Manila Standard - 2024 January 16 - Tuesday

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Senate moves on ‘Cha-cha’ too

Zubiri measure seeks to amend economic provisions, avert crisis

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed a Resolution of Both Houses to amend specific economic provisions of the Constitution, saying this would avert a constitutional crisis between the two chambers of Congress over Charter change.

Zubiri described his resolution as ing the resolution. “very simple and clear.”

Zubiri said they will do this to make it “There are only three topics here… clear that there are no other planned proviSo, we will do this so that we can pre- sions or amendments, and that the changes serve bicameralism,” he said after filNext page

BOTH FOR CHA-CHA. Senate President Juan Manuel Zubiri shows a copy of his Resolution of Both Houses looking to amend specific economic provisions of the Constitution, a move warmly received by House Speaker Martin Romualdez (right), who arrived in Geneva on Monday and is welcomed by Ambassador Manuel AJ Teehankee (see related story on A2). Senate PRIB, Ver Noveno

Speaker welcomes Senate action, OKs push for constituent assembly of Both Houses No. 6 by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“As Speaker of the House of RepreHOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday welcomed the Senate’s sentatives, I would like to express my action to review the 1987 Constitu- unwavering support for the Senate’s Next page tion through the filing of Resolution

By Maricel V. Cruz

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 335 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

Gov’t firm on PUVMP, but Manibela calls on PBBM to retract plan

By Rio N. Araja, Charles Dantes and Rey E. Requejo THE government on Monday shrugged off protest actions and threats of strikes by jeepney operators and drivers and said its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) would proceed as scheduled.

Meanwhile, two transport groups, Manibela and PISTON, said they will stage a protest caravan today to oppose the modernization program with the participation of about 15,000 operators, drivers, commuters, and even students.

The caravan will kick off from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City to reach Mendiola, Manila, near the presidential palace, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said.

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COMMANDER IN CHIEF. President Marcos salutes the troops as he marches with Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner before they preside over the AFP Command Conference on Monday at Camp Crame. AFP Photo

Diesel, kerosene prices up P0.90/l today as Red Sea crisis persists world oil market.

Seaoil Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Prices of diesel and kerosene went up by Cleanfuel, and PetroGazz advised the public of OIL firms raised pump prices by as much as P0.90 per liter each while prices of gasoline the latest oil price increases. Other oil compaP0.90 per liter effective 6 a.m. today (Tues- increased by P0.30 per liter amid the ongoing nies are expected to follow. day) to reflect the movement of prices in the tensions in the Red Sea. Next page

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PH to develop islands in WPS; Marcos asks AFP to ‘find new ways’

By Vince Lopez PRESIDENT Marcos has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to find new ways to deal with communist rebels, terrorist groups, threats in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and natural disasters.

In the WPS, the government will develop the islands that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for the troops.

Strong El Nino to last until February, to be felt until May at least—PAGASA THE country is currently experiencing a “strong” El Niño phenomenon that will continue until February, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

PAGASA said the El Niño phenomenon may be felt until May before transitioning to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral until June.

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez called for a motu proprio investigation into several instances where senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are denied discounts and benefits due them under the law.

Romualdez said these instances vio-

5 RICHEST MEN.

(Clockwise from left) Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, Larry Ellison, Warren Buffett, and Jeff Bezos are shown in these file photos.

These billionaires have doubled their wealth from 2020 to 2023, according to charity group Oxfam.

ENSO is defined by thw US National Weather Service as a “recurring climate pattern involving changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.”

“Majority of global climate models suggest that El Niño will likely persist Next page

House leader orders investigation into seniors, PWDs being denied discounts

By Maricel V. Cruz

Next page

late Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and Republic Act No. 10754 or the Expanded PWDs Benefits and Privileges Act. “Laws granting benefits to our senior citizens and PWDs should be strictly followed and implemented. And if there Next page

World’s 5 richest men doubled fortune in 3 years DAVOS, Switzerland—The world’s wealthiest five men have more than doubled their fortune since 2020, the charity Oxfam said on Monday, as it called on nations to resist the ultrarich’s influence over tax policy.

A report from the charity, published as the global elite hobnob at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, said their wealth rose from $405 billion in 2020 to $869 billion last year.

Yet since 2020, nearly five billion

people worldwide have grown poorer, Oxfam said.

Billionaires are today $3.3 billion richer than they were in 2020, despite many crises devastating the world’s Next page

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Speaker leads PH team to Davos

By Maricel V. Cruz

S

PEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is leading the Philippine delegation at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos, Switzerland, which started Monday and ends Jan. 19.

The delegation aims to reinforce the Philippines’ standing as a premier investment destination, spotlighting the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund, Romualdez said in a statement.

“We are committed to leveraging this international platform to escalate the ef-

fort of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to promote the Philippines as an attractive and secure investment destination, ultimately benefitting the Filipino people with more jobs and business opportunities,” he said.

In a letter dated Oct. 6, 2023, WEF

President Borge Brende invited Romualdez to the Annual Meeting 2024.

The annual Davos meeting brings together key leaders from government, business -- including the world’s top sovereign fund managers -- and civil society to discuss and shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

“The leaders gathering in Davos would greatly value your insights, especially with the escalating geopolitical and geo-economic challenges present in the region and globally. Your active participation will also help strengthen the Filipino narrative and the country’s global standing in the eyes of the international

community, providing rich opportunities for the country,” Brende said.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization Manuel A.J. Teehankee endorsed the invitation, citing the Speaker’s key role in the successful passage of the MIF and its announcement and launching in Davos led by President Marcos in AM 2023.

Teehankee said AM2024 presents a unique opportunity to build on the positive momentum of President Marcos’ participation last year and maintain the interest of the Davos community in the opportunities in the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Oil mill with 2.3k tons of copra burns all day

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla Taborlupa

Taborlupa named first female AFP spokesperson ARMED Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. has named Army Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla Taborlupa as the new military spokesperson on Monday.

At the sidelines of the AFP 2024 Command Conference held at the General Headquarters of the AFP in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Brawner introduced the new “voice of the AFP”.

Taborlupa is the first female military official to hold the position of the AFP Spokesperson. She replaced Col. Medel Aguilar, who was assigned to the Civic-Relations Service of the AFP. Taborlupa is also known in Armed Forces circles as the “Cyber-Woman” for her expertise and background in cybersecurity, and as one of the finalists of the Cybersecurity Woman of the Year (CSWY) Awards 2023, presented by the United Cybersecurity Alliance.

She is the only Filipina finalist in the nomination participated by cybersecurity experts from 59 countries around the globe.

Taborlupa was also hailed as one of ASEAN’s Top 30 Women in Security 2021 and Top 10 Women in CyberSecurity Philippines 2020. Vince Lopez

World’s...

From A1 economy since this decade began, including the Covid pandemic.

Oxfam’s yearly report on inequality worldwide is traditionally released just before the forum opens on Monday in the Swiss Alpine resort.

The charity raised concerns over increasing global inequality, with the richest individuals and companies amassing greater wealth thanks to surging stock prices, but also significantly more power.

“Corporate power is used to drive inequality: by squeezing workers and enriching wealthy shareholders, dodging taxes, and privatizing the state,” Oxfam said. AFP

Diesel,...

From A1 “Reasons for the increase are concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East with more attacks on Gaza and the shipping issue in the Red Sea,” Department of Energy director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero said last week.

Oil prices climbed after United States and United Kingdom forces launched strikes against Iran-backed Huthi rebels last week.

Crude prices spiked more than four percent Friday before ebbing somewhat after the allies launched deadly

IN BRIEF DLSU offers elective on Taylor Swift for SHS ELECTIVES on Taylor Swift, Spongebob, and K-pop are on offer at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas Senior High School (DLSU-D SHS).

The University of the Philippines earlier announced that it is set to offer a course centered around music superstar Swift, making waves among students and fans alike.

In a Facebook post, DLSUD SHS said it is offering these electives for its second semester along with courses on biking and cats. The school previously taught classes on Star Wars, Harry Potter, and anime. Online enrollment for the second semester kicks off on Jan. 17, it added.

LTO: Driver’s license cards to be delayed THE Land Transportation Office on Monday said the distribution of driver’s licenses on plastic IDs is facing another delay due to technical issues for 4 million donated cards, and that its current supply of cards will run out in two weeks.

LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II admitted the agency could not make good on its promise to print plastic cards and release them sometime this week.

“I am very confident that before April, we already have the cards,” he said, adding his office is still waiting for the final opinion from the Office of the Solicitor General to ensure the legality of the donation of 4 million cards.

Some 10 to 12 million cards are needed for 2024, Mendoza said.

Rio Araja

A FIRE broke out at an oil mill holding about 2,300 tons of copra in Barangay San Benito, Alaminos, Laguna early on Sunday, and continued to burn at press time on Monday.

No one was injured or killed in the fire, according to responding firemen.

Initial investigation revealed that the

fire started after the mill lost power three times. When the electricity came back on, a spark ignited the copra or dried coconut meat, the main material used for oil products.

The fire destroyed two warehouses that contained the tons of copra, said Chief Insp. Adrian Dela Cruz, Fire

Marshal of the San Pablo Fire Station.

The responding firemen faced difficulty in extinguishing the fire due to the oil products and the volume of what was burning.

The firefighters were prompted to apply a fire suppressant called AFFF, used to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires. Joel Zurbano

Senate...

From A1

“The President agreed with us that the proposal was too divisive and asked the Senate to instead take the lead in reviewing the economic provisions of the Constitution. In this way, we can preserve our bicameral nature of legislation,” he said.

Zubiri said RBH No. 6 is expected to be taken up by the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, which will be headed by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara.

He also urged Senator Robin Padilla, chairman of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, not to be offended by the sudden operation of the subcommittee for the purpose.

After his efforts to amend economic provisions fell through, Padilla renewed moves for Charter change, this time involving the Constitution’s political provisions, a controversial step that could remove term limits.

Zubiri said he hopes the Senate can adopt RBH 6 before the next congres-

sional recess.

He said RBH 6 only needs 18 affirmative votes both in the subcommittee and plenary levels, to be formally adopted.

The other authors of RBH 6 are Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Angara.

RBH 6 seeks amendments particularly on Articles XII, XIV and XVI. Article XII deals with the country’s “National Economy and Patrimony”; Article XIV is about “Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports” and Article XVI deals with “General Provisions.”

Each of these articles will include the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” – opening the door to amendments through legislation.

Zubiri’s resolution said the nation’s economic policy must be re-framed under the demands of an increasingly globalized age while still protecting the general policy of “Filipino first.”

consolidated may still do so until Jan. 31, Guadiz said.

“What we are just asking for is for them to consolidate first so they could form an organization,” he said.

Guadiz added that the phaseout of old jeepney units would take some time for those whose franchises have already been consolidated but units with unconsolidated franchises will be considered illegal after Jan. 31.

Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) Chairman Andy Ortega, meanwhile, denied that President Marcos was misinformed about the PUVMP. Ortega said the President was firm with his decision not to extend the deadline on

the application for the consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives.

In their last meeting, Ortega said, the President was confident about the modernization program.

“When we sat with the President, we saw in his demeanor, in his eyes [that] he knows the numbers, he knows about the programs... and he was very confident in saying we will no longer extend the deadline,” Ortega said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Those who failed to apply for consolidation were no longer allowed to operate starting Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, especially in routes where 60 percent or more of the PUVs had applications.

The plans come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim sole rights over the territories in the South China Sea and have traded accusations of aggressive behavior in the strategic waterway.

Apart from the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, the Philippines occupies eight other features in the South China Sea such as Lawak Island and Pag-Asa Island, and considers them part of its exclusive economic zone.

“We’d like to improve all nine, especially the islands we are occupying,” Brawner said.

The features include Thitu Island, the biggest and most strategically important

in the South China Sea. Known locally as Pag-asa, Thitu lies about 480 kilometers west of the province of Palawan.

The military wants to bring a desalination machine for troops living aboard a warship that the Philippines deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert its sovereignty claim, he said.

On the communist front, Brawner said the threat posed by the New People’s Army (NPA) had decreased to 11, with about 1,500 members left.

Even in this weakened state, however, he said the rebels are a force to be reckoned with (see related story on A3 – Editors).

until the March-April-May 2024 season with a transition to ENSO-neutral in the April-May-June 2024 season,” PAGASA said.

“All government agencies and the general public are encouraged to take precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of the said climate phenomenon,” it added.

Last week, the state weather bureau said it expects fewer than the average number of typhoons this year as the effects of El Niño drag on.

PAGASA climate monitoring chief Ana Liza Solis said 13 to 19 typhoons could enter the country in 2024, lower than the usual 19 to 20. Rio Araja

becomes a common practice. So it cannot remain unchecked,” he said.

“This is what we hope to achieve in this investigation, to clarify the law and are several instances of the improper correct all their misconceptions and grant of these privileges and benefits, it wrong implementation,” he added.

One such possible violation is the reported policy of a popular coffee shop chain that limits the 20 percent discount and exemption from the 12 percent valueadded tax to only one food item and one drink per visit for seniors and PWDs.

the 1987 Constitution, particularly in terms of relaxing the economic provisions that currently restrict the entry of foreign direct investments into the Philippines.

“Our nation stands on the cusp of transformative economic growth, and it is imperative that we adapt our constitutional framework to the evolving global economic landscape. The amendments

proposed are not just timely but necessary to unlock the full potential of our economy, fostering a more competitive, inclusive, and robust economic environment,” Romualdez said.

The House chief said the move to amend the Constitution through a Constituent Assembly “underscores our commitment to a democratic and participatory process.”

will all be purely economic in nature.

He appealed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez to take the same action.

Romualdez later welcomed the Senate action to review the 1987 Constitution, expressing his “unwavering support” for the initiative (see related story on A1 – Editors).

Zubiri also said President Marcos believes the proposed amendments in the people’s initiative -- the third mode under the Constitution to effect Charter change -- were “too divisive.”

In a press conference, Zubiri said he and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda met with Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Jan. 11 before the Vin d’Honneur last week to raise concerns on the proposed amendments contained in the people’s initiative.

Gov’t...

From A1 Valbuena called on President Marcos to retract the looming revocation of unconsolidated franchises.

But Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz said: “We remain firm in our stand to end the consolidation [phase], and we will proceed with the other phases of modernization. This is a 10year phased program that started with consolidation. The second phase will be operationalization.”

Drivers and operators who have not

PH...

From A1 AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said President Marcos issued the order when he presided over the military command conference in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

“He said that we needed to reconfigure our approaches to dealing with different threat groups,” Brawner said.

Brawner said Mr. Marcos did not give specific instructions regarding these matters as the President does not want to micromanage the military organization. strikes following weeks of disruptive rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping.

“The fear in the oil market is that the region is on an unpredictable escalating path, where at some point down the road, supply of oil will indeed in the end be lost,” noted Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB bank.

He noted that if the US-UK attacks were unsuccessful in destroying Huthi weapons, and oil tankers need to go around Africa, then up to 80 million barrels will be locked in transit – sending prices up as much as $5 to $10 per barrel.

The Huthis have carried out a growing number of strikes on vessels in the Red Sea, a key international shipping route since the Gaza war erupted in October. With AFP

House...

From A1

Speaker...

From A1 initiative to file a Resolution of Both Houses of Congress,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He said this resolution using the mode of Constituent Assembly is “a decisive step towards amending

Gov’t steps up fight vs. illegal POGOs THE Department of Justice on Monday said the government plans to strengthen cooperation and collaboration with other countries in the fight against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and related crimes arising from their operations.

“The most important solution or approach is international cooperation. So in 2024, the government plans to strengthen cooperation and collaboration with other countries,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said in a television interview.

“The crimes related to POGOs are vast and we realized in 2023 that this has an international aspect. POGO-related crimes include human trafficking, illegal drugs, sex trafficking, corruption and these take place not only in the Philippines.

We need to go out of the country to catch those behind these crimes,” the DOJ official said. Rey Requejo

Strong...

From A1

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Farmers group calls on Marcos to focus Sandro rallies for 12-man on land reforms amid gov’t lease plans PFP Senate slate in

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize land reforms in the use of government-owned lands, citing concerns about plans to lease large areas to corporations.

In a statement, FFF chairman Leonardo Q. Montemayor said some government agencies appear to be disregarding the Constitutional mandate for agrarian reform and Executive Order (EO) No. 75 issued by former President Duterte in 2019.

Thus, FFF is urging President Marcos to intervene and ensure that agrar-

ian reform remains a priority in the use of government-owned lands.

Montemayor emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in land-use decisions, particularly when considering proposals from large corporations.

“The government must not forget its constitutional obligation to promote

social justice and equity in land distribution. Instead of prioritizing deals with big businesses, the government should focus on empowering small farmers and ensuring their access to productive land,” he said.

The EO requires unclassified public lands and government-owned lands suitable for agriculture to be turned over to the Department of Agrarian Reform for distribution to qualified beneficiaries.

Montemayor’s statement comes amidst plans by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of National Defense (DND), and Department of Justice (DOJ) to lease significant portions of land under their control.

He specifically cited the DENR’s

plan to auction off a million hectares of denuded forests for restoration by private companies seeking carbon credits and investments.

Additionally, he expressed concern about tens of thousands of hectares within government reservations being eyed by agencies like the Philippine Army and the DOJ’s Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) for conversion into plantations and other projects.

As an example, Montemayor pointed to the Kibaritan Military Reservation in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur, where the Philippine Army is considering transforming farmland occupied by Higaonon indigenous and Christian farmers into a “hybrid banana plantation” with investors.

BOC eyes probe on ‘balikbayan’ boxes sold online

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it will investigate the reported selling of unclaimed “balikbayan” boxes online.

The BOC issued the statement after a viral video on social media where a customer showed a balikbayan package he bought for P5,000, which contained imported goods.

BOC Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Fermin clarified that the selling of balikbayan boxes online is covered by a service agreement involving the sender.

The BOC said that as per the agreement, if senders could not pay the cost of shipment and mobilization within two months, they would allow the company to liquidate the balikbayan boxes.

According to the BOC, agreements exist among the sender, the shipper, and the forwarder.

“If the sender fails to comply with the agreed payment, or if the box is not claimed within the specified period, their boxes may be disposed of for liquidation purposes. This falls outside the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs,” the BOC said.

Meanwhile, Fermin said the bureau is investigating the source of the balikbayan boxes that were shown on social media.

He also denied that the BOC were selling balikbayan boxes, saying some cargo companies admitted selling off unclaimed packages that were stored in their warehouses for over a year to online traders for P3,000 to P5,000.

PENTECOSTAL CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (PMCC) - 4th Watch

recently held its International Missionary Day and 15 Home Free Global Crusade, which was attended by 50,000 members at the Quirino Grandstand. Senators Francis Tolentino, JV Ejercito, and Cynthia Villar attended the event to congratulate the religious group and meet with church leaders. Norman Cruz

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Monday the remaining number of active New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents is now “a little over 1,500.”

Brawner, in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, also said this is significantly lower than the estimated 25,000 active NPA fighters from the late 1980s up to early 1990s.

Asked if the AFP is capable of ending the insurgency threat within the year, Brawner said the military “will try to do that.”

In December, the AFP announced that it had dismantled eight NPA

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said the National Coordinating Council on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (NCCOSAEC) will be setting up a hotline for victims and members of their families to voice their complaints.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano stressed that the plan was dis-

cussed by the NCC-OSAEC during its first regular meeting held last December.

“They talked about in their first regular meeting the milestones they want to achieve,” Clavano said.

“Foremost among these is the setting up of a hotline where complaints can be made by the relatives or friends of the victims of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children,” he added.

The DOJ official said through the

hotline, “We can get the pulse of the people.”

“We will see the status of OSAEC in the country and do something about it because the coordinating council is receiving the complaints directly,” he said.

Clavano pointed out that the NCCOSAEC is a new body as he recounted that OSAEC cases were previously handled by the Inter-Agency Council

ILOCOS Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos has called on his party mates in the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) to start fielding a 12-strong Senate slate in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.

Marcos, who serves as the House Senior Deputy Majority Leader, made the appeal during the party’s national directorate meeting held in Malacañang last Jan. 12.

“We all have to work doubletime,” Marcos said in a statement.

“Let’s take it all upon ourselves to take the initiative not just in ensuring the internal affairs of the party are in order; we need to make our presence felt.”

He stressed the need for the PFP, chaired by his father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, to come up with a winning Senate slate that would share the Marcos administration’s advocacies.

For his part, PFP President and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo accepted Rep. Marcos’ challenge and that the party would be able to produce a ‘strong 12 Senate slate’.

PFP Secretary General Thompson Lantion, PFP General Counsel and lawyer George Briones attended the meeting, along with key PFP members, namely Reps. Richard Gomez of Leyte, Florida Robes of San Jose del Monte City, Primicias Aggabas of Pangasinan, Isidro Lumayag of South Catabato, Teody Tarriela of Occidental Mindoro, other delegates from Regions 1 to 13 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Cordillera Administrative Region, attended the PFP meeting.

guerilla fronts in 2023, aside from weakening 14 others in the same year.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also said while the NPA has “zero active guerilla fronts,” there is a need to continue the counterinsurgency efforts to enhance the country’s internal security.

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya meanwhile said the government is now in a better position to make demands once the peace talks with the remaining communist rebels and their allies formally start.

In a radio interview, Malaya also said the government has “leverage” to do this amid the NPA’s weakened state due to focused military operations and dwindling mass base support.

This year’s GTN event was the largest gathering of former political prisoners and activists since the reunions started 15 years ago, organizers said.

Against Trafficking (IACAT).

“We will see the light at the end of the tunnel concerning the problem which spiked during the pandemic),” he said.

“We already saw a lot of cases when the IACAT was still handling OSAEC. All the cases have been endorsed. Hundreds of cases have been endorsed from IACAT Secretariat to the NCC-OSAEC which now has its own executive director,” he added.

Agents nab 128 foreign fugitives in 2023, BI reports

DONATIONS. Students from Tonsuya Elementary School perform a dance

number during a donation ceremony where students receive school kits from the Malabon City local government, led by Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval. (Inset) Officials offer a toast during the blessing of emergency response vehicles donated to the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. Andrew Rabulan

Former political prisoners, activists gather in annual ‘Ganito Tayo Noon’ reunion FORMER political prisoners and activists in a show of solidarity gathered at the annual Ganito Tayo Noon (GTN) reunion at Alpadi Estates in Antipolo City.

By Maricel V. Cruz

DOJ sets up hotline for victims of child abuse, online exploitation

Active communist forces down to ‘a little over 1,500’ — AFP chief

By Vince Lopez

2025 elections

About 120 attended the occasion, happily reuniting and reminiscing about their hard work in promoting social and political change from the early 70s to the

‘GANITO TAYO NOON’ REUNION. Princess Nemenzo, national coordinator of Women’s Health Philippines; Sheila Coronel, 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee; and former Senator Nikki Coseteng huddle at the Ganito Tayo Noon (GTN) meet-up. The GTN is composed of former political prisoners and activists. Teddy Brul

late 80s’.

Among the prominent personalities who joined the occasion were former Bayan Muna congressman Satur Ocampo together his wife Carolina Malay; Anna Maria Nemenzo, national coordinator of Women Health Philippines; former Senator Nikki Coseteng; Nilo Tayag, founding member of the National United Front for the Kingdom of God and Filipinism (NUF-KGF); Sheila Coronel, former academic dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University; Labor leader Nilo dela Cruz; Atty. Arno Sanidad, human rights lawyer; Edicio dela Torre, Atin Ito convenor; Niva Gonzales, marine biologist/environmental specialist; and Atty. Alex Padilla, who sponsored the venue in their Alpadi Estate in Sumulong Highway, Antipolo.

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested 128 foreign fugitives in 2023 who are wanted for various crimes in their homelands.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the foreign fugitives were captured in various operations conducted in different places nationwide where the said foreigners were hiding or have stayed since they arrived in the country.

Nearly all of the captured fugitives were already deported and are already serving time in prison in their respective countries after being convicted of the crimes they allegedly committed.

Tansingco commended the Fugitive and Search Unit (FSU) agents for its accomplishments, saying it sends a signal that the Philippines is not a refuge or sanctuary for foreign criminals who want to evade arrest and prosecution for crimes they committed in their country.

“Our country is off limits to these foreign fugitives. They are not welcome here and there will be no letup in our campaign to hunt and deport them so they could be tried for the criminal cases that were filed against them,” the BI chief declared.

The FSU also reported that 39 South Koreans account for the bulk of the arrested fugitives, followed by 25 Chinese, 15 Vietnamese, 12 Taiwanese, 11 Americans, and 8 Japanese. Vito Barcelo

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PCG ON THE RESCUE. The

DBM releases P30.11b to pay ’23 HEA claims

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday rescued 6 passengers of a distressed motor boat in the waters off Barangay Rizal in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. Strong winds and big waves reportedly damaged the boat’s rudder thereby, requiring a rescue.

PCG Photo

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday said it has released P30.11 billion for the payment of health emergency allowance (HEA) claims of the country’s healthcare and non-healthcare workers in 2023.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the agency will continue to ensure that the country’s healthcare and non-healthcare workers will receive their due benefits and allowances as provided by law.

“Part of the commitment of President Bongbong Marcos is to continuously provide financial support to our healthcare and non-healthcare workers. They deserve all our care and support because when we were the ones who needed them, they risked their lives and safety just to save and care for us,” Pangandaman said.

“As long as the document is complete and we have funds available from our excess revenue collections, we will make sure that the budget for HEA claims is released quickly,” she added.

The P30.11 billion released last year was on top of the P24.19 billion allotment for the Department of Health for the same purpose in 2022 For 2024, a total of P18.96 billion has been allocated under the General Appropriations Act to cover the payment of HEA claims of eligible public and private healthcare and non-healthcare workers. The fund was made available effective last Jan. 1st.

This leaves a balance of P14.88 billion out of the P88.14 billion earmarked for the implementation of the program.

“We will endeavor to release the balance, as well as the unfunded HEA claims of roughly P14 billion to fulfil the commitment of President Bongbong Marcos in his SONA,” Pangandaman said.

136 groups seek Comelec approval as party-list bets in May 2025 polls O

By Vito Barcelo

NE hundred thirty-six organizations are seeking Commission on Elections (Comelec) approval as a party-list entry in the May 2025 elections.

This developed as the Comelec is still evaluating the applications for accreditation of more than 50 other party-list groups eyeing next year’s political exercise.

In a statement, the Comelec said at least 136 existing party-list groups have already filed their applications to participate in the 2025 midterm polls.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the list was not yet final as it will still undergo scrutiny by

the poll body.

The Comelec said there were more than 50 new petitioner-applicants for the party-list, but the poll said that only organizations that have existed for at least one year can qualify.

In the past, party-list wannabes were rejected for failure to prove they had been in existence at least one year before the election.

Those who filed their manifes-

SWERTE - Solo Parent Working for Economic Rights and other Thrusts for Equality, SOLO PARENTS - Solo Parents, 4K - Kababaihan Kabalikatan para sa Kapakanan at Kaunlaran ng Bayan, BH - Bagong Henerasyon Party-list, SENIOR CITIZENS - Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Philippines, KAUNLAD PINOY - Kaisipang Positibo para sa Kaunlaran ng Pilipino, PHILRECA - Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. Party-list, BTS - Bayaning Tsuper Party-list, PEOPLE’S CHAMP - Peoples Champ Guiardians Partylist (Formerly - 1BRO-PGBI), ASENSO PINOY - Asenso Pinoy, PINUNO - Pinatatag na Ugnayan para sa mga Oportunidad sa Pabahay ng Masa.

PNP bolsters law enforcement ability with P485-m new gear

PNP also mum on supposed ICC presence in PH THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is monitoring if investigators of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are already in the Philippines.

At a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they keeping their report on the matter under wraps for the time being.

“We cannot confirm or deny that.

But the PNP is monitoring whatever their efforts or presence here. But as of now, we are keeping such report to ourselves,” he said Acorda made the statement when asked if the PNP has intelligence information that ICC investigators are already in the country.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson, Dana Sandoval earlier refused to comment on the issue, saying they had no official information yet.

On Friday, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano said the Immigration could not verify whether personalities from the ICC have entered the Philippines to look into the bloody anti=drugs campaign under the Duterte administration.

“Upon inquiry with the BI, with Commissioner Norman Tansingco himself, they could not verify whether members of the ICC have entered the country,” Clavano said in an ambush interview. Vince Lopez

tation of intent to participate in the forthcoming political exercise were the ILOCANO DEFENDERS - Ilocano Defenders Inc., AKAY NI SOL - Akay ni Solusyon Organisasyon at Laban, PBP - Partido sa Bag-ong Pilipino, FPJ PANDAY BAYANIHAN - FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist, UNITED SENIOR CITIZENS - United Senior Citizens Koalition ng Pilipinas Inc., KM Ngayon Na - Kilos Mamamayan Ngayon Na, MAGSASAKAMagkakasama sa Sakahan Kaunlaran, ABONO - Abono Party-list, AKO PADAYON - Ako Padayon Pilipino PartyList, APEC - Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives, BBM - Bangon Bagong Minero,

By Vince Lopez

SAN JUAN RIVER REHAB PLAN. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. , Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes, Metro Manila Council president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora present the rehabilitation plan for the easements of the San Juan River in Barangay Batis, San Juan City. The project aims to enhance the implementation of government initiatives such as the development of a linear park with the application of Nature-Based Solution concepts. Manny Palmero

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired some P485 million worth of firearms and mobility and protection equipment in line with its modernization program.

PNP director for logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes said the new equipment were procured under the PNP’s capability enhancement program in 2021 to 2023.

During Monday’s blessing rites, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., presented the newly purchased equipment including 3,243 striker-fired 9mm pistols worth P61.4 million, 406 pieces of automated night vision worth more than P121 million, and 2,648 all-purpose tactical vests worth over P113 million.

The PNP also acquired 11 light 150 cc

motorcycles worth P1.57 million and five 650 cc heavy motorcycles and 143 single cab patrol jeepneys worth over P175 million.

“Yung transportation natin halos sa tingin ko 80 percent na yung last report na nababasa ko, 80 to 90 percent yung kumbaga objective natin na nako-comply na natin. Ang pinagpapasalamat ko is the LGUs (local government units) are also doing their part and malaking bagay yung support nila (Regarding our transportation, I think the last report I read is almost 80 percent. Eighty to 90 percent is our objective that we have already complied with. What I am grateful for is the LGUs (local government units) are also doing their part and their support is a big thing),” Acorda said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

PNP sacks police officer who fired gun during bar row Acorda alarmed THE police officer who had been charged with firing his handgun during a confrontation with another customer in a bar in Quezon City last November has been dismissed from the service, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said on Monday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Acorda said he had signed the dismissal order on Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong for alleged indiscriminate firing of his weapon.

“It is his right to appeal but based on the provisions of existing policies, the decision is executory, meaning while

he may render his appeal or submit his appeal, but the decision should stand.

He is dismissed from the service. With regard to benefits if you are dismissed, you are not entitled to benefits,” he said.

Abong was a member of the PNP under the Legal Service department who was arrested in November last year for firing his gun outside a Quezon City bar.

Abong grabbed a waiter by the necktie as he argued with a customer outside the establishment in Barangay Laging Handa, according to the police report.

The establishment’s manager said Abong fired his handgun twice outside

the joint.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) earlier filed charges of illegal discharge of firearms, alarm and scandal, and violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the Omnibus Election code, as well as physical injury and slander by deed against Abong.

Last November, the Department of the Interior and Local Government junked the appeal of Abong who has been ordered dismissed by the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board for his involvement in the hit-and-run case. Vince Lopez

Delay of 30% hike in PHIC benefits hit

By Maricel V. Cruz

NEW COAST GUARD CHIEF. Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista presides over the assumption of the newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief Rear Admiral Genito Basilio. PCG photo

AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has reiterated his call to immediately apply the 30 percent across-the-board increases in health benefits being offered by the government-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), saying that any delay in implementing such benefit is an injustice to the people.

“Nalulungkot at nadidismay a po tayo na mukhang mauuna pang maipatupad ang dagdag na singil sa premium ng PhilHealth doon sa matagal na nating panawagan na 30 percent increase sa lahat ng benefit packages and coverage ng ahensya

(We are saddened and dismayed that implementation of the increase in PhilHealth premium would take precedence over the 30 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits),” Lee said.

“Habang pinatatagal ang pagpapatupad ng hinihingi nating increase, marami ang pinipiling tiisin na lang ang karamdaman kaysa magpagamot at marami din ang di-magkandaugaga sa pag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital (While they prolong implementation of the increase in benefits, several patients opt to just suffer their sickness while others are at a loss on where to get the money pay their hospital bills),” he said in Filipino.

over loss of docs on erring cops

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has expressed concerns over the loss of some case folders of policemen in the National Capital Region Police office (NCRPO) who are facing charges.

According to Acorda, it’s possible that it’s not just the NCRPO that has a missing case folder, so he’s asking the regional directors to investigate it thoroughly.

“That’s alarming. I’m encouraging all other regions to review and check on their systems and records if there are similar incidents,” said Acorda.

General Acorda further warned that personnel who hide and neglect the case files of the police who have criminal and administrative charges will be held accountable.

“If there is evidence that somehow states that there is negligence on the part of these record holders, those who are supposed to keep the records definitely there will be sanctions that can be imposed on them,” he said.

It will be remembered that last Friday, NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez discovered that there were some missing police case folders in the NCRPO with a pending case while he allegedly forged his signature. Vince Lopez

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OPINION

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

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

To The Point Emil P. Jurado

Rehabilitated and modernized NAIA AMIDST all the threats and challenges the Marcos administration has to contend with this year 2024, the people at least have something to look forward to — the rehabilitation and modernization of the aging and jurassic and heavily congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The airport has earned not so flattering label among travelers worldwide as one of the worst airports they have been through.

Santa Banana, most recently , a travel magazine described the NAIA as the most depressing international airport in Southeast Asia.

With the prospect of NAIA being rehabilitated and modernized, people who travel so often, most importantly business men and foreigners, especially prospective foreign investors, can look forward to an international gateway that could compare with the best and most modern airports in the region.

—“—

With Ramon Ang’s San Miguel, Filipinos can look forward to finally having an international gateway they can be truly proud of

Being a journalist, every time I would travel and pass through NAIA, my heart would sink as I recalled traveling through the best and most modern airports, like Singapore, Malaysia, and especially Hong Kong, Seoul and Narita in Japan, and, of course, through the United States and Europe and the Middle East.

Last year 2023, a combination of the most respected tycoons and conglomerates had submitted to the government an unsolicited offer of P267 billion to rehabilitate and modernize NAI. But the Department of Transportation preferred a solicited bidding and went through the NEDA or National Economic and Development Authority, which offered what is called PPP or a Private-Public Partnership Program at P170.6 billion competitive bidding.

On the last day of submission of bids, the offers of four bidders composed of the following were accepted. Manila International Airport Consortium, Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airports Consortium

and SMC SAP & Co. Consortium.

Composing Miac are Aboitiz InfraCapital IncAC Infrastructure Holding Corp. of the Ayalas, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp, Alliance Global-Infracorp Development Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan, Filinvest Development Corp of the Gotianun family, JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp of the Gokongweis and Global Infrastructure Partners.

The Asian Airport Consortium is led by a construction firm based in Taguig City, the Asian Infrastructure and Management Corp.

Other members include diversified conglomerate Cosco Capital Inc., logistics company Philippine Skylanders International Inc., and PT Angkasa Pura II, an Indonesian airport operator.

The members of the GMR Airports Consortium have been involved in airport development and management.

GMR Airports International BV is part of the group operating the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. House of Investments Inc. of the Yuchengco family and Cavitex Holdings are members of the consortium who got the $11 billion Sangley Point International Airport project.

San Miguel Holdings Corp. of Ramon Ang is the lead member of the SMC SAP & Co. Consortium.

SMC Holdings Corp. is developing the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

The following local companies are members of the consortium: RWL Aviation Development Inc. and RMM Asian Logistics Inc., and Korean airport operator Incheon International Airport Corp, which previously bought bidding documents on its own.

Inside reports have told me that the DOTr is inclined to give the award to Ramon S., Ang’s San Miguel for the following: First, San Miguel is now building the P750 billion New Manila International Airport with four runways, complete with an expressway that will connect it to Metro Manila, and as such, San Miguel can also build expressways that can have easy access the new NAIA. Together with the P750 billion Bulacan airport, they can provide a synergy.

The same insiders told me San Miguel can easily add more runways for NAIA to prevent congestion on the entry and departure of flights.

The ongoing construction of the New Manila International airport in Bulacan has been called a “Game Changer.”

If my inside reports are true, with Ramon Ang’s San Miguel, Filipinos can look forward to finally having an international gateway they can be truly proud of, one of the best and most modern airports of the world.

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

DepEd’s horror show IN THE chilling aftermath of the recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, the ominous clouds of incompetence loom over the Department of Education (DepEd) like malevolent specters, haunting the future of Filipino students.

President Marcos, with a tone akin to a stern master demanding better from his lackeys, has ordered DepEd to remedy the abysmal state of our education system.

Little do we realize that this is just another act in the twisted play orchestrated by the negligent overseers of our children’s academic fate.

The PISA results paint a grim portrait of our educational landscape, where Filipino students, shackled by the chains of an inept system, find themselves lagging five to six years behind their global counterparts.

DepEd’s Undersecretary for curriculum and teaching, Gina Gonong, tries to downplay the gravity of the situation, but the cold, hard truth remains – our students are victims of an educational horror show, with DepEd playing the lead antagonist.

As we delve into the dark corridors of DepEd’s failings, the announcement of “Catch-Up Fridays” seems like a feeble attempt to bandage a festering wound.

The lack of emphasis on grading may cloak the inadequacies, but it’s nothing more than a cheap illusion, a smokescreen veiling the real issues.

The eerie resonance of DepEd’s old programs like Read-a-Thon and DEAR only echoes the lack of innovation, a refusal to confront the harrowing reality that we are stuck in a time warp of educational mediocrity.

The twisted mind of DepEd reveals itself further with the revelation of an improved hotline for child abuse, as if a shiny trinket could distract us from the broader negligence.

The horrifying truth is that bullying, digital device use, language barriers at home, and teacher specialization are just symptoms of a deeper malaise, a disease that gnaws at the roots of our education system.

—“—

We must insist on a radical overhaul of the educational system, one that addresses the root causes of our students’ despair

DepEd’s feeble attempts at addressing bullying demonstrate their ignorance of the true horrors afflicting our schools.

The child abuse hotline, with its cosmetic changes, is a mere Band-Aid on a gaping wound.

The malevolent forces that breed bullying and abuse within our educational institutions are left unchecked, lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at the heart of our students’ well-being.

As the protagonists in this spinechilling tale, we must not be mere spectators to this ghastly spectacle. The

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EDITORIAL

El Niño challenge

T

HE El Niño phenomenon, the climate pattern that refers to the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is in effect in the Philippines.

terized by a rainfall condition below normal for five consecutive months or the reduction in the rainfall is about 41 to 80 percent compared to the normal rainfall data of a particular month.

—“—

Weather experts now say climate change is ‘the biggest challenge that humanity faces’

PAGASA, or the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, which provides weather forecasts and tropical cyclone warnings, f lood bulletins and advisories, hydrological, and climatological farm forecasts, has said El Niño may take place until May and transition to El Niño Southern Oscillation-neutral until June.

North of Manila, the public has been advised to conserve water since the dry spell already affecting several provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region is expected to last until April.

The region’s El Niño Task Force said Abra, Ifugao, and Mountain Province are already in a dry spell while Benguet, Kalinga and Apayao are expected to experience drought later this month.

A dry spell means below-normal rainfall conditions for three consecutive months while drought is charac-

Weather authorities noted while parts of the region are in a drought condition, the high elevation of the region adds to the effects of the northeast monsoon, which gives a colder temperature in several towns and provinces.

Baguio City recorded the lowest temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius around 5 a.m. on Jan. 11.

Because of the dry spell, the El Niño Task Force has advised the public as well as the farmers to conserve and reuse water.

The task force also suggested several measures to address the situation and these include the installation of rainwater harvester.

The WMO’s new secretary-general

Good Charter change

Eagle Eyes Tony La Viña

CHARTER Change is now an all too familiar refrain.

The pattern is eerily recognizable: Proponents, usually with the tacit or explicit support of the current dispensation, would float the idea and test its acceptability and take initial steps to prosecute a plan of action.

The political opposition and civil societies, emboldened by a supportive public opinion, would then mount countermoves to oppose the initiative, causing enough political heat to force the proponents to backtrack, and wait for the next opportune time to reintroduce the issue.

Indeed, this week and in the weeks (maybe months) to come, mass actions are being organized to defeat the latest attempt to change the Constitution, once again through the initiative route.

Constitutional reforms are overdue.

The crises the country has been experiencing over the last several decades have highlighted the bankruptcy of our political system.

A radical overhaul of our political economy, government structures, electoral system and patterns of interaction between international, national and local entities have to be made in order to put some forward inertia to our stagnating political and economic conditions.

There is an urgent need to find solutions to mass poverty, corruption, the insurgency, and a host of other concerns.

Changing the Constitution, while not the panacea to our problems, can be helpful in finding the right approaches.

A priority is a Constitutional prohibition on political dynasties.

The 1987 Constitution has such a provision but made it subject to Congress to enact a law implementing it.

Unfortunately, Charter change attempts are met with suspicion by the public.

The perception is that these attempts are but a smokescreen to extend presidential, congressional, and local officials.

Be that as it may, the political struggle

over Charter change should be seen in its broader context; not to dwell so much on a myopic view of the whole drama, that is, treating it solely as a challenge to the present government but rather on its more important aspect – the proposed changes.

Filipino public, armed with the knowledge that it is their hard-earned money funding this educational nightmare, must rise as vigilant guardians of their children’s future.

We cannot allow DepEd’s maleficent influence to cast a perpetual gloom over our students’ aspirations and dreams.

It is time to demand more than feeble attempts at improvement.

We must insist on a radical overhaul of

the educational system, one that addresses the root causes of our students’ despair.

The curriculum must be revamped to foster critical thinking and innovation.

Teachers, the unsung heroes of this saga, must be adequately supported and motivated.

The shackles of outdated programs must be shattered, making way for a new era of educational enlightenment.

In this atrocious public performance,

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

Celeste Saulo warned El Nino, which emerged mid-2023, is likely to turn up the heat even further in 2024.

The naturally-occurring climate pattern, typically associated with increased heat worldwide, usually increases global temperatures in the year after it develops.

The 2015 Paris climate accords aimed to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — and 1.5C if possible.

The Geneva-based World meteorological Organization said the 2023 annual average global temperature was 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) — though one of the six datasets it relies on, the non-profit research organization Berkeley Earth, placed the figure as high as 1.54C. The WMO’s new secretary-general Celeste Saulo warned that El Nino, which emerged mid-2023, is likely to turn up the heat even further in 2024.

The Washington, DC-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the 2023 global surface temperature was 1.18C above the 20th-century average, and was hotter than the next warmest year, 2016, by a record-setting margin of 0.15C. Weather experts now say climate change is “the biggest challenge that humanity faces.”

—“—

The root of the continuing political friction is the universal distrust over a dysfunctional system; over the present leadership and over politicians in general

The primordial issues then are: whether to shift from presidential to parliamentary, unitary or federal or something in between (greater local autonomy in a system where power is truly decentralized), to open up the economy to foreign investments by removing the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution (which I think is not a yes/no proposition but something that should addressed strategically given the challenges of globalization), etc.

We also need to expand our Bill of Rights to make basic human rights demandable, such as the right to environmental and climate justice, the right to a living wage, the rights of basic sectors like workers, peasants, indigenous peoples, urban, poor,

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

women, LGBTQ, etc.

Given such big issues, a Constitutional Convention is the better road to change -one that is multisectoral in representation; comprising of elected delegates not saddled with political interests and credibility problems; not beholden to the executive and independent from outside influence and vested interests.

Many arguments and counter arguments have been advanced in support or against the different modes of changing the Constitution.

The choice is between expediency and cost on one hand and credibility and guarantee against political interests on the other.

The benefits the country will derive from a responsive and credible Constitution are immense compared to the disadvantages that will accrue from a half-baked, hastily written Constitution that does not inspire confidence.

In this respect, a Constitutional Convention is better than a Constituent Assembly.

As I have written before, the root of the continuing political friction is the universal distrust over a dysfunctional system; over the present leadership and over politicians in general.

More than the concerns for the costs, there is therefore a need to restore credibility.

The credibility of the Constitutional process and the resultant systems it will create will determine not only the here and now, but the direction of this country for years to come.

The ultimate objective of constitutional change is not to gratify the political ambitions of the few and perpetuate an oppressive system but to address and rectify once and for all the structural problems of the society.

The goal is to bring about prosperity, peace, sustainability, and justice.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook and X: tonylavs

we must confront the darkness that threatens to engulf our educational system.

Let us not be passive spectators in this horror story but rather active participants, demanding accountability and transparency from DepEd. The shadows of neglect must be dispelled, and the light of quality education must pierce through the gloom, guiding our students towards a brighter and more promising future.

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

B2

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China ‘firmly opposed’ to all US-Taiwan official ties

EIJING—China on Monday said it was “firmly opposed” to all official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, as the self-ruled island’s president-elect Lai Ching-te welcomed an American delegation following his election victory.

B

“China has always firmly opposed any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, and resolutely rebutted the United States for interfering in Taiwan’s affairs in any way and under any pretext,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference.

China regards democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day bring it under its control, by force if necessary.

It does not keep diplomatic relations with countries that formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state.

Washington has maintained that the delegation to Taipei is unofficial and part of standard protocol.

The group includes a former US national security adviser and a former deputy secretary of state, and was led by the chair of the American Institute of Taiwan—the de facto US embassy for the island.

“We urge the US to recognize the extreme complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, earnestly abide by the one-China principle... and reaffirm US leaders’ repeated statements that it does not support Taiwan independence, ‘two Chinas,’ or ‘one China, one Taiwan’,” Mao said.

Washington should “follow through

on its commitments on Taiwan, not seek to use the Taiwan issue as a tool to contain China... and not send any wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces,” she added.

Voters in Taiwan handed Lai, the independence-leaning leader of the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party, a comfortable election victory.

Mao said Monday the poll was “a local affair of China.”

Earlier on, Lai Ching-te on Monday hailed the island’s “solid partnership” with the United States, as he welcomed a delegation from Washington making a post-election visit expected to anger Beijing.

The unofficial delegation was sent by US President Joe Biden’s administration to meet senior politicians including current President Tsai Ing-wen and Lai, who won Saturday’s poll.

Voters on the self-ruled island defied Beijing’s repeated calls not to elect Lai, whom it condemned as a dangerous separatist who would take Taiwan down the “evil path” of independence.

Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory and has never renounced force to bring it under its control, insisted that the vote did not change the fact the island was part of China. AFP

ANTI-WAR RALLYISTS. Peace protesters gather in front of the gates of the Royal Air Force Akrotiri base, a British overseas territory near the Cypriot coastal city of Limassol, as they rally against its alleged use to supply Israel’s war in Gaza, a claim denied by Britain, on Jan 14, 2024. The march, which started outside Britain’s Akrotiri military base, was organized by the Cyprus Peace Council and supported by the leftist opposition party AKEL and the activist group United For Palestine. The British news website Declassified UK has charged that dozens of British and US military aircraft took off from Akrotiri to Tel Aviv in October. AFP

North Korea says it test-fired hypersonic missile SEOUL—North Korea said Monday it had successfully test-fired a new ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic maneuverable warhead, the latest breakthrough in its pursuit of advanced weaponry to threaten South Korean and US targets.

The launch, Pyongyang’s first known weapons test this year and its first ever test of a solid-fuel hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), was detected by Seoul’s military Sunday afternoon.

A short report in the official Korean Central News Agency said that the solid-fuel IRMB was “loaded with a hypersonic maneuverable controlled warhead.”

The test was meant to verify “the gliding and maneuvering characteristics” of the warhead and the “reliability of newly developed multi-stage highthrust solid-fuel engines,” KCNA said.

KCNA said that Sunday’s launch “never affected the security of any neighboring country and had nothing to do with the regional situation”.

But it came just days after Pyongyang staged live-fire exercises near the country’s tense maritime border with South Korea, which prompted counter-exercises and evacuation orders for some South Korean border islands.

It also comes after Kim last week branded Seoul his “principal enemy” and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate South Korea, as he toured major weapons factories.

Seoul’s defense ministry condemned the launch, saying it would carry out an “overwhelming response” if North Korea conducted “a direct provocation” against the South.

“This behaviour by North Korea is a clear provocation that violates UN Se-

Ecuador regains prisons after hostages freed QUITO, Ecuador—Ecuador’s security forces on Sunday (Monday in Manila) took back control of several prisons that had fallen into the hands of gang members, after securing the release of more than 200 officials held hostage inside the jails.

The country’s simmering security crisis erupted last week as the government and powerful narco gangs declared all-out war on each other, after the prison escape of a dangerous drug lord.

Inmates rioted in jails where gangs wield outsize control, taking prison guards and administrative workers hostage, while on the streets a wave of violence has left 19 people dead.

Unverified images on social media of looting, brutal murders and other attacks have struck terror into the population.

On Sunday the army shared videos of prison walls being blown up, and declared “total control” of a prison in the city of Cuenca where 61 employees had been held hostage, according to the mayor.

They also shared images of hundreds of cowed inmates, shirtless and barefoot, lying on the ground at several prisons.

“We have resumed control of six centers” and are busy taking control of a final prison in Cotopaxi, which has seen brutal massacres in recent years, General Pablo Velasco told Caracol TV. Authorities announced the release of 201 prison guards and administrative officials, from prisons across seven provinces.

President Daniel Noboa celebrated the releases in a post on X, the former Twitter.

“Congratulations to the patriotic, professional and courageous work of the armed forces, national police and the SNAI... for achieving the release of the prison guards and administrative staff held in the detention centers of Azuay, Canar, Esmeraldas, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, El Oro and Loja,” he wrote. AFP

curity Council resolutions banning the use of ballistic missile technology, and we issue a stern warning and strongly urge it to stop immediately,” it added in a statement.

Solid-fuel missiles are easier to hide and quicker to fire, and hypersonic missiles typically allow the user to maneuver them in flight to better hit targets.

Both technologies have long been on Kim’s list of objectives.

“North Korea appears to be pursuing the development of hypersonic missiles and IRBMs using solid-fuel rocket boosters at the same time,” said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.

“Mid- to long-range hypersonic missiles will be particularly useful in striking Guam while evading the US missile defense system,” he added. AFP

Poll heats up as frigid Iowa tests Trump

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY. Lava explosions and billowing smoke are seen near residential buildings in the southwestern Icelandic

town of Grindavik after a volcanic eruption on Jan 14, 2024. Seismic activity had intensified overnight and residents of Grindavik were evacuated, Icelandic public broadcaster RUV reported. This is Iceland’s fifth volcanic eruption in two years, the previous one occurring on Dec 18, 2023 in the same region southwest of the capital Reykjavik. Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe. AFP

Reunion Island on highest alert as devastating storm approaches SAINT-DENIS De La Reunion, France—Hundreds of thousands of people on France’s Reunion Island were confined to their homes Monday, as authorities issued the highest alert for a potentially devastating storm.

Cyclone Belal was expected to barrel directly into the French Indian Ocean island on Monday, as it moved in from the northwest packing “extreme winds,” according to the MeteoFrance forecast.

“The eye of the storm will directly cross over the island,” the meteorological service said in its latest public bulletin.

“Belal is not, however, expected to become an intense tropical cyclone.”

In preparation for gusty winds that could exceed 250 kilometers per hour in the highlands, authorities hoisted the violet-level alert, indicating imminent danger, at 6:00 am, putting all 870,000 inhabitants, including the emergency services, on strict lockdown.

“All circulation is formally prohibited for any reason whatsoever, and until further notice,” the official statement said.

Authorities urged islanders to stock up on food and water and stay indoors

for 36 hours.

Expecting waves up to 13-15 meters high, the entire coastline was put on alert.

Many balconies and gardens had been cleared of any objects that could be carried away or broken, and shopkeepers took in removable signs.

“We are not going to play heroes, we were told to stay at home,” said Jules Dafreville, who lives in the capital Saint-Denis.

“I returned in the middle of the afternoon and I don’t plan to come out before... Tuesday morning.” AFP

DES MOINES—Voters venture into sub-zero temperatures Monday (Tuesday in Manila) to kick off the US Republican presidential nomination race with the Iowa caucuses, the first major test of whether front-runner Donald Trump can beat out rivals Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.

With a commanding lead in polls, the ex-president is expected to win the Midwestern state’s first-in-the-nation vote handily as he bids to be the Republican standard-bearer against President Joe Biden in November.

But Iowans may have to contend with the coldest conditions in the modern era of presidential election campaigns, with blizzards and a potential wind chill in some areas of -42 degrees Celsius—potentially throttling turnout.

Trump, Haley and DeSantis were all forced to cancel appearances in the home stretch of campaigning.

“Dress warmly tomorrow,” Trump said at a campaign event Sunday in Indianola, just south of capital Des Moines, coming on the heels of him having to scrap three weekend rallies. “Brave the weather, go out, and save America.”

“Together we’re going to make history—but you have to show up,” he later said in a video on his Truth social media site. AFP

US: Texas guard blocked bid to rescue migrants crossing Rio Grande river

MEMORIAL FOR SOLDIERS. French newly appointed Foreign and European Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne (center) and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (right) lay flowers as they visit ‘The Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine’ —a memorial for Ukrainian soldiers, in downtown Kyiv, on Jan 13, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

WASHINGTON, DC—The Biden administration on Sunday (Monday in Manila) denounced what it said was “dangerous” obstruction by Texas authorities, after three migrants drowned while attempting to cross the Rio Grande from Mexico in disputed circumstances.

“On Friday night, a woman and two children drowned near Eagle Pass, and Texas officials blocked US Border Patrol from attempting to provide emergency assistance,” said a statement from White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez.

It continued: “While we continue to gather facts about the circumstances of

these tragic deaths, one thing is clear: Governor Abbott’s political stunts are cruel, inhumane, and dangerous. US Border Patrol must have access to the border to enforce our laws.”

The Texas Military Department pushed back later Sunday, describing the accusation that TMD officers prevented federal agents from saving lives as “wholly inaccurate.”

The White House has been locked in a legal struggle with Republican Governor Greg Abbott, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and a fierce critic of the Biden administration’s migration policies. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com URBAN GARDEN.

San Miguel Corp. chairman Ramon Ang visits the company’s Backyard Bukid project, which the company started during the pandemic in its head office complex in Mandaluyong City. The farm now grows 36 types of vegetables and flowers and provides extra income to service staff.

China’s 2023 GDP growth seen weakest in decades BEIJING—China’s economy likely grew at its weakest annual rate for more than three decades in 2023, data is expected to show Wednesday, as it was battered by a crippling property crisis, sluggish consumption and global uncertainties.

A group of ten experts interviewed

by AFP forecast China’s gross domestic product (GDP) to have expanded 5.2 percent, which would represent the lowest rate since 1990, outside of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The reading would be an improvement on the three percent seen in 2022, though that year saw business activity hammered by tight health curbs designed to contain the virus.

After lifting the measures, Beijing set itself a growth target of “around five percent” for 2023.

The return of normal life initially sparked a recovery at the start of last

year but the long-awaited rebound soon ran out of steam as a lack of confidence among households and businesses battered consumption.

An intractable real estate crisis, record youth unemployment and a global slowdown are also gumming the gears of the Chinese growth engine.

“The main challenge for China’s economic recovery still stems from the property sector,” said Jing Liu, chief economist for Greater China at HSBC. The property sector has long accounted for around a quarter of China’s economy.

It experienced dazzling growth for two decades, but financial woes at major firms such as Evergrande and Country Garden are now fueling buyer mistrust, against a backdrop of unfinished housing developments and falling prices. AFP

AI seen to affect 60% of advanced economy jobs ASHINGTON, United States—Artificial intelligence (AI) will impact 60 percent of jobs in advanced economies, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told AFP, shortly before departing for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

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“Advanced economies, some emerging markets, are going to see 60 percent of their jobs impacted,” she said in an interview in Washington, citing an International Monetary

Fund report published Sunday on the topic.

“And then it goes down to 40 percent, for emerging markets, 26 percent for low-income countries,” she added,

referencing the IMF report, which notes that overall, almost 40 percent of global employment is exposed to AI. The IMF report notes that half of the jobs impacted by AI will be negatively affected, while the rest may actually benefit from enhanced productivity gains due to AI. “Your job may disappear altogether —not good—or artificial intelligence may enhance your job, so you actually will be more productive and your

income level may go up,” Georgieva told AFP. While AI will initially have a lower impact on emerging markets and developing economies, they are also less likely to benefit from the advantages of the novel technology, according to the IMF. “This could exacerbate the digital divide and cross-country income disparity,” the report continued, adding that older workers are likely to be more vulnerable to the change brought about by AI.

PSALM set to turn over Casecnan plant in February

PH stocks climb on softer US price data, Fed rate cuts

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Philippine stock market sustained its upward momentum on Monday, lifted by uptrend in Asian equities.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index went up by 37.27 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 6,680.45, while the broader all-shares index climbed 17.16 points, or 0.49 percent, to finish at 3,523.77.

“The index sustained last week’s positive momentum as it closed higher on the back of softer than expected US December producer price data and increasing market bets that Federal Reserve will start cutting its policy are in March,” China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said.

All sectoral indices ended in the green, led by mining and oil, services and conglomerates.

Value turnover reached P4.94 billion.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Monday as traders weighed US inflation data that revived hopes for an early interest rate cut, but gains were tempered by geopolitical worries after fresh US-UK strikes on Huthi targets in Yemen.

The new raids on the Iran-backed rebels came after they threatened further attacks on Red Sea shipping in response to similar moves by Western forces on Friday.

The developments sent oil prices surging around four percent Friday before the gains were pared as traders eyed a pick-up in non-OPEC production and signs of a slowing global economy. Both main contracts fluctuated within a tight range Monday.

However, there are worries that the crisis, which comes as Israel continues its war with Hamas in Gaza, could erupt into a regional conflict that would likely hammer trade routes and send crude soaring past $100.

Bloomberg reported that several oil tanker owners with more than 350 vessels had paused journeys through the Red Sea, with more likely to follow as Western forces warn ships to stay away.

The prospect of a wider conflagration sending energy prices up fanned worries that inflation could bounce back -- after falling through last year to the point where central banks are considering cutting interest rates.

With AFP

The IMF sees an important opportunity for policy prescriptions to help address these concerns, Georgieva told AFP. “We must focus on helping low-income countries in particular to move faster to be able to catch the opportunities that artificial intelligence will present,” she said.

“In other words, embrace it, it is coming,” she added. “So artificial intelligence, yes, a little scary. But it is also a tremendous opportunity for everyone.” AFP

By Alena Mae S. Flores

EASIER TAX PAYMENT. Residents of General Trias, Cavite now pay their taxes conveniently at the City Treasurer’s Office Tax Payment Center at the General Trias Cultural and Convention Center in Barangay Sampalucan. The local government led by Mayor Luis ‘Ferrer IV launched the Electronic Business One Stop Shop or E-BOSS for the convenience of taxpayers. Dennis Abrina

Epson first Japanese manufacturer to transition to 100% RE SEIKO Epson Corp. said Monday all electricity used at it sites around the globe comes from renewable sources, making it the first in the domestic manufacturing industry to complete the transition to renewable electricity.

The Epson Group consumes about 876 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually.

It said that by sourcing renewables to meet its demand, the group expects to reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tons.

Epson committed to becoming carbon negative and underground resource-free in its Environmental Vision 2050.

The use of renewable electricity is key to reaching its goal of achieving de-

carbonization, the company said.

Epson declared in March 2021 that it would switch to 100-percent renewable electricity to meet the electricity needs at all Epson Group sites around the world by 2023.

The switch was completed in Japan in November 2021. The global switch to renewable electricity was completed on schedule in December 2023.

Epson said it would also promote the broader adoption of renewable energy which includes generating more of its own power and supporting the development of new power sources through co-creation.

It will reduce the amount of energy associated with production processes

and products as well as pursue further advances in resource circulation to attain the goal of becoming carbon negative, the company said.

“For the past eight decades, Epson has demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental action. We have maintained the founder’s commitment to preserving the cleanliness of nearby Lake Suwa and became the world’s first company to eliminate CFCs from our manufacturing processes. Now we have successfully completed the switch to 100% renewable electricity at all Epson Group sites in just two years and 10 months since declaring our commitment to doing so in 2021,” said Epson Global president Yasunori Ogawa.

STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) expects to turn over the 165- megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant (CHEPP) to winning bidder Fresh River Lakes Corp. of the Lopez Group in February.

PSALM president Dennis de la Serna said Monday they were waiting for the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission on the sale of CHEPP to First Gen Corp.’s subsidiary.

“PCC approval, we expect this January,” de la Serna said.

PSALM previously targeted to turn over the facility to Fresh River in December.

Fresh River offered the highest bid for CHEPP amounting to $526 million and was issued the notice of award by PSALM in May last year.

First Gen signed term loan agreements with BDO Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands as lenders for a P20-billion loan last year for its funding requirements, including the CHEPP acquisition.

“The fresh financing will be used to fund the acquisition of CHEPP, which is vital to our transition towards a decarbonized and regenerative future,” First Gen chief financial officer Emmanuel Singson said earlier.

Gatchalian wants full implementation of EVOSS to attract green investments SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian said Monday a comprehensive implementation of the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) system will attract more renewable energy (RE) investments and bodes well with the government’s thrust towards cleaner energy.

Gatchalian said in a statement the law has yet to be fully implemented, as the completion rate stood at 85 percent since it was enacted in 2019, based on the November 2023 data of the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The environmental and economic benefits that we can derive from using renewable energy are enormous. Aside from generating cleaner energy, renew-

able fuels would diversify our energy supply and would significantly reduce our dependence on imports. This is why we pushed for the enactment of the EVOSS because the country will greatly benefit from this,” he said.

Gatchalian made the statement as he renewed calls on the DOE to fully roll out the EVOSS system that is expected to make it easier for prospective investors to develop RE projects in the country.

The Bureau of Investments (BOI) recently said more RE projects including the manufacturing of equipment for RE projects are in the pipeline this year.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

FLOOD CONTROL. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

completes the construction of a revetment structure to prevent the overflow of Alamínos River in Barangay Pogo, Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The project provides the farming communities with a resilient barrier against the river’s surges, mitigating the risk of flood during prolonged rainstorms and intense typhoons. Constructed at a cost of P72.37 million, the project safeguards extensive agricultural lands surrounding the Alaminos River.

BUSINESS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

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

PAGCOR posted record revenues in 2023 on gaming sector’s recovery

By Jenniffer B. Austria STATE-OWNED Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said Monday it generated record gross gaming revenues (GGR) of P285.27 billion in 2023 on the back of the sector’s strong recovery from the pandemic.

PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said the 2023 GGR was 11.2 percent higher than the previous record of P256.49 billion registered in 2019.

“Our 2023 results exceeded even our most optimistic projections, and it proves beyond doubt that the Philippine gaming industry has fully recovered and is now poised for sustained growth in the me-

dium- to long-term,” Tengco said in an interview with reporters in Makati City.

Tengco said that as the outlook for gaming this year remained positive, the GGR for 2024 is expected to reach P336.38 billion, driven by both landbased and e-gaming casinos.

“We are projecting that our licensed casinos from the Entertainment City, Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu and the Fiesta Casinos in Rizal and Poro Point will contribute as much as P256.63 billion to our 2024 GGR,” he said.

Tengco said e-casinos, e-bingo, sports betting and specialty games are projected to contribute P61.75 billion in 2024 and should be the fastest-growing sector in the next few years.

NEW DOF CHIEF. Former Finance Secretary and now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board (MB) member Benjamin Diokno (right) turns over the Department of Finance (DOF) leadership to newlyappointed Secretary Ralph Recto in a ceremony on Jan.15, 2024 at the DOF Office in Manila. The turnover ceremony was followed by a series of briefings for Recto, led by the heads of DOF offices. He is also scheduled to have briefings with heads of the DOF attached agencies and bureaus throughout the week.

November remittances grew 2.8% to $2.7b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ASH remittances from Filipinos working overseas went up by 2.8 percent in November 2023 to $2.7 billion from $2.6 billion in the same month of 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

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“The growth in cash remittances in November 2023 was primarily due to increased receipts from both land- and sea-based workers,” the BSP said in a statement.

Data showed that in the first 11 months of 2023, cash remittances amounted to $30.2 billion, higher by 2.8 percent than

$29.4 billion a year earlier.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said a single-digit, modest growth in remittances was expected in the coming months, as OFW families and dependents needed to cope up with relatively Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. higher consumer prices. chief economist Michael Ricafort

Ricafort warned that the risk of economic slowdown or even recession in the US partly due to aggressive Fed rate hikes since March 2022 would be a drag on OFW remittances especially if there would be job losses. The US is the biggest source of remittances in the Philippines.

Data showed that including non-cash items, personal remittances also rose 2.9 percent in November to $3 billion from $2.9 billion in the same period in 2022.

“The growth in personal remittances during the month was driven by increased remittances from land-based

PAL still bullish on 2024 outlook, recruiting more pilots, cabin crew

DOTr finds technical proposals of four NAIA bidders complete THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Monday all four qualified bidders for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) submitted complete technical proposals, paving the way for the evaluation stage of the multi-billion peso project.

The DOTr technical working group recommended during the opening of technical proposals of the qualified bidders that the bids and awards committee (BAC) proceed with the evaluation of documents.

It said the Manila International Airport Consortium, Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airport Consortium and SMC SAP & Co. Consortium passed the requirements based on their submit-

ted technical proposal documents.

DOTr undersecretary for planning and pre-qualifications and bids and awards committee chair Timothy John Batan said the technical evaluation would be conducted until Feb. 4 .

Batan said the opening of financial proposals is scheduled on Feb. 8, while the results of the evaluation would be announced on Feb. 14.

The government will issue the notice of award on Feb. 15. The winning bidder will have until March 6 to submit the post-award requirements.

The DOTr expects to sign the concession agreement with the winning bidder on March 15, with the turnover of the facility likely in September this year.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DA plans to build more cold storage facilities in Taguig

ACEN guarantees $320-m loan of unit from PNB, RCBC

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to build more cold storage facilities at the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) complex in Taguig City to address overproduction and minimize postharvest losses of agricultural products, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday.

‘The immediate problem we see is the oversupply of certain agriculture produce such as tomatoes and cabbages. Thus, the need to strengthen the cold storage facilities at the FTI. My direction is to build a network for chilled cold storage systems,” Tiu Laurel said.

He told FTI officials to purchase excess produce of farmers and supply them to Kadiwa centers. The FTI is a government firm under the Department of Agriculture.

“It will be better if the FTI buys the produce, if there is overproduction, instead of throwing them away. We can still sell those at the Kadiwa centers. The plan is also to strengthen the Kadiwa program of DA. It is my plan to bring back Kadiwa after two years,” he said.

Tiu Laurel underscored the department’s plan to centralize all agriculture logistics management matters, including FTI, to the soon-to-be-formed logistics office of the DA. “I will relocate all cold storages at the DA to the logistics office, which will conduct research and inventory of all facilities within the Philippines to ensure synchronization,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

By Alena Mae S. Flores ACEN Corp. said Monday said it issued corporate guarantees to Philippine National Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. which lent $320 million to ACEN Cayman, one of its international units.

ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange it issued corporate guarantees in support of ACEN Cayman to PNB for $140 million and RCBC for $180 million on Jan. 12, 2024.

“This loan obtained by ACEN Cayman shall be used to redeem the re-

workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said.

The 11-month personal remittances grew 2.9 percent to $33.6 billion from $32.6 billion in the same period in 2022.

The growth in cash remittances from the US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first eleven months of 2023, the BSP said.

The US continued to account for the largest share of overall remittances during the period, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

PH-CANADA TIES. Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen (left), together with the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman and other Canadian delegates, pays a courtesy visit to National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (right) and other NEDA officials to discuss pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. This year marks the 75th year of diplomatic friendship between Canada and the Philippines.

deemable preferred shares held by AC Energy Finance International Limited [ACEFIL] in ACEN Cayman; the proceeds will in turn be used by ACEFIL to redeem its maturing green bonds,” the company said.

ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, is developing new renewable energy projects in its core market, the Philippines, and across the region, utilizing various capital-raising initiatives to strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

ACEN last month signed an P11 billion sustainability-linked loan facility with the Asian Development Bank

(ADB) and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

Its subsidiary ACEN International Inc. also signed a loan agreement with RCBC worth P7 billion.

ACEN through ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd (ACRI) also secured an Au$75 million (P2.743 billion) green term loan with the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd. (HSBC).

The company has about 4,500 megawatts of attributable capacity from owned facilities in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, with a renewable share of 98 percent, which is among the highest in the region.

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) remains optimistic on its 2024 growth outlook amid potential economic headwinds in the global markets.

“The Philippine Airlines Group is optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for the Philippine aviation sector and the national economy,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

“While we are aware of potential economic headwinds in global markets, we remain focused on growing our route network and our fleet progressively to meet market demand and support the tourism industry,” she said.

Vilaluna said both PAL and PAL Express are committed to continually improving passenger service and operational efficiency through digital transformation and greater connectivity in our existing hubs in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

“We are beefing up recruitment of pilots, cabin crew and customer care staff to support the arrival of additional aircraft, including the long-range Airbus A350-1000s joining our fleet next year,” she said.

“As always, we will work closely with government authorities and industry partners so that we can better serve Filipino travelers and citizens from the various countries in our global network,” Villaluna said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

CITEM reports 51% increase in top trade fairs’ sales to $6.6m

By Othel V. Campos THE 40th Manila FAME, a showcase for Filipino design and craftsmanship, closed 2023 with $6.6 million in sales, a 51-percent increase from $4.37 million in the last face-to-face edition in 2019, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said Monday.

CITEM said more than 200 local exhibitors from the home, fashion and lifestyle sectors attracted more than The provinces of Antique and Quirino debut their handcrafted pieces to the export 4,000 local and international visitors, market at the Artisans Village in Manila FAME 2023. The 40th edition of Manila FAME, a positioning Manila FAME as a vital flagship sourcing event of the Department of Trade and Industry’s export promotion arm platform for Philippine exports.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), generated $6.6 million “Through time, the Philippines beexport sales, a 51-percent increase from its last face-to-face edition in 2019. Manila FAME came famous because our craftsmen drew over 200 local exhibitors of home, fashion and lifestyle products and attracted and designers were able to come up more than 4,000 local and international visitors.

every year with new designs, new ideas, and new ways of using the materials,” said decor and furniture curator Tony Gonzales.

Domestic sales also reached P44.7 million in 2023.

“Everything Green” coconut slippers topped the export charts with over $3.3 million in sales, while Design Commune, a curated space showcasing new designs from 40 local companies, unveiled 425 fresh pieces under the guidance of experts Tony Gonzales, Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco.

Nazareno and Lichauco collaborated to create a contemporary twist into everyday fashion, focusing on combining utility and Philippine culture.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

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

Malixi kicks off drive for ‘double’ RIANNE Malixi hopes to ride the momentum of her breakthrough victory in Braeside as she shoots for a sweep of the two premier titles Down Under in the Australian Amateur beginning today (Tuesday) in Victoria.

Malixi rallied from four strokes down in the final round then outsteadied two rivals down the stretch to carve out a one-stroke victory in the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship at the Southern Golf Club last week.

Despite missing out on a couple of prestigious international titles last year, including the US Girls’ Junior, Malixi’s inaugural success in Australia has fortified her position this week. The ICTSI-backed shotmaker launches her campaign against local entries Yuuki Takada and Jennifer Herbst at 12:42 p.m. at the Keysborough Golf Club.

The championship unfolds across two premier courses with 205 contenders vying for the men’s crown and 105 for the women’s title. The Keysborough Golf Club, hosting Malixi’s opening round, boasts of a challenging par-73 layout while the other half of the field will play the worldrenowned Yarra Yarra Golf Club, which will also stage the final two rounds of the annual championship.

Both courses, crafted from sand dunes, promise not only a rigorous test of golfing prowess but also a captivating spectacle for enthusiasts.

Malixi, now more motivated and inspired after her breakthrough overseas victory, remains optimistic about her performance this week.

“I’m a bit pumped up. I’m much more motivated and inspired heading into this week. So, let’s see how things go,” said Malixi, who hit a clutch birdie and pars to nip India’s Avani Prashanth by one last week.

But this week’s field is stacked with formidable competitors, including Prashanth, the reigning Queen Sirikit Cup individual champion, and defending champion Mizuki Hashimoto from Japan, also the 2021 Asia Pacific Women’s Amateur Championship winner,.

Members of Blacklist Rivalry raise their trophy after securing a 2-0 sweep against Team Execration in the Dota 2 finale of the Asia Pacific Predator League backed

by Acer Philippines.

(Blacklist International FB)

PH’s Team Secret, Blacklist Rivalry rule Asia Pacific Predator League

By Randy Caluag

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EAM Secret and Blacklist Rivalry swept their respective opponents to complete an All-Filipino sweep of the prestigious Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasa City over the weekend.

Team Secret asserted its dominance with a f lawless 2-0 win over Japan’s Fav Gaming in the Valorant championship event, while Blacklist Rivalry secured a 2-0 sweep against Team Execration in the Dota 2 finale of this tournament backed by Acer Philippines.

Despite a slow start in Game 1, Team Secret gradually built a com-

fortable lead until Adrian “Invy” Reyes’ Kay/o sealed their foes’ fate with a decisive fragment throw, securing a 13-7 win in Game 1.

The momentum continued into Game 2, where the Filipinos maintained an 8-0 lead, ultimately clinching the title with a commanding 13-3 victory.

Noel “NDG” De Guia’s Killjoy showcased skillful gameplay with a triple

kill to conclude the series.

Team Secret walked away with the Asia Pacific Predator League trophy and a substantial US$65,000 prize, while Fav Gaming settled for the runner-up purse of US$20,000.

A successful Roshan fight, combined with a mid-push and backdoor play by game MVP Kim ‘Gabbi’ Santos, propelled Blacklist to victory in just 37 minutes in Game 2.

With this triumph, Blacklist earned the coveted title and the top prize of $65,000, leaving Execration with the runner-up purse of $20,000.

Timothy ‘Tims’ Randr up played a pivotal role for Blacklist in cracking the strong high ground defense of Execration during the f irst game, which concluded 36-16

in 42 minutes.

The tournament’s electrifying atmosphere was heightened by performances from local Filipino bands ‘Sandwich’ and Spongecola.

Blacklist Rivalry’s impressive undefeated run from a 4-0 group stage to a decisive victory over the Mongolian team IHC eSports added to their reputation.

On the other hand, Execration faced their only defeat in the tournament against Blacklist during the group stage but bounced back with a 3-1 record, defeating the Chinese team Aster in the semifinals.

Twenty-six teams from Asia and Pacific countries participated in the twoday affair that offered a total cash pot of US $200,000.

TNT’s Chester Saldua

Acuna misses Asian finals, will still get Olympic points

Triple Giga 1st team to clinch quarterfinal seat TNT soldiered on even in the absence of main man Almond Vosotros as it became the first team to book a quarterfinals berth in Leg 3 of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference on Monday.

Vosotros was a last minute scratch out heading to Day 1 of pool play at the Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces, but the Triple Giga managed to find a way to win without the many-time scoring champion.

Gryann Mendoza, who filled in the shoes of Vosotros (due to illness), took care of business for the team by tallying seven points in tandem with Chester Saldua, who finished with six, in TNT’s 21-10 beating of last leg champion MCFASolver.

A few hours after, the MendozaSaldua tandem struck again and combined for 16 points as the Triple Giga frustrated Purefoods TJ Titans, 20-13, for a two-game sweep of their assignment in Pool A. The team of coach Mau Belen is seeking to make it deep to the playoffs this time after a pair of seventh place finishes in the first two legs this conference.

Seeking back-to-back titles, MCFASolver was quick to bounce back though, leaning on the tandem of Brandon Ramirez and Louie Vigil to nip Purefoods, 21-18, and claim the other quarterfinals berth in their group with an even 1-1 record.

Ramirez and Vigil finished with

eight points each in the win that eliminated the Titans (0-2).

The remaining quarterfinal berths in Pools B and C were openly up for grabs for the eight contending teams as of press time.

Meralco is on top of Pool B with a 1-0 record, followed by San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra with similar 1-1 cards.

In Pool C, Pioneer Elastoseal leads the way at 1-0, while with an even 1-1 records are Cavitex and Northport.

Six teams will join TNT and MCFASolver in the knockout stage on Tuesday, where the champion squad receives the top prize worth P100,000.

By Peter Atencio

Alex Eala PSA’s best in tennis, Carlos named Ms. Volleyball

Alex Eala (left) is going to be crowned Ms. Tennis, while Tots Carlos (right) will be hailed Ms. Volleyball during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night set Jan. 29 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

RISING talent Alex Eala and star player Diana Mae ‘Tots’ Carlos will have a share of the spotlight in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night two weeks from now.

Eala, 18, is going to be crowned Ms. Tennis, while Carlos, 25, will be hailed Ms. Volleyball during the formal affair set Jan. 29 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

The two will be joined by June Mar Fajardo (Mr. Basketball) and Sarina Bolden (Ms. Football) as recipients of a special award from the country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields in 2023.

All four personalities form part of the huge 130-plus awardees who are included in the PSA honor roll.

Highlight of the event presented by ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines, and the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO,

PLDT/Smart, and Cignal as major sponsors, is the bestowing of the prestigious Athlete of the Year Award to world no. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

Also backing the gala night are the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero, and Rain or Shine.

A recipient of a Major Awards two years ago, Eala will be honored this time for a hectic year that saw the Filipina netter establishing herself as an emerging force in the sport by winning two ITF Circuit titles and barging in the Top 200 rankings in the world.

At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Eala ended a 61-year medal drought for Philippine tennis by winning the bronze in the women’s single event, and then teamed up with Francis Casey Alcantara for a podium finish in the mixed doubles.

Carlos meanwhile, distinguished herself as one of the best volleyball players in the country today by leading Creamline to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) First All-Filipino Conference title opposite Petro Gazz in the absence of injured star Alyssa Valdez.

OLYMPIC hopeful Amparo Teresa “Ampao” Acuna landed 41st place at the close of the 50-meter, 3-position air rifle event, her final stint on Sunday in the 2024 Asian Rifle and Pistol Olympic Qualifications meet in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 26-year-old Acuna missed the finals, but she remains upbeat that her participation and placing will earn her the needed points for qualification to the Paris Olympics.

“Okay lang po, even if it’s not my best score,” said Acuna, whose averages are close to the Philippine national record.

Acuna tallied a total of 571 points during the qualification phase, which was 12 short of the national mark of 583, which she achieved in June last year.

In the end, it was Korean Kim Jee Hee and Kazakhstan’s Alexandra Le, who took sixth and seventh places in the finals, who earned qualification.

The winner, Nancy Nancy of Indonesia, had already earned a slot to the Paris meet during a previous shootfest.

“My opponents are very experienced. They’re Olympians. And the shooters from India have always been in the finals,” added Acuna.

Earlier, Acuna settled for 44th place in the 10-meter air rifle event, with 620.3 points during the qualifying stage.

A total 170 men and 170 women will earn slots and compete in shooting in the Paris 2024 games.

Acuna said it was mental toughness that allowed her and teammate Franchette Quiroz to endure the difficulties of joining Olympic qualifiers.

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

Wizards deal Gallinari, Muscala to Pistons WASHINGTON—Italian forward Danilo Gallinari and US center Mike Muscala were traded from the Washington Wizards to the NBA-worst Detroit Pistons on Saturday for forwards Isaiah Livers and Marvin Bagley III. The Wizards, second-worst in the Eastern Conference at 7-31 just ahead of Detroit (3-36), also landed secondround NBA Draft picks in 2025 and 2026 in the deal between struggling squads.

The Pistons add experience and save $12.5 million off next year’s salary cap for Bagley while the three other players are in the last year of their contracts.

The 35-year-old Gallinari has averaged 15.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 754 career games in 14 NBA seasons with New York, Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Washington.

Muscala, a 10-year NBA veteran, has averaged 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds over 519 career games with Atlanta, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City, Boston and Washington.

Both came to the Wizards in a threeteam deal last July that sent center Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.

“Danilo and Mike lived up to their well-established reputations as true professionals while providing meaningful contributions on the court during their time with us,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said. “We’re appreciative that our young players were able to learn from them.”

Bagley, the second overall pick by Sacramento in the 2018 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds over 234 NBA games with Sacramento and Detroit. He has averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26 games this season.

Livers has averaged 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 94 career games with the Pistons, including 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds a game for Detroit this season.

“Marvin and Isaiah are young players with positional size, high character and a competitive nature who will have the opportunity to further their development within our system,” Dawkins said. AFP

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev hits a return against France’s Terence Atmane during their men’s singles match on Day 2 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne.

AFP

Cramps, tears for foe: Medvedev beats brutal Aussie Open heat M ELBOURNE—Frenchman Terence Atmane smashed his racquet, served underarm and retired in tears as he dealt with serious cramp in pushing third seed Daniil Medvedev hard at the Australian Open on Monday.

The qualifier struggled in the searing heat on Margaret Court Arena, stunning the Russian by taking the first set but was unable to continue when trailing 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 1-0.

“The conditions were brutal,” said two-time tournament finalist Medvedev. “The more he (Atmane) plays this intensity, the better he will be prepared.”

“I’m just happy to be through,” he

the next round, said ahead of the match he is tr ying to “mature” and do fewer “stupid things” on court to shake off his reputation as a tennis villain.

The Russian is no stranger to outbursts and meltdowns on court, which has earned him a love-hate relationship with fans.

He was mostly well behaved against Atmane, but did complain about the water bottles.

Medvedev lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 Melbourne final and Rafael Nadal a year later, which sparked a form slump.

But has since bounced back, winning 66 matches last season, more than any other player on tour. AFP

ONE Championship announces US shows for 2024

Cowboys crash out with shock loss to Packers MIAMI—The Dallas Cowboys crashed out of the NFL playoffs with a humiliating 48-32 defeat to the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers in the wildcard round on Sunday while the Detroit Lions advanced with a 24-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

The Packers, the youngest team in the NFL who snuck into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season with a 9-8 record, totally dominated the Cowboys before allowing two late touchdowns.

The Lions won a playoff game for the first time in 32 years with quarterback Jared Goff leading Detroit to a tight victory against his former team.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who took over in Green Bay this season after the departure of Aaron Rodgers, threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns in a stunning playoff debut.

Running-back Aaron Jones had three rushing touchdowns and put up 118 yards on the ground and the Packers earned a clash with the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers.

Dallas gave up the most points in a playoff game in franchise history while quarterback Dak Prescott threw two costly interceptions in a nightmare first half which saw the home side fall 27-0 down in the second quarter.

The manner and scale of the defeat are likely to raise questions over the future of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, a former Super Bowl winner with the Packers who was hired to end the wait for another Cowboys NFL championship, which has now stretched to 28 years.

Green Bay’s confidence was evident from the outset as they elected to receive and scored a touchdown on their first drive - Jones rushing in from three yards. AFP

added. “I played bad at the beginning in the first set, but I was happy I could regain momentum.”

Medvedev broke for 2-1 in the opening set and raced to 5-3, but a battling Atmane levelled the score at 5-5 when Medvedev missed a volley.

With his confidence building, the Frenchman, on his Grand Slam debut, held serve then broke again to take the set and leave the world

number three shaking his head in disbelief.

Medvedev woke up to steam through the second set before Atmane started cramping badly.

He resorted to underarm serves as he struggled to move and demolished his racquet when he lost serve to slip 2-1 behind in the third set.

The 22-year-old gamely battled on, still in pain, mixing underarm and overarm serves as Medvedev cashed in to take the third set.

But after losing the first game of the fourth set, he was forced to retire, sobbing as his tournament ended.

Medvedev, who faces Finland’s unseeded Emil Ruusuvuori in

Chatri Sityodtong

ONE Championship will mark its return to the United States in the second half of 2024.

The world’s largest martial arts organization announced two shows for the U.S. on Wednesday, 10 January.

ONE returns to Colorado for ONE Fight Night 26 at Ball Arena on September 6 before heading South to make its debut in Atlanta, Georgia, for ONE Fight Night 28 inside the State Farm Arena.

In an official statement, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong expressed his excitement and reiterated that the United States remains one of the priority markets for the promotion.

“We’re thrilled to return to the U.S. to showcase the greatest world champion martial artists in the country’s best cities and sports arenas,” he said.

“America remains a high-priority market for us as we continue our global expansion, and we can’t wait to get back on ground to entertain our passionate fan

base in the region with quarterly U.S. events in September 2024 and beyond.”

ONE had itself a fantastic debut in the US in May 2023.

It held ONE Fight Night 10 in front of a sold-out 1stBank Center in Colorado. There, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious Johnson closed his rivalry with Adriano Moraes in front of his compatriots.

Now ONE hopes to recapture, and even surpass, the magic of that event with the two planned shows in the U.S. this year.

It’s set to be a busy year for the promotion. Aside from the Fight Night events that air live on U.S primetime and the Friday Fights series from inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the numbered events are also back in the fold.

Aside from the United States, ONE also marks its return to Japan for ONE 165 on January 28, while also breaking ground in Qatar for ONE 166 this March.

Lipa City hosts Barako Golf at Summit, Malarayat courses LIPA CITY, Batangas— An unprecedented mixed-team golf competition gets off the ground as Lipa City proudly introduces the inaugural Lipa City Fiesta Barako Golf tournament, slated from Jan. 15 to 18 at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club and Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club.

The announcement was made during a media conference at Summit Point by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa, key LGU officials and representatives from the co-host venues.

Conceptualized by Engr. Raul Montealto, who presented the idea to the LGU, the Barako Golf aims to amplify Lipa City’s sports programs while showcasing the city as a harmonious blend of traditional charm and contemporary development, offering a serene getaway.

Mayor Africa expressed his agreement, stating, “It is truly an honor for our city to start this kind of tournament, which we see as on par with other major team championships in the country.”

Africa continued, expressed hope that through Barako Golf, the city’s two golf courses—Mount Malarayat and Summit Point—along with Lipa’s scenic beauty and delectable cuisine would garner recognition, lo-

The inaugural Lipa City Fiesta Barako Golf was officially launched on Saturday by Lipa City City Mayor Eric Africa (middle), with Lian tournament chairman Engr. Raul Montealto, Summit Point President Robbie Leviste, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club General Manager Romeo Garcia, Summit Point General Manager Vic de Guzman and head rules official Bong Igaya.

cally and internationally.

He aspires for Barako Golf to become a staple in golfers’ annual calendars and transform Lipa into a soughtafter travel destination.

Montealto, the tournament’s brainchild, highlighted the collaboration

between Mount Malarayat, celebrating its 25th year, and Summit Point, approximately 20 years old, as the driving force behind making Barako Golf a reality.

Modeled after some of the best team competitions, the event contributes to

Lipa’s golf tourism efforts.

Barako Golf offers participants two practice rounds on Tuesday, a welcome cocktail, fiesta-themed party nights on tournament days (Jan.17 and 18), and a grand awarding party during the last day, featuring exciting entertainment and raffle prizes.

A brand-new Toyota Wigo and a golf cart will be raffled off during the awards night, adding an extra layer of excitement.

But what would set apart the Barako Golf, sponsored by CWS Party List and RAMADA Realty, is that it will accommodate female players, something that is not allowed in the other team competitions in the country like the Fil-Am Invitational and PAL Interclub.

“Female players are welcome to join,” said Summit Point general manager Vic de Guzman. “Of course, we will take in consideration their handicaps and adjust them to level the playing field.”

“There is a clamor from the ladies as to why they are not allowed team entry play so we decided to go against the tide and include them.

We are proud to have this kind of setup. The Barako Golf is not only for Barako golfers but lady golfers as well,” added De Guzman.

C3

SHOWBIZ

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

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

Netizens praise DonBelle series for giving importance to mental health CAN’T Buy Me Love continues to gain positive feedback and praise from viewers for its effort to raise awareness about the plight of people suffering from mental health issues.

One of its scenes, where Belle Mariano’s character, Caroline, has a panic attack and is comforted by Bingo (Donny Pangilinan), trended as viewers applauded DonBelle’s portrayal of their characters and how

relatable the scene was, especially for those who suffer from PTSD. Netizens expressed their sentiments on how the series can be an instrument for people to understand their loved ones who also suffer from the same disorder.

Aside from the timely issues discussed in the series, viewers are intrigued by the next steps of Annie (Ina Raymundo) after she slowly creeps into Caroline’s life.

From what viewers saw in the past episodes, they have a hunch that Annie was involved in the death of Caroline’s mom, especially since she has connections with Cindy (Agot Isidro) and Gina (Ruffa Gutierrez).

Can’t Buy Me Love airs on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, Jeepney TV, Cinemo, TFC IPTV, and TV5.

Viewers can also stream it in advance on Netflix and iWantTFC.

Belle Mariano (left) and Donny Pangilinan in the latest episode of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’

How is Xian Lim doing after high-profile breakup with Kim Chiu I

By Angelica Villanueva

N XIAN Lim’s first public appearance at the press conference for Love. Die. Repeat, around two weeks after his breakup with longtime girlfriend Kim Chiu, the 34-year-old actor was asked if he was okay.

Xian keeps himself busy with his latest project ‘Love. Die. Repeat’

‘Oppenheimer’ dominates Critics Choice Awards OPPENHEIMER, Christopher Nolan’s epic movie about the creation of the atomic bomb, cleaned up at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, winning best picture and seven other prizes over its rivals as the Oscars race heats up.

The $1 billion-grossing movie, now the clear frontrunner for the Academy Awards in March, also won for best director, supporting actor, cinematography, score, ensemble, editing, and visual effects.

Collecting his prize for directing, Nolan thanked the critics who “helped with convincing mainstream audiences that a film about quantum physics and apocalypse could be worth their time.”

Robert Downey Jr. thanked his fellow “Oppenhomies’” as he followed up his Golden Globe win with another best supporting actor prize.

Despite the dominance of Oppenheimer, the remaining acting categories rewarded other films at the gala – one of a raft of major awards shows in the run-up to the Academy Awards, which take place this year on March 10.

Emma Stone won best actress for Poor Things, a surreal dark comedy in which she plays a Victorian reanimated corpse with the brain of an infant, who gradually learns about the world but refuses to pander to its social mores and hierarchies.

“Playing Bella was one of the greatest joys of my life. I got to unlearn a lot of things in playing her – unlearn parts of shame, and societal stuff that gets put on us. I’’m very grateful to the critics... but I’m just learning not to care what you think,” Stone joked.

The award is her latest after she won at last weekend´s Globes – as did Paul Giamatti, who famously celebrated his victory by taking a late-night trip with his trophy to California’s popular fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger.

“I didn’t think my week could get any better than going viral for eating a cheeseburger,” joked Giamatti as he won

the best actor trophy for 1970s-set prep school comedy The Holdovers. It’s a good story about people connecting in divisive times. So thank you for helping get it out to audiences.”

The Critics Choice Awards – chosen by almost 600 members of North America’s largest critics organization – laid out a red carpet and lavish gala at a former airport hangar in Los Angeles for Hollywood A-listers.

Although Barbie – the other half of last summer’s “Barbenheimer” box office phenomenon – has so far failed to capture top prizes this awards season, it was showered with honors in a range of other categories.

The film won for best comedy, original screenplay, song, production design, costume, and hair and makeup.

AFP Irish actor Cillian Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer

‘Love. Die. Repeat.’ stars Xian Lim (left) and Jennylyn Mercado

“Dapat naman talaga okay [ka]. You should be okay,” was his brief response.

Asked about the state of his “heart,” Xian mentioned that he is “keeping busy, doing different things, and working on various projects.”

Still reeling from his December split, the Kapuso actor addressed questions from the press about his personal life, asking if the show’s title resonated with his own experiences.

“I think in life, everything happens for a reason. That’s it. If love can be rekindled or not, everything will happen for a reason,” explained Xian.

Xian and Kim shocked the online world when the two confirmed the split rumors two days before Christmas.

“Everything happens for a reason. So, we have to move forward, whatever it may be. It should be okay. We just got to work. We just need to keep on working. That’s what we want, work on yourself and just keep on doing different things, doing different projects, keeping busy,” he added.

Meanwhile, Xian’s leading lady in Love. Die. Repeat, Jennylyn Mercado, answered the same question stating that she and her husband Dennis Trillo are a prime example of a successful second-chance romance.

“Dennis and I, right? That’s it. Didn’t we repeat? Love still wins,” quipped Jennylyn.

Xian and Jennylyn banner GMA’s latest offering, Love. Die. Repeat as Bernard and Angela, respectively.

The new television series tells the story of Angela, who lost her husband, Bernard, in a car accident. Soon, she realizes that she is stuck in a time loop and is forced to relive the worst day of her life—the day her husband died.

Joining Xian and Jennylyn are Mike Tan, Valeen Montenegro, Ina Feleo, Valerie Concepcion, Ervic Vijandre, Faye Lorenzo, Victor Anastacio, Nonie Buencamino, Samantha Lopez, Shyr Valdez, and Malou De Guzman.

Love. Die. Repeat premiered yesterday on GMA-7.

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

ACTOR Teejay Marquez is playing the role of a formidable antagonist in GMA’s new series, Makiling. With Kristoffer Martin, Myrtle Sarrosa, Royce Cabrera, and Claire Castro, Teejay’s character serves as one of the tormentors to the character played by Elle Villanueva, the lead star in the series along with Derrick Monasterio.

In a recent interview, Teejay shared his excitement as he takes on a challenging role on the small screen.

He expressed his satisfaction with portraying a character distinct from his previous roles, particularly those of gay characters.

Known for his versatility, Teejay sees this as an opportunity to break away from the stereotype and showcase his range as an actor.

“As much as possible, I would like to limit accepting offers where I’ll play a gay role. At this point, I’m happy with being a ‘contravida.’ I don’t want to get typecast in just one role. I want to show my versatility, and I’m glad that my supporters are happy with this development in my career,” he stated.

When asked if this marks a shift away from accepting gay roles in the future, Teejay clarified, “No, I’m not turning my back from it. I don’t want to close doors. I’m an actor, so whatever comes my way, I will accept. It’s just that at this point, I’m glad that I have a breather.”

Speaking of gay roles, the last one he portrayed was in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Broken Hearts Trip, opposite Christian Bables.

Unfortunately, the film is a tail-ender in the box-office

Teejay Marquez embraces baddie role in ‘Makiling’

race among the ten participating movies.

“Well, that’s admittedly sad, but since I learned that we are one of the official entries in the 49th MMFF, I told myself to enjoy the experience, and I did! The parade of stars, promo stints, and awards night— it was a wonderful experience that I had only dreamt of before.

You know that feeling?

That when you are part of the MMFF, you are already a legitimate star.”

“I still hope, though, that the public will get to watch the movie through other Teejay Marquez is happy to play another challenging platforms. We did role in the TV series ‘Makiling’ our best to make it as enjoyable as possible,” ended Teejay. privately.” *** The original Concert Queen also Pops Fernandez admits that even sheds light on how she was able up to now she and her estranged to accept her failed marriage with husband Martin Nievera still Martin. experience little tiffs.

“It’s been 29 years since we parted “We just had one recently but I ways. To be honest, I went through a don’t want to delve into it. I don’t lot of mind conditioning. Of course, want to pretend that we are a hundred that’s very painful so acceptance is percent okay. We still go through little imperative. You have to get to a level misunderstandings but what’s good is in which you are strong enough to we know how to deal with it,” she says. accept it.

What’s their secret?

“It’s not easy but it’s possible. It’s “Well, as the adage goes, time totally up to you. I didn’t want to heals all wounds, right? And perhaps, always fight with him for the sake it’s because we always choose to be of our children who were still young okay so things get ironed out. We then. It’s much better if we’re okay, settle everything privately and deal right?” Pops states. through all those misunderstandings

C4

LIFE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024

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

Bhive offers space where travellers can chill and relax

The bedroom has a seating area with wooden benches, the perfect spot for a coffee break

I

By Tet Defensor

T IS not a home for bees, although the Bhive boutique hotel immediately feels like a warm embrace. No-frills travelers will fall in love with the establishment at Taft North, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Iloilo’s cool Bhive vibe

A cross between a cozy bed and breakfast and a service apartment, the minimalist appeal invites travelers to let their guard down and chill. There is a sudden urge to rush the check-in procedure owner decided to sell the property. to find out if the guest rooms exude the same Their construction business was vibe – they will not be disappointed. thriving, so the couple transformed The charm of recycled wood and cement the apartment building into a hotel. gray walls paints a cozy rustic experience. The The minimalist interior was a receiving area is adorned with shelves made practical approach according to from wood crates to match the palette benches the owners. “It’s an old apartment and tables. The small wood surfaces are building it was very challenging to attached to the check-in counter, a thoughtful go for a typical hotel design. We accent as these could be utilized for filling out chose an industrial concept design forms, or a bag rest during transaction. combining concrete, wood, steel, Another interesting element is Benito’s and glass and recycled materials coffee bar in the lobby. Hotel owners Ben and like wood crates and palettes. We Richel Goriceta ran a coffee shop in Boracay also incorporated colors and other before they settled down. They frequented the small decors in each room to make island to escape the city crowd. it more cozy.”

“Ben fell in love with Boracay and decided From the lobby, a glass door leads to put up a business. Most of our friends are to an atrium perfect breather, from restobar owners so coffee shop na lang,” The main lobby uses concrete, wood, steel, and glass to maintain a minimalist interior all the movement in the reception.

Richel said.

The mix of colorful chairs on The couple found the hotel property, as got married. They immediately liked the location they were looking for an apartment after they and rented one of the units. After a few years, the artificial grass is very playful and inviting. From

here, guests can take the stairs to their rooms.

The private areas are just as cozy. Faithful to the grey walls and palette wood design, the family room has a seating area with wooden benches topped with throw pillows, a small table for two, an open closet, and a fridge. The full-size mirror makes it the perfect dressing area, although the sleeping room and bathroom are just as spacious.

On the top floor is B’place, an open-air bar that is often rented for special events. “We needed to maximize the space, and the view was amazing, so we thought of a rooftop bar. It was a very good decision.”

A few meters down the road is Megaworld Boulevard, which houses shopping malls, hotels, and the sprawling Iloilo business park. “That’s one of the reasons why we converted the apartment building to a boutique hotel. We saw the potential of this location,” Richel said.

Bhive Hotel can be booked via RedDoorz or visit their Facebook page for more details.

Bistro Group restaurants now at Ayala Malls Vermosa

Shoppers can choose from eight Flip-Fold cases to accessorize the phone—with each featuring a different group member

SLBS Studio now in PH, unveils mobile accessory collab with Stray Kids SMARTPHONE fashion accessory label SLBS Studio has officially touched down in the Philippines opening its doors at SM Megamall’s The Samsung Experience Store.

The Korean brand presented its latest line of smartphone accessories - designed and created especially for its Filipino patrons.

This whole collection, a collaboration with K-pop boy group Stray Kids, features limited edition items that collectors and avid fans will not want to miss.

Explore exclusive Galaxy accessories at SLBS Studio, SM Megamall, including the Galaxy Z Flip5 Stray Kids Edition (P80,990) with flipsuit cases and unique member videos. Eco-friendly Stray Kids flip cases (P2,100) and Galaxy Fold5 cases (P2,100) in the Eco-Friends line offer sustainable style.

Enhance your fitness routine with the Galaxy Watch6 Stray Kids edition (P24,990) and enjoy the immersive sound of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro Stray Kids Edition (P19,390) with metallic bud covers inspired by the group’s light stick.

Discover SKZOO accessories, such as flip and flat cases, NFC theme key rings, theme toks, and theme cards, along with a Galaxy Buds2 Pro SKZoo edition. Complete your look with Stray Kids Emblem NFC Theme Pouch (P3,000) or SKZoo NFC Theme Pouch (P4,200) with a beaded strap.

Purchase the Galaxy Z Flip5 or Watch6 Stray Kids Edition to receive a set of eight free photo cards. Any Stray Kids or SKZoo accessory worth P2,000 comes with a random photocard. Show your Stray Kids love with Samsung’s stylish finds at SLBS, with more exciting collaborations promised for 2024. Jasper Valdez

THE sprawling modern suburban community of Vermosa in Cavite proudly introduces three culinary havens from The Bistro Group – Texas Roadhouse, Denny’s, and Modern Shang.

The legendary steakhouse experience Indulge in the legendary Texas Roadhouse experience at Vermosa, where the menu boasts juicy, hand-cut steaks, fall-offthe-bone baby back ribs, mouth-watering burgers, and made-from-scratch sides.

The lively atmosphere, coupled with hourly line dances from the staff, adds to the vibrant dining energy for a fun meal with family and friends.

A Chinese New Year celebration Modern Shang’s grand opening aligns perfectly with the Chinese New Year celebration, offering classic dishes and a dose of luck. Delight in specialties like Braised Pork Knuckle, Xiao Long Bao, Roasted Crispy Pork, and Wok-Fried Beef Denny’s offers comforting and hearty breakfast meals like pancakes and omelets with Broccoli, among others, promising a and friends in a warm and welcoming ambiance. festive culinary experience.

Cross-Ordering convenience All-Day breakfast bliss For added convenience, guests can cross-order from Texas Boasting a comfortable 90-seat capacity, Denny’s is the goto place for all-day breakfast lovers. From Pancakes and Slams Roadhouse and Modern Shang, as both establishments are to Omelets & Meaty Feast, and Asian Favorites, the menu offers conveniently situated just a few steps away from each other.

All three culinary destinations are situated on the Ground Floor, comforting and hearty dishes.

Pancake enthusiasts can take advantage of the Pancake Hour Building E of Ayala Malls Vermosa, promising a diverse and promo, making it an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, family, delightful dining experience for residents and visitors alike.

Experience iconic attractions for free in Dubai via Emirates EMIRATES has unveiled an enticing offer for travelers heading to Dubai. Those booking flights to Dubai or arranging an 8-hour or longer stopover in Dubai can now enjoy complimentary tickets to two of the city’s premier attractions – the Museum of the Future and Atlantis Aquaventure.

The Museum of the Future, a recent addition to the Dubai skyline, offers a glimpse of 50 years into the future.

Additionally, travelers can cool off on the slides and rides at Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark.

This special offer applies to tickets purchased between Jan. 12 and Feb. 1, for travel from Jan. 15 to March 31. It is available across all cabins and for bookings made on emirates.com, Emirates call center, Emirates ticketing office, or through travel agents. Redemption can be done at least 96 hours before the travel date.

Enhance your Dubai experience with

Save on holidays and stopovers to Dubai this winter with Emirates

Emirates, from basking in the sun on beautiful beaches and shopping at Dubai Mall to enjoying the views from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Other Emirates benefits include My Emirates Pass, offering exclusive offers and discounts at participating establishments in Dubai and the UAE, and Emirates Skywards Partners, allowing members to earn Skywards Miles for everyday spending at UAE retail outlets through the Skywards Everyday app.

The sale period for the offer is until Feb. 1, with the travel window extending from Jan. 15 to March 31. To secure complimentary tickets, passengers can use the promotional code EKDXB24 when booking on emirates. com, ensuring an automatic one-time free entry code for all travelers in the booking.

For bookings made through travel agents, the Emirates contact center, or ticketing offices, passengers are required to send an email to Emiratesoffer@emirates.com, including the booking reference, arrival date in Dubai, contact phone number, email address, and passenger name. Only passengers in the mentioned booking/ PNR (passenger name record) will be booked.

Emirates currently operates 25 weekly flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai. For additional information, visit emirates.com.