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Senate ‘won’t be rushed’ on RBH6 Pledge to finish talks on economic ‘Cha-cha’ by March hangs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE Senate will not be rushed into proposing changes in the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, putting into question a commitment senators made to House leaders that they would be able to do so by the end of March.

“I just wish to reiterate my col- to be rushed given its importance, leagues’ stand that this (charter especially since it is the most imporchange) is not something that needs tant or highest law in the country,

House OKs resolution vs. Senate NEWS / A2 the Constitution itself,” Senator Sonny Angara said in his opening statement at the start of the hearings on RBH No. 6.

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Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 356 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Secessionists to face full force of the law, says DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo and Charles Dantes THE Department of Justice on Monday warned those advocating for the

secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country that they will face the full force of the law.

The DOJ said it “stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the

unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution” after former President Rodrigo Duterte broached the possibility of Next page

DRAGON ART.

Contemporary artist Leeroy New (standing, center) unveils his latest work, a 132-meter installation titled ‘Flight of the Lucky Wood Dragon,’ made of different indigenous materials and displayed at Lucky Chinatown Mall on Monday, a few days before the Chinese New Year.

New is joined by Lucky Chinatown General Manager Nori Mizoguchi, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Cluster General Manager Mark Sta. Ana, and admiring children.

Norman Cruz

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide

Most Pinoys satisfied with PBBM performance, OCTA survey shows

By Vito Barcelo MAJORITY of Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of President Marcos, the latest “Tugon ng Masa” survey of OCTA Research showed.

The survey showed that 59 percent of Filipinos were “satisfied with the way the nation is being governed by the current administration” – a three percentage point increase from the October 2023 survey results.

At least 14 percent said they were

Fight for fishers in WPS, CBCP urges admin

By Vito Barcelo OFFICIALS of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines urged the government to use all legal means to protect Filipino fishermen from continued harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. In a signed statement, LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the administration might need to seek help from other allied countries, like the United States.

“The Church stands with them, and as a shepherd from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions with fisherfolk within our pastoral care, we stand with them, and we bishops give

“dissatisfied” while 24 percent were “ambivalent.”

“The percentage of adult Filipinos who are satisfied with the way the nation is being governed by the current administration increased from 56 percent last October 2023 to 59 percent in December 2023.

This three-percentage point increase is the first time a rise in performance rating of the current administration has been observed since October 2022,” OCTA said in its December survey.

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SOLONS GETTING BOMB THREATS NEWS / A2

Review of appointees ongoing, PCO admits PRESIDENTIAL appointees are being placed under review to ensure that qualified employees and officials will remain in the government, the Presidential Communications Office confirmed Monday. ‘’This is a directive to all presidential appointees, including those appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., as part of performance review and to ensure continuing qualifications to remain in office,’’ PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil told Palace reporters.

She said this regarding a memoran-

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Congress prods DICT for briefing on recent hacking tries from China

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday called for an immediate briefing from the Department of Informa- tion and Com-

munications Technology (DICT) on the recent cyberattacks on several Philippine government websites purportedly from Chinese hackers, saying this was an issue on nat ional security.

Double whammy: Fuel, power price hikes loom

By Alena Mae S. Flores

for diesel fuel, while power rates of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) are also CONSUMERS are facing a double expected to go up this week.

Oil firms also increased the price of whammy as oil firms announced a price hike of as much as P1.50 per liter kerosene by P0.80 per liter and gaso-

line by P0.75 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market. It was the fifth straight week local firms raised prices for their fuels.

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Taylor Swift, women rule Grammy Awards LOS ANGELES—Taylor Swift made Grammys history Sunday by winning her fourth Album of the Year prize, the most of any artist -- the crowning moment of a night of electric perfor-

der, industry greats she previously mances and breakthrough wins.

In taking home the honor at the had been tied with.

It’s a cherry on top for the 34-year66th annual Grammys in Los Angeles, Swift surpassed the likes of Frank old, who is already one of music’s Next page Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Won-

BIG WINNER. US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift accepts the Album Of The Year award for ‘Midnights’ during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. AFP

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House OKs resolution vs. Senate

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

M

AJOR political parties in the House of Representatives on Monday approved a resolution that upheld the “honor and integrity” of the chamber, supported the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and denounced the “confrontational stance” of the Senate against them.

At least 287 lawmakers voted for the adoption of House Resolution (HR)1562, expressing their “unwavering solidarity” with Speaker Romualdez and the House “in the face of intense assault from the Senate in violation of the principle of inter-parliamentary courte-

sy and undue interference in the performance of its legislative and constituent functions.”

But Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called for calm, saying his office is open to House members if they want to talk with senators to end the

Secessionists...

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Senate...

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Mindanao seceding from the Philippines.

“Secession is regarded as contrary to the principles of our democratic society, as stated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.”

“As the principal law agency of the executive branch, the DOJ remains committed to protecting our sovereignty and upholding the sanctity of the highest law of the land,” the department added.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) also called on national and local authorities for a “united and undivided” government.

“We believe that the entire nation, including Mindanao, with its abundant resources and untapped potential, can flourish through cooperative and collective efforts,” ULAP national president Quirino Gov. Dax Cua said in a statement.

In a separate statement, the LCP also voiced its support for a united government amid Duterte’s statement on a possible secession of Mindanao.

“The League of Cities of the Philippines supports the Department of the Interior and Local Government in its call for a united country to continue our achievements in peace, progress, and prosperity,” LCP president Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of working together, of moving as one, propelled by our genuine concern for the plight of our fellow Filipinos. Now, more than ever, we should be guided by compassion and sensitivity to attain progress together,” he added.

Earlier, National 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.

Angara chairs the subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, which began discussions on a joint resolution proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, particularly Articles 12, 14, and 16.

RBH 6 was filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Angara himself.

Zubiri said at the start of the Senate deliberations that the timeline for the hearings is now in the hands of Angara.

He had assured President Marcos that the Senate would be able to finish the deliberations before Congress adjourns for the Holy Week recess.

“We must discuss this with all members of society, not just our learned luminaries here, as well as different sectors that will be affected by the most amendments of our Constitution…and come out with the best possible outcome,” Zubiri said.

He noted the study on the proposed amendments would not be like other proposals which were “approved with-

Most...

From A1 The administration’s performance rating was highest in the National Capital Region and Visayas, both at 71 percent.

It also received a majority performance rating of 56 percent in Mindanao and 53 percent in Balance Luzon.

“Across major areas, the performance ratings of the current administration increased by 18 percentage points in Visayas and by nine percentage points in NCR,” OCTA said.

“Meanwhile, the performance rating of the current administration decreased by three percentage points in Mindanao and two percentage points in Balance Luzon,” it added.

When it comes to socioeconomic classes, the administration got the highest rating at 66 percent among Class ABC respondents, followed by Class D at 64 percent, and Class E at 40 percent.

The survey also showed the Marcos administration received the highest performance rating from those aged 75 and up (76 percent), followed by those aged 25-34 (74 percent). The lowest satisfaction rating was logged from those aged 18-24 (47 percent).

The survey was conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, with 1,200 adult respondents nationwide. It has a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

Fight...

From A1 voice to their fears and anxieties, their woes and their concerns,” the bishops said in a statement joint pastoral exhortation titled “Children, Have You Caught Anything to Eat?” Villegas and Iba, Zambales Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr., San Fernando, La Union Bishop Daniel Presto, Puerto Princesa Apostolic Vicar Bishop Socrates Mesiona and Taytay, Palawan

Review...

From A1 dum circulating on social media, dated Feb. 2, about the submission of updated documentary requirements by presidential appointees, supposedly targeting appointees who took office during

Congress...

From A1 Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard on Monday assured the public that its website is secure following reports of attempted cyberattacks over the last month.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said an investigation into the possible hacking of their website began a month ago after the DICT reported the attempt to break into their website.

“So far, we have not monitored anything. Our website remains secure,”

Double...

From A1 Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, Jetti Petroleum and PTT Philippines issued separate advisories of their price hikes effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, while other oil companies are expected to follow.

Meanwhile, Meralco spokesman Joe

Solons getting bomb threats, says Velasco

impasse triggered by the attempt at a people’s initiative. “it is very unfortunate that it had to come down to this. The last two weeks, congressmen held everyday press conferences attacking us,” Zubiri said.

The Senate President said he appealed to all senators to “bring down the temperature.”

“How we end this I do not know- this impasse with the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many of our colleagues like Senator (Sonny) Angara and Senator Bato (Ronald Dela Rosa) already said ceasefire,” Zubiri said.

Speaking for Lakas-CMD, the largest political party in the House of Representatives, North Cotabato Rep.

Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos said the recent actions of the Senate were “marked by a confrontational stance and allegations against our House and its members.”

It “constituted not only a breach of inter-parliamentary courtesy but also an undue interference in our legislative and constituent functions,” Santos said.

“We denounce the confrontational tactics employed by the Senate, which harm the spirit of cooperative governance and shake the public’s confidence in our democratic processes. We call for a return to respectful dialogue and adherence to the norms of inter-parliamentary courtesy,” she said.

out thinking.”

Meanwhile, the country’s legal luminaries and top economists expressed conflicting views on Charter change during the Senate hearing.

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide renewed his “firm and unchangeable” stand that there is no valid, serious and compelling reason to amend the 1987 Constitution.

For his part, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Vicente Mendoza suggested the Senate and House of Representatives sit as one body.

“There is some benefit if the two Houses come together,” he said. “The Constitution contemplates that they are not senators or congressmen – they are members of a constituent assembly – just one body.”

He stressed the two Houses of Congress can exchange views regardless of their status as senators or congressmen.

“So the benefit of exchange is there which you cannot have if you leave this policymaking to Congress by law because one House will be acting here (Senate) and the other will be acting there in Quezon City. You will not have the benefit of exchange of views,” Mendoza said.

Dr. Gerardo Sicat, who was the country’s first NEDA director general, said he favors the amendment of the restric-

tive economic provisions, pointing out they are the prominent provisions “for which we have suffered as a nation, in failing to achieve the goals of economic development over a long period of time.”

Former Finance secretary Margarito Teves, on the other hand, said “the close and restrictive model has been with us since 1935 and it contributed to the inability of our country to progress. It is high time to change the business model under the constitution.”

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who actively questioned the former justices, insisted that there are already laws and pending legislation targeted to liberalize the economy.

Among them are Republic Act 10641, or amendments to the Foreign Bank Liberalization Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act. “So much of the Philippine economy is already open to foreign participation.

Our store is wide open, ladies and gentlemen,” she said.

She further belied Cha-cha proponents’ claim that the Constitution is “too restrictive” and compared the supposed restrictions to those of Singapore, whose economy continues to thrive despite strict restrictions on critical industries and public utilities”.

Apostolic Vicar Bishop Broderick Pabillo said they stand with the Filipino fishermen who are exercising their right to fish within Philippine waters.

The prelates said they favor a peaceful settlement to the issue, noting that it cannot be a moral option to wage war.

“All legal means must be exhausted…

If present diplomatic endeavors do not suffice, then it is permissible – morally necessary even – to have recourse to the friendship of allies who can help us defend what is ours,” the CBCP officials said.

“Neither is it just for the leaders of

our country to allow our own fisherfolk to be driven out of fishing grounds over which international law recognizes our rights. We gratefully acknowledge statements of resoluteness about defending the resources that God, in his munificence, has made available to us through the sea, but words are not enough,” they added.

Earlier, President Marcos raised the possibility of pursuing a separate bilateral code of conduct in the South China Sea with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

the Duterte administration.

The memo is addressed to all heads of departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities, including GovernmentOwned-or-Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and all presidential appointees appointed before Feb. 1.

They were directed to submit their updated personal data sheet and clearances from the Civil Service Commission, National Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Ombudsman, and Sandiganbayan.

The heads of the offices should ensure compliance of the presidential appointees, the memo added. Charles Dantes

blockbuster stars.

“For me, the award is the work,” Swift said, who earlier in the night announced she would drop a new album on April 19. “I love it so much.”

“It makes me unbelievably blown away that it makes some people happy who voted for this award too.”

Swift however lost two other top prizes she was up for.

Record of the Year honors went to Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and the prize for Song of the Year, which honors songwriting, went to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for “What Was I Made For?” from the “Barbie” soundtrack.

“This award is amazing but I really hope it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” Cyrus said onstage as she accepted her prize, her second of the evening -- and the second of her career.

“Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think that this is important.”

The already decorated Eilish was equally humble in accepting her prize, saying: “I just want to say everyone in this category, like -- that was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists, incredible music!”

And Victoria Monet won the coveted Grammy for Best New Artist, her third prize of the evening. AFP

Balilo said.

DICT Undersecretary for connectivity, cybersecurity and upskilling Jeffrey Ian Dy reported that cybersecurity experts prevented the hacking of government websites and email addresses by China-based cybercriminals, and that one of these attacks was an attempt to take down the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) website.

“I express deep concern regarding the recent cybersecurity breaches in government agencies, as reported by the DICT. The revelation that hackers, suspected to be operating from China, have infiltrated the email systems and

internal websites of various government agencies, is a matter of national security and public interest,” Romualdez said.

“The fact that these breaches have targeted critical domains such as cabsec.gov.ph, coastguard.gov.ph, cpbrd. congress.gov.ph, dict.gov.ph, doj.gov. ph, and ncws.gov.ph, in addition to the private domain of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, signifies a dire need for an immediate and comprehensive response,” the Speaker added.

The leader of the 310-strong House of Representatives said that the Philippines should not allow these cyberattacks on government

websites to go unchecked.

“An attack on our internet systems is not only a threat to our government but also a robbery of our own home. We must not miss it and we must fight it,” the lawmaker from Leyte said.

“In light of these alarming developments, I am calling on the DICT and other concerned agencies to conduct a thorough briefing for the House of Representatives. This briefing should focus on the nature and extent of these cyber-attacks, the current measures in place to prevent future incidents, and strategies for enhancing our cybersecurity infrastructure,” Romualdez stressed.

Zaldarriaga said they have yet to receive all the billings from its suppliers, but initial indications show there may be “upward pressure” for electricity bills for February.

“This is due to the resumption of the collection of the feed-in tariff allowance or FIT-All, which will be reflected this month as directed by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” Zaldarriaga said.

“There is also pressure on the generation charge to go up driven by higher fuel prices, particularly of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) used by gas-fired power plants. We hope, however, that this will somehow be mitigated by lower WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) prices, as well as the lower energy demand due to the cool weather during

the January supply month,” he said.

Department of Energy director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said this is the fifth consecutive oil price hike.

This latest oil price increase was supported by several factors, such as the drone attacks and fires to oil facilities of Russia, designed to disrupt supply lines and logistics.

THE House of Representatives has implemented tighter security measures after legislators reported having received bomb threats.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco made the statement as “there have been threats being received by members [thru mobile phones].” “I cannot reveal the names of those who have received threats, but some members (congressmen) have received [recent] threats,” Velasco said.

According to Velasco, “the threats indicate that the House of Representatives could be bombed.”

He said the House received “more than one” threat. The first one received was sometime in January, he added.

Given the threats, Velasco said the House has been implementing a security set-up similar to preparations for the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Velasco said the House leadership “takes all these threats seriously.”

“We just want to protect the members of the House of Representatives and staff and employees of the House from any untoward incidents.”

Velasco could not say, however, if the alleged bomb threats had something to do with the ongoing Charter Change efforts in Congress.

Nevertheless, he said security “has been tightened” at the House premises. Maricel V. Cruz

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Chinatown to have towering pagoda SC terminates 3 CA personnel over drug use M

By Randy Caluag

ANILA’S Chinatown is poised to gain two towering structures—a pagoda and a temple—that are seen to dramatically enhanced the district’s skyline and attract more foreign and local visitors.

City administrator Bernardito Ang, in a talk with reporters at a prominent restaurant in Luneta said the twin projects would be built at no expense of the city government.

“We’re building the tallest and most beautiful pagoda that will surely attract local and foreign tourists. That would mean more jobs for Manileños and more income for the City of Manila,” Ang said.

Pagodas are usually towerlike, multi-storey structures, either solid or hollow, and made of stone, brick, or wood, traditionally associated with Buddhism, thus normally found in such Asian countries as Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

A pagoda traditionally serves as a temple or memorial of cultural and religious significance among its devotees.

Ang said the pagoda project is a collaborative effort among stakeholders dedicated to promoting Chinatown as a premier tourism and commerce hub in Manila.

“It’s a community effort. The city (government) is not spending a single centavo because we are working with stakeholders from the Chinese community,” Ang added.

Chinatown’s projected pagoda

would be an 18-story structure, is set to commence construction next month, with preparatory works already underway along the riverside, Ang said.

Jeff Lau, head of the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization (MCBO), said the materials used, including components are sourced directly from China, including the fence, bridge, concrete floors, and distinctive lion heads adorning the fence.

The second project is a 16 to 17 storey temple designed to complement the pagoda.

The twin projects are a joint initiative among the MCBO, the city government, and the Manila Chinatown Development Council (MCDC).

Ang shared that during the initial stages of construction, live snakes were discovered in a watery portion of the excavation—a sign of good things to come, according to Chinese beliefs.

The Pagoda construction is just one facet of the broader collaboration between MCDC and the city government, marking the on-going celebration of the 430th anniversary of Manila Chinatown, beginning with the Chinese New Year’s countdown on the midnight of Feb. 9, highlighted by a 12-minute fireworks display at the FilChinese Friendship center.

By Rey E. Requejo

A SO-CALLED PROSPERITY TREEManila City Hall workers spruce up a so-called Tree at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz ahead of the celebration of the Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday (Feb. 10) Norman Cruz

PNP seizes over 3,300 guns, takes down 18 crime groups this year

QUEST FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE.

Party-list lawmaker France Castro, accompanied by her lawyers Rico Domingo and Tony La Vina, files a motion to quash a resolution for dismissal of her criminal complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s office tossed out her charge against the erstwhile Chief Executive for lack of evidence.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has confiscated more than 3,300 loose firearms and dismantled 18 criminal groups in nationwide operations from Jan. 1 to Feb. 2 this year.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said these operations also resulted in the arrest of 709 suspects and the recovery, surrender, or confiscation of 3,384 guns in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Acorda disclosed that 39 raids also led to the arrest of 47 suspected members of crime syndicates and the surrender of nine others.

Risa nixes proposal to involve 3rd parties in power transmission

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday expressed grave concerns over the proposal to involve third parties in the construction of power transmission projects.

Hontiveros warned that such a move might only serve vested interests rather

than the public welfare.

The senator raised the warning after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to explore the possibility of third-party involvement to expedite the delayed transmission projects.

She noted that previous Senate inves-

tigations found no compelling reasons for third-party involvement, and the Executive’s proposition raises further questions.

If the ERC and DOE found it hard to regulate the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), will third party involvement improve the system? she asked.

Hontiveros also asserted that introducing third parties could only potentially favor certain groups, raising concerns about ties to the Maharlika Fund.

“In fact, the call for third-party developers is painful evidence of the failed privatization of the transmission sector and the NGCP experiment,” she said.

HELPING THE PANDACAN FIRE VICTIMS. PAGCOR

Gov’t agents nab overstaying South African in Legazpi

turns over more than 400 packs of relief goods to Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) director Ma. Asuncion Fugoso (4th from left) for distribution to families affected by the fire that razed three barangays in Pandacan, Manila last Jan. 11. Also in photo are chairmen Ruel Rojas of Barangay 839 and Jose Azur Favorada of Barangay 852, and MDSW head Julie Bajelot.

By Vito Barcelo A COMPOSITE team headed by Im migration (BI) agents has arrested an overstaying South African in Albay.

A r rested was identif ied as Benjamin Michael Theron, who was cor nered along Sikat una St reet, Brgy. 13 Ilawod West, Legazpi Cit y, Albay in coordination with the Philip ine Air Force Tactical Operations Group-5 (PAF TOG-5), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-5 (NICA-5), and the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL), and local police forces.

Theron was the subject of a mission order issued by Im migration chief Nor man Tansingco after receiving a complaint f rom Theron’s for mer par t ner, saying that he was causing dist urbance in the com munit y.

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the dismissal of three Court of Appeals (CA) employees who were found positive for illegal drugs use.

Terminated were Garry U. Caliwan, Edmundo T. Malit, and Frederick C. Mauricio who were reportedly found positive for shabu during a random drug test conducted by the CA. The CA’s findings were confirmed

by Labtox Analytical Laboratory, Inc., a laboratory facility accredited by the Department of Health and the Dangerous Drugs Board.

The SC said the administrative liabilities of Caliwan, Malit, and Mauricio for the use of illegal drugs or substances have been sufficiently proven not only by the positive results of the random drug test but also by their own admissions.

In 2023, the SC issued guidelines for implementation of a drug-free policy in the Philippine judiciary.

Under the guidelines, drug testing is a mandatory pre-employment requirement in the judiciary. Court employees are also mandated to undergo random drug testing during their employment.

Employees found positive for dangerous drug use will be charged administratively, and the findings will be ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Law and SC circulars.

Taguig has new multi-purpose barangay building

By Joel E. Zurbano TAGUIG City Mayor Laarni Cayetano recently inaugurated in Barangay Calzada-Tipas a new multi-purpose building in Barangay Calzada-Tipas designed to provide critical services and serve as a ven-

ue for community events.

The ground floor of the building houses a health center that offers a wide range of services, including a TB direct observation therapyroom, a minor surgical room, an examination room, a physician’s office, a prenatal/family planning room, a dental clinic, a treat-

ment room, and a breastfeeding room.

The second f loor serves as the barangay hall with offices, a clearance and permits section, a conference room, a session hall, a Barangay Affairs Office for community-related concerns, and an elibrary for public use.

The PNP chief 30 criminal cases have been formally filed as an offshoot of these operations.

“Following the successful police operation against the Concepcion Criminal Group and the recent encounter with the Ampoan Group, these accomplishments further solidify the PNP’s strong determination to effectively combat and dismantle criminal groups involved in different criminal activities within the country,” he said.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, Acorda said 3,993 operations resulted in the arrest of 4,823 drug suspects and the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at P359 million.

On the other hand, the campaign against most wanted persons netted 6,069 individuals, Acorda revealed.

CPD seeks law about teenage pregnancy in PH THERE ought to be a law on teenage pregnancy in the country, according to the Commission on Population Development (CPD).

The CPD said it is closely monitoring the incidence of pregnancy among very young adolescents nationwide, and was alarmed at the increase in the number of very young and unwed females expecting to be mothers soon.

The CPD noted that the incidence of teenage pregnancy in the country increased considerably between 2021 and 2022.

The agency also noted a spike in total live births by young girls under 15 years old.

“We cannot overemphasize the significance of having the bill enacted.

It is my st rong belief, and that of the agency’s, that its enactment will be essential in addressing the lingering concer n of early child-bearing and motherhood among a great number of our juvenile Filipino girls,” CPD executive director Lisa Grace Bersales said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) most recent release of registered live births in the Philippines, babies born from this age group rose to 3,135 in 2022 from 2,320 in 2021, or went up by 35.13 percent.

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Maharlika projects ‘soon,’ CEO says T

By Darwin Amojelar

HE Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) is set to announce the first projects it will be funding in the next three to four months.

MIC president and CEO Rafael Jose Consing, in an interview with ANC, said the MIC hopes to announce one or two “commitments” within the said period.

“I think the first announcement

would most likely be in the energy space. And the other one could be in the transport space,” he said.

Consing said they are investing in these projects because these are “moving forward much faster than the rest.”

The official had earlier announced that the fund may invest in the following sectors to achieve multigenerational commercial, economic, and social wealth for the Philippines: infrastructure; oil, gas, and power; agroforestry industrial urbanization; mineral processing; tourism; transportation; and aerospace and aviation, ABS-CBN reported.

The executive said they are aiming to double the fund’s capital in two to three years by speaking with more investors.

“You’ve got two basic types of investors that are looking at the Philippines, those foreign investors aiming to put together LPs or limited partnerships with Maharlika in order to coinvest with them, others similarly are looking at co-investing or investing in Maharlika,” he said.

“Those are 2 different sectors, and you also have other potential companies aiming to set up manufacturing or business here from a regional perspective and looking for partners. That is a third audience we are speaking with.”

MEET THE SPEAKER. Members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity led by Department of Energy Under Secretary Felix William Fuentebella pay a courtesy call on Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the House of Representatives Monday afternoon. Also in the photo is Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.

Ver Noveno

PH set to get another grant from US agency THE US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MMC) bared that the Philippines is again set to receive a grant from the U after being deemed eligible for the MCC’s threshold program.

Alice Albright, MCC CEO, quoted by reports said the Philippines “stood out” and has improved in several criteria on thirdparty scorecards.

The MCC has yet to specify an amount or project for the grant.

The US official said: “The Philippines, amongst several other countries, stood out. This country is really on the right pathway forward. We’re back here.”

The MCC last granted a compact grant to the Philippines in 2010.

These grants are 5-year agreements between MCC and an eligible country and are usually bigger in value than threshold grants.

The Philippines received P26 billion worth of projects due to the compacts grant, which was used to build a typhoon-resilient road in Samar as well as several community-based projects such as schools.

The MCC, a US foreign assistance agency that helps fight global poverty, gives grants that are designed to complement with other US and international development programs.

There are three types of grants: compacts, threshold programs which are smaller-scale grants that focus on policy and institutional reforms, and the concurrent compacts for regional investment grant.

Lawmaker to DOT: More initiatives to attract tourists Transportation dep’t vows more modernization plans for PH airports

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE government plans to enhance air connectivity and mobility, aiming to make the country more connected and globally competitive.

To achieve this goal, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with its attached agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority, said it is committed to building new gateways and modernizing existing ones.

The administration has already initiated rehabilitation and modernization projects for various airports, such as

the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and the new Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

Furthermore, improvement projects for airports in Bohol-Panglao, Zamboanga, General Santos, Virac, Puerto Princesa, Ormoc, Calbayog, Dumaguete, Catarman, Butuan, and Camiguin are also underway.

Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr. has recently announced the updated list of airports that will be receiving new funding under the national government’s 2024 Aviation Transport Infrastructure Program.

Joel E. Zurbano

HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin on Monday urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other related agencies to implement initiatives that will boost the tourism industry.

Garin made the call after Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia had mutual agreements with the People’s Republic of China, waiving visa requirements to

visit their country and vice versa.

“Kailangan mas paigtingin pa ng DOT at iba pang ahensya ang ating turismo lalo na’t marami sa kalapit nating bansa ay nag-alis na ng visa requirement para sa mga Chinese national,” the lawmaker said.

(The DOT and other agencies need to intensify our tourism especially since many of our neighboring countries have removed the visa requirement for Chinese nationals)

“While we have a lot of tourist spots and our hospitality is one of a kind, it should be coupled with less bureaucracy and better facilitation,” Garin added.

She stressed that the country also has collateral services such as food, resorts, and souvenirs.

According to Garin, it would be crucial for the DOT and other agencies to invest in readiness, ensuring that their strategies align with evolving traveler preferences.

BOC orders seizure of two Bugatti Chiron sports cars worth P165m

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered its agents to seize two Bugatti Chiron sports cars worth P165 million that were recently spotted in Metro Manila and Cavite without proper importation documents.

The two units of the 2023 model sports car—one blue-colored with plate number NIM 5448 and one red-colored with plate number NIM 5450—are registered to Menguin Zhu and Thu Thrang Nguyen.

Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio issued the warrant of seizure and detention based on the advice of Deputy

Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group, Juvymax Uy who said there was already “derogatory information” about the cars since November 17, 2023.

“The agency received information last November about the entry of these vehicles without going through regular customs clearance. These vehicles were also being openly advertised in online markets and various social media sites,” Uy said.

He added that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) conducted a case build-up upon receiving the information.

BLUE BUGATTI. A blue Bugatti sports car passes by a security guard. The Bureau of Customs has ordered agents to seize two Bugatti Chiron worth P165 million which are reportedly without the proper documents. BOC photo

PAL warns of fake socmed accounts, bogus info FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday cautioned the public against unscrupulous individuals using fake PAL accounts on social media and spreading bogus information.

The PAL management is referring to the Facebook account “Philippine Airlines - Main Page” stating: “The Antimonopoly Committee obliged Philippines Airlines to sell part of its air tickets at a low price. In this regard, the company organized a promotion - a Philippines Airlines certificate for 6 months of free

flights for only P168. To participate, click the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the post and receive your card with free delivery.”

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna clarified that this is a bogus account and there is no such promotion from the airline.

“Do not fall for this phishing trap! Please be reminded that official announcements on promos are posted on our corporate website www.philippineairlines.com and our official PAL Facebook Page,” she said. Joel E. Zurbano

HB calls for support to local weaving industry ‘BUHAY ANG EDSA.’ Leaders of social and sectoral movements, academe, artists groups, and people’s organizations hold “Buhay Ang Edsa” signs at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani auditorium in Quezon City on Monday. Manny Palmero

A BILL has been filed in the House of Representatives proposing “to nurture” the textile culture and heritage in the Philippines by promoting and supporting the local handloom weaving industry.

House Bill 8478 or the proposed Philippine Handloom Weaving Industry Development Act, authored by Abra Rep. Ching Bernos, at the same time, expressed gratitude to his fellow legislators, particularly the members of the Committee on

North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, for supporting the bill.

“I am deeply thankful to my colleagues in the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, to my kakailyans, for their support to the handloom weaving industry,” Bernos said.

“Their support means a lot to all women who rely on this industry as their main source of income that puts food on the table,” Bernos added.

Maricel V. Cruz

B1

OPINION

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

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

To The Point Emil P. Jurado

EDITORIAL

Best argument for Parliament SANTA Banana, in all my years as a journalist, I never realized how low and to what extent our Philippine politics can go!

For the past weeks after the House of Representatives initiated the “People’s Initiative” as a mode of amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, some senators started accusing leaders of the lower chamber of funding has as much as P20,000 for each of the 50 congressional districts to push for the “PI.” My gulay, the Senate for its part also came out with its own mode of amending the charter through a Constituent Assembly.

Thus came an exchange of toxic words from the Senate against the push of the House for a “PI,” so much so that even NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) had warned that foreign investors could be prevented from investing in the Philippines if a “Constitutional crisis” could result .

—“—

What is happening in Congress is the biggest argument for the abolition of the Senate and the adoption of a parliamentary system of government

All of a sudden, former President Rodrigo Duterte came out of the blue accusing President Marcos Jr. of being a drug addict and whose name was even included in the list of wanted drug users when Duterte was President.

How Duterte came up with that claim was obviously the result of comments that soon enough the ICC would issue a charge against Duterte and his cohorts in the bloody drug war when Duterte was President.

Obviously, Duterte accused BBM of orchestrating the entry of the ICC probers last December to the Philippines to investigate the Duterte war on illegal drugs and the extrajudicial killings.

The ICC accused Duterte and then Police Chief, now Senator, Ronald dela Rosa and some others of committing “crimes against humanity.”

In turn, President Marcos retaliated, saying Duterte must have had an overdose of “Fentanyl,” an addicting pain

killer which Duterte admitted to taking.

The PDEA came out with an official statement that BBM was never on its list of drug addicts. Just where Duterte got that accusation against BBM he did not say, but we all know that’s how Duterte is. Santa Banana.

Duterte even challenged BBM to have a drug test with him at the Luneta to show to the people who is telling the truth.

Santa Banana, I said to myself the “illegal drug war” was becoming a big “Moro-Moro,” which can only happen in the Philippines.

My gulay, even the children of Duterte came into the picture, with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte calling for the resignation of Marcos, for which he apologized later as an emotional outburst. The Vice President Sara Duterte, Secretary of Education, even came out with a statement that she would run for the Senate in 2025.

For its part, the Senate called for a probe on what really happened with the House’ push for a “PI” when signatures came in to the Comelec as a consequence of the House’ move for a “PI,” calling on members of the House to attend.

Again, the Senate made itself clear that it is superior to the House.

To me, what is happening in Congress is the biggest argument for the abolition of the Senate and the adoption of a parliamentary system of government.

Members of the Senate had always considered themselves superior to the members of the lower chamber, being elected nationally, while members of the House were elected by districts, and party-list members only represented marginalized sectors of society.

Before the 1987 Constitution was drafted, the country then was under the late Marcos Sr., under a Parliamentary system with the late Cesar Virata as Prime Minister and the late Jose Rono, a congressman from Samar, as Deputy Prime Minister.

When the 1987 Charter went into effect, under Corazon Aquino, the issue on what kind of a government would be adopted, the parliamentarians lost by one vote against those who wanted a multiparty system.

As for me, I can trust the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos Jr. Now Sara wants to run for the Senate and so does the former President.

Santa Banana, the Senate is becoming a family get-together with the former President also running for the Senate.

We already have a mother-son with Senators Cynthia and Mark Villar, and siblings Alan and Pia Cayetano, the halfbrothers Jinggoy Estrada and JV Ejercito and in 2025, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo.

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Senate’s graveyard games: Salceda speaks the truth IN THE grim saga of Philippine politics, Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda emerges as the vexed voice cutting through the murky fog of Senate obstructionism.

His scathing indictment, “The Senate is a cemetery for Charter change,” resonates with the frustration of those seeking progress but finding their hopes buried beneath the Senate’s tombstone.

Salceda’s accusation isn’t a casual jab; it’s a thunderous howl against a legislative body that seems allergic to change.

The House, in its attempts at a “systematic and orderly” push for Charter change, faces not just opposition but a graveyard where good ideas go to die.

Salceda’s words are a rallying cry for those tired of witnessing the Senate play undertaker to every prospect of national evolution.

The tale unfolds with the House’s valiant efforts, embodied in Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 (RBH 2), championed by former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and co-sponsored by Salceda.

This wasn’t a whimsical proposal; it targeted the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, aiming to breathe life into an antiquated system.

Yet, as if cursed, RBH 2 met its demise in the Senate, a burial ground for aspirations.

Salceda’s frustration echoes in his call

for direct people’s involvement through the People’s Initiative (PI).

The House, having witnessed the Senate’s graveyard rituals, opts for a different path. It’s a desperate plea for change, an acknowledgment that the Senate’s catacomb of dissent stifles any systematic progress.

—“—

Salceda’s frustration is not just his own; it’s the collective exasperation of a nation tired of seeing its aspirations interred in the Senate’s graveyard

The Bicolano lawmaker’s conditional olive branch suggests a compromise: if the Senate can muster the courage to pass RBH 2, the House would consider it a victory.

A fleeting chance for the Senate to

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The UN’s visiting fireman

I

MPERIOUS can best describe the UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, who spent 10 days in the country and straight off recommended the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC).

tions sought by the current administration with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

We side-sign Torres’ argument: “We will not allow any outsider to dictate (to) us how to fight our wars and to dictate upon us the means to win the peace for our people. We have managed to succeed in our fight against insurgency and terrorism as a nation and as a people.”

—“—

NTF-ELCAC executive director Torres said the task force remains relevant in the ongoing peace efforts of the Philippine government

The 67-year-old Bangladesh-born Bangladeshi and British citizen, the secretary general of the London-based Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009, was immediately given a tonguelashing by Filipino officials who have been on the ground since.

Ernesto Torres, executive director of NTF-ELCAC immediately said the task force remains relevant in the ongoing peace efforts of the Philippine government.

During her 10-day intensive visit to the country, Khan met with several stakeholders and government officials, including those from the NTF-ELCAC. She had her exit conference on Feb. 2.

Last Friday, Khan said the foundations of NTF-ELCAC’s creation, through then President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 in December 2018, had changed and had not taken into consideration the peace negotia-

“We strongly reject UNSR Irene Khan’s call for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC. We take offense in her pronouncements against the Philippine government and the NTF-ELCAC,” Torres said.

“This is something that cannot be hijacked nor be undermined by anyone. The NTF-ELCAC will continue to work for peace, unity, and development

within the framework of justice and the rule of law.”

Then here comes Senator Imee Marcos who called Khan “meddlesome” after she recommended the abolition..

The 68-year-old Marcos had a bang on when she said, reacting to Khan’s recommendation, “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?”

We heard her loud and clear, with our hand, when she said: “Not only are these foreigners meddlesome and out of their depth, but she (Khan) has also threatened that the Philippines’ ‘ambitious’ 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?”

Khan conveniently drew a veil over the figures: thousands of rebels have peacefully returned to the fold of the law, with the government practically crushing the communist insurgency, with only about 1,800 rebels left per military and police figures.

As Senator Marcos said, which we endorse, “It is important that we maintain the NTF-ELCAC’s presence and strengthen its mandate to continue the peaceful rehabilitation of rebel returnees.”

The ICJ ruling on the Gaza war

Eagle Eyes Tony La Viña

media coverage, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been deprived access to water, food, fuel, electricity and other essentials of life, as well as to medical care and medical supplies.

In its decision on provisional measures, the ICJ concluded the civilian population in the Gaza Strip remains extremely vulnerable, that “the military operation conducted

by Israel since Oct. 7 2023 has resulted, inter alia, in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries and the destruction of homes, schools, medical facilities and other vital infrastructure, as well as displacement on a massive scale.”

The ICJ cited the estimate of the World Health Organization that 15 per cent of the women giving birth in the Gaza Strip are likely to experience complications, and indicates that maternal and newborn death rates are expected to increase due to the lack of access to medical care.

The ICJ further noted that Israel’s Gaza operation is ongoing with Prime Minister Netanyahu quoted as saying the war “will take many more long months”.

Given such circumstances, the ICJ agreed that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at serious risk of deteriorating further before the Court renders its final judgment.

Thus the provisional measures indicated by the Court, summarized at the beginning of this column, are justified.

Unfortunately, the ICJ did not order a ceasefire as requested by South Africa.

Nevertheless, this order for provisional measures is the step in the right direction, a small candle in a long tunnel of darkness that the Palestinian people in Gaza finds itself in.

LAST Jan. 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following an application of South Africa invoking the Genocide Convention, rendered an order asking that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.

The Court also asked that Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced

by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The main case on whether or not Israel has committed genocide will take months, even years, to decide.

Meanwhile, the ICJ indicated the abovementioned provisional measures to be immediately implemented by Israel.

In rendering its order, the Court emphasized that all parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip are bound by international humanitarian law.

It shared its concern about the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack on Israel on Oct. 7 2023 and held since then by Hamas and other armed groups, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

At the outset, the ICJ recalled the immediate context in which the present case came before it: “On 7 Oct. 2023, Hamas and other armed groups present in the Gaza Strip carried out an attack in Israel, killing more than 1,200 persons, injuring thousands and abducting some 240 people, many of whom continue to be held hostage.

“Following this attack, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, by land, air and sea, which caused massive civilian casualties, extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the displacement

of the overwhelming majority of the population in Gaza.

“The Court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering.”

The Court observes that: “the military operation being conducted by Israel following the attack Oct. 7 2023 has resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as the massive destruction of homes, the forcible displacement of the vast majority of the population, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.”

While observing the figures relating to the Gaza Strip could not be independently verified, other information indicates that as of the day of its order: 25,700 Palestinians have been killed, over 63,000 injuries have been reported, over 360,000 housing units have been destroyed or partially damaged and approximately 1.7 million persons have been internally displaced.

According to the ICJ, consistent with reports of United Nations organizations and

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break free from its role as the gravedigger of reform. It’s an offer wrapped in frustration, a plea for collaboration in a graveyard of missed opportunities.

Yet, the response from the Senate is not a reflection on the merits of the proposal but an accusation that the People’s Initiative is “fake” and tainted by bribery and politics.

It’s a cynical counterattack, a desperate attempt to deflect from their own graveyard tendencies.

The Senate’s allegations reek of a fear of losing control, a fear that the people might reclaim the power they entrusted to their representatives.

The world bears witness to countries

where constitutional amendments are not entombed in political graveyards.

Nations like Switzerland, where direct democracy empowers citizens to propose and vote on constitutional changes.

The Philippines, shackled by a Senate resistant to reform, stands in stark contrast to these beacons of progress.

Salceda’s cry for direct people involvement aligns with international examples of democratic evolution, where the people hold the key to their constitutional destiny.

One can’t help but see the Senate as a haunted mansion, where the ghosts of past reforms wander, lamenting their untimely

demise.

Salceda, the indignant protagonist, bravely confronts the malevolent force that is the Senate, a dark force that clings to the status quo like a vengeful spirit unwilling to release its grip on the living.

In conclusion, Salceda’s frustration is not just his own; it’s the collective exasperation of a nation tired of seeing its aspirations interred in the Senate’s graveyard.

The call for change isn’t a mere desire; it’s a survival instinct, a plea to break free from the shackles of stagnation. The Senate must heed this call, lest it becomes a mausoleum for the dreams of an entire nation.

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

—“—

The main case on whether or not Israel has committed genocide will take months, even years, to decide

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B2

WORLD

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

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Pakistan’s comeback king Nawaz Sharif seeks 4th term as PM ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—Threetime Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who has never managed to see out a full term, heads into Thursday’s election on the brink of his biggest comeback to date.

The “Lion of Punjab,” is hotly favored to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party to victory and once again take charge of the nuclear-armed nation of 240 million people.

It is a far cry from Pakistan’s last elections, in 2018, when less than three weeks before polling he was sentenced to 10 years in jail on graft charges and disqualified from holding public office.

Granted special bail to seek medical treatment in Britain, Sharif chose not to return, pulling the strings from abroad as his brother took charge after Imran Khan was kicked out of office in 2022.

Often draped in a red Gucci scarf, Sharif’s political fortunes have risen and fallen on his relationship with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment—the country’s true kingmakers.

The 74-year-old is one of the nation’s wealthiest men, with a fortune earned in the steel business, but is admired by supporters for his approachable “man of the soil” demeanour.

Nawaz first took power in 1990 with the blessing of the establishment, but was forced out three years later by corruption allegations—a theme that has dogged his career.

Between terms in power, he has spent years in jail or in exile—forced and voluntary—in Saudi Arabia and London, where the Sharif family have extensive luxury properties, only to return to Pakistan each time with renewed zeal.

Stung by the nationalisation of the family steel business—which he later regained control of—Sharif is a fiscal conservative and champion of economic liberalisation and free markets. AFP

BLAZING WILDFIRES.

Aerial view of the aftermath of a wildfire in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso region, Chile on Monday, with the death toll from the forest fires rising to 112 people while 40 active outbreaks are being fought, the Ministry of the Interior reported.

AFP

Blazing wildfires scorch central Chile amid heat wave, 112 dead V

IÑA DEL MAR, Chile—The death toll from central Chile’s blazing wildfires climbed to at least 112 people on Sunday (Monday in Manila), after President Gabriel Boric warned the number would rise “significantly” as teams search gutted neighborhoods.

Responders continued to battle fires in the coastal tourist region of Valparaiso amid an intense summer heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

Abraham Mardones, a welder who fled his burning home in Vina del Mar, told AFP he narrowly escaped the fast-paced inferno that raged over a hillside Friday and through several blocks of the seaside city.

“We looked out again and the fire was already on our

walls. It took only 10 minutes. The entire hill burned,” he said.

“The fire consumed everything—memories, comforts, homes. I was left with nothing but my overalls and a pair of sneakers that were given to me as a gift,” Mardones told AFP. “I could only rescue my dog.”

Upon his return on Sunday, he said he found several neighbors who had died in the flames.

Friends passed by driving a truck “carrying the burned bodies of their brother, their father, their daughter.”

The Interior Ministry said late Sunday that the medical examiner’s office had received 112 dead victims, 32 of whom have been identified, and that there are 40 fires still active in the country.

Speaking earlier in Quilpue, a devastated hillside community near Vina del Mar, Boric had said the death toll was 64 but “we know it is going to increase significantly,” adding it was the country’s deadliest disaster since a 2010 earthquake and tsunami that killed 500 people.

Vina del Mar mayor Macarena Ripamonti told reporters “190 people are still missing” in the city.

“Not a single house was left here,” retiree Lilian Rojas, 67, told AFP of her neighborhood near the Vina del Mar botanical garden, which was also destroyed in the flames.

Boric, who met with fire survivors at a Vina del Mar hospital Sunday, has declared a state of emergency, pledging government support to help people get back on their feet.

According to national disaster service SENAPRED, nearly 26,000 hectares had been burned across the central and southern regions by Sunday.

Supported by 31 firefighting helicopters and airplanes, some 1,400 firefighters, 1,300 military personnel and volunteers are combating the flames.

SENAPRED chief Alvaro Hormazabal, noting the dozens of blazes still burning out of control, said weather “conditions are going to continue to be complicated.” AFP

Blinken heads to Middle East to secure new ceasfire in war PALESTINIAN Territories—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to the Middle East for another crisis tour on Monday to secure a new truce in the Israel-Hamas war, as southern Gaza saw no let-up in fighting.

On his fifth trip to the region since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war, Blinken is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Qatar.

Ahead of the trip he stressed the need for “urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza”, after aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the devastating impact on the besieged territory of nearly five months of war.

“The situation is indescribable,” said Said Hamouda, a Palestinian who fled his home in the Gaza Strip to the southern city of Rafah on the border with Egypt.

Dubbed a “pressure cooker of despair” by the United Nations, Rafah now hosts more than half of Gaza’s 2.4 million people, displaced due to Israel’s assault.

“Whether you have a million dollars or a hundred you are in the same situation,” Hamouda said.

Over the weekend, Israel pressed further south towards the teeming border city, warning its ground forces could advance on Rafah as part of its campaign to eradicate Hamas.

On Monday morning, sources told AFP they could hear artillery shelling in the areas of eastern Rafah and Khan Yunis, Gaza’s main city.

Israel says Khan Yunis is where militants prepared for the October 7 attack, and that high-ranking Hamas officials are hiding there.

Australia says writer given suspended death sentence in China

WOMEN’S PLIGHT. Protesters hold placards and wave Israeli flags as they take

part in a demonstration “Rape is NOT resistance” outside the BBC headquarters, in London, on Sunday to bring attention to the plight of the kidnapped Israeli women in Gaza who have been held by Hamas for over 110 days. Thousands of civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since Oct. 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. AFP

South Korean court acquits Samsung chief over 2015 merger case A SOUTH Korean court acquitted Samsung Electronics chief Lee Jae-yong on Monday of a raft of crimes linked to a controversial 2015 merger, Lee’s lawyers said.

Yonhap news agency reported that the court said it did “not recognise intention to harm shareholders” through the merger, which critics had claimed was bad value and done mostly to ensure a smooth third-generational power transfer to Lee, a scion of Sam-

sung’s founding family.

“Solidifying Lee’s control and ensuring his succession wasn’t the only purpose of the merger,” the court ruled, according to the Yonhap news agency, adding that there were “no validations to prove prosecution’s charge.”

The verdict from the Seoul Central District Court clears Lee of several charges, including stock price rigging, breach of trust and accounting fraud,

in the 2015 merger between Samsung C&T—a construction and engineering firm—and Cheil Industries.

“Today’s verdict has made it clear the merger was legitimate. We sincerely thank the court for its judicious judgement,” Lee’s attorneys said in a brief statement.

Critics argue that the 2015 takeover deliberately undervalued the construction firm’s stock price, unfairly affecting its shareholders.

Lee, who has already served jail time over a high-level fraud and embezzlement case, is the current executive chairman of Samsung Electronics, the crown jewel of the sprawling Samsung group.

In the deal, three Samsung C&T shares were offered for one Cheil share, a transaction prosecutors claimed had “undermined the fundamentals of the market,” according to an earlier Yonhap report. AFP

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: Scion of dynasty fights for limelight

PRESIDENTIAL CELEBRATION. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele (2nd right), his wife Gabriela Rodriguez, Salvadoran vice-President Felix Ulloa (2nd left) and his wife Lilian celebrate after the presidential and legislative elections in San Salvador on Monday. Fireworks erupted in El Salvador’s capital as gang-busting President Nayib Bukele claimed to have won reelection with more than 85 percent of votes cast: ‘a record in the entire democratic history of the world.’ AFP

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—The son of Pakistan’s slain first woman leader Benazir Bhutto has struggled to assume his mother’s mantle but is waiting in the wings for his turn on stage -- perhaps in a supporting role for now.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s family were once center-stage in Pakistan’s politics, their fortunes rising and falling in a Shakespearean saga of tragedy and power.

Benazir’s death in a campaign trail assassination carried the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to power under Bilawal’s father in a 2008 sympathy vote, but they have since wilted into a thirdplace concern.

Bhutto Zardari, the soft-spoken scion who inherited party leadership as a teen,

was long-criticised for lack of experience and paling in comparison to his parents.

But the floppy-haired 35-year-old enters Thursday’s election with his first experience of statesmanship, having served as foreign minister in a broad coalition that ousted Imran Khan in 2022.

“They know me now,” he told AFP at a rally last week.

The millennial candidate professes a Netflix addiction and is less than half the age of his rivals Khan and Nawaz Sharif, who is seen as the kingmaking military’s favoured candidate.

Despite the Bhutto pedigree, Bilawal and PPP are on track to play only a minor role in the coming government, but maneuvering for a larger part down the line. AFP

SYDNEY—Australia’s government said Monday writer Yang Jun has been given a suspended death sentence in China, describing it as “harrowing news”.

The Chinese-born Australian citizen has been in jail in China since 2019 on spying accusations and is said to be in ill health.

“The Australian government is appalled at this outcome,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong told a news conference.

Canberra understood that the death sentence could be commuted to life in jail after a period of two years, Wong said.

“We will be communicating our response in the strongest terms,” the Australian minister said.

The sentence was “the most harrowing news”, she told reporters.

Wong said the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, would be summoned to hear the government’s objection.

“I want to acknowledge the acute distress that Dr. Yang and his family will be feeling today, coming after years of uncertainty,” she said.

Yang’s verdict and sentence had been repeatedly delayed since his closed-door trial on national security charges in May 2021, she said.

Australia had consistently called for “basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment”, she said.

“Australia will not relent in advocacy for justice for Dr. Yang’s interests and wellbeing including appropriate medical treatment,” the minister said.

“All Australians want to see Dr. Yang reunited with his family,” Wong said.

The suspended death sentence will be seen as a setback in Australia-China relations, which had appeared to be warming.

Australian journalist Cheng Lei was released in October 2023 after more than three years’ detention on espionage charges widely seen as politically motivated. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks climb on expectations of moderate January inflation rate

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

HILIPPINE stocks rose Monday ahead of the release of January inflation which is expected to be slower than 3.9 percent in December.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index added 20.97 points, or 0.31 percent, to close at 6,728.22, while the broader all-shares index climbed 8.32 points, or 0.24 percent, to finish at 3,525.12.

“The Philippine shares were bought up to start the week as investors brace for a fresh batch of economic data,

followed by earnings releases. Tomorrow, the Philippine January inflation will be released, with many expecting this to further moderate from the previous month,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Total value turnover reached P3.86 billion.

Economists expect inflation to settle within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

“While we are mindful of inflation risk, particularly with rising rice prices, we expect the inflation rate in first quarter to benefit from base effects and to print around 3 percent to 4 percent,” said Jean de Castro, head of fixed income at Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corp.

Castro said while the tight monetary policy, base effects and the government’s tariff extension under Executive Order 50 should keep in-

flation within BSP’s target range in the quarter, upside risks include rising global oil and rice prices and the effect of increases in minimum wage implemented last year.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Monday after a forecast-busting US jobs report and comments by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell shattered any remaining hopes for a March interest rate cut.

Decision-makers left traders disappointed last week when they said after a meeting that they were unlikely to loosen policy at their next gathering. With AFP

Converge leads Netflix speed test for video streaming

REAL ESTATE AWARD. Filinvest

Land Inc. garners its second consecutive Gawad Parangal for Real Estate Development from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region 4A. Joining the awarding ceremony are (from left) DHSUD Region 4A Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation Bureau (HREDRB) director Angelito Aguila, DHSUD Region 4A director Jann Roby Otero, Filinvest Land vice president regional Manila Standard project head - Luzon TODAY housing Louie Carandang, Filinvest Land VP head for permits and licenses Sharon Luntao and DHSUD Region 4A division chief Emmanuel Glipo.

By Darwin G. Amojelar CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. said Monday it cemented its position as the leading provider for high-quality video streaming in the Philippines, topping the Netflix Speed Index in 2023.

Converge ranked No. 1 with a speed of 3.0 megabits per second in December 2023, together with a local service provider, based on the monthly measure produced by Netflix which checks which ISPs provide the best prime time Netflix streaming experience.

Converge clocked in at an average speed of 3.25 Mbps for the whole year, higher than the national average of 2.8 Mbps and superior than the other major internet service providers.

It occupied the top rank of the Netflix Speed Index Leaderboard for 11 months in 2023.

“Converge continues to deliver the best streaming experience to its more than 2 million subscribers in 2023.

We’re glad to be part of Filipinos’ holiday celebrations as families bonded over movies and tv shows during the Christmas break,” Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said.

“This year, our customers can look forward to the same highquality, lossless, and seamless video experience they’ve come to expect from Converge. What most people don’t realize is that customers who have been with Converge since day one have been able to maximize and enjoy their content at the highest quality that Netflix offers, which is 4K Ultra HD viewing,” he said.

Netflix’s ISP Speed Index is a measure of primetime Netflix performance on a particular ISP and not a measure of overall performance for other services or data that may travel across the specific ISP network.

Faster Netflix performance generally means better picture quality, quicker start times and fewer interruptions.

Converge said it had the broadest fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in the Philippines with 7.9 million ports as of end-September 2023. It also had the newest and most advanced fiber network among the telco players, with an average use age of 2 years.

INTELLECTUAL Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) agreed to assist the Brunei Darussalam IP Office (BruIPO) on plans to extend its search and examination services to its patent applications.

“This is the first time another IP office has outsourced IPOPHL for a core service. This shows increased confidence in the efficiency of our processes and our tested and proven expertise in emerging technologies after over 76 years of conducting patent search and examination,” said IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba, noting the first patent office in

By Alena Mae S. Flores BUSINESS leaders in Cebu province are banking on additional supply and baseload reserves from the entry of new power plants to meet growing power demand.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) incoming president Mark Ynoc said the adequate power supply is crucial in supporting economic recovery.

“Yes, we definitely do [need additional supply]. Cebu is a key player of growth in the country that stands out as the fastest-growing major Asian economy amid global challenge. It plays a vital role in various industries, from manufacturing to information technology and tourism,” Ynoc said.

“Ultimately, Cebu’s electricity rate is manageable. There are only few scheduled service interruptions. Mandaue City is an industrial and logistics hub. The whole island of Cebu is also driven by tourism. In that note, reliable and dependable electricity supply is quite a vital element in our recovery, in balancing the supply chain, and more especially in preparation for the forecasted arrival of investments and increase in population growth,” he said.

Ynoc said power disturbances create “unimaginable damages” to the economy.

“If there is a serious and dire demand for power, then we definitely need additional infrastructure to strengthen generation capacity,” he said.

AirAsia logs 14% ticket sales growth, wins best deals award in travel expo

By Joel E. Zurbano AIRASIA Philippines said Monday it logged a 14-percent increase in ticket sales at the 31st Philippine Travel Agencies Association Inc.’s (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo, receiving the “Booth With Best Deals” award.

The airline was recognized for offering the lowest fare, including a 10-percent discount on all flights and 20 percent on baggage.

It also offered 2.2 Love Takes Flight (P22 one-way base fare) to

guests.

AirAsia chief executive Ricky Isla expressed commitment to prioritizing the travel needs of its guests and ensuring a safe and ontime journey.

“AirAsia is always known for prioritizing the travel needs of its guests. As an airline that democratized and pioneered lowcost travel, we will continue to innovate our ecosystem and provide our guests with the best offerings along with our guarantee of a safe and on-time journey. Recognitions

such as this make us more passionate about our product and how it will make an impact on our guests,” he said.

The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline surpassed its target on blockbuster volume of international bookings on the first day of the fair on Feb. 2.

The second and third days of the expo saw a mix of domestic and international bookings.

Early booking rates were supported by a low fuel surcharge for February at Level 5.

SOLAR PROJECT. Merbau Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc.’s renewable energy arm, completes nine roof-mounted solar projects totaling 13.811 megawatts on its integrated petrochemical complex in Batangas City. Among those who witnessed the ceremony are Belgium Ambassador to the Philippines Michel Parys, Batangas City Mayor Beverly Rose Dimacuha, Batangas 5th District Rep. Mario Mariño, Department of Energy assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol, JG Summit Olefins Corp. (JGSOC) president and CEO Arnel Santos, Merbau president and CEO Henry Go and other representatives from the government and the private sectors.

Barba: Brunei outsources patent application services to IPOPHL

By Othel V. Campos

Cebu companies banking on more power plants to meet demand

the Philippines was established in 1947 through Republic Act 165.

IPOPHL and BruIPO signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in December 2023 for the outsourcing agreement.

The MOU requires IPOPHL’s Bureau of Patents to conduct re-examination, provide opinions in response to an opposition over an amendment to a patent and extend capacity-building activities to help BruIPO adopt international best practices in patent search and examination.

IPOPHL will process a maximum of 200 applications a year from BruIPO over the next five years.

Barba said that in the entire ASEAN,

the Philippines offers one of the fastest turnaround time from application to grant or refusal and is the first to establish a Patent Quality Review System that gained IPOPHL’s patent search and examination services a high rating of compliance with international standards.

“We are delighted that our first-ever client is no less than a friend in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which, like the Philippines, is aiming to sustain its momentum to recover from the pandemic. We hope this partnership will create more wins for innovation in the ASEAN and serve as a global model for collaborations with meaningful outcomes,” Barba said.

(Date of the Third Publication : February 6, 2024)

Island destinations Caticlan, Bohol and Puerto Princesa as well as Instagrammable holiday destinations Osaka, Narita, Taipei, Hong Kong and Bangkok were the top-booked markets.

“The booking behavior of our guests only suggests that they are preparing for their summer vacations. We are also happy to see them spend time visiting our booth to physically purchase their tickets and scrutinize each deal, which is also smart traveling,” said Isla.

BUSINESS

B4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

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

Megaworld to build 31-story hotel at 12-hectare ArcoVia City in Pasig

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said Monday it will build its second hotel within the 12.3-hectare ArcoVia City township along C5Road in Pasig City.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 31-story hotel will offer 339 suites in varied layouts, ideal for families and business travelers.Room types and sizes range from twin suites (up to 29 square meters), queen suites (up to 27.5 square meters), junior suites (34 square meters), executive suites (up to 54 square meters) and presidential suites (108 square meters).

The hotel will also feature dedicat-

ed specially-abled suites (34 square meters) for guests requiring special room arrangements during their stay.

“We are delighted to introduce our newest development here in Metro Manila, which will be our 21st property and the tallest hotel development in Megaworld’s portfolio to date. This hotel really suits the world-class vibe of ArcoVia City, and will even delight future guests with an unimpeded view of the iconic Arco de Emperador,” said Cleofe Albiso, managing director, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts will operate the hotel once it is completed by 2029.

Board of Investments managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo (left) and U.S. Undersecretary Jose Fernandez (right) seal a partnership with a handshake, symbolizing the shared commitment to advancing semiconductor industry collaboration and critical minerals development between the Philippines and the United States.

US to support PH mining, electronics sectors

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE United States agreed to work with the Philippines for the development of the mining and semiconductor industries, according to the Board of Investments (BOI).

The BOI announced its collaboration with US Department of State Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez on charting sustainable development and economic resilience.

“We welcome this strategic collabo-

ration with the United States in semiconductors and critical minerals. This partnership not only reinforces the Philippines’ position as a key player in the global economy but also opens avenues for mutual growth and innovation,” said BOI managing head and

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo in a pivotal meeting during the visit of the US official.

Fernandez acknowledged the Philippines’ significant growth in semiconductors and critical minerals industries, highlighting its well-educated and highly-trainable workforce.

He committed to providing the Philippines an audience with the Minerals Security Partnership, a collaboration of 13 countries and the EU, which aims to catalyze public and private investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains globally.

Both countries agreed to work together to engage other nations to do mineral refining in the Philippines, and the US said it is ready to assist in the technical processes as the Philippines prepares a work plan on critical minerals.

The US also said the Philippines is among the seven countries it would support under the CHIPS Act. Recognizing the potential of the country’s semiconductor industry supplemented by its talent pool, the assistance will be focused mainly on assembly, testing, and packaging.

LandBank released over P755b to agriculture, rural sector in 2023 STATE-OWNED Land Bank of the Philippines said Monday it released P755.1 billion to the country’s agricultural chain, representing 51 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio in 2023.

“As LandBank’s role in nationbuilding continues to expand, our commitment to advancing countryside development has remained steadfast. Through accessible financing and support interventions, we are empowering communities and enriching lives, while boosting the national government’s inclusive and sustainable development agenda,” said LandBank president and chief executive Lynette V. Ortiz.

The bank said it expanded its loans to agriculture and rural development

by 23 percent from P614.8 billion in the third quarter, driven by strategic financing for agriculture and fisheries production, sustainable projects and public rural infrastructure under Republic Act No. 11901, otherwise known as “The Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022.”

It said a substantial portion of LandBank’s P255.2 billion financing for agriculture, fisheries and rural development (AFRD) supported rural infrastructure projects such as public markets, highways and transport systems.

Another P186.3 billion funded sustainable projects designed to mitigate climate change and promote responsible resource management.

Othel V. Campos

NGCP asks housing developer to support big transmission line

NDA bares plan to boost annual PH milk output to 80m liters

By Alena Mae S. Flores TRANSMISSION operator National Grid of Corp. of the Philippines on Monday asked Phirst Park Homes, Inc. (PPHI) for its cooperation to pave the way for completion of the the Hermosa-San Jose (HSJ) 500-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line.

NGCP said in a statement the full completion of the transmission line project stalled due to a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court.

It said the TRO was issued against the expropriation and construction on a portion of the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV line owned by PPHI. “NGCP made it clear to PPH that the HSJ is an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS), and its completion and energization are critical to prevent Luzon-wide power interruptions. NGCP has repeatedly expressed its willingness to negotiate further. Still, we assert that the project’s activities can no longer be delayed given the greater national interest in the project’s immediate completion,” the company said.

NGCP said it immediately stopped project-related activities along Towers 170-178 of the said line, stalling the ongoing stringing of the line’s remaining circuit upon receipt of the TRO on July 6, 2023.

The HSJ was energized on May 27, 2023 to accommodate power generation from Bataan.

THE National Dairy Authority (NDA) aims to boost the country’s milk output to 80 million liters by 2028, representing less than 1 percent of the country’s demand of 2.143 million metric tons.

NDA administrator Gabriel Lagamayo said increasing milk output 2.5 times over the next five years would require a dramatic increase in the number of animals in the milking line.

He said this would enhance local productivity, expand distribution network and create additional dairy-related infrastructures and promote the consumption of local milk and dairy products.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco

Land Bank of the Philippines continues to intensify its support to advance growth in the countryside, with outstanding loans to the entire agricultural value chain surging to P755.1 billion as of end-December 2023.

Tiu Laurel welcomed NDA’s suggestions and expressed full support for the dairy agency’s plans.

He noted the positive impact of developments in the dairy industry, describing it as “a low-hanging fruit” in government’s goal of boosting agriculture’s contribution to the broader economy and in improving the lives of millions who depend on sector.

“If we increase the number of cattle in the milking-line, then we can increase production. Immediate effects will be felt. Developments in this sector will not only benefit our farmers but also help address malnutrition in the provinces,” Tiu Laurel said.

Lagamayo cited the role of the DA in advancing the industry.

“We appreciate Secretary Tiu Laurel’s suggestions and sound insights.

Given his extensive experience in industry development, we believe he can successfully apply similar concepts to enhance our local dairy sector,” he said.

Pending the release of the national data for milk production from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), NDA records showed that cattle production in 2023 reached 17,850 metric tons, accounting for about 0.8 percent of total milk consumption of 1.937 million metric tons.

Othel V. Campos

SMC to pursue P300-b toll road projects—TRB

By Darwin G. Amojelar SAN Miguel Corp. is on track to start the construction of two bigticket expressway projects worth P300.69 billion by the fourth quarter of 2024, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said Monday.

TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said the proponent was finalizing the detailed engineering design of the P152-billion Southern Access Link Expressway (Sales) and the P148.30-billion Northern Access Link Expressway (NALEX).

“Maybe within the year or last quarter of 2024, these projects will start construction,” Carullo said in a text message.

The proposed SALEX is a 40.65-kilometer elevated expressway network comprising of the Shoreline Expressway and three Metro Manila Skyway Stage (MMSS3) extensions including C3R10 Extension, Quirino Extension and Buendia Extension.

The NALEX, on the other hand, is composed of two phases. NALEX Phase 1 is a proposed 136.4-kilometer road that would provide connectivity between the Metro/Mega Manila, the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) and Central Luzon as an extension and/or linkage of the Metro Manila Skyway-Stage 3 at Balintawak.

NALEX, Phase 2 is a demanddriven expansion from Masantol, Pampanga to Tarlac City.

SMC SLEX Inc., a tollway unit of San Miguel, is building the 66.74-kilometer SLEX Toll Road 4 that would connect Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon province .

The P26.1-billion project is expected to be completed by 2026.

TR4 is a part of SLTC’s 30-year concession which will last until 2036.

Digital payments surpass 50% of total retail transactions—BSP

BDO DONATION. BDO Foundation turns over three newly-rehabilitated rural health units (RHUs) in Camarines Sur. The RHUs, located in the municipalities of Nabua, Gainza and Goa are expected to benefit a combined 177,000 individuals in 67 barangays with primary and maternal health services, that include consultation, laboratory and dental services, immunization and pre- and post-natal services.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday the rise of digital payment technologies will drive financial inclusion for unbanked Filipinos and small businesses.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan credited the significant strides in digital payments to the implementation of the BSP’s 2020-2023 Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) with the support of its public and private sector partners.

Tangonan noted the exponential growth of the sector over the past decade. “In 2013, we started with a mere 1-percent share of digital to total retail payments. Fast forward to 2022, we saw a whopping 42.1-percent share in digital retail payments transactions. I believe we reached our 50-percent target by the end of

2023,” he said.

The impact of this continuing digital transformation is evident at the grassroots level, he said.

Tangonan said the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program is one of several digital payment initiatives by the BSP. It also launched the Bills Pay Ph to unify the country’s fragmented bills payment system and allow users to pay their bills whether or not they have an account with their billers’ payment service provider.

The initiative aims to streamline financial processes and bridge the gap between those with and without access to financial services. Through these digital payment facilities, an even greater portion of the population can now actively participate in the formal economy. Darwin G. Amojelar

ND

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122 FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Bureau of Customs navigates new horizons of nation-building

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

F

ROM humble beginnings in 1898, the Bureau of Customs has evolved into a vital pillar of the nation’s economy and security, safeguarding the country’s borders and facilitating trade with the world.

Historical records show that the Philippine customs service started centuries before Eastern and Western expeditionaries discovered the Philippines.

The Philippines already had a flourishing trade with Southeast Asia countries. But since money was not yet the medium of exchange then, people resorted to the barter system of commodities. The barangay heads, known as the “datus” or “rajahs,” collected tributes from the people before they were allowed to engage in their trade.

Eventually, the BOC became modern, efficient, and adaptable to enhance the Philippines’ trade facilitation, strengthen border control, and improve the collection of lawful revenues.

It draws inspiration from its core values -- professionalism, excellence, integr it y, and accountability.

Through the decades, the Bureau has faced countless challenges. From the tumultuous early years of nation-building to the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce, the BOC has consistently adapted and innovated. Celebrating its 122nd anniversary, the BOC now stands as a testament to the Filipino spirit of resilience and resourcefulness.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio delivers a congratulatory message to 113 loyalty awardees and 58 customs officers who completed their postgraduate degrees in 2023 during the 4th flag-raising ceremony of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for 2024.

Looking back at a successful year The BOC’s primary mission is to collect revenue and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate goods. But its role goes far beyond mere numbers. It is the first line of defense against illegal imports, protecting consumers from harmful products and safeguarding national security by preventing the entry of contraband.

In recent years, the BOC has made significant strides in its fight against smuggling and corruption. Some efforts include implementing modern technologies, such as enhanced scanning equipment and data

analysis tools, which have led to the apprehension of billions of pesos worth of illegal goods.

Last year, during a meeting with Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno in September, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized how the Bureau took necessary steps to bolster international ties and combat illicit trade operations.

Among the mentioned details was how BOC seized and forfeited 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million in Zamboanga City due to the absence of the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC). The rice was then generously donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ultimately reaching beneficiaries in Zamboanga City and Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

During the same meeting, the BOC Commissioner highlighted the agency’s intensified anti-smuggling campaign. These operations targeted counterfeit goods, agricultural products, and cigarettes and tobacco, resulting in 717 successful seizure operations and apprehensions, amounting to an estimated P31.55 billion.

Additionally, the Bureau has taken a Thanks to BOC’s dedication to its proactive stance against bribery and other mission of fostering transparency, corrupt practices, fostering a culture of e n h a n c i n g c o o p e r a t i o n , a n d integrity and transparency within its ranks. s a fe g u a rd i n g t h e n a t i o n’s f i s c a l

interests, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (A R TA) re co gn i ze d t h e a g e n c y ’s significant role in improving efficiency and reducing red tape.

BOC spearheaded several modernization projects to streamline customs processes, achieving a 96.99 percent digitalization rate and aligning with ARTA’s mission of promoting ease of business.

Other notable achievements in 2023 With the right person at the helm, in recent year’s case being Commissioner Rubio, the BOC undeniably made progress in their initiatives, including digitalization, revenue collection, trade facilitation, smuggling prevention, and employee welfare.

For instance, in the first semester of 2023, the agency surpassed its revenue collection target of P420.664 billion by 3.04 percent or P12.768 billion.

Likewise, the agency generated an additional P1.257 billion in revenue from audit findings and Prior Disclosure Program applications and P29.718 million Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio affirms the bureau’s from Public Auctions in the Ports of commitment of reaching its P959 billion collection target for the calendar year 2024 and Manila, Davao, and Manila International intensifying efforts against smuggling during Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto’s visit in BOC Container Port. on January 24, 2024. Photo by BOC FB page

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SPECIAL ISSUE

Customs to meet P959b revenue target with ramped up anti-smuggling efforts

By Vito Barcelo

C

USTOMS Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio vowed to meet the agency’s P959 billion collection target for 2024 through intensified efforts against smuggling.

Rubio said the bureau’s strategy to increase collections by 15 to 20 percent this year will be achieved through vigilant monitoring and continuous improvement of modernization projects.

He said among these initiatives is the Enhanced Value Reference Information System (e-VRIS), which is a critical risk assessment tool for safeguarding government revenues and facilitating trade.

“The BOC is also actively working on implementing an ICT-enabled clearance system for express shipments and in the process of drafting Customs Administrative Orders (CAO) and Customs Memorandum Orders (CMO) for e-Commerce to prevent revenue leakages,” Rubio added.

To address the issue of smuggling, he said the BOC will strengthen border control by engaging and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies for seamless coordination and information sharing against the entry of illicit goods, contraband, drugs, and high-value commodities that pose a significant threat against the agency’s revenue collection performance.

The Bureau of Customs - Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) seizes a motorized wooden craft worth P400,000.00 carrying illegally imported 482 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated market value of P27.6 million in Brgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City. Photo by BOC FB page

In facilitating trade, the bureau plans to continue streamlining and digitizing customs processes, Rubio said, noting the importance of the Customs Customer Care Portal in reducing face-to-face transactions and promoting transparency.

The bureau’s modernization and anti-

corruption programs have significantly improved the collection revenue of the agency with a total of P883.624 billion from January to December last year, exceeding its collection target of P874.166 billion.

Year-on-year, the bureau’s revenues grew 2.46 percent from P862.419 billion

in 2022.

Customs spokesperson and Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said the bureau recorded a collection surplus of more than P10 billion.

Maronilla also said major ports contributed to achieving and eventually surpassing last year’s target collection.

Fifty percent of the collection of the Bureau of Customs automatically comes from the Manila International Container Port. This is where 30 percent of the volume and 30 percent of the target collection come from, Maronilla said.

“In addition, we have the Batangas Port, where we get 25 percent of our collection. And of course, the Port of Manila, where around 18 to 20 percent of our collection comes from,” he said.

Other major ports that contributed to the high collection of the BOC include the Ports of Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, Subic, Clark, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Legazpi, Tacloban, Iloilo and San Fernando.

The BOC’s sale of forfeited goods conducted through public auctions last year generated P164.503 million in revenues.

The bureau has so far digitized 161 out of 166 customs processes, garnering a 96.99 percent digitalization rate.

A total of 90 criminal cases have been filed by the BOC before the Department of Justice (DOJ), 60 of which are related to agricultural smuggling.

Among these, 56 pertain to largescale smuggling, which violates the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. The BOC likewise confiscated P42.4 billion worth of smuggled commodities as part of its strengthened border protection and anti-smuggling efforts.

Among the agency’s top-seized commodities this year were P24.3 billion worth of counterfeit goods, P7.58 billion worth of illegal drugs, P4.55 billion worth of agricultural products and tobacco, and P964 million worth of general merchandise.

Bureau...

From C1

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirms the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) commitment in cultivating new alliances and fostering enhanced stakeholders’ engagement for a more responsive, adaptive, and resilient customs administration during the commemoration of International Customs Day on January 29, 2024. Photo by BOC FB page

Meanwhile, the BOC ’s effor ts in simplifying procedures and enhancing trade facilitation enabled the Philippines to jump 17 places in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI), ranking 43rd among 139 countries. The agency has also successfully implemented the electronic Phytosanitar y (e -Phyto) Cer tificate exchange with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries.

The previous year was a fruitful time for the agency’s anti-smuggling operations.

The top commodities seized included counterfeit products, agricultural products, tobacco products, illegal drugs, and general merchandise.

BOC repor ted seizing smuggled commodities worth P43.295 billion through 980 operations. The fuel marking program, marking 71.95 billion liters, significantly contributed, generating P234.18 billion in duties and taxes.

Most of the agency’s success comes from the ability of its well-equipped employees. As such, the BOC implemented a comprehensive merit and selection program to foster organizational development and boost employee morale.

As a result of the agency’s efforts to incentivize and provide its employees with a proper working environment, the BOC received an Unmodified Opinion, the highest evaluation from the Commission on Audit (COA) for strong internal controls, ensuring accurate financial statements. This recognition highlights the BOC’s commitment to transparency and

compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Commissioner Rubio also celebrated the success of hiring and promoting 605 individuals and announced the forthcoming release of long-awaited 2018 employee rewards in the first quarter of 2024.

Over the past years, the BOC has etched new milestones. Record-breaking revenue collection, exceeding targets by a significant margin, testifies to its commitment to fiscal stability. The relentless pursuit of modernizing customs processes, with the adoption of digital platforms and automation, promises a smoother and faster trade environment.

This 2024, the BOC, under Commissioner Rubio’s leadership, aims to keep the agency productive and uphold its purpose and legacy of being the sentinels of the Philippine trade.

“Starting is one thing, but maintaining momentum is another. We work diligently, pouring our time and energy into pursuits.

And then, time passes, and obstacles begin to take shape and come into view.

Maintaining momentum is about pushing through these challenging moments. And I am counting on your unwavering support to carry on with our plans,” Rubio said.

As the Bureau embarks on this new chapter, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose. It aims to be a world-class customs’ administration known for its efficiency, integrity, and dedication to serving the Filipino people.

C3

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

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

SMB UP 2-0. San Miguel Beer’s JuneMar Fajardo tries to score inside against Magnolia’s Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday. The Beermen won, 109-85, to build a solid 2-0 edge over the Chicken Timplados Hotshots.

SEAG veteran Hallasgo, brod Ric sweep 21K race honors

By Peter Atencio

PH boxers on right track T

By Randy Caluag

HE golden victories by four Filipino boxers at the Boxam Elite Tournament in Alicante, Spain over the weekend, underscored their readiness for the Paris Olympic qualifying tournaments ahead, according to Marcus Manalo, secretary general of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines.

“This is not yet the Olympic Qualifiers, but at least, we know we’re taking good steps in that direction,” Manalo said in a social media post.

Aira Cordero Villegas, Nesthy Pe-

Members of the Philippine boxing team, including gold winners Aira Cordero Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan and Rogen Ladon, are shown with their coaches.

tecio, Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, and Rogen Ladon defeated their respective final opponents in the tournament participated by 208 boxers from 30 countries, nine of them from Asia, including the Philippines.

Ladon did not have to throw a punch in

winning the first gold for the Philippines as he won by default over Hungarian Istvan Szaka in the men’s featherweight (57 kgs). But he took the well-deserved final slot following back-to-back victories over Scott Richards of Wales and Ari Bonilla of Mexico in the quarters and

semifinals, respectively.

Petecio, a Tokyo Games’ silver medalist in the women’s 57 kgs, overpowered Tokyo bronze medalist and fellow world champion Huang Hsiao-Wen of Chinese Taipei, 4-1.

The other two were provided for Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg), and a ferocious Hergie Bacyadan (women’s 75kg).

Villegas made the right adjustment in the final round to escape with a split decision win over two-time World Champion Kazakh, Nazym Kyzaibay.

Proving to herself to be one of the country’s top bets, Bacyadan capped the Philippines’ stint with a golden win over Kazakhstan’s Gulsaya Yerzhan in the women’s middleweight class (75kg).

The four and the rest of the Philippine team will stay in Spain for training camp until the first Paris Olympics Qualifying tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy slated from Feb. 29 to Mar. 12.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial was the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris Games following his silver-medal finish in the light heavyweight class last October in the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Bautista, Dilao pull off thrillers in Fr. Suarez Cup SANDRA Bautista and Frank Dilao hacked out a pair of hard-fought victories to split the 16-and-under titles and the MVP honors in the Fr. Fernando Suarez M-Cup National Juniors Tennis Championships in Biñan, Laguna over the weekend.

The top-seeded Bautista wore down No. 3 Erynne Ong in a tense finals battle, escaping with a 6-3, 4-6, 14-12 decision and completing back-to-back victories after the Bacoor, Cavite find captured the 16-an-U title at the Valle Verde stop last week.

Dilao, seeded No. 4, prevailed in a sibling rivalry from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, overcoming France Dilao, 2-6, 6-3, 10-7, to top his side of the competition in the Group 2 tournament presented by Rep. Len-Len Alonte-Naguiat and held in honor of the late healing priest, a tennis enthusiast and supporter.

Ariel Cabaral from Gen. Trias, Cavite, and Quezon City’s Chloe Mercado shared the 18-and-U trophies, Julio Naredo, also from QC, and Muntinlupa’s Ave Maria Policarpio took the 14-and-U crowns, Marcus Go from

QC and Pasig’s Vania Parawan halved the 12-and-U diadems, and Everette Niere from Bogo City, Cebu topped the 10-and-U unisex category.

The second-ranked Cabaral toppled top seed and doubles partner Darwin Cosca Jr., 6-1, 6-4, to bag the premier class title for the second consecutive week, while Mercado bounced back from a previous finals loss to Mica Emana at Valle Verde with a 1-0(ret.) win over Bautista.

The unranked Naredo scored a shutout win over top seed Mikael Honrado in the first round then rolled past three other rivals before beating Nicholas Andal in the finals, 6-1, 6-1, while Policarpio repulsed Ella Paglalunan, 6-2, 6-4, in the tournament held under the Palawan Pawnshop junior program, headed by president/ CEO Bobby Castro, and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

Go, on the other hand, overwhelmed Jan Villeno, 6-0, 6-3, while Parawan repelled Lilith Rufino, 6-4, 6-4, even as Everette Niere upended No. 1 Raven Licayan, 1-4, 4-0, 12-10.

Mercado, Cabaral, Naredo and Ever-

PH Navy hands Uratex 1st loss in Women’s 3x3

Sandra Bautista and Frank Dilao (second and third, from left, respectively) pose with OIC PPS-PEPP NTC Calabarzon Jonathan Bernardo and Art Calingasan, OIC PPS-PEPP NTC Bataan Area.

ette Niere all finished with two victories Licayan, respectively, while Dania Buas they claimed the doubles crowns with lanadi and Xophia Oliveros topped the partners Ong, Cosca, Andal and Rayven girls’ 14-and-U doubles division.

Watsons Expo ends with focus on weekend sports athletes Watsons capped-off the biggest health and wellness expo of the country with a bang as it featured multiple talks and activities on health and wellness, still of course with their exhilarating lineup of activities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO—Ric Organiza made her elder sister Christine Hallasgo proud as they turned the men’s and women’s 21-kilometer run of the 2024 7-Eleven Run series into a family affair on a cool, rainy pre-dawn Sunday morning here.

Organiza ran his fastest time ever, with his clocking of one hour, 10 minutes and six seconds regarded as the best overall time in this year’s race.

He outpaced a struggling Southeast Asian Games’ medallist Arlan Arbois when he finally reached the Vicente Roa St. finish line.

“Kabisado ko po ang ruta,” said the 21-year-old Organiza, a criminology student from Jose Rizal University, after he came up with his good showing on the second half-marathon competition he has joined.

Preparations and plans of the 23-year-old Arbois to head north for the Manila leg were thrown off by f loods in his hometown in Davao City, his family’s eventual evacuation and the repairs he had to do to his damaged home last Thursday.

Arbois, a silver medallist in the 2023 SEA Games, almost succumbed to leg cramps at the halfway mark, but still settled for second spot with a good time of 1:12.39. “ Na k u h a ko pa rin ang time ko kahit nasira ang conditioning ko. Hindi ako nakapagensayo dahil bumaha ng T h u r s d a y, nag-evacuate kami ng madaling araw, at naglinis pagkatapos. Christine Hallasgo Hindi na ako pumunta sa Manila leg pagkatapos. Nakiusap na lang ako sa organizer na dito na ako tumakbo,” said Arbois.

OUTDOOR sports and the so-called weekend sports athletes brought to a successful close the Watsons Health and Wellness Expo, the four-day event that focused on getting more people into sports, fitness and healthy living.

The Philippine Trail Running Association kicked off the last day of the expo with a segment on getting people into outdoor sports, testing and pushing themselves to the limit, or simply keeping a healthy lifestyle with proper medical guidance and health supplements.

“Thank you Watsons for this healthy and wellness expo,” said Tin Ferrera, president of the trail running association. “This event is beneficial not only to those who want to keep healthy but especially to us in trail running. We need more of this (Watsons Health and Wellness Expo).

Meanwhile, the Spartan Ravens ignited the audience’s interest to try the spartan challenge.

Joining the OCR (Obstacle Course Races) benefits your overall body. It’s the growing community of Spartan racers that can attest the gaining popularity of this sport.

“Even though we’re going at each other’s throats, the best thing about it is that we get to enjoy the journey together,” says Paolo Tomacruz of Team Spartan Ravens. Having done the Spartan race for almost two years now, Paolo recommends to drink supplement vitamins, good sleep and exercise are recommended for those doing the Spartan races.

Watsons also capped-off the biggest health and wellness expo of the country with a bang as it featured multiple talks and activities on health and wellness, still of course with their exhilarating lineup of activities, overflowing prizes, and Philippine celebrities that graced the biggest health and wellness expo in the country.

Philippine Society for Medical Oncology Society also discussed their “Multi Disciplinary Treatment for Cancer Patients” while Philippine Urological Association highlighted the significance of “Men’s Health Awareness” which is a topic rarely discussed by the society, that’s something we should talk about in 2024, together with TAYO NAMAN while DKT Health also had their segment ‘Dito Ka Tatakbo!’ with host Coleen Perez.

PHILIPPINE Navy-Go For Gold dealt Uratex its first loss in the Women’s PBA 3x3 Invitational behind a dramatic 18-17 comeback win Monday at the Ayala Malls Market Market.

The Lady Sailors rallied back behind the crucial endgame plays of Afril Bernardino and Marizze Andrea Tongco to pull off the victory in the battle between unbeaten teams.

Tongco buried a pressure-packed deuce and Bernardino scored off a give-and-go play to knot the count at 17-17.

And after the Dream turned the ball over with four seconds left, the 27-year-old Bernardino did a perfect spin move off Kaye Pingol to nail the game-winner at the buzzer.

Tongco finished with seven points and Bernardino had six as they combined for six of the Lady Sailors’ last seven points.

It was a heartbreaker of a loss for Uratex, which controlled the game early on and enjoyed lead of as many as 8-2.

A ngelica Anies tallied six points to lead the Dream, who ended the eliminations with a 4-1 record.

Philippine Navy, however, failed to make a fitting follow up to the win as it lost to Gilas-A in overtime later on, 15-13.

Afril Bernardino

C4

LIFE Tropical escape for discerning travelers

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

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

For mobile devices, Ookla’s report says that Apple has the fastest median download speed in the country in 2023

Smart logs PH’s fastest median download speeds, says Ookla report

By Nickie Wang IN THE latest Speedtest Intelligence report by Ookla for Q4 2023, Smart Communications has once again secured its position as the mobile service provider with the fastest median download speeds in the Philippines.

The report reveals that the telco and digital services provider’s median download speed stands at 37.64 Mbps, showcasing a substantial lead over its competitors.

Comparatively, Globe recorded a median download speed of 26.44 Mbps, while DITO registered a speed of 19.74 Mbps.

The country’s average speed is 28.12 Mbps, which is still below the global average of 49.25 Mbps.

Among the 146 countries, the Philippines ranks 86th (down by two notches from the previous year).

The United Arab Emirates registered the highest median download speed of 303.21 Mbps, followed by Qatar (244.44 Mbps), Kuwait (183.83), China (160.14 Mbps), and Denmark (152.42 Mbps).

Smart’s network performance is attributed to integrating PLDT and Smart’s fixed and wireless networks.

Covering 97 percent of the

population, Smart’s mobile network is supported by PLDT’s robust fiber infrastructure, extending over 1.1 million kilometers as of endSeptember 2023. This integrated approach ensures Smart maintains high standards of network reliability and speed, reinforcing its position as a leader in the ever-competitive telecommunications industry.

Meanwhile, in terms of devices, Ookla said an analysis of performance on some of the fastest phones in the Philippines found that there was no statistical winner during Q4 2023.

“We examined combined performance by major cell phone manufacturers and found that devices from Apple had the fastest median download speed in the Philippines during Q4 2023 at 51.19 Mbps,” says Ookla.

The report examined the combined performance of major cell phone manufacturers and found that devices from Apple had the fastest median download speed in the Philippines during Q4 2023 at 51.19 Mbps. This is followed by Samsung (37.76 Mbps), Xiaomi (230.66 Mbps), Huawei (19.98 Mbps), and Infinix (18.90 Mbps).

The complete report can be accessed here: https://www.speedtest.net/ global-index/philippines.

Transform your gatherings with foodpanda

The infinity pool on the roof deck of Lind Boracay is perfect for morning yoga and special events

B

By Jenny Fatima Macatiag

ORACAY remains a favorite among other islands in the country, celebrated for its extensive beaches, palmlined shores, and powdery white sand, offering much more to explore.

The Lind Boracay features 119 spacious bedrooms and suites with ocean view

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Guests can relax and unwind at the hotel’s expansive roof deck

For the festive feels Immerse yourself in the festive tastes of Mang Inasal with your kabarangays and kapitbahay. Gather in a fiesta atmosphere and indulge in the savory delights of Mang Inasal’s Fiesta Group Meals. Transform ordinary days into festive celebrations. Use the exclusive voucher code MIDEL to enjoy a delightful P100 off on your food delivery order.

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For a spontaneous hangout sesh When friends unite for a casual get-together, make Potato Corner your go-to.

Flavored Fries Tera becomes the centerpiece of laughter-filled conversations.

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foodpanda’s Platter Meal Extravaganza offers voucher codes for various occasions

Despite being the top tourist destination, hosting an average of 5,000 visitors daily, it tends to get crowded. However, Boracay comprises 17 beaches, including 12 beautiful ones, with ongoing property development making it spacious enough to accommodate more guests. The local government has requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consider raising the set daily cap of visitors.

Boracay’s White Beach is divided into four stations. Station Zero boasts the most luxurious hotels on the island, while Station 1 also features standout luxury accommodations. Station 2 is the busiest, with more affordable lodgings and a plethora of restaurants, along with shopping at D’mall. Station 3 tends to be the quietest, with fewer guests compared to the other stations.

Among our favorite beaches is located at The Lind Boracay’s beachfront in Station 1. Its shallow crystal-clear waters and refined powdery white sand, the finest and whitest, invite guests for barefoot walks along the shore. The Lind Boracay stands out as one of the finest tropical luxury resorts, featuring 119 spacious bedrooms

and suites designed to offer enjoyable experiences and showcase breathtaking ocean views.

The luxury hotel comes complete with amenities. Its expansive roof deck has numerous cabanas for guests to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery of the surrounding turquoise waters. Guests can order snacks and drinks from the restaurant in the receiving area. The roof deck also features an infinity pool deck, ideal for morning yoga and perfect for events like weddings and parties in the afternoon.

A lengthy swimming pool in the lower ground area caters to both adults and little guests. Not far from the lower ground pool is the resort’s restaurant Tartine, an open dining establishment that extends to the beachfront, offering a variety of Filipino fusion dishes.

A favorite is the Inasal Lamb, generously served and surprisingly affordable for a luxury hotel like The Lind Boracay. The beachfront, with its perfect white sand, is an excellent place to lounge during the day and transforms into a perfect venue for a happy hour come evening. It’s also a great setting for intimate weddings and small parties.

The Lind Boracay has partnered with the country’s leading wellness brand, The Spa Wellness, ensuring 5-star spa services at the hotel. The spa’s signature massages and treatments were carefully chosen to meet a traveler’s needs for relaxation and rejuvenation in a tropical setting.

The Lind Boracay, a Filipino brand, has earned an outstanding reputation not only in the country but also globally. Its friendly ambiance makes guests, whether from the Philippines or another country, feel at home.

Zsolt Siket, The Lind Hotels’ general manager, remarked, “Guests don’t really expect something new from luxury hotels but something that’s close to where they came from.”

True enough, this cool resort is determined to maintain its 5-star hotel rank by tirelessly providing excellent services while offering the tranquility guests seek.

From their numerous helpful staff members and a generous daily breakfast buffet to well-maintained surroundings, this accessible and secluded abode in the premier area of Station 1 will continue to be one of the topmost visited luxury hotels in Boracay and the country.