Manila Standard - 2024 February 5 - Monday

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Marcos: No room for mudslinging, demolition jobs

HACKING ATTEMPTS ALARMING, SAYS POE NEWS / A2

IMEE HITS ‘MEDDLING’ RAPPORTEUR KHAN NEWS / A4

THERE will be no room for mudslinging and demolition jobs under the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign that the administration is advocating, President Marcos said in a YouTube post over the weekend.

The President issued the statement a week after former President Rodrigo Duterte accused him of using illegal drugs and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte called for his resignation after describing him as a “lazy” Chief Executive (see related story on A1 – Editors).

On YouTube, Mr. Marcos also said the country should come first, and that there will be no “Bagong Pilipinas” if people refuse to change.

Earlier, the government unveiled its “Bagong Pilipinas” brand, which was described as a “call of transformation” that “transcends this adminNext page istration.”

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 356 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 •

Año: Gov’t will stop any try to secede Mindanao BARMM, regional leaders also call for PH ‘to protect gains’

By Vince Lopez and Rio Araja

N

ATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año joined the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and political leaders over the weekend in denouncing attempts to dismember the country, after former President Rodrigo Duterte hinted last week of a signature campaign for the island-region to secede from the republic.

Albay on alert as Mayon emits steam for 10 minutes ALBAY province went on alert after a phreatic eruption was recorded at the Mayon Volcano summit on Sunday afternoon.

According to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, the initial incident should not cause any

concern at the moment, Albay Gov. Grex Lagman said.

"I have talked with our APSEMO head Dr. Cedric Daep. He reported to me that it's just white steam. No cause for concern. Same assessment

by Phivolcs," he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier said Mayon’s emission “lasted 4 minutes and 9 seconds based on the seismic record."

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Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim of BARMM—a region formed after peace talks with secessionist Moro Islamic rebels—has called on the public to protect the gains of the peace process.

“Let us continue to support the current administration and allow peace and civility to reign over the affairs of our land,” Ebrahim said.

Mindanao programs bearing fruit—DBM NEWS / A2 Año emphasized on Sunday that the government will do everything to prevent any attempt to break the country apart, as many Cabinet and Mindanao leaders have already rejected the call made by Duterte to separate the southern region through a people’s initiative campaign.

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PHREATIC ERUPTION. Mayon Volcano in Albay spews ashes at 4:37 p.m. on Sunday in a phreatic or steam-driven eruption that lasted for about 10 minutes, the state volcanology bureau said. PIA/Rolly Esguerra

Senate starts Cha-cha gab, House reminds it of deadline Death toll from Davao flooding rises

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio to 16, over 772k affected—NDRRMC Araja, and Othel Campos

olution of Both Houses No. 6, which seeks to amend restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

RBH No. 6 proposes amendments to THE Senate on Monday will begin its much anticipated deliberations on Res- certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, particu-

larly on Articles 12, 14, and 16.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has promised President Marcos that senators would pass the resolution before Congress adjourns for its Holy Week reNext page cess on March 23.

Baste said sorry ‘to Imee, not to President’

FARMS AND BIRDS. Egrets swarm a farm where farmers till their fields in Malagasang, Imus, Cavite on Sunday. The government said the Philippines may be self-sufficient in rice by 2028, or by the end of the term of President Marcos due to the additional areas created for irrigation (see story on A3). Danny Pata

DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte clarified that he apologized only to Senator Imee Marcos for calling for the resignationof her brother, President Marcos, in a rally last week – and did not say sorry to the Chief Executive himself.

Duterte also made clear in a Facebook post late Saturday that he only apologized because he “felt sorry to the senator,” who heard his negative statements during a prayer rally in Davao City last Jan. 28 against the People's Initiative campaign Next page for Charter change.

State schools thanks Speaker for P128-b budget this year

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

thanked Speaker Martin Romualdez for their P128.2-billion allocation under the national budget for 2024, which THE Philippine Association of State is P27.3-billion higher than what they Universities and Colleges (PASUC), originally proposed.

In a two-page letter dated Jan. 10, composed of 113 member schools,

PASUC Dr. Tirso Ronquillo acknowledged the crucial role played by Romualdez in securing additional funds for the SUCs under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

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By Vince Lopez

THE number of people killed due to the heavy rains that caused flooding and landslides in Mindanao has increased to 16, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Sunday.

The NDRRMC's latest situational report said all the 16 reported fatalities are still subject to validation.

All of the victims came from

the Davao Region, where three individuals also remained missing, while 11 were injured, the NDRRMC added.

A total of 772,276 people or 204,840 families in 508 barangays in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro region were affected by the rains brought by the northeast monsoon or “amihan” and the trough of a now-dissipated lowpressure area.

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Swift leads women vying for top Grammy awards LOS ANGELES—Taylor Swift's name is on everyone's lips as music's glitterati descend on Los Angeles for Sunday's Grammys, but with one of the more eclectic nomination fields in recent memory, the prestigious awards are anyone's game.

Women make up the vast majority of the contenders for the top Best Album and Best Record prizes, with just one man, the jazz polymath Jon Batiste, in the running.

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‘Mindanao programs bearing fruit’ Pangandaman, the only Filipina Muslim member of the Cabinet under President Marcos, said the efforts at developing Mindanao under the “Bagong Pilipinas” program are bearing fruit.

“Along with our leaders in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), we have been working very hard to maintain and sustain peace in Mindanao while develop-

ing the region into a land of prosperity,” she said.

“As a matter of fact, as co-chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Body for the National Government, with Minister Mohaqher Iqbal for the side of BARMM, I am happy to report that for the first time, all seven mechanisms of the IGRB have been activated in less than a year, including holding for the first time the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum,” Pangandaman said.

The DBM chief’s statement came after former president Rodrigo Duterte pushed

Año:...

suing peace and development, particularly in Mindanao.

"The strength of our country lies in our unity and any attempt to sow division must be rejected by all sectors unequivocally.

It is imperative for all Filipinos to uphold the principles enshrined in our Constitution which espouses the unity and territorial integrity of our nation," Año said.

Similarly, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier urged Filipinos to reject any movement calling for an independent Mindanao.

Like Año, Galvez was also an AFP chief of staff during Duterte’s presidency.

Governors Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Hajiman Hatama-Salliman of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, and Abdul Raof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte emphasized that the Bangsamoro people are “resolved not to regress but to

forge ahead together as one indomitable force.”

The governors of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Sur likewise rejected secession calls.

“Mindanao’s concerns should be resolved without pursuing secession… It would disrupt the interconnected productivity of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that has long sustained our national stability,” Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu said.

“Preserving peace, heritage, and progress in Mindanao compels the Philippines to remain united,” he added.

For her part, Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu pointed out that secession will not address the concerns of residents of Mindanao.

“It denies our people the rights embodied by the Constitution, including the

destruction of our territorial integrity compromising our efforts to build a stronger nation,” Mangudadatu said.

“We are for one and united Philippines,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines on Sunday underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Philippines’ national territory while recognizing and celebrating diverse local and regional identities.

"We believe that the entire nation, including Mindanao, with its abundant resources and untapped potential, can flourish through cooperative and collective efforts," ULAP said in a statement.

Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo and Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo also opposed the proposal for Mindanao to separate from the rest of the Philippines.

He called on the senators, particularly, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, to walk the talk on their proposed ceasefire in the word war between the two chambers of Congress.

In a separate statement, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said he is optimistic that Zubiri would be true to his word and jumpstart the discussions on RBH No. 6, and rally the needed 18 votes for the resolution to pave the way for amendments to the “restrictive” economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

“We will be waiting here and assure all stakeholders that we will immediately act on the Senate approval. We are just waiting for the delivery of Zubiri’s promise,” Suarez said.

The House has completed all its legislative commitments to the Chief Executive, including all of the priority bills in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council list and

urgent measures listed by the President in his last State of the Nation Address.

“We have deliberated exhaustively and passed all measures listed in the LEDAC and in the President’s SONA. We have no back subjects. Wehave no backlogs. We are raring to deliberate and amend therestrictive economic provisions of our Charter to the convenience of our countrymen,” Suarez noted.

Meanwhile, good governance advocate and lawyer Nick Conti said that although several measures have been passed by Congress to encourageand facilitate the entry of foreign investors into the country, “there are still sectors subject to the 60-40 foreign equity restrictions.”

He cited electricity distribution and transmission, petroleum and petroleum product transmission, seaports, water pipeline distributionsystems and wastewater pipeline systems, including sew-

erage pipeline systems and public utility vehicles.

A former commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Conti argued that Charter change could provide an opportunity to thoroughly review and modify these restrictions, allowing broader foreign participation and thereby creating employment and income opportunities for the people.

He also said that an amendment that will buttress the principle ofsanctity of contracts in the country will greatly boost the country's efforts to retain and attract foreign direct investments (FDI) even with the rancorous political environment in the country.

"This will also address concerns on the track record of the country with regards to contracts that have been canceled mainly due to a change in the government. This has been a real concern among foreign investors," Conti pointed out.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE administration has vowed to turn Mindanao from a “land of promises” into a “land of promises fulfilled,” Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said over the weekend.

From A1

"The National Government will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic,” said Año, who also heads the National Security Council.

“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,” added the NSC chief, who served as the Interior secretary and Armed Forces chief of staff during the Duterte administration.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against those who would attempt to sow discord, which, he added, would undermine the country’s hard-won gains in pur-

Senate...

From A1

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe on Sunday reminded the Senate of its selfimposed deadline on the approval of proposed amendments to the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

“We hold them to this commitment, which was even reported in themedia.

The House is just waiting for the Senate to approve RBH No. 6 so we can quickly adopt it,” he said.

“There is much anticipation and anxiety in the House on this RBH No. 6because the House had been proposing changes in the Charter principally on economic provisions, since the 8th Congress or for 35-36 years. So we expect Charter reform to take place this time, under the 19th Congress,” Dalipe said.

Swift...

From A1

The genre-bending SZA has the most chances at Grammy gold at nine, with Billie Eilish, the supergroup boygenius, and—of course—Swift all in tight contention for the major prizes.

Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae and Lana Del Rey are also in the mix to take home trophies.

An Album of the Year win for Swift would be her fourth—the most for any artist, a new record that would break the tie she is currently in with Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

It would be a cherry on top for the 34-year-old, who is already the toast of the music world.

She makes headlines with every breath, not least for her romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, who can't make it to the ceremony as he'll be tied up preparing for next weekend's Super Bowl.

The Grammys will also have a heavy dose of Barbie World: music fromthe effervescent summer smash earned 11 nods thanks to a bevy of catchy performances, including from Eilish,

No...

From A1

President Marcos said the campaign is also call for “collective action” toward change.

The launching of the Bagong Pilipinas event last week coincided with a gathering of the Dutertes and their supporters in Davao City, where the former president lambasted his successor.

Baste...

From A1

"Madame Imee, I want to make this clear because you are using it for media drama. I apologized because I felt bad for you, and not for what I said about your brother, who is (P)resident,” Duterte’s post said.

Reports said Senator Marcos was

Dua Lipa, rapper Nicki Minaj and the movie's sleeper standout... Oscarnominated actor Ryan Gosling.

Bubbly Bronx rapper Ice Spice is also up for an award for her work on "Barbie" as well as the prize for Best New Artist, which industry watchers predict she could take home after a banner year that saw her win the internet.

'Keep pushing' That seven of eight nominees in the Album and Record of the Year categories are women or gender fluid is a sea change many industry watchers see as long overdue.

Speaking to AFP at a pre-Grammys gala over the weekend, the head of the Recording Academy—the organization behind the awards—said he's "optimistic" the strong showing among women nominees is not just a one-off, but part of larger institutional change.

The Grammys have long been accused of being too male and too white, but Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr. said in the past five years, the voting body has brought in 2,500 new women and is now 40 percent people of color. AFP

for Mindanao to secede from the country.

She added that the government also established the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) regional/satellite office in BARMM, as well as the recognition of the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO).

“We are even commemorating the establishment of Islam in the Philippines, to emphasize the importance of our Muslim heritage in Philippine history. All these efforts are directed at making Mindanao a shining example of peace and development in the Philippines,”

Hacking attempts ‘alarming and outraging’—Poe

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE fresh attempt to hack government websites emanating from China is “alarming and outraging,” said Senator Grace Poe on Sunday.

While the , the Department of Information and Communications Technology foiled the intrusion try on the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration website, Poe noted the incident was a stark reminder that cyberattacks have become bolder and more relentless.

"Concerned government agencies should take a cue from the findings of the DICT on the suspected source of threat actors on our privacy and security," said the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services.

Fortifying website firewalls and systems, she said, should be the task of all agencies maintaining an online presence.

The senator also emphasized that all means should be explored to keep the people's data secure and uncompromised.

Over the weekend, the United States said it successfully dismantled a Chinabased hacking network known as "Volt Typhoon", accusing it of infiltrating critical US infrastructure networks with the goal of disabling them in the event of conflict.

The group—active since 2021— is allegedly primed to cripple sectors spanning communications, transportation and government.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has said that China has the biggest hacking program of any country.

Beijing has dismissed the claims as "groundless"—and pointed to the United States' own history of cyber espionage.

Death...

From A1

Of this number, 91,079 individuals, or 24,212 families, transferred to 341 evacuation centers; while 318,365 individuals, or 94,595 families, had sought temporary shelter elsewhere.

There were 97 roads and 14 bridges in the Davao and Caraga Regions that were still impassable.

The NDRRMC also reported over P2.6 million worth of damage to 26 structures in these two regions.

Forty-seven houses were also totally damaged, and 44 were partially damaged.

So far, 36 rain-induced landslides and 134 flooding incidents have been reported following the heavy rains, with 113 classes and 34 work schedules suspended.

The NDRRMC said close to P10 million in assistance had been distributed to affected residents.

The aid consisted of family food packs, modular tents, and other sleeping kits.

The P27.3-billion budget increase would benefit at least 1.85 million SUC students, 72,000 faculty and staff, and 50,000 job orders and contractual employees nationwide. Ronquillo said this is enough for their schools to effectively deliver educational services for their students.

He also thanked the House leader for convincing his fellow lawmakers to release some unprogrammed funds to cover tuition costs for school years 2022 and 2023 under the Free Higher Education program.

“We stand united with the Honorable Speaker in his unwavering commitment to prudent allocation of government resources. Your legislative support shall empower the 113 SUCs to deliver meaningful services to the country and its people,” said Ronquillo, the president of Batangas State University.

Romualdez assured PASUC of prioritizing the government’s budget for state-run educational institutions.

“This has always been the marching

order of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make sure that our students are not left behind in this globalized era,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian noted that a special provision in the 2024 GAA was really intended to address the potential funding deficiencies estimated at P4.1-billion to implement the Free Higher Education program.

This is based on the actual number of enrollees and fees approved by the SUCs’ board of regents or trustees. PASUC projects that 1.8 million students will avail of free higher education benefits this 2024.

Gatchalian previously emphasized the need to address the looming funding shortfall because it would affect the SUCs’ capacity to invest in laboratories, classrooms, and other facilities which, in turn, will affect the delivery of quality education for their students.

“We guaranteed that for this year, we will avoid the lack of funds for college in our State Universities and Colleges, " said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Basic Education committee.

He said it is important to ensure there are enough funds for SUCs to effectively serve their students.

Reports said Duterte and some of his family members were reportedly upset over talk that several investigators from the International Criminal Court had already entered the Philippines to gather more data about the past administration’s war on drugs.

The debate on confidential funds, which Congress later removed from the proposed budgets of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, last year also contributed to tension within the administration.

The President had brushed off Duterte’s tirades, saying they may be a side effect of his predecessor’s use of fentanyl, a powerful anti-pain drug.

The President said last week that he intends to keep Vice President Sara Duterte as his Education secretary despite the comments from her father and her brother.

Vice President Duterte has meanwhile said she intends to stay at DepEd unless President Marcos says otherwise.

She also said that Mayor Duterte's comments against the President were "from a place of brotherly love.”

The Vice President said it was in reaction to "despicable treatment that I am receiving from some sectors within the circle of the President."

The tension within the administration coalition has since increased, with the former president challenging President Marcos to take a drug test and announcing a campaign for Mindanao independence. Vince Lopez

The phreatic eruption generated a booming sound, rockfall, pyroclastic density currents, and a 1,200 meter-tall plume that drifted to the southwest.

Mayon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2, PHIVOLCS said.

A phreatic eruption is a steamdriven explosion that happens when magma heats the ground or surface water, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The intense heat can cause water to boil and flash into steam, which results in an explosion of water, steam, rock and ash. It can also often precede, accompany or follow a more traditional volcanic eruption.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said ashfall has not been reported so far.

PHIVOLCS resident volcanologist Dr. Paul Alanis said there is a possibility of ashfall in the towns of Daraga, Albay, Camalig and Guinobatan.

Mayon is currently on Alert Level 2 and this occurrence should be expected, the agency added. Rio Araja

beside Vice President Sara Duterte during the prayer rally and sat through the Dutertes' tirades against the President.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte also lambasted Mr. Marcos at the prayer rally.

Mayor Duterte added he was dismayed when Imee Marcos told the media recently about the mayor's apology, saying he forgave the senator once but did not specify the instance.

Senator Marcos has maintained close ties with Vice President Duterte and her family amid the apparent rift between the Dutertes and Marcoses.

On Friday, the senator met with former President Duterte after a Senate hearing in Davao City on the People’s Initiative signature campaign.

Last week, Senator Marcos said Mayor Duterte's outburst against Presi-

dent Marcos was triggered by his fear that his father and sister could be imprisoned.

She said the mayor apologized profusely to her after publicly daring Mr. Marcos to resign over the weekend during an anti-Charter change gathering in Davao City.

“Mayor Baste Duterte approached me, and he kept on apologizing,” the senator said in an interview at

the Senate.

“I understand that he was very emotional. Imagine that your father and sister might be imprisoned – you will really be upset,” she added.

Senator Marcos was apparently referring to the investigation of the International Criminal Court into the former President's bloody war against illegal drugs.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

State...

From A1

Albay...

From A1

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DA urges firms to follow rules on agri shipping

Bautista: Misamis airport to boost capacity by 72% with new building

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) reiterated its call to shipping companies to strictly adhere to regulations that prioritize the transport of agricultural produce to reduce waste, improve farmers’ income, and ensure food security.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the DA intends to meet with Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) officials to determine if shipping companies are compliant with such regulations.

“We will monitor this to ensure that they are strictly implemented.

We will again meet with PPA GM Jay (Santiago) on how to effectively implement these,” he added.

Complaints by highland vegetable farmers and traders have reached the DA during a town hall meeting with Secretary Tiu Laurel at Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) last week.

Benguet vegetable stakeholders said many of the highland vegetables destined for the local markets, especially Manila-bound and those that are loaded in ships for delivery to other provinces were not getting the proper testament as perishable products should be.

Tiu Laurel met Santiago last week to forge a partnership in support of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s initiatives to increase food production and modernize agriculture.

The Agriculture secretary traveled to Baguio City last Friday to meet with vegetable farmers and other stakeholders in the Cordillera region.

READY FOR THE MARKET. A worker arranges newly delivered red and white onions from Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in a market in Western Bicutan Taguig City. The wholesale price for red onion is P70 per kilo, while the price for white onion is P45 per kilo. Onion prices have gone down, growers said. Manny Palmero

DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said the passenger capacity of the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental is expected to increase by 72 percent, with the addition of a new terminal building.

Bautista and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo led the groundbreaking ceremony of the expansion of Laguindingan Airport’s Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) on Feb. 4.

With this, the pre-departure terminal’s capacity will increase from the current 500 to 860 passengers, representing a 72 percent increase.

“This will support the increase in ridership at the second-busiest airport in Mindanao,” Bautista said.

The airport currently accommodates 790 passengers at any given time, exceeding the pre-departure terminal’s capacity and leading to congestion.

Officials said the expansion will employ innovative modular construction using pre-fabricated structural steel, which is cost-effective, allows for swift construction, and is sustainable.

Key gov’t agencies sign pact to enhance rice supply chain T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ensuring an efficient rice supply chain and creating an alternative market for grain.

The understanding among the three agencies would benefit farmers and consumers as it seeks to promote the Integrated Rice Supply Chain Development Program.

The program will foster an efficient supply chain, develop a businessto-business online market platform, create alternative market access for buyers and sellers, enhance farmers’ income, promote proper rice branding

and classification, and make rice affordable to consumers.

DA Secretary Francisco TiuLaurel said he envisions the future of Philippine rice to be of high quality and recognized in the market.

He said the country could elevate the status of its agricultural products on a global stage with the cooperation in production, classification, marketing, and distribution of domestic rice.

The agriculture sector contributed 9 percent to gross domestic product last year and it has employed about 25 percent of the 49.7 million Filipinos in the labor force as of November.

Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas on Sunday meanwhile backed the passage of bills to bolster the nation’s agricultural sector and address hunger.

Along with the House committees on food security, and agriculture and food, he said he is working on House Bill 3777 or the Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Development Competitive Act; HB 4562 or the Right to Adequate Food Framework Act; HB 7898 or

the Zero Food Waste Act, and several local bills for the city’s District 5 seeking the institutionalization at the barangay level of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Saka Program by the Department of Agriculture.

The proposed policies have offered a multi-pronged approach to address perpetual challenges in food availability, value-chain production, and sustainable agricultural practices as means to promote a more resilient and equitable food system.

The initial versions of most of the bills were also lobbied by the legislator’s older brother, exrepresentative Alfred Vargas, during the 18th Congress. Rio Araja

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Makati barangays to get added P10m each from property taxes

PASINAYA 2024. Various cultural groups perform an ethnic dance as they join a parade highlighting the Pasinaya

celebration in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines as part of their weeklong activities. The Pasinaya aims to ’provide a platform for the artists and cultural groups to showcase their talents while nurturing the broadest public and creating new audiences through interactions and performances in February dubbed as art month.‘ Danny Pata

THE 23 barangays of Makati City are bound to receive additional P10 million each from the city government, Mayor Abigail Binay announced on Sunday.

Binay said the windfall money will be the villages’ share from the city’s basic real property tax (RPT) savings following the transfer of the 10 EMBO barangays to Taguig City.

The mayor said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also confirmed an average increase of 6.20 percent in their final National Tax Allotment (NTA) allocations this year.

“As expected, the exclusion of the 10 EMBO barangays has resulted in bigger allocations for each of the 23 remaining barangays from the city’s basic RPT collections and the NTA,” Binay said.

“I am exhorting all barangay leaders in the city to ensure that these added resources will be optimized for innovative, highimpact programs and services aligned with Makati’s vision of an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future,” she added.

The city government has also a lotted

Imee hits UN Special Rapporteur for ‘meddling’ in domestic affairs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

S

ENATOR Imee Marcos on Saturday scored United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan for meddling in Philippine affairs by calling for the dismantling of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Meanwhile, NTF-ELCAC chief Ernesto Torres Jr. asserted that the task force remains relevant in the on-going peace efforts of the government.

“After a mere 10 days in the Philippines, during which she never visited the NTF barangays but only met a chosen

few witnesses, she has the knowledge and the right to tell the Philippine government what to do?” GMA News quoted Marcos as saying.

“Not only are these foreigners meddlesome and out of their depth, she has also threatened that the Philippines’ am-

bitious plan to lead the UN Commission on the Status of Women and obtain a seat on the UN Security Council depends on conforming with her findings. Why exactly did we invite her anyway?” the senator added.

During here exit press conference in Mandaluyong City on Feb. 2, Khan recommended the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC, saying its bases for creation were outdated.

“It does not take into account the ongoing prospects for peace negotiations.

I, therefore, recommend that the task force should be abolished,” Khan said at a press conference on Thursday in Mandaluyong City.

Marcos also said Khan’s proposal was “hardly surprising, given her long-standing Amnesty International bias.”

To Marcos, dismantling the NTF-ELCAC would be “counter-productive, even dangerous” as thousands of rebels have peacefully returned to the fold of the law.

According to her, the government has practically won against the communist insurgency, with only about 1,800 rebels left as reported by the military and the police.

She underscored that it was important not only to retain the NTF-ELCAC, but also to strengthen its mandate to pursue the peaceful rehabilitation of rebel returnees.

Pinoy pax missing their flights may demand refund from BI

By Rio Araja

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITION. Rev. Father Wong Sheng Tian of the Sheng Lian Temple in Quezon City holds dragon figurines and burns incense which are considered an offering to deities, Buddhas, and their ancestors. The aromatic smoke symbolizes rising prayers and devotion, reaching the spiritual realm and carrying one’s wishes and gratitude in connection with the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Manny Palmero

DEPARTING Filipinos may soon compel the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to refund the costs of their plane tickets and other incidental expenses should they miss their flights due to prolonged questioning by its officers, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos, Jr. said on Sunday.

Campos cited a special provision in the 2024 national budget which stated that the travel expenses incurred by passengers, who were denied boarding without a court order, shall be charged from the BI special trust fund of immigration fees and other collections.

“The special provision strikes a balance between the right of every Filipino to travel, and the BI’s obligation to enforce immigration laws,” said Campos, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations.

The measure aims to address the frustrations experienced by many Filipino

international travellers in the past who missed their flights due to extended immigration secondary interviews. Some of them aired their grievances on social media, which went viral.

“Right now, we are still awaiting the guidelines to be issued by the BI, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Commission on Audit with respect to the implementation of the special provision,” Campos said.

Senator Francis Escudero pushed for the reimbursement of the travel expenses of Filipino passengers who were offloaded from their flights due to lengthy interrogation by Immigration officers “in the context of fighting human trafficking.”

Citing BI records, Escudero said a total of 32,404 Filipino passengers were not allowed to proceed with their flights in 2022 alone, and “only 472 of them were found to be victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment.”

NTA admin cannot appoint representative to IAC-T board, says DOJ THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has opined that the administrator of the National Tobacco Administration cannot appoint the agency’s representative to the Inter-Agency Committee–Tabacco (IAC-T).

In a legal opinion, the DOJ through Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, stressed that under Republic Act No. 9211, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, “department secre-

taries may designate their undersecretaries as their authorized representative to IAC-T.” The legal opinion was addressed to Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau Director M. Marcus Valdez II of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DOJ said under the law, the IACT is co-chaired by the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

and the secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).

According to the Justice department, the law also provides that the IAC-T should be composed of the administrator of the NTA, a representative of the tobacco industry, a representative of a non-government organization (NGO) in public health promotion nominated by

the DOH in consultation with concerned NGOs, and the secretaries of the DOJ, DOH, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Education (DepEd). Rey E. Requejo

Police nab 3 in Laguna drugs raid POLICE have arrested on Saturday three so-called high-value targets and seized P3 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation conducted by the joint drug operatives of Police Region 4-A office in Magano Street, Brgy. Maytalang, Lumban, Laguna.

The suspects were initially identified only as alias Fred, 47, alias Jim 50, and alias Cynthia, 20, all are residents of Lumban, Laguna and listed as high value suspects of the regional police headquarters.

Evidence recovered from the suspects included six pieces transparent sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 550 grams valued at P3.7 million and the buy-bust money.

Police Region 4A director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas lauded the signifi-

cant accomplishments of the Drug Enforcement Units of PRO 4A during the conduct of the buy-bust operation in Lumban.

He also directed the anti-drug units of PRO 4A to conduct thorough investigation to trace the source of illegal drugs in Lumban.

“I am grateful to our dedicated and hardworking PRO 4A drug operatives for making another milestone in our campaign against illegal drugs.

This remarkable feat deserves recognition. I already directed our anti-drug units to conduct an investigation to trace the source of this enormous quantity of drugs that proliferate not only in Lumban but also in the nearby municipalities.” Lucas said. Roy Tomandao

NEW PUP-CITE BUILDING. The Binan City government inaugurates a new building for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) in Barangay Canlalay, highlighting the celebration of the city’s 14th anniversary. In photo are Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte and Councilor Dada Reyes. Roy Tomandao

over P9.19 billion for the city’s social development sector, which is almost half of the P19.70-billion budget for this year.

Binay assured her constituents that they could expect improved benefits and programs this year, as the city foresees significant savings following the transfer of 10 EMBO barangays to Taguig.

“Despite a reduction of P700 million in the National Tax Allotment due to the transfer of the 10 barangays to Taguig, I want to assure Makatizens that our commitment to social services remains unwavering. We are fortunate to have a stable and flourishing economy, and we recognize the importance of utilizing our resources wisely to enhance the overall well-being of residents and foster a more inclusive and equitable society,” Binay said.

She emphasized the city’s dedication to transparent and accountable use of public funds, reassuring residents that every peso will be maximized for the benefit of residents.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

CA dismisses Binay’s libel complaint vs. Trillanes

By Rey E. Requejo THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed with finality its decision dismissing a libel case filed by former Vice President Jejomar Binay against former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV in connection with the latter’s alleged complicity in a P100-million a year racket involving “ghost” senior citizens. In a two-page resolution, the CA’s former Fourth Division held that Binay failed to raise new arguments that would warrant a review of its June 27, 2023 decision.

“Upon careful deliberation of the motion for reconsideration, the Court finds no compelling reason to deviate from its findings and conclusion. The arguments raised in the motion are merely a rehash of the issues which the assailed decision has already passed upon,” the CA resolution stated.

“Petitioner has not been able to establish that the proceedings below were conducted with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction, which is the core issue to be resolved in any petition for certiorari,” it said.

In its June 27, 2023 decision, the CA affirmed the ruling by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in November 2020 granting the demurrer to evidence filed

by Trillanes.

A demurrer to evidence is a motion to dismiss on the ground of insufficiency of evidence where a defendant cites that the evidence produced by the prosecution is insufficient to make out a case, whether true or not.

If granted, the case will be dismissed tantamount to acquittal. If denied, the trial will continue with the presentation of evidence by the accused.

Binay’s motion for reconsideration was denied in January 2021 by the Makati RTC.

Biñan opens new building for PUP-CITE

By Roy Tomandao BIÑAN CITY—The Binan City government on Sunday inaugurated a new building for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) —College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) in Barangay Canlalay in conjunction with the observance of the city’s 14th anniversary.

Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Vice Mayor GEL Alonte and councilor Dada Reyes led the inauguration, also attended by PUP Biñan staff and officials, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Biñan, city department heads, some students and members of media.

According to Dimaguila, this is the city’s visible way to provide quality education for needy students or those who cannot afford to go to college, in addition to the local government’s assistance in the Biñan Scholars program.

After the inauguration, the local government officials held a press conference to share the programs, projects, ordinances and resolutions passed for the continued progress and development of the city of Biñan.

A5

OPINION

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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

So I See

Lito Banayo

EDITORIAL

The ‘imperial’ Senate THE problem lies in the stealth by which a people’s initiative was begun, and the hilarious proof is seen in the investigation started

by Senadora Imee where doltish fronts fumbled at the slightest withering.

Still, members of the HoR have reason to feel bad.

For years and years and through several Congresses, the “imperial” Senate just sat on their proposals to start the process of Charter change.

To borrow the lyrics from that song titled “Mona Lisa” – composed by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston – warbled by the inimitable Nat King Cole, “Many dreams have been laid at your doorstep; they just lie there, and they die there.”

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has listed some 358 ‘cha-cha’ bills filed from the 8th Congress, the latest of which are 14 in the present Congress that have been gathering dust in the Senate.

—“—

An ‘imperial Senate’ fears its existence is threatened, not the people’s long term interest but their existence and electability

In exasperation, resident House economist Rep. Joey Salceda said “it would be a waste of time” if the ‘lower house’ waited for their ‘upper house’ counterparts to act on Cha-cha. “Dead in the water,” Salceda rued correctly.

Senate President Zubiri in fact moved only when the President mismo called him and a few others to Malacanang to come up with a solution to the impasse on the economic provisions of the Charter.

But that is another waste of effort, Salceda explains, because while the HoR wants a comprehensive lifting of restrictions, the Senate wants to limit the amendments to only three provisions, covering advertising, education and public utilities.

Indeed, what need is there to allow global advertising companies to come in, when they have been partnering with our highly creative locals with only the cachet of their names as premium, and the insistence of multinational companies in the Philippine market who want consistency in their messaging?

Why invite Harvard and Oxford which Zubiri cited, to put branches in the country like Asia’s wealthy go-to Singapore?

Only the uber-wealthy can afford these so-called centers of excellence, and their children prefer staying in cold Boston and

damp London, ne c’est pas?

Salceda trots out numbers, which is arcane to many in the ‘upper house’: 14 percent potential increase in the GDP as compared to some 2 percent marginal prospects under the Zubiri version.

So, repeat the lines of the Mona Lisa lyrics in this latest attempt to amend the 1987 Charter which one of its authors, former CJ Hilario Davide, said “he would defend with his life.”

All because an ‘imperial Senate’ fears its existence is threatened, not the people’s long term interest but their existence and electability.

If the intentions were good, and I for one agree that not only the economic but, more so, the ‘political’ provisions need to be revisited and revised, the President mismo should have called for a transparent process instead of hiding behind docile congressmen and the puppets they utilized.

My friend and nine years-distant successor in office, Ronald Llamas, kept wondering why PBBM has not employed a ‘political adviser’ (a useless office unless the president listens to its “advice”).

Were it not for the fact that he is a socialist democrat allied with the currently hated “dilawan,” Ronald who is certifiably not ‘pink,’ would have come up with a better plan and implementing strategy, if he were PBBM’s political adviser, which will never be.

But why is the Senate so allergic to change the Charter? Is it truly existential for their chamber?

In a constituent assembly, compromises could be forged between both houses. As I keep writing about, why not regionally elected senators and a two-party system?

Let us look at our 2025 re-electionists: Imee will always be carried by the North, just as Bong Go and Bato will win in their Region 11 handily if we were to go regional.

Pia Cayetano in NCR should still prevail.

Two casualties may be actors Bong and Lito, who may reckon with stiff competition if Ping Lacson and GMA were to run, though in nationwide voting, Probinsyano transmogrified into Batang Quiapo and “bu-dots” might yet prevail.

Many in the chamber would win nationally, carried by their celebrity status, never mind their marginal utility. But if they were to be elected by constituents who know them better than the rest of the country, they might falter.

Look at our ‘graduating’ senators: Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, even Koko Pimentel are NCR-based. Sonny Angara is from Aurora with the tiniest population in Region 3.

But if the proponents of Charter change were to advocate a two-party system and a regionally elected Senate, would not the people agree?

And if the President mismo were to propose these ‘political’ changes, would not the people support the same -- a saner, more simple, more equitable representation?

SSS -- stealth, stupidity, and an ‘imperial’ Senate, these are the obstacles. Is obstinacy still possible?

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Duterte’s dark gambit threatens tapestry of peace IN THE ominous shadow of Mindanao, a tale unfolds, woven with the echoes of peace agreements and the discordant notes of a former leader’s perilous gamble.

The Bangsamoro people, standing resolute against the turbulent winds of secession, reject Rodrigo Duterte’s dangerous proposition, vowing to safeguard the hardearned gains of their peace process.

In the heart of Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament members boldly assert their allegiance to the peace compacts with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

These agreements, a result of diligent and arduous negotiation, granted Muslims, Christians, and indigenous people the power to govern their geopolitical territory.

Yet, Duterte, blinded by ambition, seeks to demolish this progress with his call for Mindanao’s independence.

A ranking Moro member of the parliament, shrouded in anonymity, emphasizes their traditional ownership of Mindanao and the unwavering commitment to the peace agreements.

This stance echoes the sentiment of a region unwilling to surrender the fruits of their hard-fought peace efforts.

BARMM’s Chief Minister Ahod Bala-

wag Ebrahim, chairman of the MILF’s central committee, stands as a pillar of fidelity to the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.

Ebrahim extols the right to self-determination enshrined in the agreement, acknowledging the strides made in its implementation.

—“—

Let us not succumb to the discordant notes of division but, instead, strive to preserve the tapestry of peace that binds us together

The MILF, appreciative of past and present Philippine presidents, underscores the importance of autonomy for the Bangsamoro people.

The story unravels further as the Maranaw grains trader, Samsudin Saripada,

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‘Foolish’ Mindanao secession plan

I

It does not refer to a group of people within the jurisdiction of the national government seeking to declare independence.

N CALLING for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic, former President Rodrigo Duterte is treading on dangerous ground.

—“—

Duterte and Alvarez are both lawyers, yet they would rather spit on the 1987 Constitution and tear it to shreds in their lust for unbridled political power

First of all, it is definitely against the 1987 Constitution. Article I defines the national territory as the Philippine archipelago with all the islands and waters embraced therein.

Second, if he and his followers insist on secession, he will have to deal with the Armed Forces of the Philippine whose duty is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory, as provided for in Sec. 3 of Article II. While Duterte can openly advocate secession and organize people behind their advocacy as part of freedom of expression, it is another matter if they use coercion, intimidation or even advocate the use of force to pursue their misbegotten project.

Even as the Charter recognizes the right to self-determination, it refers to our relations with other states as part of an independent foreign policy.

Duterte and his rabid supporters believe their move is based on a supposed process of the United Nations that would allow them to launch a signature campaign among people in all parts of Mindanao who want to set up a separate state.

This, the former president said, was

suggested by Pantaleon Alvarez, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who would also go around Mindanao to gather signatures similar to a people’s initiative for Charter change.

Duterte and Alvarez are both lawyers, yet they would rather spit on the 1987 Constitution and tear it to shreds in their lust for unbridled political power.

But Duterte’s dream of an independent Mindanao is not likely to gather steam, as it has been roundly rejected by right-thinking people in and out of government.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, a native of Mindanao’s Bukidnon province, stated that “right now the last thing tis for our country to be chaotic and divided.”

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, the minority leader from Mindanao, is unequivocal in his stand against secession of any part of the country’s territory.

Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who also hails from Davao, dismissed Duterte’s call for a separate Mindanao, describing it as “foolishness” and “sloganeering.”

“This is just a slogan. There is nothing to secede, it is against the Constitution.

That is threatening the integrity of the national territory,” he pointed out.

We agree completely.

YET another wave of swarming maneuvers wherein over 200 Chinese vessels were recently monitored by the Philippine Navy in the vicinity of Panganiban (Mischief Reef), only 35 kilometers from Philippineoccupied Ayungin Shoal where we’ve seen the Chinese Coast Guard commit several aggressive coercive actions to block regular resupply missions.

Ayungin Shoal is where the BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded since 1999 and has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty and theater of defense against China’s persistent violations of the country’s offshore territories and exclusive economic zone.

Unlike previous supply sorties that encountered dangerous maneuvers from Chinese vessels wherein Philippine civilian supply ships were hit with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers resulting in minor collisions threatening lives, the latest mission that sailed Feb. 2 was accomplished without incident with China’s hundreds of militia vessels keeping their distance -- for now.

These invasive maneuverings are part of China’s aggressive projection to claim virtually the whole of the South China Sea and our territories in the West Philippine Sea. These escalating geopolitical tensions are happening on top of marine resources critical to the food security of all littoral states around the waters of South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific.

Since the invention of ocean going vessels, the seas have become a planetary commons that for thousands of years have produced food and functions as the nautical highway for intercontinental maritime connections and economic interdependence.

It is like an aquatic lifeline of the Earth’s inhabitants. Its teeming biodiversity supports a variety of fish that are a staple in the

The construction of military bases and reclamation activities have led to the destruction of vast areas of reefs, disrupting marine habitats and ecosystems.

Overfishing, driven by the presence of numerous Chinese fishing vessels, has depleted fish stocks, threatening local livelihoods and regional food security.

Local fisherfolk have also reported harassment, causing distress and fear.

These are clear and present threats that have created a more complex geopolitical flux that interlinks traditional security risks with new security challenges wielding state sponsored digital weaponry to launch disinformation and cybersecurity attacks that can immobilize critical infrastructure and shape public opinion thru social media.

But the Filipino people are well aware of these threats from China and have strong sentiments on defending the country’s territorial and sovereign rights.

In the latest national posts of the Stratbase Institute conducted in partnership with Pulse Asia Research (Dec. 3-7, 2024), Filipinos agree the country should continue to work with like-minded states in addressing the security challenges and economic implications posed by increased tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The respondents said the Marcos Jr. administration should work with the United States (79 percent), Australia (43 percent), and Japan (42 percent) to foster economic growth while upholding its 2016 Arbitral Victory.

Glaring in the survey results is that 9 out of 10 Filipinos are not in favor of working with China, which is not a surprise with all their aggressive coercive acts being instigated in the WPS. Responsive to this overwhelming sentiment is President Marcos Jr’s rectification of his predecessors damaging appeasement policy and the majority (55 percent) of the people agree that his administration can fulfill their promise of protecting the West Philippine Sea against illegal and aggressive actions of other states during his term.

For the world to sustain the bounty and prosperity that marine resources have given to human civilization, and while there is still the opportunity, the international community must work together to forge a peace and stable world order that respects and abides by the rule of law.

Expert insights on how we can effectively confront these confluence of maritime, environmental, and geopolitical schisms will be the scope of deep discussions in two events this month organized by the Stratbase Institute.

The first is in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines on the “The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement and its Implications on the South China Sea” on Feb. 8 (Thursday) from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

The following week there is another town hall discussion in partnership with the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines on the “Unveiling Asymmetric Challenges through Assertive Transparency” on Feb. 13, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

You are all welcome to watch the livestream of these events on the Stratbase ADR Institute Facebook page.

recounts the high cost paid by Moro guerrillas in their quest for autonomy.

Blood, sweat, and tears paved the way to the autonomy now enjoyed by Muslim, Christian, and IP communities in BARMM. In stark contrast to this tapestry of peace stands Duterte, orchestrating a dangerous symphony of division.

His call for Mindanao’s independence emerges as a self-serving and reckless gamble, threatening the harmony built over decades.

The unity among Muslims, Christians, and indigenous tribes in BARMM becomes a lighthouse of hope, a testament that the rest of the Philippines must heed.

Yet, another player enters the stage – Carlito Galvez Jr., a Duterte-appointed ex-AFP chief turned presidential adviser on peace.

Galvez, once an instrumental figure in Duterte’s administration, now urges Filipinos to reject the siren call of Mindanao secession.

He denounces the idea as unconstitutional, in direct contradiction to the spirit of the Philippine Constitution, the very foundation of the nation’s identity.

Galvez points out the rewards reaped from the comprehensive peace process, citing the Bangsamoro Organic Law signed by Duterte himself in 2018.

He warns against jeopardizing the progress made, urging citizens to learn from the past and embrace the lessons of peace.

In this dark drama, the calls for secession, spearheaded by Duterte’s non-permanent ally of convenience, Pantaleon Alvarez, take center stage.

However, leaders of BARMM, including Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, vehemently oppose these calls, pledging to adhere to the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro for the right to self-determination.

Amidst the chaos, Rep. Raoul Manuel

suggests a chilling motive behind Duterte’s push for Mindanao’s secession – an attempt to evade the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs” raises questions about the true intentions behind this perilous gambit.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Duterte, once a leader entrusted with the nation’s welfare, has become the villain preying on the aspirations of the Filipino people.

I implore my fellow Filipinos to reject this dark narrative, to unite, and uphold the sovereignty of the Philippines.

Let us not succumb to the discordant notes of division but, instead, strive to preserve the tapestry of peace that binds us together. In this crucial moment, let the unity of all Filipinos, including the Bangsamoro people, lead us toward a future where peace and prosperity prevail.

Open Thoughts Orlando Oxales

Protect, sustain humanity’s aquatic lifeline

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

diet of billions of humans.

The incursions of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea have had a profound impact on the region’s marine life and resources.

—“—

The Filipino people are well aware of these threats from China and have strong sentiments on defending the country’s territorial and sovereign rights

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

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

A6

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US, UK strike dozens of Huthi rebel targets in Yemen in response to blitz WASHINGTON, DC—The United States and Britain struck dozens of targets in Yemen last weekend in response to repeated attacks on shipping by Iranbacked Huthi rebels that have disrupted global trade and put lives at risk.

The joint air raids in Yemen come a day after a separate wave of unilateral American strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria that were carried out in response to the killing of three US soldiers in Jordan on Jan. 28.

It is the third time that British and American forces have jointly targeted the Huthis and the United States has also carried out a series of air raids against them on its own, but the rebels’ attacks have persisted.

Saturday’s strikes hit “36 Huthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen in response to the Huthis’ continued attacks against international and com-

mercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea,” the United States, Britain and other countries that provided support for the operation said in a statement.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes “are intended to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Huthi militia to conduct their reckless and destabilizing attacks.”

“Coalition forces targeted 13 locations associated with the Huthis’ deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars,” he said in a statement.

Neither Austin nor the joint statement identified the specific places that were hit, but the Huthis’ Al-Massirah television said Sanaa and other locations were targeted. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL IPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Quezon City - Branch 217 rtc1qzn217@judiciary.gov.ph Cp # 09275426985 (Effective September 13, 2023) Tel. # 8529•0868 IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE CANCELLATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATES OF LIVE BIRTH OF VERNADETTE NAGUIT. VERNADETTE NAGUIT a.k.a.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT DUAZO. Petitioner.

BUILDINGS DESTROYED. Smoke rises over buildings amid Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip during the weekend as fighting continues between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group. AFP

Scores killed as Hamas weighs Gaza Strip ceasefire proposal Standard Manila

TODAY

2, 1990; her Parents are herein named respondents Editha IN RE: PETITION FOR Vicente CANCELLATION Dimagiba Naguit and Pantua Duazo; however the OF CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH registration of the Certificate of LiveOF Birth of herein Petitioner JACKELYN WITHthe Petitioner’s birth her was done onlyMAÑOZA sometimeQUIDILLA May 28, 1996; REGISTRY NO. 96-32184 parents Editha and Vicente were not married; they subsequently contracted marriage sometime in February 11, 1996 at the SP.Proc. No. R-QZN-23-11772-SP Green Ville Covered Court by attending a “Kasalang Bayan”; in the year 1999 herein respondents Vicente P. Duazo and EDITHA JACKIELYN QUIDILLA BARTE, D. Naguit executed a joint Affidavit of Legitimation declaring, among others, that they hadPetitioner, no legal impediment to marry when contracted marriage; a Certification dated November 23, 2023 -versuswas issued by the Office of the City Civil Registry Department of Quezon City to certify that indeed the Affidavit of Legitimation OFFICE LOCALinCIVIL REGISTRY was filed OF andTHE recorded the office as Registry No. 99-679; OF QUEZON CITY; herein Petitioner, nowPHILIPPINE already of age, had a fiance, an American STATISTICS AUTHORITY; OFFICE OFreview of her Certificate citizen, whom she intends to marry; upon THE SOLICITOR GENERAL andraised all other of Live Birth questions were about the Remarks/ Persons who may a claim or interest Annotation found at have the right uppermost of said Certificate of In this Petition.

Live Birth which indicates “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage of Parents on 11th FebruaryRespondents.

1996 in Quezon City under reg.no. x-------------------------------------------------------x 99-679” Verifications were required about the legitimated status of herein Petitioner and in theORDER process herein Petitioner was able to secured the Petition Office offorthe Philippine Statistics Authority This is afrom verified Cancellation of Certificate of Live (PSA) theJackelyn respective CENOMARS of her the copy of Birth of Mañoza Barte, filed by parents; the Petitioner, through the Cenomar of respondent Editha D. Naguit showed that she counsel, on December 27, 2023. had contracted marriage only once and it was with Vicente P. Duazo he was twice;is the marriage The revealed Petition that alleges thatmarried Petitioner a first Filipino citizen was Miguela whichVincent happened sometime 22, and with resident of Orivida 58-B Saint Street, Brgy. March Holy Spirit, 1986; copies the Petitioner CENOMARs Editha Naguit and Vicente Quezon City;ofthat wasofborn onD.October 2, 1991 in 28 P. Duazo.

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City; that her parents Jocelyn Mañoza |Quidilla and Jimmy Santiago Barte;respondent that recently she The first wife, Miguela Orivida, of herein was foundduring out that birthherein was recorded at theEdith LocalD. Civil Registry alive theher time respondents Naguit and of QuezonP. City twicecontracted and under marriage; two different names; theafirst record Vicente Duazo considering; copy of of her birth is under Civil Registry No. 91-47948 with following Miguela Orivida’s facebook screenshot, to prove thethe fact that details/entries appearing on said Certificate of Live Birth; she was still alive when herein respondents Editha and Vicente contracted marriage; considering that the marriage of herein 1. Name: Jackielyn Quidillawith Barte respondent Vicente P. Duazo Miguela Orivida happened 2. earlier Sex: Female much than his marriage with herein respondent Editha 3.

Date of Birth: 2 October 1991 D. Naguit the subsequent marriage is considering bigamous Place of Birth: Avenue, Gao, Quezon and4.therefore null and#28 voidCommonwealth from the beginning; herein Petitioner cannot City be considered as a legitimated child considering that 5. her Type of Birth: x Single when parents were married there was a legal impediment for Mother Maiden Name: Jocelyn Mañoza Quidilla the6.parents to contract such marriage; the Petitioner the sought the7.advice of both PSA and Civil Registry Office of Quezon City Nationality: Filipino on 8. howReligion: to remover or cancel the annotation on her Certificate R Catholic of Live Birth andName: both offices to file the appropriate 9. Father’s Jimmyadvised Santiagoher Barte case the court; thus, the filing of this Petition to correct the 10.before Nationality: Filipino error and to cancel the annotation “Legitimated

by Subsequent 11. Religion: Catholic Marriage of Parents February 1996 inSeptember QC under the reg.

12. Date of Placeon of 11th Marriage of Parents: 6, 1990 no. 99-679” found in her Certificate of Live Birth and likewise – Manila to 13. cancel the registered “ Joint Affidavit of Legitimation” filed Certificate of Attendant at Birth: by herein respondents EdithaRegaspi and Vicente with the Office of Name in Print: Jocelyn – Telebrico the Civil Registry of Quezon City; there is a need to correct the Position: Midwife erroneous annotation “Legitimated

by Subsequent Marriage of Address: #34 Saint Vincent Brgy.

Holy Spirit Q.C. ParentsDate: on 11th February 1996 in QC under reg. no. 99-679” October 3, 1991 found in Petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth to reflect her true 14. Informant: and actual as Jimmy a person relative to her family to avoid Namestatus in Print: S. Barte confusion with her public records and most importantly, to give Relationship to Child: Father herein Petitioner peace of mind in her future private and public Address: #28 Commonwealth Ave., Gao, Quezon City transactions.

Date: October 3, 1991 WHEREFORE, let this Petition be set for hearing before this On located the other hand, 604, second of Floor, birth was Civil Court at Room Sixth Hall recorded of Justice under - Annex, RegistryQuezon No. 96-32184 the5, following Diliman, City onwith June 2024 atdetails/entries 10:00 o’clockappearing in the morning at which place and on which time, all interested person on said Certificate of Live Birth: must appear and file their opposition/s to the petition.

1. Name: Jackielyn Mañoza Quidilla Pursuant to Section 4, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court let a 2. Sex: Female copy of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner 3. Date of Birth: 2 October 1991 once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of 4. Place of Birth: 28 Commonwealth Avenue, Q.C. general circulation throughout the Philippines.

5. a. Type of Birth: x Single Further, copies c.

Birth let Order: Firstof this Order together with the Petition andd.its Weight annexes sent by registered mail to the Office of the at be Birth: 3175 grams Solicitor General, Office of theJocelyn City Prosecutor of Quezon City, 6. Mother Maiden Name: Mañoza Quidilla Office the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City and Philippine 7. of Citizenship: Filipino Statistics Authority who may file their oppositions thereto with in 8. Religion: Catholic fifteen from notice of of Children this petition.

9. (15) a. days Total Number born alive: 1 b.

No. of Children still living including this birth: 1 SO ORDERED. c.

No. of Children born alive but are now dead: 0 Quezon City, Philippines, January 4, 2024.

10: Occupation: Housewife 11. Age at the time of this birth: 18 years (Sgd.) CARLO D. VILLARAMA 12. Residence: 28 Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City Presiding Judge 13. Father’s Name: NA cc: 14. Citizenship: N/A Vernadette Naguit a.k.a.

15. Religion: N/A Vernadette Naguit Duazo 16.

Occupation: N/A Petitioner Age: 1st 17. floor, UnitX 4, Bistekville 15 Richland Avenue, Sauyo, 18. Date Quezon Cityand Place of Marriage of Parents: N/A 19. a. Attendant: x Midwife Atty. Carlitos N. Encarnacio b. Certificate of Birth:II Counsel for theName Petitioner in Print: Jocelyn R. Telebrico Rm. 207 2/f CMC Bldg., 35 Matalino Position: Reg. MidwifeSt., Diliman, Q.C. arcc_enca@yahoo.com Address: 28 Commonwealth Ave., Q.C. Date: May&27, 1996 Pantua Duazo Editha Dimagiba Naguit Vicente 20. Informant: Respondents Name Jocelyn M.Richland Quidilla Avenue, Bldg., 4, 1st floor, Unitin4,Print: Bistekville 15, Sauyo, QuezonRelationship City and to Child: Mother Address:Sauyo, #28 Commonwealth Ave., Q.C. Area 6 Sitio Cabuyao, Novaliches, Quezon City Date: May 27, 1996; THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Quezon CityPetitioner now desires to have her second Certificate That the of Live BirthSTATISTICS with Registry Number 96-32184 with Registered PHILIPPINE AUTHORITY Namne, Jackelyn Quidilla, be cancelled as it causes PSA, Complex East Mañoza Ave confusion as to her Diliman, Quezon Citytrue and correct name.

OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL WHEREFORE, let this Petition be set for hearing before this Makati City Court located at Room 604, Sixth Floor, Hall of Justice – Annex, Diliman,OF Quezon City on June 19, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock in the OFFICE THE CITY PROSECUTOR morningCity at which place and on which time, all interested person Quezon must appear and file their opposition/s to the petition.

(MStandard - Feb. 5, 12 & 19, 2024)

Pursuant to Section 4, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the Philippines.

Further, let copies of this Order together with the Petition and

TODAY National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 214 Mandaluyong City rtc1mdI214@judiciary.gov.ph (02) 8682-0747

IN RE: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF LEGAL GUARDIAN OF MINOR TIDUS LEON R. PEREZ,

SP PROC. NO. R-MND-23-01927-SP

P

ALESTINIAN Territories—Scores were reported killed in overnight -versusSP. Proc. No. R-QZN -23-11718-SP THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF strikes across the Gaza Strip on QUEZON CITY, THE CIVIL REGISTRAR Sunday, after Hamas said it needed more GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (formerly NSO), time to consider a proposal that would EDITHA DIMAGIBA NAGUIT, VICENTE halt its war with Israel in the besieged PANTUA DUAZO and all other persons claiming rights and interest in the instant petition, CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACKPalestinian territory.

Respondents. x------------------------------------------------------------x REPUBLICORDER OF THE PHILIPPINES National Capital Judicial Region This is a verified petition for Cancellation/Correction of entry Regional CourtNaguit Duazo, filed in the Certificate of Live Birth of Trial Vernadette by the Petitioner, through December Quezoncounsel, City – dated Branch 217 21 , 2023. rtcqzn217@judiciary.gov.ph The Petition alleges that Petitioner is a Filipino citizen, and Cp.#09275426985 September 13,Richland 2023) a resident of Bldg. 4, 1st (Effective floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15, Avenue, Sauyo, QuezonTel.# City;8529-0868 that Petitioner was born on April

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 224, QUEZON CITY 09153627542 I (02)86586669 I (02)88597908 rtc2gzn224@judiciary.gov.ph

IN RE: PETITION FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN JUDGMENT (DECREE OF DIVORCE) MICHAEL P. LARA, Petitioner, -versus-

R-QZN-24-00080-SP For: Recognition of a Foreign Decree of Divorce

ANJANETTE T. DE TORRES, THE CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, AND THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OF QUEZON CITY, Respondents, x --------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

A verified Petition for the recognition of foreign judgment on divorce between the petitioner and respondent Anjanette T. De Torres (“private respondent) was filed, alleging as follows: petitioner and private respondent were both Filipino citizens when they got married on February 21, 2004; sometime in May 2004, the private respondent went to Canada for her Canadian citizenship and since then, the parties lived separately from each other; the petitioner then applied for an immigrant visa as a spouse so he could be with the private respondent in Canada who was also then pregnant with their child; while waiting for the approval of the petitioner’s visa, the private respondent gave birth to Avilenne Kayle De Torres Lara on October 24, 2004; unfortunately, the petitioner figured in an accident and his visa application was denied because of a pending case; since then , the parties constantly fought and could no longer settle their differences leading them to further grow apart; after the private respondent acquired her Canadian Citizenship, she decided to file for Divorce with the Superior Court of Justice, Family Court of Ontario on July 7, 2009 applying the Divorce Act R.S. 1985, c.3 (2nd Supp.) of Canada being a naturalized Canadian citizen; and on the basis of the said law, particularly Sections 8(1), 8(2) (a), 12(7) and 14, the Superior Court of Justice Family Court of Ontario issued a Divorce Order dated November 9, 2009, which took effect on December 10, 2009 as reflected in the Certificate of Divorce.

The petitioner prays that a judgment be rendered: (1) recognizing the Divorce Order dated November 9, 2009 issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the case of Anjanette T. De Torres v,. Michael P. Lara; (2) consequently, recognizing the effects of the foreign divorce decree obtained by the private respondent in Canada as to the petitioner; (3) declaring the petitioner as having the capacity to remarry according to Article 26 of the Family Code; and (4) ordering that the aforesaid divorce be recorded in the Local Civil Registry of Quezon City, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and other concerned Philippine Government offices.

WHEREFORE, notice is hereby given that the hearing of the Petition is set on April 4. 2024 at 11:30 in the morning, at which date and time, all persons Interested and concerned may appear and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted.

The petitioner is directed to do, or cause to be done at his expense, the following and submit proofs of compliance therewith: 1. Publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle; 2. Posting of this Order for a period of thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing at the main entrance of the Quezon City Hall, and the bulletin boards of this Branch and the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court of Quezon City; and 3. Furnishing a copy of this Order and the Petition, together with its annexes, upon the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, the Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, and respondent Anjanette T. De Torres by personal service, registered mail or accredited private courier.

Moreover, the Civil Registrar General and any person having or claiming any interest in the petition may file the opposition/ objection thereto within fifteen (15) days from notice, or from the last date of publication of this Order.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, January 9,2024.

Copy furnished :

(Sgd.) ZITA MARIE M. ATIENZA-FAJARDO Presiding Judge

DJCP LAW OFFICE Counsel for the Petitioner Unit 1003 President Tower No. 81 Timog Avenue, South Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City 1103 ANJANETTE T. DE TORRES Private Respondent 99 Howard Street, Apartment 1216. Toronto, Ontario M4X 1K1 -and35 Luna Street, New Intramuros Village, Balara, Quezon City OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR J. Cecilia Munoz Palma Hall. City Hall Complex. Quezon City CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City (MStandard - Feb. 5, 12 & 19, 2024)

S. RAMIREZ, Gaza’sDULCE Hamas-run health ministry said early Sunday escaped death,” Ahmad Bassam al-Jamal told AFP, Petitioner. that at least 92 people had been killed overnight, in- his voice breaking. “My child now is a martyr in x-------------------------------------------------------x ORDER cluding in what the group’s media office said was an heaven.”

This is a petition guardianship filed petitioner Israeli bombardment of aforkindergarten in by Rafah where The city that had been home to 200,000 people now S. Ramirez (PETITIONER), through counsel, displacedDulce people were sheltering. hosts more than half of Gaza’s population, the United praying inter alia, that after due notice and hearing, Concerns overbea rendered potentialappointing Israeli ground incursion Nations said. judgment PETITIONER as over the person estate of her grandson into the guardian southern border cityand have mounted in recent A representative of the UN humanitarian agency minor Tidus Leon R. Perez. PETITIONER also prays days, with hundreds of thousands of displaced seeking OCHA has called Rafah “a pressure cooker of defor such other reliefs just and equitable under the refuge from the fighting there in makeshift shelters and spair”, expressing concern for what might happen circumstances.

Manila REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL IPPINES next. encampments.

Standard PETITIONER alleged thatNational she is of Capital legal age, widow, Judicial Region TODAY Many Filipino made citizen the journey even harder-hit areas Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on and with from residential address at No. 8K Regional Trial Court Dayton 2 California Domingo Guevera after being told the cityGarden was Square, a safe zone, but strikes Thursday that the military -which began its ground Quezon City - Branch 217 Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City. PETITIONER rtc1qzn217@judiciary.gov.ph have continued there as well, with mourners gathering invasion in the territory’s north and has gradually adis the grandmother the minor. (Effective PETITIONER’s Cp #of09275426985 September 13, 2023) outside adaughter local hospital Saturday pray for the dead vanced south -- “will also reach Rafah”. and the mother of minorto Tidus Leon R. Perez Tel. # 8529•0868 is Patricia Jean Saligumba Ramirez (DECEASED after another bombardment.

Civilians who fled to the city have been pushed up THEon MATTER OF THE PETITION who IN died 19 August 2021 at EastFOR “The PATRICIA) children were just sleeping and suddenly against the border with Egypt, trying to avoid areas THE CANCELLATION/CORRECTION Avenue Medical Center, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon OF the bombardment happened. bedroom fell on exposed to bombardment and fighting in nearby Khan ENTRIES THEchild CERTIFICATES OF LIVE City.1 Tidus Leon R. Perez IN is The the of DECEASED BIRTH VERNADETTE NAGUIT. PATRICIA and Rodrigo S.ofPerez, Jr .. PETITIONER my children.

God took oneOF my children and three Yunis. AFP avowed that she is the legal guardian of minor Tidus VERNADETTE NAGUIT a.k.a.

Leon R. Perez.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT DUAZO. Petitioner.

PETITIONER averred that minor Tidus has a SP.Perez, Proc. No. biological father -versusRodrigo Saavedra Jr., R-QZN who -23-11718-SP has a family of his own and could not take custody THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF and care of the minor and his estate. The other next of QUEZON CITY, THE CIVIL REGISTRAR kin relative of minor Tidus Leon R. Perez are his aunts GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE Pamela Ramirez Tolentino and Pia Joanna Ramirez STATISTICS AUTHORITY (formerly NSO), England.

EDITHA DIMAGIBA NAGUIT, VICENTE PANTUA DUAZO and all other persons claiming PETITIONER stated that DECEASED Patricia rights and interest in the instant petition, obtained a group insurance in the amount of One Respondents.

Million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) issued by Sun Life of x------------------------------------------------------------x Canada.2 The beneficiary therein is minor Tidus Leon ORDER R. Perez.

This is a verified petition for Cancellation/Correction of entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of Vernadette Naguit Duazo, filed PETITIONER by posited that since Tidus is adated minor, the Petitioner, through counsel, December 21 , 2023.

there is a need for the appointment of a guardian over The Petition alleges that Petitioner is a Filipino citizen, and his person and the above-mentioned properties. a resident of Bldg. 4, 1st floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15, Richland

Avenue, Sauyo, Quezon City; that Petitioner was born on April

1990; her Parents are named respondents Editha PETITIONER, 2,the grandmother, hasherein the custody Dimagiba Pantua Duazo; however the and care of the minor who Naguit is livingand withVicente her in the given registration of the Certificate of Live Birth of herein Petitioner address from thewas death of minor’s mother until the done only sometime May 28, 1996; the Petitioner’s birth her present time. PETITIONER avowed that she parents Editha and Vicente werepossesses not married; they subsequently all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications contracted marriage sometime in February 11, 1996 at the Green Ville Covered Court by attending a “Kasalang Bayan”; in to be appointed as legal guardian over the person and the year 1999 herein respondents Vicente to P. Duazo and EDITHA properties of minor Tidus. PETITIONER is willing D. Naguit executed a joint Affidavit of Legitimation declaring, post bond as mayamong be deemed required. others, that they had no legal impediment to marry when contracted marriage; a Certification dated November 23, 2023

WHEREFORE,was finding petition be City sufficient issuedthe by the Office to of the Civil Registry Department This grab from a handout by the of Quezon tosame certify that indeed the Affidavitreleased of Legitimation in form and substance, letCity the be set forfootage initial was filed recorded in in the office as Registry No. 99-679; hearing on 07 May 2024 atand 8:30 o’clock the morning Russian Emergencies Ministry during the weekend shows rescuers clearing herein Petitioner, now already of age, had a fiance, an American the Regional Trial Court,hit Branch 214,toHall ofupon Justice rubble of a at destroyed bakehouse byintends recent shelling in the eastern citizen, whom she marry; review of her Certificate Building, MaysiloofCircle, Mandaluyong City, at which Birth questions were raised the Remarks/ occupied city of Lysychansk Live – which had a population ofabout 110,000 before time, date and place mentioned, person Annotation found any at theinterested right uppermost of said Certificate of Moscow’s offensive—where the death toll has risen to at least 20, Russia’s Live Birth which indicates “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage who may be affected thereby including the minor’s Parents 11th February 1996ainwritten Quezon City under reg.no. emergencyrelative ministry said. ofAFP mentioned in the on petition, may file 99-679” Verifications were required about the legitimated status opposition or contest the petition and appear in court of herein Petitioner and in the process herein Petitioner was able to show cause why the instant petition not be Statistics Authority to secured from the Office should of the Philippine granted.

(PSA) the respective CENOMARS of her parents; the copy of

BLOODY BATTLE.

41 Rohingya refugees arrested after fleeing detention center the Cenomar of respondent Editha D. Naguit showed that she

hadWorker contracted marriage onlytoonce and itawas with Vicente P. The Court Social is DIRECTED conduct Duazo revealed that he was married twice; the first marriage case study of the minors and the prospective guardian/s was with Miguela Orivida which happened sometime March 22, and submit to this1986; courtcopies her report recommendation of the and CENOMARs of Editha D. Naguit and Vicente within THIRTY (30) days from receipt of this Order.

P. Duazo.

The first wife, Miguela Orivida, of herein respondent was

Let c.opy of this Order bethe published inmany arespondents new paper KUALA LUMP;UR—More than with fleeing affluent, alive during time herein Edith D. to Naguit and of general circulation Metro contracted Manila and nearby Vicente in P. Duazo marriage; considering; a copy of 40 exhausted and hungry RohingMuslim-majority Malaysia or to Miguela Orivida’s facebook screenshot, to prove the fact that provinces selected through raffle conducted by the she was alive Regional when hereinTrial respondents and Vicente ya refugeesOffice haveof been recaptured refugee camps inEditha Bangladesh. the Clerk of still Court, Court, contracted marriage; considering that the marriage of herein Mandaluyong ONCE (1) for THREE

by Malaysian police City, following a a P.WEEK They often endure respondent Vicente Duazo with Miguela Orivida harrowing, happened (3) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS the expense of respondent Editha muchby earlier than at his marriage with herein detention center breakout 131 months-long sea journeys to arPETITIONER. D. Naguit the subsequent marriage is considering bigamous migrants from Myanmar, seniornull and rive Malaysia byherein boat or sneak andatherefore voidin from the beginning; Petitioner cannot be considered as the a legitimated child considering that ORDERED. police officialSOsaid Sunday. into country via its porous when her parents were married there was a legal impediment for On Thursday, a total of Roborder with Thailand. the115 parents to contract such marriage; the Petitioner the sought Mandaluyong City. advice of both PSA and Civil Registry Office of Quezon City hingya migrants and 2024.

16the others— If caught, they are usually sent 18 January on how to remover or cancel the annotation on her Certificate of Live and both advised hercentres to file the appropriate all of them men—rioted in Birth their to offices detention that rights case IMELDA before the L. court; thus, the filing of this Petition to correct the (Sgd.) PORTES-SAULOG detention building before escapgroups say are typically overerror and to cancel the annotation “Legitimated by Subsequent Presiding Judge of Parentscrowded on 11th February in QC under the reg. ing the Bidor temporaryMarriage immigraand1996 filthy. no. 99-679” found in her Certificate of Live Birth and likewise of Death as Annexes “B” andOne “C” of Rohingya the Petition. man was contion centre11 Certificate in northern Perak state. to cancel the registered “ Joint Affidavit of Legitimation” filed Sun Life Policy asby Annex “D”respondents of the Petition. herein Edithakilled and Vicente with the Office ofin a The Rohingya experience perfirmed on Thursday the Civil Registry of Quezon City; there is a need to correct the secution in their predominantly road accident as he tried crossing erroneous annotation “Legitimated

by Subsequent Marriage of Copy furnished: Parents on 11th February 1996 in QC under reg. no. 99-679” Buddhist homeland of Myanmar, a highway in darkness.

AFP found in Petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth to reflect her true Office of the Solicitor General

Biden sweeps South Carolina with ‘loser’ taunt at Trump CHARLESTON, South Carolina— US President Joe Biden cruised to victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary Saturday (Sunday in Manla), vowing afterwards that he would make Republican rival Donald Trump a loser for a second time in November’s election.

Democrats will now pore over the results to see how well the 81-yearold incumbent, battling low approval ratings, mobilized the Black voters who helped propel him to the White House four years ago against Trump.

Kicking off his march to his party’s nomination, Biden secured a massive 96.4 percent of the votes in the first Democratic primary of the 2024 race, according to results with half the ballots tallied.

He swept past his only rivals on the ballot, self-help author Marianne Williamson, who won 2 percent, and Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips, who won 1.6 percent, US news organizations said.

As the results came in Biden was at a campaign event in California, as he turns his attention to the next steps in his fight for reelection.

“Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the presidency again —and making Donald Trump a loser— again,” Biden said in a statement. AFP

and Legaspi actual status as a Makati person City relative to her family to avoid 134 Amorsolo Street, Village,

Chile blazing wildfires kill 51 in ‘unprecedented catastrophe’ confusion with her public records and most importantly, to give herein Petitioner peace of mind in her future private and public

Pros. Christopher transactions.

Nonatus B. Ortiz Office of the City Prosecutor WHEREFORE, let this Petition be set for hearing before this Mandaluyong CityCourt located at Room 604, Sixth Floor, Hall of Justice - Annex,

Diliman, Quezon City onblazing June 5, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock in the forcing residents to flee.

VIñA DEL MAR, Chile—Wildfires across coastline, morning at which FOR place and on which time, all interested person Atty. Gina A. Antonio (COUNSEL PETITIONER) Chile have killed at least 51 people, leaving Rosana Avendano, a 63-year-old kitchen assistant, appear and file their opposition/s to the petition.

Unit 302 Eastwindmust Residences bodies in121 theMalakas streetStreet, and Pursuant homes gutted, with flames was away from home when the fire began to sweep Brgy.

Central Quezon City to Section 4, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court let a of thisSunday Order be published the expense Petitioner El Olivar, an area of Vina del Mar, where she continuing to spreadcopyon and at the tollof thethrough a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of S. Ramirez once (PETITIONER) expected Dulce to rise. lives with her husband. general circulation throughout the Philippines.

8K Dayton 2, California Garden Square President Gabriel Boric has decreed a state was terrible because I couldn’t get (to my house).

Further, let copies togetherofwith the“It Petition Domingo Guevara St., Highway Hills of this Order annexes be sent by registered mailthe to the Office offire the came here... we lost everything,” Avendano Cityand itsand emergencyMandaluyong in the central southern parts of The Solicitor General, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, country “due to catastrophe,” as dry conditions and told AFP. Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City and Philippine Social Worker, RTC, OCC,Authority Mandaluyong Statistics who mayCity file their oppositions thereto with in temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees “My husband was lying down and began to feel the fifteen (15) days from notice of this petition.

Fahrenheit) exacerbated the crisis. heat of the fire coming and he ran away.”

RTC-OCC, Mandaluyong City SO ORDERED. Dense gray smoke blanketed the city of Vina del Mar She feared the worst for hours, but eventually was Quezon City, Philippines, January 4, 2024. xx, xx & xx,Chile’s 2024) of the Valparaiso tourist (MStandard-Feb. region, along(Sgd.) central able to contact her spouse. AFP CARLO D. VILLARAMA

Presiding Judge

cc: Vernadette Naguit a.k.a.

Vernadette Naguit Duazo Petitioner 1st floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15 Richland Avenue, Sauyo,

BUSINESS

A7 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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

DOE orders creation of nuclear PLDT to roll out energy coordinating committee ultrafast gigabit

By Alena Mae S. Flores

E

NERGY Secretary Raphael Lotilla issued DOE Department Order DO2024-01-0001 on Jan. 29, 2024 to establish a nuclear energy program coordinating committee (NEP-CC) with the aim of achieving a 2,400-megawatt nuclear power capacity by 2032.

The committee, led by the DOE undersecretary as chair, will include representatives from various bureaus, as outlined in the directive.

The nation is entering Phase 2, focusing on preparatory activities for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

Phase 3 will involve the implementa-

tion of the first nuclear power plant.

The DOE underscored the need to reorganize the coordinating arm of the agency to effectively support the Nuclear Energy Program-InterAgency Committee (NEP-IAC). The NEP-IAC is tasked with conducting a pre-feasibility study to evaluate the

need for and viability of incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix.

The NEP-IAC completed Phase 1, which involves considerations preceding the decision to launch a nuclear power program. It also conducted the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Mission Phase 1 from Dec. 11 to 17, 2018, attended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts. The mission included energy planning studies, pre-feasibility studies, assessment of nuclear power infrastructures and submission of a national position on nuclear.

The DOE established the NEPCC to serve as the coordinating arm for both the DOE and the NEP-IAC during Phases 2 and 3 of the IAEA

milestone approach. The committee will officially represent the DOE to the NEP-IAC and its sub-committees, overseeing and coordinating priority nuclear activities.

Responsibilities of the NEP-CC include conducting studies, programs, and activities related to nuclear power program development.

It will also assess and make recommendations on issues affecting the design and operation of the electrical grid due to the special requirements of nuclear power plants. The committee will contribute to establishing policies for safety culture development within organizations involved in the nuclear program and assist in radiation monitoring and protection programs.

Recto pushes unified policy on digital adoption FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto asked public officials to develop a unified policy for a comprehensive digital transformation for public services.

The initiative aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas” where technology improves public services, making them faster, easier and more efficient, he said.

Recto recognized the Public Management Development Program (PMDP) as an important addition to the government’s toolkit in developing a unified policy direction for the comprehensive digital transformation of public services.

PMDP is the Philippine government’s intensive training program that provides comprehensive learning opportunities for those in public service, helping them understand the vital role government officers play in the development process.

Program participants are equipped with leadership and management skills to raise competent public servants.

It is overseen by an Inter-Agency Steering Committee composed of the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) Recto urged public leaders to use the program as a platform for exchanging insights and experiences to identify and implement best practices towards achieving a digitally transformed and future-proof Philippine government.

He said the DOF responded to the President’s call and made substantial progress in embracing digitalization.

Darwin G. Amojelar

RICE CHAIN. Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to ensure food security, Department of Trade

and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (center), together with Department of Agriculture chief of staff Alvin John Balagbag (second from left) and National Irrigation Administration acting chief Eduardo Eddie Guillen (fourth from left), sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish cooperation measures in the development and implementation of the Integrated Rice Supply Chain Development Program. With them are (from left) DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pachecho and NIA senior deputy administrator Robert Suguitan.

Meralco: January power sales likely grew 10% on strong demand POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said its sales volume likely grew around 10 percent in January 2024 from the same period last year amid the strong performance across all customer segments.

“No final numbers yet, but it seems Meralco DU [distribution utility] will hit 4,000 plus gigawatt-hours (GWh), indicative growth of around 10 percent compared to January 2023 with all segments [residential, commercial and industrial] performing better,” Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said.

Geluz said weather was a “bit warm” in late December, and the first three

weeks of January.

“And I think we have a relatively lower base, since first quarter last year was not too good. We have months that hit double-digits previously due to combination of temperature and other factors,” he said.

Meralco previously forecast sales volume growth of 4.5 percent this year, same level expected in 2023 amid the continued strong performance of the economy.

Geluz said Meralco was expecting the industrial sector to rebound this year, and the commercial sector to improve, although it would not reach a doubledigit growth.

“We don’t expect another double-digit for commercial, but still we’re expecting around 5 or 6 percent. We are expecting industrial rebound but of course with El Niño, there will be a slight spike in residential,” he said earlier.

Consolidated distribution utility sales volumes rose 4 percent in the first nine months of 2023, reaching 38,164 GWh from 36,553 GWh in the same period in 2022.

“We observed the sustained upward trajectory in the volume of energy sold throughout the nine-month period across all customer segments,” Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said

UP engineering foundation to honor industry captains, business luminaries

SMC DONATION. San Miguel Corp. president and chief executive Ramon Ang (right) talks to Bureau of Corrections director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and extends his helping hands to persons deprived of liberty as he promised to donate a total of P150 million worth of food and school equipment during his visit at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at the Medium Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on Feb. 2. Joseph Muego

THE UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation Inc. (UPERDFI) announced that it will honor the country’s captains of industry and local and overseas business luminaries who have made significant contributions to their ongoing efforts to raise and manage funds in support of the University of the Philippines College of Engineering (UPCOE).

The honorees will be formally recognized during a dinner on Feb. 7, 2024, at the Makati Sports Club in Salcedo Village, Makati City.

UPERDFI aims to acknowledge the top ten donors since 1972, referred to as “legacy donors,” for their unwaver-

ing commitment and exceptional contributions to fostering the growth and success of UPERDFI development programs supporting the UPCOE. These programs are geared towards the advancement of engineering education, research and development in the Philippines.

Among the distinguished honorees are Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin, vice chairman of Phinma Inc. and former UPERDFI chairman; Isidro Consunji, UPERDFI founder; Diosdado Banatao, world-renowned Filipino inventor; and Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of Manila Electric Company and Metro Pacific.

plans in March

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc.’s broadband service provider for residential customers is launching its next-generation fiber service next month.

PLDT Home said it would roll out ultrafast Gigabit Plans by March, which offer broadband speeds up to 10 gigabits.

“We are elevating the conversation on Internet access, shifting the focus to gigabits per second from megabits.

We want to make Gbps the standard for connectivity speed across every Filipino home,” said PLDT senior vice president and head of customer business and PLDT Home Jeremiah de la Cruz.

“What we are introducing is the next generation of fiber broadband service,” he said.

The company said 10 Gbps or 10,000 Mbps is at least 10 times the fastest Internet access now offered by PLDT Home’s competitors.

It said that at that level of connectivity, downloading a 20-GB, 4K video file would take seconds to complete, not minutes. It also allows multiple users on several devices to run applications requiring high bandwidth simultaneously without delay.

“What we are doing is the equivalent of the transition to 5G from 4G in mobile communication. We are pushing the boundary in Internet access in the Philippines, giving the Filipino consumer a taste of first-world connectivity,” de la Cruz said.

Internet connectivity of 10 Gbps is available in countries such as Norway, South Korea and the US.

Globe unveils new antenna to boost countryside signal GLOBE Telecom Inc. unveiled over the weekend a game-changing solution to address long-standing challenges of cell site development and expand coverage in remote areas.

Spotlight Vega Antenna, co-developed with Comarcom Ltd. and Telkha Network Inc., boasts of a 200-percent signal boost and a 40-percent wider range compared to traditional antennas.

The new technology was deployed in Tagaytay City; Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro; and San Fernando, La Union, marking significant advancement in 2G and 4G connectivity. The technology upgrade could potentially benefit nearly 250,000 residents in these localities.

“This innovative technology from our partners will help us fill coverage gaps in our network and, thus, help us give better service to subscribers,” Globe head of technology strategy and innovation Gerhard Tan. Globe said it is focused on enhancing its network by leveraging sustainable technologies, including the advanced capabilities of the innovative antenna, which promises to deliver a host of benefits.

It said the Spotlight Vega Antenna provides seamless integration, costefficiency and maintenance-free operation. Users can expect download speeds up to four times faster and upload speeds twice as rapid, reducing dropped calls and black spots in network coverage.

Globe said with the antenna offering 200 percent signal amplification compared to conventional antennas, its subscribers are in for a gamechanger. This is particularly true in remote areas where, historically, connectivity has been challenging due to site acquisition hurdles, zoning and regulatory issues and business feasibility concerns. Darwin G. Amojelar

Borough Lasik Center opens first satellite clinic in General Santos BOROUGH Lasik Center (BLC), a leading eye clinic in the Philippines, opened its first satellite clinic in General Santos City, expanding its reach and making advanced eye care more accessible to Mindanao residents.

“We have multiple accessible locations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, extending our mission to provide lifechanging vision for all to all corners of the country. Citizens from General Santos, including other nearby towns, now have access to the latest technology one could offer abroad,” said BLC general manager Karlo Serafin Sanchez.

“They don’t need to fly to Manila or other countries just to enjoy the newest

eye treatments. BLC has conveniently brought the technology right in their backyard,” he said.

BLC has four branches, including three full-service clinics in Manila, Iloilo and Davao and now a newly-opened satellite clinic in General Santos.

The management also announced that BLC would soon open their clinics in Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod.

“At BLC, we take pride in our commitment to excellence by investing in world-class technology and equipment, so we can provide customized treatments ensuring the best results for every patient,” said BLC chief executive and

head ophthalmologist Dr. Ches Heredia.

“As of December 2023, BLC has helped over 20,000 eyes achieve lifechanging vision. Of course, this would not be possible without the expertise of our globally-trained and highly-experienced doctors,” he said.

BLC features top-of-the-line machines that perform the best ophthalmic treatments. One of them is the Schwind Amaris Excimer Laser, a high-performance laser system used in refractive surgery to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Darwin G. Amojelar

COMMUNITY FUND. The Didipio Gold-Copper Mine allocates P169 million for its Community Development Fund (CDF) this year, benefitting 52 barangays in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. This represents a 24-percent increase from their 2023 allocation of P136 million. Shown are the Didipio Mine’s CDF technical working group chaired by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 2 director Mario Ancheta, with members.

ENVIRONMENT

A8

MONDAY, FEBURARY 5, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y

Dumpsite threatens to to ruin Liliw tourism site A DUMPSITE bordering Liliw town in Laguna province is threatening to destroy the pristine environment of the favorite tourism destination.

Lot and homeowner Ric Pinca of Liliw wrote Department of Environment and Natural Resources Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on January 29, 2024 to inform her about the operation of the dumpsite in Barangay Alipit, Sta. Cruz that shares a common border with Liliw.

Pinca said the dumpsite threatens the health of residents of Alipit and adjacent Barangay Mojon with overpowering stench, presence of flies and “the uncontrolled spread of plastic garbage and other refuse which are carried by the wind as it blows from the direction of dumpsite; and rainwater whenever a downpour occurs.”

“There is also the imminent danger of the liquified residue of the garbage seeping into the Bucal River, which is just about two hundred meters from the dumpsite. This garbage dump is located on an elevated area and the run off of waste materials towards the lower surrounding areas including the Bucal River is very pronounced, concerning and disgusting.”

Pinca appealed to the DENR to stop the operation of the dumpsite and save the people of Barangays Alipit and Mojon from diseases and other dangers it could bring,

San Miguel Corp.’s dredging equipment are shown during clean-up operations at the MaycapizTaliptip River and also at the Pasig River. In just over a year, the company removed over 2 million metric tons of silt and waste from the several rivers in Bulacan.

San Miguel accelerates cleanup of major river systems in C. Luzon

C

ONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. has shifted efforts to rehabilitate major river systems in Central Luzon to high gear, less than four months since completing its P2-billion initiative to clean up the Pasig River.

The company in a little over a year has removed over 2 million metric tons of silt and waste covering a distance of around 25 kilometers of river channels in Bulacan, initially focusing in areas around the future New Manila International Airport and upstream rivers in Obando, Bulakan, Bocaue and Meycauayan City within the same catch basin.

San Miguel has also started

conducting bathymetric studies at the Pampanga River, following the completion of a similar research in another catch basin in Bulacan.

The studies aim to assess the depth of water across the river channels and determine the shallow areas that restrict the flow of water through both provinces before reaching Manila Bay. Heavy siltation and pollution in these rivers are major contributors to the

widespread flooding in both Bulacan and Pampanga.

San Miguel president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang President and said although the rainy season is months away, the cleanup teams have started working to increase the water-carrying capacity of these rivers and mitigate flooding, especially in low-lying areas, during heavy rains.

Ang said siltation and pollution had made many rivers narrow, shallow and less capable of handling large volumes of floodwater, leading to severe flooding in adjacent areas.

“Similar to our efforts at the Pasig and Tullahan Rivers, we are removing years SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang of solid waste and silt accumulation to increase the rivers’ depth and capacity. but also ensure safer conditions for water This will not only improve water flow vessels,” Ang said.

Big PH firms meet to solve climate woes

P100-m fund up to promote PH bamboo THE Philippines will pursue a P100.05-million bamboo work program this year that includes trade and marketing in global venues to promote Filipino innovations in bamboo architecture and other products The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBDIC) is sustaining inter-agency programs for Filipino bamboo products despite prevailing budgetary constraints.

As the council is composed of several government agencies led by the Department of Trade and Inudstry (DTI), PBIDC is consolidating budgets in order to implement the 2024 program, according to PBIDC vice chairman Deogracias Victor B. Savellano, also Department of Agriculture (DA) undersecretary.

“Bamboo is an industry where we have huge potential to earn from export. This is why PBIDC is putting up with our present budgetary lack to promote our products that are really world class,” said Savellano.

Foremost among the trade exhibitions is the First Philippine Bamboo Conference and Exhibition on Architecture, Interior Design and Construction. About P8 million is being allocated, with P5 million being sourced from the Department of Science and Technology.

DTI Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona said other venues for bamboo’s promotion are the Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFW) and Manila FAME, Asia’s trade show for home, furnishings and lifestyle.

PIFW and Manila FAME will have P1 million allocation each.

Promoting Filipino innovations in bamboo architecture globally will greatly assist the local industry.

Above is the Qubo JOGarcia architectural design.

Biodiversity: What is it, and how can we protect it?

Conclusion COMBINED with skyrocketing levels of pollution, the degradation of the natural habitat and biodiversity loss are having serious impacts on communities around the world. As global temperatures rise, once fertile grasslands turn to desert, and in the ocean, there are hundreds of socalled “dead zones,” where scarcely any aquatic life remains.

The loss of biodiversity affects the way an ecosystem functions, leading to species being less able to respond to changes in the environment, and making them increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. If an ecosystem has a wide diversity of organisms, it is likely that they will not all be affected in the same way; if one species is killed off, then a similar species can take its place.

Biodiversity Plan The plan, officially called the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, is a UNdriven landmark agreement, adopted by 196 countries to guide global

action on nature through to 2030, which was hashed out at meetings in Kunming, China and Montreal, Canada, in 2022.

The aim is to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights.

Indigenous peoples suffer disproportionately from loss of biological diversity and environmental degradation; their lives, survival, development chances, knowledge, environment and health conditions are threatened by environmental degradation, large scale industrial activities, toxic waste, conflicts and forced migration, as well as by land-use and landcover changes (such as deforestation for agriculture and extractives for example).

There are concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including putting 30 percent of the planet and 30 percent of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030 (Currently 17 percent of land and around eight per cent of marine areas are protected). The plan also contains proposals to increase finance to

developing countries―a major sticking point during talks―and indigenous peoples.

Countries have to come up with national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and set or revise national targets, to match the ambition of global goals.

UN meeting Next month the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), otherwise known as the “World’s Environment Parliament” will meet at the UN office in Nairobi. The event brings together governments, civil society groups, the scientific community and the private sector to highlight the most pressing environmental issues and improve global governance of the environment. UNEA 2024 will focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

However, the main event will be the UN Biodiversity Conference, which will take place in Colombia in October.

Delegates will discuss how to restore lands and seas in a way that protects the planet and respects the rights of local communities. UN News

THE game changers’ top companies joined forces for Carbon PH, recognizing their pivotal role in helping to address climate change impacts.

It marks a significant milestone for the Philippines as industry-leading companies came together on January 17 to support the country in its transitional aspirations for a lower carbon economy through investments in nature-based solutions, capacity building and inputs for policy development.

The recently-held meeting of the Carbon PH initiative witnessed the convergence of the private sector aspiring for a significant impact on the country’s transition towards a better future.

Companies that participated in the meeting include Aboitiz Equity Ventures, UnionDigital Bank, Aboitiz Data Innovation, GT Capital Holdings, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, SM Investments Corporation, Jollibee Group Foundation and Sibol Joining them are SGV, Filinvest Development Utilities, Chroma Hospitality, Lucio Tan Group, JG Summit Holdings, Cebu Pacific, Research Triangle Institute International, and Coca-Cola Foundation.

At the heart of this collaboration is a shared dedication to sustainable development, aligning efforts to address climate change through practical solutions and policy advocacy.

The Carbon PH initiative recognizes the private sector’s pivotal role in implementing nature-based solutions as companies contribute essential resources, expertise, and innovation.

“The private sector plays a crucial role in implementing nature-based solutions. These companies bring forth the necessary resources, expertise, and innovation needed to drive and contribute to sustainable development,” said Ginggay HontiverosMalvar, Aboitiz Group’s Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer and one of the project lead contributors.

B1

SPORTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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

DOJ dismisses falsification raps vs. owner of Bren Esports

By Rey E. Requejo

Discovery Perlas’ Allana Lim drives to the basket.

Titans, Perlas make 3x3 Manila Hustle semifinals T

ITANS and Discovery Perlas remain as the last two Filipino teams standing at Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 2 on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The three-woman Titans side continued their gallant stand, shaking off Shiv Nadar School, 20-18, in overtime to book their spot in the Final Four.

Supavadee Kunchuan drove to the basket in the final 10 seconds to tie the game at 18, but failed to complete the bonus as the game went to overtime.

She atoned for that miss, scoring on a crucial layup before Jhazmin Joson vaulted her side to the semis with

a tough lay-in.

Discovery Perlas also nipped Uratex Dream, 19-14, as the top seeds advance to the semifinals of this tourney presented by Uratex and Smart.

Grace Irebu and Hazelle Yam did just enough to hold off the Dream in their all-Filipino quarterfinal matchup.

But the two crews face stiff competition in the semis of this meet which has

the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as official technical partner, Seiko Prospex as official timekeeper, and B’lue as official hydration partner.

Tokyo Dime, behind the efforts of Rika Takakuwa, took down Shoot It Dragons of Thailand, 18-15; while Zoos Tokyo subdued Bluefire LPG, 19-12, thanks to the blazing hands of Yuuna Onodera.

Those pairings set up Philippines vs Japan duels with Titans facing Tokyo Dime and Discovery Perlas colliding against Zoos Tokyo in this meet which has the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipi nas as official technical partner, Seiko Prospex as official timekeeper, and B’lue as official hydration partner.

Only the victors of those can have a shot at the $3,000 cash prize for the champion, while the runner-up will take home $2,000. The third placer will get $1,000.

Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3 is sponsored by Titan, Wilson, Green Cross, Secret Fresh, BDO, Laurin CocoMCT, Peloton Workforce, Senka, Pinesbel Manufacturing, Tsubaki, IFern, Evercool Radiator, Home Suite Furniture, and Quality Corrugated Box Manufacturing, and Aquaflask.

The tournament will also be streamed live for free and open to all networks on the Smart Livestream app, with Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas as official media partners.

PhilCycling road championships flag off Monday in Tagaytay THE PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2024 f lags off Monday in Tagaytay City with more than 400 riders seeing action in criterium, individual time trial (ITT) and road races spread over five days.

Cambodia Southeast Asian Games double bronze medalist Ronald Oranza is one of the riders to watch in the race organized annually by PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also the head of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Among the other riders to watch in the championships presented by Standard Insurance and the MVP

Sports Foundation are Maura de los Reyes in the women elite category and Kim Bonilla in the women junior class.

The top finishers will be top contenders in the national road cycling team for the next two years, primarily for the Thailand 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

Monday’s kick off will feature the criterium events around a 2.1-km circuit at the Tagaytay City Atrium, followed by the ITT competitions on Tuesday in Tuy and Nasugbu in Batangas.

Also supported by Tagaytay City, Chooks-To-

Go, Excellent Noodles, CCN and Fitbar, the road races in men and women junior, under-23 and elite categories take centerstage from Wednesday to Friday.

The winners in the races which will be supported by the Philippine National Police—Tagaytay City, Cavite, Batangas and local government unit commands—will be adorned with the prestigious national champion’s jersey on top of gold, silver and bronze medals.

Rave details and results will be available in PhilCycling’s official Facebook page.

Malixi ends up joint 5th after 73; Wu triumphs RIANNE Malixi reacts after her shot during the final round of the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific Championship.

Rianne Malixi hits a wedge shot during the final round of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship.

After a birdie-spree in a 63 marked by an eagle Saturday, Rianne Malixi grappled with her putter when she needed it most, finishing with a 73 for joint fifth in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship won by Chun-Wei Wu in wire-towire fashion in Pattaya, Thailand Sunday.

Malixi, who moved to second, four strokes off the Taiwanese after setting a championship record in the third round, struggled to maintain her position in the final round despite Wu’s fumbling start at the Siam Country Club’s Waterside course, missing several birdie opportunities in a stint marred by a couple of flubbed par putts inside 7 feet.

In contrast, Wu checked a bogey-par-bogey start with birdies on Nos. 4 and 6 then endured another miscue on No. 9 and Korean Hyosong Lee’s stretch-run charge to secure the championship with a closing 72 for an 18-under 270 total.

Lee birdied three of the last six holes to shoot a 69 in a flight ahead, pulling to within one off the 19-year-old Wu, who, however, all but clinched the championship with a clutch birdie from long range on the course’s toughest hole, No. 17, to regain a two-stroke lead.

The Korean settled for second with a 272.

“It was incredible and very happy to be a champion. The final round wasn’t good because I got a lot of bogeys,” said Wu, who also picked up a stroke on the drivable 256-yard No. 15, which Malixi also birdied from three feet to end the drought.

Achiraya Sriwong likewise mounted a late assault to threaten within one with a fifth straight birdie on No. 12 for a running six-under card. The Thai, however, bogeyed the 13th but regained the stroke on No. 15 to place third at 273.

Pimpisa Rubrong, also from Thailand, ended up fourth with a 274 after a 70 while world No. 4 Minsol Kim from Korea rallied with a 68 for joint fifth with Malixi at 275.

Malixi, apart from a couple of mishits resulting in bogeys, displayed superd driving skills but faced challenges finding her range, especially in the closing holes, leaving her with long birdie chances.

Despite starting the final round four strokes behind Wu, Malixi, 16, narrowed the gap to two due to Wu’s faulty start. However, birdies, which came abundantly the previous round, proved elusive for Malixi, resulting in pars and a bogey in the first five holes at the back, ultimately bowing out of the title race.

Wu thus became the second Taiwanese to win the region’s premier championship after pal Ting-Hsuan Huang topped the 2022 edition, also at Siam’s Waterside layout, where the former placed 51st.

Rianne Malixi holds the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro after scoring the lowest round (63) in Day 3 of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship. R&A

THE Department of Justice has dismissed the complaint for falsification filed by the National Bureau of Investigation against businessman Bernard “Bren” Chong, the owner and CEO of mobile gaming team Bren Esports, for lack of probable cause.

In a 27-page decision promulgated

by Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, the DOJ found no probable cause to indict Chong — who is also the scion of World Balance, a company that produces products for active lifestyle and sports footwear—of committing the alleged crime.

The order dated October 10, 2023 also cleared Alaine Margaret Chong and others for falsification of Commercial Documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code filed by the NBI-AntiOrganized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD).

“After a careful and judicious evaluation of the records and evidence presented in this case, it is the stern opinion of the undersigned panel of prosecutors that no probable cause exists against the respondents for the charges of Falsification of Commercial Documents,” the order stated.

The panel composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz Jr., Assistant State Prosecutor Maria Kristhina Paat-Salumbides, Prosecution Attorney Alyssa Nezren Mangata, and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon recommended the dismissal of the case for lack of evidence.

The NBI filed a case against Chong and several Brenterprise International Inc. employees for allegedly printing fraudulent receipts in May last year.

The DOJ panel stressed that the allegation is too general and the elements of the crime of falsification are lacking in the evidence submitted by the NBI-AOCTCD. The decision said that the complainant failed to specify what among the enumerated acts of falsification was committed by the respondents.

“Hence, the criminal intent to commit the offense is lacking since there is no particularity of the acts of falsification enumerated under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code that can be attributed to each of the above-named respondents,” the DOJ prosecutors said.

Strong Group Athletics, PVL to hold ‘Player Selection Process’ IN collaboration with the Strong Group Athletics, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is inviting players from all over the country for the “Player Selection Process” to be held from February 5 to 6 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

“We passionately encourage players from Visayas and Mindanao, as well as those who have graduated from various universities, to showcase their talents in this exercise,” said SGA owner Frank Lao. This exercise will be facilitated by SGA volleyball consultant and Farm Fresh head coach Jerry Yee. The sessions are scheduled to take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days, providing participants with ample time to showcase their skills and potential.

Yee, a seasoned mentor with a rich background in volleyball, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the sessions, stating, “I am honored to represent Strong Group Athletics in this exciting venture. We are on the lookout for passionate and skilled players. It’s an opportunity for athletes to shine and potentially join the ranks of elite volleyball professionals.”

SGA will see action in the country’s first professional volleyball league, which is slated to tip off its first conference this February 20.

B2

SPORTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

LaVine out 4-6 months for right foot surgery CHICAGO—Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will undergo seasonending right foot surgery and be sidelined for four to six months, the NBA club announced on saturday.

After seeking additional medical opinions, in consultation with the Bulls trainers and medical staff, LaVine and his representatives at Klutch Sports Group decided on surgery to hasten his recovery, the Bulls said.

Surgery is anticipated to take place next week and he is expected to be ready ahead of training camp for next season.

LaVine, a two-time NBA All-Star and member of the Tokyo Olympic US gold medal squad, has missed Chicago’s past six games after being out for more than a month earlier this season with right foot soreness.

LaVine has averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists a game over 25 contests this season for the Bulls, who at 23-26 rank ninth in the Eastern Conference.

The 28-year-old American is in his 10th NBA campaign and seventh season with Chicago. AFP

Zach LaVine

Fury’s bout with Usyk rearranged for May 18 LONDON—Tyson Fury’s postponed world heavyweight title bout with Oleksandr Usyk has been rearranged for May 18 in Saudi Arabia, according to fight promoters on Saturday.

Fury had been due to face Usyk for the undisputed world heavyweight crown on February 17 in Riyadh.

But the eagerly-anticipated bout was postponed this week after the British fighter suffered a deep cut above his eye in training.

Revealing the new date on Saturday, a statement from Queensbury Promotions on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “The undisputed heavyweight championship fight between @Tyson_Fury and @usykaa has been rescheduled to May 18th in Riyadh.”

The 35-year-old Fury required 11 stitches to the gash, apparently throwing into doubt the chances of the fight taking place in the shortterm.

Usyk’s team had reportedly considered a bout with Croatian Filip Hrgovic as a late replacement.

But Saturday’s announcement puts Fury and the 37-year-old Ukrainian back on a collision course.

Usyk currently holds the WBO, WBA and IBF titles, with Fury the WBC champion at present.

The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis when he beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.

Fury has won 34 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

His most recent fight was a controversial victory over former UFC world champion Francis Ngannou in October. AFP

Wyndham Clark of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. AFP

Clark sets Pebble Beach record with 12-under 60 S AN FRANCISCO—Wyndham Clark, the reigning US Open champion, broke the course record at Pebble Beach on Saturday with his 12-under par third round of 60 at the PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Clark leads on 17-under 199 through 54 holes by a stroke from rising Swedish star Ludvig Aberg, who shot 67, with France’s Matthieu Pavon, winner at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open, third on 201 after his 66.

But with rough storms expected on Sunday and early Monday, Clark may sit atop the leaderboard for some time after his outstanding round, which went so close to a rare sub-60 score.

Clark, who had already made two eagles in his round, needed a third on the par-5 18th to finish on 59 but his 26-foot putt stopped just inches short of the hole.

The 30-year-old American, who won twice on the PGA Tour last season, also saw birdie putts on the 16th and 17th both stop just short of the hole.

“I really didn’t think about it until I got to 18 tee box and when I did, I thought oh, my gosh, it would have been really nice to have one of those last two because then I only have to birdie 18,” Clark said.

“Once I hit the fairway on 18 I knew I was going to have a chance to hopefully try to shoot that special number. I gave it my best shot. Unfortunately, I left some putts short. I’m super happy with my round. Any time you shoot 12 under anywhere you’ve got to be happy.”

The previous course record of 62 was set by Tom Kite in 1983 and matched by fellow Americans David Duval in 1997 and Patrick Cantlay in 2021 plus Austrian Matthias Schwab in 2022.

Clark got off to a flying start with an eagle on the par-5 second, finding the green with his 200-yard approach then sinking a 39-foot putt.

He birdied the par-4 fourth and then produced his second eagle on the par-5 sixth, superbly draining a 42-foot putt.

Clark, taking advantage of slow greens, then made three birdies in a row to reach the turn in 28 strokes.

The birdie streak continued on the 10th and 11th before a setback on the par-3 12th, where he made bogey after finding the greenside bunker and rough before avoiding a double-bogey with a 26-foot putt from the fringe.

The push for 59 came back into sight with birdies on the 13th and 14th before his exceptional putting fell short.

He took an aggressive approach on the final hole,

where he blasted his second onto the green and although his eagle effort failed he had the compensation of the record low score on the historic course.

“To have the course record at a place like this, you don’t even dream about stuff like this, really.” said Clark.

“I didn’t even visualize the day this good. It was honestly surreal.”

Confidence Pavon’s key Weather permitting, he will face a challenge in the final round from Aberg, who shot his second straight bogey-free round, and in-form Pavon.

Aberg shot five birdies, including on the 18th where he left a 38 foot eagle putt just short.

Pavon became the first Frenchman to win on the modern US PGA Tour last week at Torrey Pines and continued his excellent form, making eight birdies, only slightly undone with bogeys on the par-3 fifth and the par-4 eighth.

Pavon, whose first DP World Tour win came in his 185th start at the Spanish Open in October, said it was difficult to fathom his recent improvement.

“It’s just I think a combination of many things,” he said. “Got better and better since I won my tournament back in Spain six months ago, then got my PGA Tour card and now I come to America with some confidence in myself and my game. I think that’s the key.” AFP

McIlroy has ‘frank discussion’ with Spieth over Saudi comments SAN FRANCISCO—Rory McIlroy may have stood down from the PGA Tour Policy Board to focus on his game, but that hasn’t stopped the Northern Irishman from stepping right back into the debate over the possible merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.

Jordan Spieth, who took McIlroy’s spot on the board in November, raised eyebrows this week with his comments that the merger may no longer be necessary for the PGA Tour.

Speith’s remarks came after the PGA Tour announced a new a partnership and investment deal with the Strategic Sports Group (SSG).

SSG includes a number of high-powered sports owners including the Fenway Sports Group, owners of English Premier League club Liverpool, MLB’s Boston Red Sox and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

The deal would see players collectively access more than $1.5 billion in grants that vest over time with SSG investing an initial $1.5 billion and up to another $1.5 billion later.

Spieth reacted to that deal on Wednesday saying while he would be fine with a merger on the right terms for the players, it was no longer necessary.

Rory McIlroy

“I don’t think that it’s needed. I think the positive would be a unification, but....I just think it’s something that is almost not even worth talking about right this second

given how (long a time) everything would be to try to get it figured out,” he said, referring to the ongoing negotiations and US lawmakers’ investigations into Saudi

investments in US sports businesses.

LIV is owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, PIF, which has bankrolled the recruitment of a number of the sport’s top stars, most recently reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm.

How would PIF react?

Sports Illustrated reported on Saturday that McIlroy, who has dropped his former hostility to LIV with a more conciliatory tone, confirmed he spent an hour talking to Spieth about his comments.

“My thing was if I’m the original (potential) investor that thought that they were going to get this deal done back in July, and I’m hearing a board member say that we don’t really need them now, how are they going to think about that? What are they going to feel about that?” McIlroy told SI, recalling his call with Spieth.

“They are still sitting out there with hundreds of billions of dollars, if not trillions, that they’re going to pour it into sport. And I know what Jordan was saying, I absolutely know what he was saying and what he was trying to say.

But if I were PIF and I was hearing that coming from here, the day after doing this SSG deal, it wouldn’t have made me too happy.” AFP

Helterbrand weaves old magic, keeps Biñan spotless in PSL

Jayjay Helterbrand of Tatak Gel steps up when needed the most

JAYJAY Helterbrand and KG Canaleta turned back the hands of time and put on a show in front of the local folks as they steered Biñan to a thrilling 96-90 win over previously unbeaten Nueva Ecija in a titanic battle in the PSL President’s Cup at the jampacked Alonte Sports Center late Saturday night.

Just when the chips were falling down, Tatak Gel went to their old reliables who responded with big plays down the stretch.

A former Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association and a six-time league champion while playing for the country’s most popular team, Barangay Ginebra, Helterbrand rediscovered his old role as a clutch performer and delivered for Tatak Gel,

who stretched their winning streak to 12 straight.

Biñan remained as the only unbeaten team in the tournament with a 12-0 winloss card as it dealt Nueva Ecija its first loss in 12 matches.

With the shot clock winding down and Biñan protecting a shaky 91-90 lead, Helterbrand let loose a three-point shot from 25 feet out.

His shot in the last 25 seconds sent the crowd in pandemonium as Helterbrand relived his old familiar role as savior during crunch time.

Caloocan atoned from its previous heartbreaking loss to Novaliches and beat another crack competitor in Davao Occidental, 89-81.

The veteran-laden Supremos welcomed the return of Jeramer Cabanag,

who quickly assumed the role as the team’s top gun.

The dead shot guard finished with 17 points, including four three-point shots to go along with a steal and a block.

Former Philippine Basketball Association player Gabby Espinas also played a solid game, finishing with 15 points along with seven rebounds and five assists while Damian Lasco contributed 14 for Caloocan, which improved its win-loss record to 8-2 and kept its hold of solo fourth spot in this tournament.

San Pedro trounced Novaliches, 9873, as Jomar Santos caught fire and erupted for 23 points to give Pablo Escobets, who transferred their franchise from Kyusi to this bustling city in Laguna, the win.

B3

SHOWBIZ

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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

Speculation swirls about

Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque’s wedding

Rumors about Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque’s wedding have been spreading around social media

and I like the way she has evolved as a woman. I hope we get an offer [to do a project together],” she said.

But the exciting part came when we asked the actress about how her wedding preparations were going.

She straightforwaerdly said, ““Wala pa, wala pang plano.” plano Bea revealed that there were no concrete plans yet and emphasized the importance of equality in a relationship. When asked about Valentine’s Day plans, Bea hinted at potential

scheduling conflicts due to their busy lives.

“Wala pa rin talaga. Parang taping day nga namin yan eh.”

Concerning specific wedding plans, Bea opted to keep details under wraps, reiterating, “Wala pa talaga kaya wala akong ma-share.”

When discussing the responsibility of organizing wedding plans, Bea underscored the significance of

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

AS Bea Alonzo already called it quits with Dominic Roque? Is their destination wedding still pushing through? Where is Bea’s engagement ring? Why did Dom turn off the comment section on his Instagram?

H

These questions emerged after we posted our interview at the launch of OPPO Reno11 Series 5G, where Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre were introduced as the faces of the brand’s latest flagship phones.

We asked Nadine first about how she felt collaborating again with the brand and what she thinks of the idea of her and Bea doing another project outside

their Oppo endorsement.

“Let’s see. Bea is focusing a lot on her businesses pero tingnan natin, merong opportunity dyan,” the all smiles Nadine said.

The same question was asked to Bea, and the 36-year-old actress’s eyes lit up as she said that she loved the idea.

“I’d really love to work with Nadine.

I’m a fan. I love her, I love her style

Bea Alonzo says wedding plans have yet to be made

Bea Alonzo (right) and Nadine Lustre are the faces of OPPO Reno11 Series 5G

equality in a relationship, stating, “I think it’s a twoway relationship. Hindi lang dapat lalaki [ang may effort]. We are pushing for equality. So equality means yung effort equal [equal effort]. In our relationship, there’s no one making more effort than the other.”

Regarding potential

guests, Bea replied, “Alam mo wala pa talaga. I can’t tell you anything just yet.”

When probed about her ideal wedding, Bea mentioned, “I’ll tell you kapag meron na akong idea. Right now, wala pa.”

In her vlog in September 2023, Bea shared her desire to exchange vows with Dominic in 2024. The engagement between the couple took place in Quezon City in July 2023. While Bea has chosen to keep details about their wedding discreet, Dominic has conveyed their active involvement in preparations and has mentioned extending an invitation to Kathryn Bernardo, excluding Daniel Padilla.

“The wedding is happening outside Metro Manila, the guest list is not yet complete, but our best friends, families, and relatives are going to be there.

Next week, we’ll go full swing with the planning,” Dominic shared in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment on Jan. 20.

The actor mentioned that a lot of their friends are trying to help out with the wedding planning and preparations, making it easier for the couple.

‘Sometimes, she gets annoyed with me because she feels like I’m not too involved, but every woman has a dream wedding, and Bea has one. We’re just thankful that a lot of our friends are involved in this. It’s her dream [wedding], so I’m giving it to her; we’re doing it together,” Dominic said.

Meanwhile, talent manager Ogie Diaz, referencing our interview, mentioned on his YouTube channel that, according to his reliable source, Bea and Dominic have called it quits.

Kathryn Bernardo turns emotional as she renews ties with ABS-CBN DURING a grand contract signing hosted by Dimples Romana, Kathryn Bernardo, a steadfast Kapamilya, renewed her commitment to ABS-CBN, her home network for the past 20 years in the entertainment industry, on Friday (Feb. 2).

Touched and teary-eyed, Kathryn expressed her gratitude and love for ABS-CBN during the signing event, recalling a promise she made in 2020.

“I remember in 2020, I made a promise, sinabi ko sa ABS-CBN na ‘di kita iiwan at nandito lang ako hanggang makabangon ka ulit. And today, here I am fulfilling that promise. Ang daming nangyari sa ABS-CBN but mahal ko, eh. Mahal ko sobra ‘yung kumpanya and together we will rise despite all the challenges. We’ll be stronger and even better,” she expressed.

Addressing ABS-CBN executives, Kathryn remarked, “I trust you more than anybody when it comes to work. ABS-CBN is the perfect home for growth. Thank you for supporting my decisions and everything that I do.”

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak shared a heartfelt message for Kathryn, acknowledging her as the network’s superstar with amazing on-screen talent and emphasizing her kindness and grace offscreen.

ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes turned emotional as she praised Kathryn’s good character and work ethic, saying, “You have been an inspiring icon because you’ve proven to be an excellent actress. You have remained very humble and true all these years, and that’s what makes you beautiful inside as much as it makes you beautiful on the outside.”

The event also featured touching messages from Kathryn’s family, colleagues, industry mentors, supporters, brand partners, and closest friends, marking another significant career milestone for the Kapamilya star.

Also present at the contract signing were ABS-CBN executives, including chairman Mark Lopez, Star Magic head and Entertainment Production head Laurenti Dyogi, Films head Kriz Gazmen,, and CFO Rick Tan Jr. Also in attendance were Kathryn’s managers Lulu Kathryn Bernardo renews her contract with ABS-CBN

Bong Revilla’s ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ premieres its second season

Bong Revilla’s sitcom kicks off with grand motorcade

out of their seats.

“I’m truly grateful to all those who binged on Season 1 of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis last year.

So, this Season 2, expect more intense situations. You’ll laugh, and be thrilled by funny, action-packed scenes. And watch for our new bunch of SENATOR Ramon “Bong” frenemies this season!” Revilla Revilla, Jr. expressed his said. excitement for the much-awaited Before the sitcom’s premiere premiere of Walang Matigas na on Sunday night, Revilla, with the Pulis sa Matinik na Misis (WMP) entire cast of WMP Season 2, held Season 2, which aired last night a grand motorcade in the afternoon on GMA. to invite more people to watch the “Here it is, finally! We’re premiere of the brand-new season. truly excited to show Season 2 The parade traversed the streets of Walang Matigas na Pulis of Taguig, Muntinlupa, and San sa Matinik na Misis Misis. We Pedro, Laguna, where people really did our best, lost are expected to welcome the sleep with my co-stars celebrities. to deliver fun and Reaction to his new grandchild relaxation to our Meanwhile, upon learning about viewers every Bong Revilla expresses joy about his new granddaughter his new grandchild, Revilla shared Sunday,” the Bautista (Kapitana Candida), Carmi his joy: “I was at the office when actor and lawmaker Martin (Tiya Lucing), Kelvin Miranda they called me. I was in a meeting before said.

WMP Season 2, (Gary), Raphael Landicho (Kiko), and our session. My meeting companions were surprised because I couldn’t which promises to ER Ejercito (Juancho).

The new season brings a new level of contain my happiness, especially when bring twice the fun and thrill, showcasing a new slate of artists they showed me the video.” action, stars the well-loved “Another baby girl Revilla is here. cast of the first season Beauty like Jestoni Alarcon, Ejay Falcon, Michael De Mesa, Jay Manalo, I’m a grandfather again. I’m so happy Gonzales (Gloria Reynaldo), Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Roi for Jolo and Angel, especially since Niño Muhlach (Style), Dennis Vinzon, Celeste Cortesi, Herlene they’ve been waiting for this blessing Padilla (Major Policarpio), Max Collins (Elize), Angel Budol, Liezel Lopez, Lianne Valentin, from God for a long time. I can’t wait, Leighton (Pretty), Maey and Mika Salamanca, who will make and I’m excited to see and hold this viewers laugh out loud and be shaken latest addition to our family.”

B4

LIFE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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

By Abigail Adriatico

T

HE Taiwan Tourism Administration has held the second day of its Taiwan Tourism Workshop at Seda Manila Bay, Parañaque City.

The two-day workshop in Clark City and Manila is part of the country’s efforts to boost its tourism industry.

“We see a great potential in the Philippine tourism market,” said Wallace Minn-Gaw Chow, the deputy representative of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, during the event.

Chow noted that it had been a year since the country opened its borders to international travelers, with its Filipino visitors reaching an increase of nearly 550 percent from the numbers seen in 2022.

“This not only proves the robust tourism recovery in [the] post-pandemic era but also shows that Taiwan is an attractive destination for Filipino friends,” said Chow.

According to Marketing Manager Rick Yu, Taiwan received over 300,000 Filipino tourists in 2023 and the country is set to grow the numbers further through the “Panahon sa Taiwan” campaign.

In his presentation during the event, Yu explained that the visa-free initiative introduced on Nov. 1, 2017 will continue until July 31, 2024 and will be reviewed by the Taiwanese government regarding its further extension. The initiative notably allowed eligible Filipinos to travel to Taiwan completely

TOURISM BOOST. Taiwan aims for more Filipino visitors in 2024, focusing on promotions and easier travel arrangements

Taiwan bolsters tourism through two-day workshop

Marketing Manager Rick Yu presents the ‘Panahon sa Taiwan’ campaign

visa-free for a period of 14 days.

Yu further said that incentives were being given to travel agencies who will be handling multiple group tours, which will be valid from May 2023 to June 2025. Transit or transfer passengers who have 7 to 24-hour layovers before their next connecting flight will also be given a chance to

Several booths at the travel mart feature product offerings from Taiwan

avail of a free half-day tour in Taiwan.

The event also featured a travel mart which had booths showcasing different products and services from the different Taiwanese firms.

The travel mart was followed by a welcome speech from the Taiwan Tourism Administration Bangkok Office Director Yi-Ting Chen. In her

Attendees visit the booths to know about the products and services of Taiwanese firms

speech, she unveiled the plans for a Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in Manila within the second half of 2024, which will have a team that will coordinate and assist local travel agencies regarding tourism plans in the country.

Sarah Chen, the division chief of Taiwan Tourism Administration, also gave her remarks at the event

where she stated that the country was aiming to receive 700,000 Filipino travelers this year.

The event also featured two performances from Fun to Art, a Taiwanese dance group.

The first day of the workshop was held at the SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga on Jan. 31.

Reintegrating OFWs back into society Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

HOW many times have we heard OFWs expressing their desire to come back to our country and spend the rest of their lives here with their loved ones, but the scarcity of livelihood opportunities prevents them from doing so?

With this in mind, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formally launched the “Balik Bayani Sa Turismo Program” the other day to boost sustainable income opportunities in the country for our ‘modern-day heroes’ and their families.

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two government agencies institutionalizes their commitments to creating, instituting, and establishing livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, and financial literacy opportunities for our OFWs and their families. These will be made available through various tourism training programs of the DOT and reintegration programs of the DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her keynote speech, stressed that the DOT’s focus on human capital development is also fueled by the agency’s desire to enhance the overall tourism experience in the country. She acknowledges the fact that returning

OFWs add so much value across the tourism value chain.

The skills, aptitudes, and competencies of OFWs and

their families will be strengthened through training opportunities in culinary tourism, retail business, farm tourism, homestay operations, and tour guiding, among many others. These trainings will encourage the returning OFWs to appreciate the value of tourism and help our industry stakeholders propagate among our citizens the muchneeded tourism culture for our industry’s sustainability.

The DOT also declares that this program reciprocates the big contribution of the OFWs to our

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco talks about desire to improve country’s tourism

The Memorandum of Understanding is signed to institutionalize the agencies’ commitments for OFWs

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE FROM A MALE SENIOR: At my age, “Getting Lucky” means walking into a room and remembering what I came in there for.

country’s local economy through their remittances. Furthermore, OFWs who had senior positions abroad bring back with them a wide range of knowledge and experience, and can, therefore, be tapped as resource persons or trainers. These will then provide returning OFWs with an alternative source of livelihood here in the country, fulfilling their desire to revert to spending their lives here with their loved ones.

Through this partnership, the DMW will endorse to the DOT the list of returning OFWs and their families qualified for the training programs for livelihood, educational, entrepreneurial, and other existing programs and services, including financial assistance, subject to compliance with eligibility

requirements.

The DMW will also incorporate DOT’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) module or core concepts in the Pre-Migration Orientation Seminar (PMOS) and other pre-deployment training or learning platforms/initiatives.

The ceremonial signing of the MOU was done by Secretary Frasco and DMW OIC-Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Also present, as witnesses, were DOT Usec. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Asec. Maria Rica Bueno, DMW Usec. Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and Asec. Venecio Legaspi.

The program will formally roll out in May this year.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com