it signed and ratified the 1982 UNCLOS treaty in the first place but now

Asian Development Bank, which approved a P5.9 billion loan for the project in 2020.

Total project cost was previously estimated at P8.5 billion.

The EDSA Greenways Project is part and parcel of active transport programs by the DOTr. The department, apart from the expansion of bike lanes, seeks to establish endof-trip cycling facilities like bike racks and public transport stops to make bike commuting more convenient for the public.

We’re glad the government is taking pro-active efforts in improving mobility not only in Metro Manila but also in other urban centers.

The government inaugurated in March the construction of 9.6 kilometers of pedestrian walkways in Intramuros.

Recently, the DOTr broke ground for the 3.2-km bike lane in Laoag and launched the 13.16-km bike lane project in Kalibo.

About 564 kms of bike lanes are currently established in Metro Cebu, Metro Manila and Metro Davao. The DOTr wants to expand the network to 2,400 kms by 2028.

Building continuous networks of sidewalks and bike lanes throughout a city enable more people to travel independently, at much lower cost, with minimal environmental impact, and with more predictable travel times.

We’re all for it.

A paradigm shift

chooses to ignore its provisions.

Under these conditions, is there any incentive for us to even consider talking to China or take any other non-confrontational option in as much that China has taken an unbending position?

Maybe we should take a page on how Vietnam is dealing with China.

—“—

One option worth considering is to explore the possibility for a more permanent basing agreement with the Americans

The Chinese President recently made a widely publicized visit to Vietnam to counter the US President’s visit to enhance and promote what their joint communique said was their shared future. Notwithstanding the territorial dispute between the two countries, they seem willing to put that dispute in the back burner and concentrate on areas that would promote their common interests.

This is obviously in the area of trade.

Unlike us, Vietnam has no Defense Treaty with the US, and therefore may not feel strong enough to confront the might of China by itself and has decided instead to bide its time until it is strong enough. Since

prudence is the better part of valor, Vietnam may have simply decided to deal with China so as not to disrupt its remarkable economic growth.

Vietnam also fought China three times.

Two in the SCS and the other was a short land war in 1979.

These skirmishes resulted in many Vietnamese military casualties in the SCS. If Vietnam can live with that and still willing to trust China, maybe we should take another look to see if we can learn something.

Since war is not an option to PBBM as he has stated many times, what would the country be willing to try?

We seem to be putting a lot of weight on joint patrols but unless these patrols will be authorized to intervene if our Ayungin supply missions are harassed, the effort will probably not drive away the Chinese militia vessels and Chinese Coast Guard from the WPS. Besides, intervention could trigger the conflict that we are trying to avoid.

Some people might not favor the Vietnam approach, but the way things stand now, it is worth studying because it can also buy us time.

And as suggested in an earlier piece, one option worth considering is to explore the possibility for a more permanent basing agreement with the Americans.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with sitting down with the Chinese to talk.

Like Vietnam, we can also explore mutually beneficial economic agreements without giving in to any Chinese demand with regards to our sovereign rights.

May the New Year bring us continued peace.

‘Like a savior’: Japanese women fall prey to host clubs TOKYO – Growing up, Mirai Kisaragi fled her abusive parents, survived homelessness and contemplated suicide.

At 18, she met her “savior” at one of Tokyo’s hundreds of host clubs, where men entertain women.

Except he, too, was no good.

Before long, Kisaragi became one of a growing number of victims of financial and sexual exploitation linked to these establishments, which have dotted Japan’s redlight district Kabukicho for decades.

Just like in hostess clubs, where the clients are men, hosts spruced up with makeup and immaculate hairstyles regale female customers with sweet talk and expensive alcohol.

Lured by the promise of romance, women can find themselves tricked into abusive relationships, towering debt and even prostitution, activists say.

Kisaragi ended up in Kabukicho after running away from home at 14. There, she occasionally slept in emergency stairwells before she was sent to a care home.

At 18, she met a “cool” attentive man who actually seemed to care -- a host.

“Whenever I opened the door of the host club to see him, he would say ‘welcome home’ -- something no one had ever said to

me at home,” Kisaragi, now 23, told AFP. But he installed her in one of Tokyo’s ubiquitous “net cafes”, where she was made to work as a prostitute, dispatched on demand.

He collected all her profits, and as she continued to visit the club, she piled up debts.

“What the host was really doing was to manage me as a prostitute. But I naively thought back then that he had given me a job and a smartphone on the spot,” she said.

“He looked like a savior to me then.”

‘Human trafficking’ Women like Kisaragi are drawn into clubs in different ways. Some are chatted up on Kabukicho’s streets, while others are persuaded by hosts they interact with on TikTok. They can accumulate debts of hundreds of dollars a night ordering overpriced drinks, while hosts dangle everything from sex to assurances of love and marriage to manipulate them, activists say.

Hosts sometimes even move in with women who are lonely or experiencing poverty and then browbeat them into sex work, in what resembles “domestic violence,” said Kazuna Kanajiri, head of Tokyo-based advocacy group PAPS.

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“Young and poor women from singleparent families, for example, make the most lucrative targets for them,” she told AFP.

—“—

Hosts sometimes even move in with women who are lonely or experiencing poverty and then browbeat them into sex work, in what resembles ‘domestic violence’

Indebted women are sent to “scouts” to find jobs in the sex trade.

The cash flow between hosts, scouts and sex businesses amounts to “straight-up human trafficking”, Hidemori Gen, founder of a support group for parents, told AFP.

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

“’This woman must be worth 20 million yen’ ($140,000). That’s the kind of thinking upon which host clubs exist,” he said.

Families have reported at least 250 cases to his group since July, an explosive rise from previous years that he attributes in part to the end of pandemic restrictions.

Not all businesses are unscrupulous, and some say clients were already sex workers before getting entangled with hosts.

“I always warn girls about the price tag before they order drinks,” Kabukicho host Saito, who only gave his last name, told AFP. “So getting into debt is really their choice, but some still fail to pay, and I end up shouldering their debt,” the 27-year-old lamented.

‘I wanted to be loved’ Still, the industry has begun soul-searching, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urging action and police conducting widespread raids on establishments.

Host club operators in Kabukicho this month pledged to stop allowing clients to run up massive debts, and eradicate ties with the criminal underworld.

The industry “has undoubtedly been aware” of the problem, but “hasn’t taken it

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

as seriously as we should have”, Takayuki Makita, head of major host club operator Group Dandy, told reporters last week.

“There is no way driving women into bankruptcy can ever be the right way for us to operate.”

Male customers can often incur massive bills at hostess clubs, but activists say they are not as vulnerable to the sexual exploitation for profit that women face with hosts.

One 20-year-old woman told AFP she spent over 10 million yen ($70,000) in two years on hosts, and ended up in sex work to pay down debts.

She was in institutional care from infancy, she said, with little memory of her parents.

“I wanted to be loved,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“I thought that if my host hated me, life would no longer be worth living.”

Now a member of PAPS, Kisaragi does outreach work in Kabukicho and sees her teenage self in many girls she encounters there.

“Kabukicho is a town where committing suicide can be treated as some kind of heroic act,” she says.

“I’m talking to them thinking, ‘You don’t have to die’. I want them to live.” AFP

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Israel strikes Gaza, UN voices grave concern I

SRAEL has kept up its strikes against Gaza targets despite grave concern expressed by the United Nations, which named a coordinator for desperately needed humanitarian aid.

The Israeli army said it struck military sites and tunnel shafts in Jabalia, northern Gaza, and Khan Yunis in the south, as heavy ground combat continued.Manila Incidents linked to Iran-backed groups in the Red Standard TODAY Sea, on the Lebanese border and in Iraq added to regional tensions surrounding the war.

Black smoke clouded the sky over central Gaza on Tuesday afternoon and, in the south, horse-drawn carts carried some victims to hospital in Khan Yunis, AFP images showed.

The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on October 7 and killed about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

During the attack -- the deadliest in Israel’s history -- Hamas took around 250 hostages of whom

129 remain inside Gaza, Israel says.

Israel retaliated with a relentless bombardment and a siege followed by a ground invasion. The campaign has killed at least 20,915 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest toll issued Tuesday by Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Gaza’s 2.4 million people are suffering dire shortages of water, food, fuel and medicine, with only limited aid entering.

The UN Security Council last week, in a resolution that did not call for an immediate end to fighting, sought “safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale.”

It requested the appointment of a UN humanitarian coordinator to oversee and verify third-country aid to Gaza.

On Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) the UN

named Sigrid Kaag, the outgoing Dutch finance also said it was “gravely concerned” by Israel’s vow minister, to the post and said she would start work to intensify and prolong fighting. on Jan. 8.

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed published late MonAfter days of wrangling, the resolution passed af- day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ter Washington abstained. It effectively leaves Israel reiterated that peace can only come with three prewith operational oversight of aid deliveries. requisites: “Hamas must be destroyed, Gaza must An estimated 1.9 million Gazans have been dis- be demilitarised and Palestinian society must be deplaced, according to the UN, many having fled south. radicalised.”

AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Internet and telephone services were again cut across the PalesREPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT tinian territory, “due to the ongoNATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION ing offensive,” announced Gaza’s BRANCH 306 – QUEZON CITY main telecoms firm, Paltel. rtc1qzn306@judiciary.gov.ph 09760968624/8660-1763 “We are gravely concerned about the continued bombardment IN THE MATTER OF THE TESTATE of Middle Gaza by Israeli forces,” ESTATE OF NATIVIDAD GLORIA P. GONZALEZ particularly after the military ordered residents to move to the cenSPEC. PROC. CASE No. R-QZN-23-06724-SP tral Gaza and Rafah regions, said ANGELIQUE MARIE M. GONZALEZ, Seif Magango, spokesman for the Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------x UN Human Rights Office.

ORDER France, a staunch Israeli ally, This is a Petition filed by petitioner Angelique Marie M. Gonzalez, through counsel, praying that after notice and hearing, the Notarial Will of the deceased, Natividad Gloria P. Gonzalez, be admitted to probate and letters testamentary be issued to her, sans bond.

Petitioner alleges that on 03 October 2019, Natividad Gloria Perez Gonzalez, who in her lifetime and at the time of her death was a citizen of the Philippines and a resident of Quezon City, Philippines, died at Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue, Quezon City. The Testator left the following compulsory heirs: Name

The shrouded bodies of Palestinians killed in northern Gaza, taken and later released

by Israel, are buried Tuesday in a mass grave in Rafah, on the southern Gaza Strip amid ongoing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

AFP

Manila

Seoul sanctions Pyongyang spy chief for illicit cyber activities SEOUL – South Korea has sanctioned the head of North Korea’s intelligence agency over illicit cyber activities following Pyongyang’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Pyongyang is already under international sanctions for its atomic bomb and ballistic missile programs, which have seen rapid progress under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement came weeks after Seoul, Tokyo and Washington launched new threeway initiatives encompassing measures to address North Korea’s cybercrime, cryptocurrency, and money laundering activities, which are believed to fund the country’s nuclear and missile programs.

Ri Chang Ho, the head of Pyongyang’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, has been sanctioned for his involvement in “earning foreign currency through illegal cyber activities and technology theft”, Seoul’s foreign ministry

said in a statement.

His activities have contributed to “generating revenue for the North Korean regime and procuring funds for its nuclear and missile activities,” it added.

Ri heads the agency that is believed to be the parent organization for North Korean hacking groups Kimsuky, Lazarus and Andariel, which have been previously sanctioned by Seoul.

Along with Ri, Seoul has sanctioned seven other North Korean individuals, including former China-based diplomat Yun Chol, for being involved in the “trade of lithium-6, a nuclearrelated mineral and UN-sanctioned material for North Korea”.

The blacklisted individuals are barred from conducting foreign exchange and financial transactions with South Korean nationals without prior authorization from Seoul, measures that analysts say are primarily symbolic given the extremely limited trade between the two countries. AFP

Blinken seeks way forward in Mexico on migration issue, hoping for headway WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to Mexico in hopes of showing headway in tackling surging migration, which has climbed to the top of political headaches for President Joe Biden as he enters an election year.

The unusual Christmas week trip by the top US diplomat was abruptly scheduled as the rival Republican Party presses Biden for a migration crackdown in return for agreeing in Congress to one of his key priorities -- support for Ukraine.

Around 10,000 people have been seeking to enter without authorization each day on the southern US border, nearly double the number before the pandemic, with a new caravan of hundreds if not thousands of people leaving by foot from southern Mexico on Sunday.

US border authorities have been so over-

PARRICIDE SUSPECT. People

lay flowers Tuesday in front of the ground floor flat where the bodies of a woman and her four children were discovered, in Meaux, eastern Paris.

French police arrested the father, suspected of murdering his wife and their four children aged nine months, four, seven and 10 years old, opening an inquiry into their ‘premeditated murder,’ in Meaux. AFP

whelmed that they have suspended several legal crossings to focus on processing migrants.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador discussed migration in a telephone call Thursday with Biden, who agreed to send Blinken, who is accompanied by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and White House migration official Liz Sherwood.

Lopez Obrador told reporters Friday that Mexico would “reinforce our plans” to deal with US-bound migrants -- few of whom are Mexicans -- after his government also said it was at the breaking point on enforcement.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US delegation would speak to Lopez Obrador on the “urgent need for lawful pathways and additional enforcement actions” on migration. AFP

Standard

TODAY

Relation

Residence

61

Daughter

Blk 8 Tampines St. 73, #07-04 Pinevale Condo, Singapore 528826

Gloria Natividad G. Sena

52

Daughter

13 War Admiral CT North Potomac M Maryland, USA 20878

Augusto Benjamin Gerardo P. Gonzalez

37

Grandson

Unit 4610 SMDC Air Residences No. 7257, Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati City

Eleanor Encarnacion Natividad Gonzalez Perez

36

Granddaughter

34 Holystone Road, Whitby, Wellington, New Zealand 5024

Mariel Giselle Gonzalez

P.

34

Granddaughter

27 Spencer St., Immaculate Concepcion, Quezon City

Leslie Monica G o n z a l e z Raymundo-Roxas

46

Granddaughter

7459 Darque Way, Elk Grove, California, USA 95757

Araceli Natividad Gonzalez Raymundo

43

Granddaughter

708 B. Peace Valley Tandang Sora

Michelle Gonzalez Raymundo

40

Granddaughter

16H Classica Tower, 114 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

Grace Dianne Gonzalez Raymundo

39

Granddaughter

182 Pasig Blvd. cor. Shaw Blvd. Pasig City

Katrina Veronica Gonzalez Raymundo

36

Granddaughter

182 Pasig Blvd cor Shaw Blvd.,Pasig City

Sheila T. Gonzalez

41

Granddaughter

2011 Toronto Ave California, USA 94579

Maria Antoni Gonzalez

M.

24

Granddaughter

27 Spencer St., Cubao, Quezon City

Angelique Marie M. Gonzalez

22

Granddaughter

27 Spencer St., Cubao, Quezon City

Angelita Carillo

RELENTLESS BOMBARDMENT.

Age

Zita

G.

Augusto Juan Gonzalez

P.

San

Leandro,

Before her death, the Testator executed a notarial will dated 13 February 2018. The Will was executed by the Testator in accordance with the required formalities of a notarial will. In addition, the Testator, at the time of the execution of her Will, was of sound disposing mind, and not acting under duress, fraud, or undue influence and was in every respect capacitated to dispose of her estate by will. The Testator left properties in the Philippines, both real and personal, in the approximate amount of Six Million Four Hundred Fifty-Five Two Hundred Pesos (Php 6, 455,200.00) and is composed of the following properties and broken down as follows: a. b.

(MS-Dec. 28, 2023)

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 105, QUEZON CITY

Email: rtc2qzn105@judiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. +632-8-646-4146 SUPREME STEEL PIPE CORP., represented by SANTOS ESTANDARTE BAGSARSA, JR., Plaintiff, -versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-13236-CV

UNITED POWER SYSTEMS, INC., and ENGR. JOEL ALEGRE Defendants. x-------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE (Real Property)

WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ of Execution dated August 23, 2023, issued by Hon. Rochelle Yvette D. Galano, Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court, Branch 105, Quezon City, in the aboveentitled case, for the recovery by the plaintiff, SUPREME STEEL PIPE CORPORATION from the defendants UNITED POWER SYSTEMS, INC., and ENGR. JOEL ALEGRE the sum of Three Million Five Hundred Forty Four Thousand Twenty Four Pesos & 11/100 (Php3,544,024.11) inclusive of interest, penalty, and legal fees, Philippine Currency, LEVY was made on execution on October 10, 2023 by the undersigned Sheriff upon all the rights, titles, interest and participations which the defendant Engr. Joel Alegre, defendant has or might have in and over the following real property, which is more particularly described as follows, to wit: CCT No. 076-2017001652 “WIND RESIDENCES TOWER 4 FLOOR LEVER: SIXTEENTH FLOOR UNIT NUMBER: Unit-1624 UNIT TYPE: 1 BEDROOM UNIT UNIT AREA: 31.97 SQUARE METERS NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of the said Writ of Execution and in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 15, Rule 39 of the Rules of Civil Procedure of the Philippines, the undersigned Sheriff, hereby give notice to all interested parties and announces to the public in general that on the February 8, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the Lobby Main Entrance of the Hall of Justice Bldg., Annex, Diliman, Quezon City, he will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the above-described real property including improvements existing thereon, if any, in order to partially or fully satisfy the said writ of execution, together with the lawful fees and expenses in connection with this sale.

The Notice of Sheriff’s Sale will be published in the “MANILA STANDARD PUBLICATION”, a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, the first publication to take place at least twenty (20) days before the date of auction sale.

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the Condominium Certificate of Title No. 076-2017001652 of the Registry of Deeds, Tagaytay City, situated at Brgy. Salaban, Maharlika West (now), City of Tagaytay of the said real property and the encumbrance thereon, if any there be.

Quezon City, Philippines, December 12, 2023.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND M. PERALTA Sheriff IV WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface, or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law.

Copy furnished: SUPREME STEEL PIPE CORPORATION No. 5 Harmony Street, Grace Village, Balintawak, Quezon City UNITED POWER SYSTEMS, INC., AND ENGR. JOEL ALEGRE UPSI Centre, Interior East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City and /or at Unit 3-G East Point Buss. Center, East Service Road, Taguig City

JOEL T. ALEGRE and ANN MARGERIE P. ALEGRE 842 Ruby Street, Posadas Village, 1770 Muntinlupa City

Parcels of land and improvement located at 27 Spencer St., Immaculate Concepcion, Quezon City in the name of the decedent with fair market value of Three Million Nine Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Four Hundred Pesos (Php 3,977,400.00).

A parcel of land located at Palo, Leyte, in the name of the decedent with fair market value of Two Million Four Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Pesos (Php 2,477,800.00).

It appears that the Testator’s Will was left in the custody of her remaining living son, Augusto Juan P. Gonzalez, who lived in the same household as the Testator. However, Augusto died in 2021. It was only upon Augusto’s death that the Testator’s Will was found among his belongings by herein Petitioner, one of the Testator’s Grandchildren. Not being aware of the requirements of law, it is only recently that the subject Will was brought to the attention of the other heirs, and the advice and services of the undersigned counsel/s were secured for appropriate action. In the Will, Gloria Natividad Gonzalez Sena is named as the executor and that in case Gloria Sena becomes incapacitated to perform her duties as such, the Testator’s granddaughter, Andrea Marie G. Sena, shall be her substitute. Unfortunately, the name executor and her named substitute are not residents of the Philippines and, pursuant to Rule 78, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, are therefore incompetent to execute the duties of an executor. Considering that the named executor and her substitute are both incompetent to perform the duties of an executor, herein Petitioner Angelique Gonzalez, likewise next of kin and a devisee named in the Will, prays that she be appointed as executor and letters testamentary and/or of administration be granted in her favor pursuant to Section 6(a) of Rule 78 of the Rules of Court.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on February 6, 2024 at 1:30 in the afternoon before this Court located at Room 703, 7th Floor, Hall of Justice, Diliman, Quezon City, at which place and on which date and time, any person who has objections to the petition may appear and file his opposition thereto.

Let a copy of this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines, chosen by raffle.

Further, let a copy of this Order and the Petition, with its annexes, be served by registered mail upon the known heirs, legatees, devisees and the creditors of the deceased, Natividad Gloria Perez Gonzalez, at their respective addresses.

SO ORDERED. July 25, 2023, Quezon City.

(Sgd.) DOLLY ROSE R. BOLANTE-PRADO Presiding Judge

Cc:

YEBRA DEVESA LOON SANTOS HERNANDEZ LAW OFFICES Counsel for the Petitioner Penthouse, ENZO Building 399 Sen Gil J. Puyat Avenue Makati City 1200 ydl@dyllaw.com jgsantos@ydllaw.com cbelo@ydllaw.com ANGELITA ZITA G. CARILLO Blk. 8 Tampines St., 73, #07-04 Pinevale Condo Singapore 528826 GLORIA NATIVIDAD G. SENA 13 War Admiral CT North Potomac M Maryland USA 20878 AUGUSTO BENJAMIN GERARDO P. GONZALEZ Unit 4610 SMDC Air Residences No. 7257, Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati City ELEANOR ENCARNACION NATIVIDAD GONZLES PEREZ 34 Holystone Road, Whitby, Wellington, New Zealand 5024 MARIEL GISELLE P. GONZALEZ 27 Spencer St., Immaculate Concepcion, Quezon City LESLIE MONICA GONZALEZ RAYMUNDO-ROXAS 7459 Darque Way, Elk Grove, Califonria, USA 95757 ARACELI NATIVIDAD GONZALEZ RAYMUNDO 708 B Peace Valley Tandang Sora MICHELLE GONZALEZ RAYMUNDO 16H Classica Tower, 114 H.V.Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City GRACE DIANNE GONZALEZ RAYMUNDO 182 Pasig Blvd., cor Shaw Blvd., Pasig Ctiy KATRINA VERONICA GONZALEZ RAYMUNDO 182 Pasig Blvd., cor Shaw Blvd., Pasig City SHEILA T. GONZALEZ 2011 Toronto Ave., San Leandro, California, USA 94579

ATTY. ISRAEL COMIA SOGUILON Casal Bldg., 15-A Anonas Street, Project 3, Quezon City

MARIA ANTONI M. GONZALEZ 27 Spencer St., Cubao, Quezon City

ATTY. CHRISTIAN S. MARIANO UPSPI Centre Interior East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City

ANGELIQUE MARIE M. GONZALEZ 27 Spencer St., Cubao, Quezon City

(MStandard-Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2023)

(MStandard - Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2023)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BUSINESS

A8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

Dagupan Electric obtains SEC nod on P1.17-b IPO

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Wednesday it approved the P1.17-billion initial public offering of Dagupan Electric Corp. (DEC).

DEC, incorporated in 1961, is engaged in the distribution of electricity in Pangasinan province and services 135,445 customers in Dagupan City and municipalities of Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, San Fabian, San Jacinto and Manaoag and Barangays Bolingit and Cruz in San Carlos City.

DEC, based on a registration statement filed with the SEC, will offer up to 2.2 million shares at P533 apiece.

It said it would use the net proceeds to finance capital projects related to its elec-

tricity distribution services over a threeyear period. These include the construction of a new substation in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan and line extension, rehabilitation and upgrades, among others.

The offering will run from Jan. 8 to 12, 2024, based on the latest timeline submitted to the SEC. DEC tapped Penta Capital & Investment Corp. as the sole underwriter for the offering.

The SEC also approved the public offering of Pampanga-based Angeles Electric Corp. in compliance with Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which states that generation companies should offer and sell to the public a portion not less than 15 percent of their common shares.

The Upper Wawa Dam reaches an overall progress rate of over 70 percent and is on track to start commercial operations by end-2025.

Upper Wawa Dam seen operational by 2025

By Alena Mae S. Flores

he Upper Wawa Dam, the second phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, reached a significant construction progress and is on track to start commercial operations by end-2025.

T

Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.-led WawaJVCo Inc. said in a statement Wednesday the project had an overall progress rate of over 70 percent as

of December 2023, with the 85-meter roller-compacted concrete dam to be finished in a few months, followed by the completion of the rest of the plant.

Prime Infra is businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr.’s infrastructure arm that focuses on building assets that support the most urgent sustainability priorities―energy, access to clean water and waste management.

“The exceptional construction pace at Upper Wawa Dam showcases Prime Infra’s commitment to delivering on our commitments in developing water supply infrastructure at this scale. We are pleased that the project continues to be materially

ACEN acquires telecom-focused solar power firm ACEN Corp. said Wednesday it signed an agreement to provide a credit facility of up to P200 million to fund the development costs of YMP Telecom Power Inc.’s projects.

ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its wholly-owned subsidiary Belenos Energy Corp. signed a share purchase agreement on Dec. 22, 2023 for the acquisition of YMP Telecom and its affiliate YMP Industrial Power Inc. through the purchase of 100 percent of the outstanding shares held by Yoma Micro Power (S) Pte. Ltd. in each of these companies.

ACEN said it is acquiring the shares at a price less than 10 percent of its book value for the purpose of building and operating solar-powered solutions for telecommunication towers and commercial and industrial solar power solutions in the Philippines.

ACEN previously announced its proposed joint venture with Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund and investment into Yoma Micro Power.

Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries with about $2.5 billion in total commitments as of 2021. It is owned and funded by the Norwegian government and is used as a tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries.

Yoma Micro Power installs and maintains solar and solar-hybrid power plants for telecom companies.

It has powered more than 600 telecom towers with reliable and cost-effective renewable energy. Alena Mae S. Flores

ahead of schedule. We take great pride in ensuring that we sustain this pace and do so safely by 2025,” said Prime Infra president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci.

The project is the largest privatelyled water supply infrastructure project in history. The dam, once in operation, will have a yearlong water supply capacity of over 700 million liters per day (MLD), benefiting the residents of the greater Metro Manila area, including the province of Rizal.

SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATES.

Development Bank of the Philippines senior vice president for operations Catherine Magana (center) receives the Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia award during the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With Magana are MORS Group chief executive Shanggari Balakrishnan (left) and AUBRENS managing partner Jayanthi Desan. The ACES Awards 2023 recognized enterprises and business leaders in the region for their outstanding corporate excellence and sustainability efforts.

BDO completes buyout of partners in SM Keppel Land BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender controlled by the Sy family, said Wednesday it took full ownership of property developer SM Keppel Land Inc., the developer of Podium Complex in Pasig City.

BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it completed the buyout of the interests of Keppel Philippines Properties Inc. (KPPI) and Opon-KE Properties Inc. in SM Keppel Land.

Prior to the transaction, KPPI owned 40 percent in SM Keppel, while Opon-KE had 10 percent.

BDO held the remaining 50 percent.

Singapore’s Keppel Group in March decided to divest its stake in SM Keppel Land for P8 billion. This was in line with Keppel Group’s Vision 2023 asset monetization plans to unlock capital, which may be used to finance new growth opportunities.

BDO said that with the acquisi-

tion, it will fully own Podium Complex―a mixed-use development and lifestyle destination. It consists of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas, the 48-story premium grade West Tower and the Podium Mall.

The transaction is subject to the approval by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Philippine Competition Commission and customary closing conditions.

Jenniffer B. Austria

DBM pushes procurement reforms to adopt e-bidding, modernize system

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BANKO’S ANNIVERSARY. BPI Direct BanKo Inc., the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), celebrates its 7th anniversary with the blessing of its newly renovated headquarters in Greenhills, San Juan City. Leading the ceremony are (from left) BanKo president Jerome Minglana, director Rodell Garcia, chairman Josephine Ocampo, director Ignacio Bunye and head of financial inclusion and microfinance Rod Mabiasen Jr.

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said House Bill 9648, or the proposed new Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), will address gaps in the system of purchasing goods and services.

“Towards efficiency, we will streamline processes through digitalization and innovation by adopting electronic [e]-bidding and by modernizing the centralized procurement system of the Procurement Service,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged Congress to enact a new government procurement law and a new government auditing code to make procurement and auditing “more attuned to these changing times.”

The proposed new GPRA aims to promote transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, proportionality, accountability,

public monitoring, procurement professionalization and sustainability in government procurement.

“The Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System [PhilGEPS] offers innovative features and solutions, including e-reverse auction, e-shopping/e-small-value procurement, and the e-marketplace which will be expanded to include non-common-use supplies with a registration facility for qualified suppliers,” said Pangandaman.

Section 6 (Adoption of an Electronic Procurement System) of the new GPRA provides that PhilGEPS should be “the single electronic portal that shall serve as the primary channel and source of information in the conduct of all procurement activities by the government for the acquisition of goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services that covers procurement planning until payment.”

Pangilinan named chair of SPNEC BUSINESSMAN Manuel Pangilinan took the helm of SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), as MGen Renewable Energy (MGreen) completed its P15.9-billion investment in the solar energy firm founded by Leandro Leviste.

MGreen is the renewable energy development arm of Meralco Powergen Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. chaired by Pangilinan.

SPNEC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday its board approved the election of Pangilinan as its chairman, president and chief executive and Leviste as vice chairman.

This followed MGreen’s payment of the balance of P8.9 billion after infusing an initial P7 billion in November.

MGreen now owns 15.7 billion common shares and 19.4 billion preferred shares in SPNEC, translating into a voting interest of 50.5 percent.

“All of us shareholders are extremely fortunate for this opportunity.

We are optimistic that becoming the newest member of the MVP Group of Companies will help SPNEC grow even beyond what we have planned, for the benefit of all shareholders and other stakeholders,” Leviste said.

Prior to the transaction, SPNEC’s parent Solar Philippines sold 1.6 billion secondary shares of SPNEC for P2 billion to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Jenniffer B. Austria

Prime Infra signs LNG terminal lease deal with First Gen FIRST Gen Corp. and Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. announced Wednesday an agreement for a 15-year lease of the former’s liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its wholly-owned subsidiary FGEN LNG Corp. and Gas Aggregator Philippines Inc., a whollyowned unit of Prime Infra, signed the terminal lease agreement (TLA).

First Gen said earlier the gas aggregation framework was meant to “make it possible to blend currently declining volumes of indigenous Malampaya gas with imported LNG.” It said the framework would provide least-cost solution for consumers, enhanced energy security and competitive market for power generation.

It would also complement ongoing commercial development of “new indigenous natural gas fields.”

First Gen said the effectivity of the TLA is conditioned upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent.

“The Philippine government has determined natural gas as a complementary transition fuel to support DOE’s 2020-2040 Philippine Energy Plan to ensure energy security, while enhancing the renewable energy capacity of the country,” the company said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

B1

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

PH Chess Olympiad team slots at stake in National Open SPOTS in the national team seeing action in the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary this year and huge cash prizes will be at stake in the Philippine National Open Chess Championships that unfurled yesterday at the Marikina Community Convention Center.

Fourteen of the country’s top woodpushers, headed by Grandmasters Darwin Laylo, John Paul Gomez and Joey Antonio and Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna, will spearhead the strong 14-player field in the tournament dubbed “The Battle of Grandmasters and presented by host city Rep. Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro.

International Masters Jem Garcia, Pau Bersamina, Daniel Quizon and Barlo Nadera, FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo and Christian Gian Karlo Arca and Woman IM Marie Antoinette San Diego are also seeing action along with Vince Angelo Medina, John Jerish Velarde and Samson Cjiu Chin Lim. The top three finishers in this 13-round meet will represent the country in the 45th World Chess set Sept. 10 to 23 in Budapest and receive cool purses worth P120,000, P70,000 and P50,000, respectively, courtesy of Marikina City, NCFP chairman president Prospero Pichay, Jr., POC president Abraham Tolentino, PSC chair Richard Bachmann, the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation, Pande and Amerikana’s Jundio Salvador.

The 14-year-old Arca is also expected to draw some of the attention after the Panabo, Davao del Norteborn and Dasamarinas-based chesser topped the World Youth blitz in Italy last month.

After just one round yesterday, there will be two games each today and tomorrow before the event takes a New Year break.

Play resumes with two rounds on Jan. 3 next year and two rounds the next day, a round Jan. 5, back to two Jan. 6 and the 13th and final round on Jan. 7.

The participants came from various locations across the country like Mindoro, Laguna, Cavite, Bicol, Cebu, Malabon and Bulacan, highlighting the nationwide scope of this prestigious tournament.

Filipino Marlon Tapales (left) praises his conqueror Japanese Naoya Inoue (right), who beat him via a 10th-round KO in their superbantamweight clash at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Wendell Alinea

Casimero wants crack at Inoue

By Randy Caluag

F

ORMER three-division champion Johnriel Casimero is no stranger to controversy and his journey has been marked by twists and surprises, no thanks to his penchant for bold statements on social media.

Johnriel Casimero

He is at it again.

“Pagkatapos mo itumba si Nery next year, tayo na. Alam ko at alam ng lahat na ako lang ang makakatalo sayo,” Casimero boldly declared on his Facebook page, Quadro Alas It’s My Boy. Inoue is now regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet after becoming a two-division undisputed champion with a 10thround knockout over Filipino Marlon Tapales on Tuesday.

“Malakas naman talaga (Inoue), pero marami na din akong pinatumbang malakas,” Casimero said in acknowledging Inoue’s formidable power.

But he confidently points to his track record of knocking out powerful opponents. With 33 wins, 22 by knockout, 4 losses, and a draw, Casimero is no stranger to the taste of victory, even against challenging adversaries.

The tantalizing prospect of a bout with Inoue was within reach in the bantamweight division, but fate intervened in the form of a quirky boxing rule in England.

Scheduled to face his mandatory challenger Paul Butler in April 2022 in Liverpool, Casimero faced an unexpected hurdle when the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) barred him from com-

Cyrinne wants to emulate SEAG medalist sister Lovely

By Peter Atencio CYRINNE Inan of Angono, Rizal is closely following in the footsteps of her older sister Lovely, who bagged a silver medal in the recent Southeast Asian Games.

Encouraged by her coach Richard “Pep” Agosto, Cyrinne overcame fatigue and pushed herself to the limit, hoisting a best total of 129 kgs in the 16-17, women’s 45-kg action of the weightlifting event of the recent Batang Pinoy at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center’s Dacudao court inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last week.

Cyrinne’s lift was the heaviest in her age group as she continues to challenge herself in competition to go further.

“Sinusubukuan ko, nahihilo ako sa bigat. Pero kinakaya ko,” said the 17-year-old Cyrinne, an 11th grader from Angono National High School.

Cyrinne’s effort of 71 kgs in the clean and jerk was higher than her usual 70 kgs and this contributed to her record showing.

In the last five years that Cyrinne has

been competing, she would usually lift between 65 to 70 kgs in the clean and jerk.

Her closest rival Janelle Pagaran of Quezon took the silver with her tally of 100 kgs.

Cyrinne is hopeful that she will be able to join her sister Lovely in international meets. But for now, she needs to strengthen herself and gain more experience with her lifts with the help of Agosto.

Cyrinne was encouraged to go into weightlifting by her sister.

Many years ago, Lovely Inan, who was doing scavenging activities when she was 10, passed by the house and gym of Agosto’s Pep Project Weightlifting.

Through Agosto’s inspiration, Lovely started lifting weights and was soon dominating the Batang Pinoy events, before making it to the national team in 2021. She then competed in a number of international tournaments, including the world youth.

Agosto’s weightlifting work in Angono is one of two notable ventures in the sport in the Province of Rizal.

And it has provided the Province

Shown here are (from left) coach Pep Agosto and Angono Rizal lifters Jericho Castro, Cyrinne Inan and Victoria Anosa.

of Rizal five of the seven golds in the lyn Diaz, who have their own program in Batang Pinoy.

Jala Jala, earned two golds through MatThe camp of Julius Naranjo and Hidi- thew Diazl and Renzo Memoracion.

PLDT, Smart inspire historic year for Philippine sports TO say that 2023 was an eventful year for Philippine sports is an understatement. The country witnessed many great feats of national athletes in international tournaments, capped off by the country’s historic co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, supported by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

“We’re here to continue writing the story of basketball. The game we love has changed rapidly since the early days; just look at the challenge even the greatest basketball nations face – with millions of kids playing in tens of thousands of courts all over Asia, South America, and Oceania,” said PLDT Chairman and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan and key figure in bringing the FIBAWC to the Philippines, calling it “a gift to the

Filipino sports patrons PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio meets the Filipinas.

Filipino people who adore the sport.”

For Pangilinan, FIBAWC was a chance for Philippine basketball to plow more fertile ground for legends to grow. “To have our hard courts, our backboards and

hoops, our fans bear witness to the story of Philippine basketball as it is written – to emphasize that this basketball-crazy country of our belongs to the league of basketball nations and for the Philippines

to be a cradle of enduring legends.”

Elevating the standards of international events As Head of the Philippine Local Organizing Committee of the FIBAWC 2023, PLDT and Smart President and CEO and President of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Alfredo S. Panlilio said the country’s hosting reaped benefits beyond basketball. “We not only witnessed world-class athleticism, but also showcased the capability, hospitality, and Puso of Filipinos to orchestrate a global event. With the record-breaking turnout of 38,115 fans during the final phase opener at Philippine Arena, we demonstrated that our nation is not only a powerhouse in basketball enthusiasm, but also a formidable host that can elevate the standards of international sports Turn to B2

peting due to a violation of medical guidelines.

The use of a sauna for weight-cutting close to the fight led to Casimero’s exclusion.

Casimero’s late replacement, Jonas Sultan, couldn’t seize the opportunity, losing to Butler by unanimous decision.

Consequently, the WBO stripped Casimero of his title, with Butler stepping into his shoes. Butler, in turn, faced Inoue and succumbed to defeat, paving the way for Inoue to become the undisputed champion in the division.

Undeterred, Casimero is not only fixated on the super bantamweight ladder but is also slowly making his ascent.

Despite a less-than-impressive outing in October against former IBF super bantamweight champion Yukinori Oguni, ending in a Controversial Technical Draw due to an accidental headbutt, Casimero remains hopeful in finally getting his hands on “The Monster.”

Pacio shuns holidays to prepare for Brooks rematch JOSHUA “The Passion” Pacio has no other plan for the Holidays aside from training his hardest to once again reclaim his ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship.

“There will be no Christmas or New Year for me. I want to make sure that I come into camp laser focused. I want to get that belt again,” he said.

Pacio has every reason to maintain that game face after his rematch versus Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks was booked for ONE 166: Qatar on March 1 at Lusail Sports Arena.

And to him, there’s no other way for redemption than brandishing the best version of himself.

“I know that I’m gonna be more focused this time around. I have this team to collaborate, and brainstorm with, that I can truly say and suggest certain routines with what I need for this next fight,” he said.

The Lions Nation MMA standout is determined to showcase an improved arsenal, one that he gave a glimpse in his unanimous d e - cision victor y over Mansur Malachiev at ONE Fight Night 15: Le vs.

Freymanov.

Joshua Pacio

B2

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Japan’s Naomi Osaka attends a training session ahead of the Brisbane International tennis tournament at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.

AFP

Thunder upset Timberwolves, Pistons slump to 27th straight loss LOS ANGELES—The Oklahoma City Thunder, fueled by 34 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked off Western Conference leaders Minnesota 129106 on Tuesday as Detroit’s 27th defeat saddled them with an unwelcome piece of NBA history.

The Thunder underscored their status as Western Conference contenders with a convincing home win over the Timberwolves.

Jalen Williams scored 21 points, rookie Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort added 20 apiece and Oklahoma City made 18 three-pointers in a game they led by as many as 25 points.

“I think we played together on both ends of the floor for the most part of the night,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

“When we do that and trust that, things go our way usually.”

The Thunder connected on better than 60 percent of their shots from the field and, despite a size disadvantage, were dominant defensively, harrying the Timberwolves into 24 turnovers.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 25 points. Mike Conley added 17 and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 16.

It was another dismal night in Detroit, where the Pistons’ 118-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets saw them set a single-season record for conManila secutive defeats.

Standard “Nobody wants something like this TODAY attached to them,” said Pistons coach Monty Williams, whose team hasn’t won since October 28. AFP

Nadal, Osaka return; Djokovic ready S YDNEY—Rafael Nadal returns from a “winding, tortuous” injury journey in Brisbane this week, while fellow superstar Novak Djokovic kickstarts his bid for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title at Perth.

It appeared last season that the veterans, with 46 Grand Slam crowns between them, may never share a competitive court again.

But the prospect is back in play with Spain’s Nadal recovering from hip surgeries that sidelined him for almost a year.

He begins what is set to be a farewell season at the Brisbane International from December 31-January 7 alongside Andy Murray and world number eight Holger Rune.

Top-ranked Djokovic has opted for the mixed teams United Cup in Perth

and Sydney, starting Friday, as have fellow top 10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz.

Barring last-minute setbacks, Nadal and Djokovic will then grace the courts of Melbourne Park for the Australian Open from January 14, perhaps for the last time together.

The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner Nadal has not played since a second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open this year, leading to what coach Carlos

Moya said was “a winding, tortuous season with two losses to burgeoning road, with many curves”.

Italian Jannik Sinner at the Davis Cup. Now 37, Nadal said he expects “nothSpanish world number two Carlos ing” from himself this time around.

Alcaraz also notched a sensational win “I have internalised what I have had over Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. throughout my life, which is demand The fourth-ranked Sinner gets his myself the maximum,” he said in an- season under way at the Kooyong nouncing his return.

Classic exhibition event in Melbourne, “Right now what I really hope is to be while Alcaraz has nothing currently able not to do that, to accept things are go- scheduled before the Australian Open. ing to be very difficult at the beginning and Nervous Naomi give myself the necessary time.”

Four-time Grand Slam champion Since being sidelined, Nadal has CYAN been MAGENTA Naomi OsakaYELLOW also makesBLACK her highly anovertaken in the total number of Grand ticipated return in Brisbane, having not Slam tournaments won by his Serbian played since September 2022. arch-rival, who is targeting an all-time The Japanese star, who gave birth to record 25th major title in Melbourne. daughter Shai in July and has previously The 36-year-old Djokovic won three struggled with her mental health, admitted Grand Slams in 2023, but ended the she was “nervous” but “excited”. AFP

PLDT,...

From B1

Darlene Marie Berberabe (left) carries the cremated body of husband Samboy Lim Jr. at the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán in Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday. Danny Pata

events,” Panlilio said.

The Philippines’ hosting duties likewise helped boost massive tourism and consumer spending brought about by the event, and aided in strengthening international relations with other nations. “The FBWC presented a chance to show the viability of our country as an investment destination for global businesses, and provided livelihood opportunities for micro, small, medium, and large enterprises in the country,” said Panlilio, who is a Member of the FIBA Central Board and is the 2nd Vice President of the FIBA Asia Board.

The successful hosting of the whole FIBA event led to the renewal of FIBA and Smart’s Global Partnership until after the FIBAWC 2027 in Qatar.

Creating history Aside from the World Cup, the Philippines also saw commendable performances of national athletes in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games which resulted to a medal haul for the country, including the record-breaking achievement of EJ Obiena, and of course, Gilas Pilipinas’ inspiring gold medal win.

Letran, peers pay tribute to Samboy

By Joel Atencio IT was a night fit for a ‘fallen knight’ when Samboy “Skywalker” Lim came home to his alma mater, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran campus in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday.

Lim, 61, passed away on December 23, 2023, two days before Christmas.

Samboy had three National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in 1982, 1983 and 1984 with the Letran Knights and was in the Philippine Basketball Association’s 25 Greatest Players’ list.

Samboy collapsed after suffering a heart attack on November 28, 2014 during an exhibition match. He slipped into comatose and regained consciousness in January, 2015.

The Letran Knights, school officials and alumni, together with fellow cagers paid tribute to Samboy with anecdotes and stories during necrological services at the CSJL Chapel.

Spotted were some of the school’s top brass such as CSJL rector Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP; CSJL athletics director Fr. Victor Calvo, OP; and former Letran chaplain Fr. Franklin Beltran, who administered the Last Rites Extreme Unction to Samboy at Medical City in Pasig City. Also seen were CSJL alumni/journalist Bartolome “Barbie” Atienza, coach Justino “Tino” Pinat, cagers Paul Alvarez, EJ Feihl and Alvin Patrimonio.

The Letran community also asked sports fans to “pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Samboy, our beloved Letran Knight and a basketball legend who graced the courts with brilliance and left an indelible mark on Philippine sports.”

At the sidelines of Lim’s wake, Pinat narrated how he became close buddies with the Skywalker during their collegiate years at Letran and heydays in the NCAA. “It started out in 1983 when I tried out for Letran after graduating at Quezon City High School. I was a rookie and it was Samboy’s second year with the Knights,” Pinat said, adding that he became Samboy’s favorite teammate, especially during their one-onone practices.

“I was a willing teammate and everyone was so competitive. Until we became good friends,” Pinat recalled.

From there, after the regular practice sessions, they did some extra workouts like dunks. It was at Letran that their bonding became strong.

When Samboy and Pinat graduated college, both continued keeping tabs even though the former was busy in the PBA and the latter was playing hoops in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League, Later on, Pinat played for a league in Hong Kong but injury sidelined him.

“We (Samboy) still got in touch, while I was in HK,” the 6’3” Pinat said.

Meanwhile, CSJL said to accommodate more people, the cremated remains of Samboy will stay at the Colegio Chapel until Thursday. Viewing starts at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on December 27 and 28.

Inurnment is on December 29, after a 12 noon Mass at the Garden of the Divine Word Columbarium inside the SVD seminary on 101 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City. With Peter C. Atencio

Smart lights up the MOA Ball for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Speaking of inspiring feats, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, or more lovingly known as Filipinas, also created history when they carried the flag at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 for the first time ever.

“It’s a good start for the Filipinas.

We hope to see them again in succeeding World Cup tournaments. We also would like to congratulate Philippine Football Federation for gathering these talented young women to represent the nation,” said Pangilinan.

Football is only one of the 17 national sports agencies backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports sports development in the country —from grassroots to the national level.

Enhancing the experience of sports fans Meanwhile, PLDT and Smart continue to enhance the experience of sports fans. Taking mobile livestreaming to a whole new level, Smart and US-based Radisys® Corporation, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited, successfully ran its beta test of Smart LiveStream App’s groundbreaking new features at the FIBAWC.

B3

SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

American singer spreads holiday cheer in Manila A father’s song T Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

By Nickie Wang

HE Voice alumnus Ryan Gallagher is spreading holiday cheer in Manila with his new Christmas single, “The Feeling of Christmas.”

Known for his powerful vocals and captivating performances, Gallagher is excited to share his heartfelt holiday song with his Filipino fans. The song, now available on Apple Music, offers a fresh take on the holiday season, infusing it with Gallagher’s unique musical style and emotive vocals.

Manila holds a special place in Gallagher’s heart (he calls it his second home!). He loves connecting with his Filipino friends and soaking in the festive spirit. “The Feeling of Christmas” captures his love for the season’s joy and nostalgia.

“I wanted to capture the feeling of Christmas for me.

For me, it was all about the snow, the gifts, and the presence of family and loved ones. But then I thought, it’s Jesus’s birthday, and what did he do? The story of Christmas is about Him coming into the world to save us, right? So, I wanted to write something that was dear to my heart but also fun and upbeat,” explained Gallagher, who can sing OPM songs like a native Filipino speaker.

“I’ve built some incredible friendships here.

The passion and creativity of the Filipino people inspire me every time I visit.

Releasing my single here feels like coming home, and I’m wide open to whatever adventures Philippine showbiz throws my way,” he went on.

“The Feeling of Christmas” is part of a 16-song Christmas album that was recorded last year with a full orchestra in Nashville, Texas, and Los Angeles. While the album’s official launch will be in the coming year, Gallagher and his team decided to release this special single as a soft launch during this holiday season.

The single was a collaboration between Gallagher and composer Harlan Hodges.

“I sat at the piano in Orange County and just started hitting the chords. And then, I realized I needed some help with the melody. So I went to my buddy Harlan Hodges, and he’s a beautiful composer in Los Angeles. And we just started writing out ideas like that nostalgic thing, and it took about a day to get the actual thing down but then two more years to get the sound I wanted to sound like.”

As a classically trained baritone-tenor, Gallagher has performed alongside renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood, Josh Groban, and Lea Salonga. He has entertained audiences worldwide, including Presidents, dignitaries, and Fortune 500 companies.

With his exceptional v o i c e , showmanship, a n d

professionalism, Gallagher ’s performances are always a highlight of every event he participates in.

During his stay in Manila, Gallagher plans to collaborate with Filipino talents for an upcoming show. He sees great potential in the Philippines and believes in the talent and creativity of Filipino artists. He aims to create a robust and successful production that showcases the best of both worlds.

“I’m very thankful for the support of the Filipino people throughout my career. They’ve been helpful and encouraging, and I owe so much to them. Whenever I’m here, it’s like a snowball effect, one gig after another,” expressed Gallagher.

For booking inquiries or more information about Ryan Gallagher and his new Christmas single, “The Feeling of Christmas,” contact booking@fireandice.ph or 09175420303.

‘The Voice’ alumnus Ryan Gallagher

A year in search in music Juan Karlos’ ‘ERE’ dominates the airwaves and local music scene according to Google

By Nickie Wang AS WE bid farewell to 2023, the musical landscape of the Philippines reflects a dynamic blend of local talent, international hits, and the transformative power of social media in shaping musical trends.

James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go” stands tall as a timeless anthem, with its enduring popularity seven years after its initial release. This song not only joined the exclusive billionviews club on YouTube but also clinched the title of the most searched song in the Philippines.

Its ability to maintain such resonance speaks to the enduring nature of love encapsulated in its lyrics.

Local sensation Juan Karlos struck emotional chords once again with “ERE,” a ballad that follows the success of “Buwan.”

This powerful track resonates with those who have experienced heartbreak and sudden ghosting, cementing itself as an anthem for the emotionally wounded.

Indie brilliance echoed through the airwaves with Sunkissed Lola’s “Pasilyo,” a weddingthemed track celebrated for its exceptional storytelling, lyricism, and captivating vocals.

Juan Karlos’‘ERE’ delves into the feelings of being heartbroken and sudden ghosting

The song not only found a place on local radio but also showcased the growing influence of independent artists in shaping the country’s music scene.

Dilaw, a Baguio-based indie band, stormed the charts with “Uhaw,” a song that not only claimed the top spot for six consecutive weeks Baguio-based indie band Dilaw’s ‘Uhaw’ breaks but also set a new record as the most-streamed new record as the most-streamed song in the song in the Philippines on Spotify within a Philippines on Spotify within a 24-hour period 24-hour period. This achievement solidified Dilaw’s position in the industry, underscoring the prowess of local talent against international giants.

On a patriotic note, searches for “Chosen Land” (Lupang Hinirang English) surged during the Philippines’ Independence Day, reflecting the nation’s collective pride and patriotism through music.

Miley Cyrus’s “Angels Like You” secured its place as the second most searched foreign song in the Philippines, demonstrating the enduring popularity Sunkissed Lola’s ‘Pasilyo’ is named as Spotify Wrapped 2023’s of international most streamed song in the country artists in the country. Meanwhile, significant achievement for the Filipino rap scene, Rihanna’s “California King showcasing success against all odds.

Bed,” a decade-old favorite, Lola Amor’s “Raining In Manila” became a continued to capture the hearts rock band triumph, amassing 65 million views of Filipino TikTok and Reels on YouTube and earning a spot as the OST for creators, illustrating the timeless the Rain in Espana series, demonstrating the influence of Rihanna’s music on band’s crossover success. social media platforms.

In an unexpected twist, Mayonaise’s 2004 “Rapstar” by Flow G hit “Jopay” experienced a TikTok resurgence, dominated the rap scene, thanks to a viral video inspired by the 2022 garnering nearly 100 movie Ngayon Kaya. This revival resonated million views on YouTube with its original audience and Gen Z and Gen and surpassing global Alpha, emphasizing the timeless quality of wellreleases. This marked a crafted music.

Luis Harder (right) dedicates his new song, ‘Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan’ to daughter, Adeline Lois

WITH the prevalence of music streaming and digital recording, just about anybody can become a recording artist, especially when you have the proper resources, right connection, and - if we must be strict about it - real talent.

Not everyone though has the noblest of purposes to become one.

Luis Harder, a tech CEO by profession, a creative lensman in his free time, and the president of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) has another specific role that led him to an artist slot on Spotify and other popular music platforms of the current age: he is the father of Adeline Lois, a child with down syndrome.

The man who does everything for his family and serves as a leader for a community challenged by fate but standing strong through faith just dropped on digital platforms a song, his composition which he sang himself, best capturing the themes in their lives as father and daughter.

The track is called “Ang Pag-ibig, Walang Kapintasan,” which came out last month (Nov. 17) in time for the birthday of her now-teenage daughter. It quickly took the shape of what a theme song for families addressing life-raising children with special needs must be. Its Tagalog lyrics are deeply relatable to those who gallantly understand what it takes to have someone in the family born differently.

“With this song, I was able to summarize my experiences as a parent and express the depth of the emotions I have for my daughter Adeline Lois,” shared Harder who also acknowledges the presence of his wife Sannie as vital to his personal triumph.

At first, he searched for someone else to sing his composition, until the song’s record producer and arranger Aubrey Alamani convinced him to sing it himself, implying “no one else could better interpret it.”

Harder noted, “Literally my world turned into mere black, white, and gray when we found out our daughter’s condition. Hindi namin alam ang gagawin, that fear of the unknown. But then God has opened new windows and doors and we started realizing something good is coming out of our situation. Pakiramdam kong merong kanta that needed to be written down.”

I’ve seen some made men buy musical instruments, start playing and singing because they can afford and do it, and as a way of rewarding themselves after years of hard work.

But Luis, a cousin of actress Carmi Martin whom I met in my time profiling top photographers - professional and hobbyist - has innate talent, delivering when inspiration strikes.

The multi-hyphenate gentleman has an interesting backstory in music, too. In college he used to perform in a band and continuously gigged during his 20s, going around folk houses in Metro Manila, and provincial places like Baguio and Dagupan.

Prior to setting aside music to focus on business and family life, Harder had already developed his musical skills that included singing, bass playing, and songwriting. He even won in a songwriting tilt with a piece entitled “Isang Katauhan.”

His musical influences are a line-up of legends, including Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

He reiterated that he really liked playing music and singing, but had to dive into other pursuits, including becoming a worship leader wherein his music found a good avenue.

He said, “As president of DSAPI, I’ve seen and talked with countless number of parents like me and Sannie who have a child with Down Syndrome. Alam ko ang sentiments nila at iisa lang ang pintig ng puso namin.”

He added, “My song also goes to other children with Down Syndrome, and to other children with special needs, whether they belong to Filipino families or from different nationalities. If parents get to sing this song for their children, then the purpose is well-served.”

Luis Harder’s entry into the world of recording is not a one-shot deal. He is working on other songs he wishes to share with everyone. His move should inspire others about the beauty of revisiting your passion for music on a good note.

B4

LIFE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

Kami No Ken

A deep dive into self-discovery and transformation Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Participants in Kami No Ken undergo a series of physical and mental training at The Farm in San Benito

Participants start their day with meditation against the backdrop of the verdant mountains of Batangas

S

OAKED in sweat, blurry-eyed, and with legs tied down while jumping, I stumbled through the tough course, wanting to quit halfway. It felt endless, as Coach Nasser Qazi had said—a taste of life’s hard bits. With jelly-like legs and ragged breath, I chanted, “I can, I will, I must!’ Each wobbly jump was a victory against giving up, my spirit refusing to break.

This physical and mental test continues to replay in my mind, even now, more than two months after completing the Kami No Ken program.

Leaving The Farm at San Benito after four days with Kami No Ken wasn’t just about saying goodbye, it was a departure from a newfound version of myself.

Led by the wisdom of Coach Nasser Qazi and the energy of celebrity practitioners Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay, this transformational journey pushed me beyond my comfort zone and unveiled new layers of potential I never knew existed.

When I initially arrived at The Farm, I carried no specific expectations, already feeling content with my life. Little did I anticipate that the Kami No Ken training would unveil something new within me.

Coach Nasser’s wisdom and guidance highlighted the power of consistency in shaping a better version of oneself.

“You’ve got the freedom to become anything you want. It’s all about staying the course and maintaining that consistency. With dedication and persistently moving forward, you truly have the power to create a better version of yourself,” Coach Nasser shared as we exchanged handshakes on my final day of training, prompting me to approach him for a quick chat.

The fusion of mental and physical

exercises during the training took us on a profound journey into our subconscious minds. Starting the day with meditation against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Batangas set the tone for a day filled with self-discovery and transformation.

Originating in Japan, Kami No Ken, translating to “Fist of God within,” has expanded globally, drawing inspiration from ancient Japanese martial arts and philosophy. The program emphasizes personal growth through discipline and self-improvement, offering a holistic approach to fostering balance and harmony within oneself and the surroundings.

Coach Nasser expressed that Kami No Ken is not merely a product but a way of life—the Principle of Life. The program focuses on the connection between body, mind, and soul, promoting physical health, emotional stability, and happiness.

“Our mission is to change behavior, leading to a transformation in thoughts, perceptions, and feelings,” Coach Nasser said.

The holistic healing approach involves physical exercise, meditation, and visualization, aligning energy flow.

Kami No Ken advocates a positive mindset, stress reduction, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, extending its influence to healthy eating habits, restful

Among other things, participants are able to build friendship at the Kami No Ken program

Participants face their first physically and mentally challenging ice bath experience, pushing their limits

Coach Nasser spearheads the Kami No Ken program at The Farm

sleep patterns, and a conscious lifestyle.

Coach Nasser’s insights highlighted the authenticity and transformative power of Kami No Ken. “Authenticity is higher than love and peace,” he said during our training.

Leaving The Farm, I carried not just memories but a set of tools from Kami No Ken that would serve me for

The program aims to develop personal growth through discipline

a lifetime. The journey had been about more than physical and mental training; it was a journey toward authenticity, self-discovery, and lasting well-being.

Kami No Ken is the same program that Ellen did in 2019 when she was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In just two weeks, her mental issues disappeared, and she

became medication-free. Ellen believes the program can benefit others, especially those not responding well to medications.

Ending the program, I learned so much about myself and my potential.

I also formed connections with new friends who underwent the same process of self-discovery.

Kami No Ken participants are led by (first row, leftmost), Ellen Adarna, Coach Nasser (third), and Derek Ramsay (right)

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