Manila Standard - 2024 February 7 - Wednesday

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Inflation drops to 2.8%, but rice prices rose by 22.6% in January

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Rice inflation, however, soared to 22.6 percent last month from 19.6 percent in December 2023 – a 14-year high since the March 2009 record of 22.9 percent.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said inflation in January dropped to 2.8 percent, down from the 3.9 percent in

CONSUMER prices in January dipped to their slowest pace in over three years, but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) warned inflation could temporarily accelerate in the second quarter due to El Niño weather conditions.

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 357 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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ONE HOUSE. Congressmen pose with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (inset) after adopting House Resolution 1562 on Monday night, expressing their ‘unwavering solidarity and support’ for the leader from Leyte and upholding the House of Representatives’‘integrity and honor’ after their plenary session. Ver Noveno

‘Bare positions on Cha-cha’ Dalipe dares senators for public stances on economic changes

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

HOUSE leader on Tuesday dared senators to bare their position on economic constitutional amendments, saying it should be an election issue for those wishing to run for the Senate in next year’s midterm elections.

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said the public deserves to know who are for and who are against Charter change to allow them to make an in-

formed choice in voting for senatorial hopefuls in the 2025 polls.

“This is my challenge now to all senators: Why don’t you 24 [senators] come out in the open? Who are in favor of

amending and updating the 37-yearold Constitution? Who are against it? Come out in the open on this issue,” Dalipe said in a press briefing in response to the Senate’s apparent decision not to keep its promise to have the Resolution of Both Houses 6 (RBH6) approved by March.

Senator Sonny Angara, who heads the subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, on Monday said the Senate will not be rushed into proNext page

Speaker wants higher weekly discounts for seniors, PWDs

By Maricel V. Cruz

sons with disabilities (PWDs), saying the P65 weekly cap was “no longer SPEAKER Martin Romualdez on appropriate.”

“Seniors and PWDs are currently Tuesday pushed for higher weekly discounts on groceries and food sup- getting a far too modest discount of Next page plements for senior citizens and per-

PBBM quiet on secession talk, Abalos says

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez

MEETING WITH PNP. President Marcos confers with Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Juan Ponce Enrile as Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reports PNP operations against illegal drugs and weapons, terrorist groups, and the proliferation of illegal gambling websites at Malacañang on Tuesday. PCO Photos

Boost cybersecurity amid rising online crimes, President tells PNP

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos on Tuesday ordered the Philippines National Police to boost its

cybersecurity systems amid an increase in cybercrime incidents last year.

“As we dissected these crime statistics, there is a need for us to focus on cybercrime. Cybercrime cases went up

during the last quarter of 2023,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said in a press briefing after a sectoral meeting at the Palace led by the President.

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China denies hacking PH gov’t sites NEWS / A2

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Cabinet officials on Tuesday excluded discussions on his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a separate Mindanao Republic, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said.

“Hindi na lang pinatulan (The President did not bother with it). Let us put it that way,” Abalos said in a chance interview with Palace reporters.

Duterte last week floated the idea of having Mindanao secede and said he had tasked Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to gather signatures for their advocacy, Next page

Marcos, Sara ratings up, Martin too in OCTA poll UK KING CHARLES BATTLES CANCER WORLD / B2

RODY FACES ARREST ‘ANY TIME’—ROQUE NEWS / A2

THE trust and performance ratings of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte improved in the fourth quarter of 2023, based on OCTA Research Group’s Tugon ng Masa nationwide survey released on Tuesday.

The survey saw the President’s trust rating rise to 76 percent, 3 percent higher than the third quarter survey.

In terms of performance, his 71% rating is significantly higher than the 65% he recorded last October.

Duterte, on the other hand, gained a 77% trust rating, higher than the 75% she recorded in the third quarter survey. Meanwhile, 3 in 4 adult Filipinos said they are satisfied with her performance, higher than the 70% she scored in Q3 of last year.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Miguel Zubiri also saw improvements to their satisfaction ratings in the same survey.

Romualdez improved 4 percentage points to 65%, while Zubiri garnered a score of 60% compared to 58% in the last survey.

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GLITTERING DRAGON. A golden statue welcomes the Year of the Dragon at SM Lanang in Davao as shoppers can experience spectacular festivities and awe-inspiring centerpieces and be amazed by over-the-top dragon-themed decorations and horoscope displays for the coming Chinese New Year on Feb. 10.

Boy Abunda says Bea Alonzo, Dominic Roque break up

By Abigail Adriatico and Angelica Villanueva host Boy Abunda on Tuesday.

During his “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the ACTRESS Bea Alonzo and fiancé Dominic Roque renowned showbiz host confirmed the surprising have already separated, days after speculations cir- news, expressing his sadness over the separation.

Next page culated on social media, according to television

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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China denies hacking PH gov’t sites C

end the impression that the House and the Senate are bickering over efforts to amend the Constitution.

At least two former senate presidents – Vicente Sotto III and Franklin Drilon – said only President Marcos can end the conflict between senators and congressmen.

“Public interest is not served by the present conflict between the two houses,” Drilon said.

Sotto, for his part, called the verbal exchange between House and Senate leaders as “very injurious” to the country.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Monday called for the “restoration of dignified discourse and a recommitment to the principles of inter-chamber respect and courtesy” in Congress.

Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, said the integrity of the House and its members have recklessly and unfairly been put into question by the surprise move by senators to make them the subject of their ongoing inquiry into the people’ initiative.

“The NUP wholeheartedly endorses this resolution, and we pledge to defend the independence and integrity of this House as we remain committed to the relentless quest for our nation’s sustainable progress and prosperity,” he said.

Villafuerte was referring to House Resolution 1562 which expressed the chamber’s “unwavering solidarity and support to the leadership of the honorable Speaker Romualdez and upholding the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives in the face of intense assault from the Senate in violation of the principle of inter-parliamentary courtesy and undue interference in the performance of its legislative and constituent functions.”

Senator Imee Marcos, however, denied senators are deliberately attacking House members.

“We are not fighting back. We are not attacking, but we were just explaining to the public what should be the policy,” she said, adding that she was also “tired of this conflict.”

sociated with potential pressures emanating from higher transport charges, increased electricity rates, higher oil prices, and higher food prices due to strong El Niño conditions.

“Meanwhile, the impact of a relatively weak global recovery and the government measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño could ease some price pressures... Looking ahead, the Monetary Board deems it necessary to keep monetary policy settings sufficiently tight until a sustained downtrend in inflation becomes evident,” it added.

The BSP said it will consider the latest inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) turnouts for the Monetary Board’s policy meeting on Feb. 15.

In a separate statement, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) will continue to closely monitor the prices of rice and other goods to provide the President and the Cabinet with timely and appropriate

policy recommendations and ensure stable and affordable prices of commodities.

With the El Niño lingering until May, Balisacan said: “We introduce stop-gap measures, as necessary, such as allowing further imports on key commodities until our supply stabilizes at prices affordable to consumers while ensuring remunerative prices for local producers.” Earlier, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 50 extending until the end of 2024 the reduced tariff rates of pork, corn, and rice.

He also reactivated the Task Force El Niño through Executive Order No. 53, which tasks concerned agencies to intensify the government’s efforts to secure sufficient water and food supply, power, health, and public safety nationwide.

Balisacan said the Department of Agriculture would continuously monitor on-the-ground situations and adequately guide the government in addressing food production concerns.

The Q4 survey fieldwork was conducted last Dec. 10-14 via face-to-face interviews.

A total of 1,200 male and female probability respondents aged 18 years and The TNM poll in the third quarter above were interviewed for the study. last year saw a nationwide decline in Mr. Marcos gained his highest trust the trust and performance ratings of ratings in the Visayas with 79%, while Mr. Marcos and Duterte. his lowest trust rating came from Mind-

anao with 69%.

Duterte saw her highest trust rating in Mindanao at 99%, but dipped significantly in Luzon to 64%.

In terms of performance, Mr. Marcos had the highest satisfaction rating in Balance Luzon (77%), with his lowest in Mindanao (57%).

THE Department of Transportation is looking into corruption allegations made by transport and civilian groups against Land Transportation Office Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II. In a statement Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the allegations were made through open letters from the Federated Land Transport Organizations of the Philippines and the Coalition for Good Governance, among others.

“The allegations about [Mendoza] -- betrayal of public trust, grave abuse of authority, loss of trust and confidence, acts prejudicial to the public, reputational risk against the Philippine government, and corruption, among others -- are all serious accusations that demand in-depth investigation and equally serious affirmative action,” Bautista said.

He asked Mendoza to submit his explanation and comments on the allegations “for our proper disposition and appropriate recommendation to the President, if necessary.”

With Darwin Amojelar

by the news.

He said “it has been confirmed” that Dominic and Bea have separated, with the possibility that they are still attempting to communicate.

“As we talk today, yes, Dominic and Bea have separated,” said Abunda.

He also mentioned that according to reliable sources, the couple is still

striving to understand each other during this difficult period, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Abunda expressed his hope that they find what is best for them.

“As a matter of fact, Bea and Dominic talked to each other last night.

They’re trying to understand each other but they’re going through a

rough patch,” he added.

Additionally, the TV host also addressed various rumors surrounding the breakup, including the speculated prenuptial agreement and the location of their wedding. He urged for kindness and understanding, emphasizing that the details of the situation are not fully known.

Speaker...

From A1

“This amount is no longer appropriate in the current economic climate, given the high cost of living,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Commission of Senior Citizens has proposed the creation of a centralized database system in place of the senior citizen’s purchase slip booklet for claiming discounts.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, NCSC chairperson Franklin Quijano said the booklets rarely serve their purpose, as some senior citizens often forget to bring them when making purchases, preventing them from receiving discounts.

Quijano said instead of the physical

booklets, a centralized database should be established to digitally record transactions regarding the senior citizens’ availment of not just medicines, but also basic necessities and prime commodities.

He said this would entail data-sharing between merchants and the government.

United Senior Citizen party-list Rep. Milagros Magsaysay supported the Speaker’s proposal, saying it was not only feasible but can also be easily implemented.

“Increasing the value of the grocery budget for seniors or PWDs to, say, P5,000 a week, would mean the mandated five percent discount would equate to P250,” she said.

Still, Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday sought an inquiry into the recent cyberattack emanating from stateowned China Unicom which targeted Philippine agencies, including those involved in safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, as considered this a major cyberattack.

This comes a day after Speaker Ferdi-

nand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday called for an immediate briefing from the Department of Information and Communications Technology on the cyberattacks, saying this was an issue on national security.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stressed that Beijing “firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of

Rody could be arrested ‘at any time’—Roque

‘Bare...

From A1

citing a supposed “UN (United Nations) process” for it.

The former President said the lack of development in the island prompted him to revive the movement.

Abalos said last week that the Philippines should “remain united and undivided” and that “secession is not the answer to Mindanao’s concerns.”

He was among several Cabinet men to speak out against Duterte’s call for the southern island region to separate from the republic.

However, Alvarez, the former Speaker, on Tuesday clarified that their call for Mindanao’s separation would be done “peacefully” to enable development in the region, and that it will not cause chaos.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said his men were keeping close watch on groups pushing for the secession of Mindanao.

Boost...

From A1 The PNP earlier reported a 12.2 percent increase in cyber identity theft cases last year.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said the top five most common cybercrimes recorded from July 2022 to January 2024 were swindling or estafa with around 15,000 cases, illegal access with over 4,800 cases, identity theft with more than 2,300 cases, online libel with over 2,000 cases, and credit card fraud with nearly 2,000 cases.

“As instructed by our President, we are

THE latest memorandum issued by the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), which sets a performance review of presidential appointees, was not meant to purge critics within the administration, including those appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Palace said on Tuesday. ‘’No such thing as this applies to ALL presidential appointees, myself included,’’ Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil told GMA News Online when asked for comment on speculations on the memo amid the rift between President Marcos and Duterte.

Dated Feb. 2, the PMS memo directed all presidential appointees, including those appointed by Mr. Marcos, to submit their updated personal data sheet and clearances from the Civil Service Commission, National Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Ombudsman, and Sandiganbayan.

Garafil said the updated personal data sheet and clearances are usual documents required of all presidential appointees. With Charles Dantes

ble,” it added.

The Chinese envoys said cybersecurity is a “global challenge” and called on countries to safeguard cybersecurity through dialogue and cooperation.

In her proposed Senate Resolution No. 923, Hontiveros said the DICT announced that the hackers are believed to be operating from China.

“While we are all busy cleaning up the mess of the sham ‘People’s Initiative,’ China has taken advantage of the current instability in the country to strike at our vulnerabilities,” she stressed.

The senator warned that since lawmakers are busy with Charter change, “we may not know that these Chinese

HINA has denied and described as “groundless” the allegations that Chinese hackers attempted to breach email systems and internal websites of several Philippine government agencies.

PBBM...

From A1

No purge among appointees – PCO

cyber-attack in accordance with law, allows no country or individual to engage in cyber-attack, and other illegal activities on Chinese soil or using Chinese infrastructure.”

The embassy also deplored the malicious imputations accusing China of engaging in cyber-attacks against government offices in the Philippines.

“Some Filipino officials and media maliciously speculated about and groundlessly accused China of engaging in cyber-attacks against the Philippines, even [going] as far as connecting these cyber-attacks with the South China Sea disputes,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Such remarks are highly irresponsi-

By Rey E. Requejo

LAWYER Harry Roque on Tuesday said former President Rodrigo Duterte may be arrested “at any time” in connection with the International Criminal Court’s investigation of his administration’s bloody war against illegal drugs, but admitted he does not know how it can be legally implemented.

“You know what, I have a confession. I didn’t sleep. Because Tatay Digong called me and said, he got information that he might be arrested at any time,” Roque said during his Facebook live on Sunday.

“My instinct was to run to Davao [City]. However, I also told myself: What can I do if I run there? But I couldn’t really sleep,” Roque said without elaborating.

Pressed on Tuesday as to how the warrant could be implemented given that the ICC has no power to arrest, Roque admitted is also unsure how it can happen.

“I really don’t know how he will be arrested,” he said in a phone interview as he acknowledged that only the government can implement the arrest order, if indeed one has been issued by the ICC. Asked if he received information that the Department of Justice or any other government agency has committed to implement the arrest, Roque said: “I really don’t know. It could be local. It could be abroad.”

IN BRIEF

posing changes in the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

This put into question Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s earlier commitment that the Upper Chamber would be able to finish the deliberations before Congress adjourns for the Holy Week recess.

RBH 6, which calls for a constitutional convention to amend the Charter, was filed by Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Angara himself.

“Let’s tell the whole country who are in favor and who are the oppositors so that the people of the Philippines will decide whom to put in the Senate come 2025,” Dalipe said, adding that the Senate’s apparent new timeline to pass RBH6 by October 2024 was already way too late.

Dalipe urged members of the Upper Chamber to be transparent so as to

Inflation...

From A1 December last year and 8.7 percent in the same period in 2023.

“This is the lowest recorded since the 2.3 percent inflation rate registered in October 2020,” said the PSA. The January inflation rate was also within the BSP’s forecast range of 2.8 to 3.6 percent, PSA said.

“This inflation outturn is consistent with the BSP expectations that inflation will likely moderate in Q1 2024 due largely to negative base effects and some easing of supply constraints affecting key commodities,” BSP said.

“However, inflation could temporarily accelerate above the target range from Q2 2024 due to the impacts of El Niño weather conditions and positive base effects,” it added.

The BSP said key upside risks are as-

Marcos,...

From A1

Boy...

From A1 Abunda shared that he often had heartfelt conversations with Alonzo about their lives, her relationship with Roque, and their plans for mar riage, and was taken aback intensifying, we are capacitating our police officers on the ground especially as of previously, our cybercrime group was only up to the regional level,” Acorda said.

He said the majority of the cybercrimes committed are linked to online scams.

Also included in the PNP’s list of most prevalent cybercrimes in the country are online threats, data interferences, antiphoto and video voyeurism, unjust vexation, and computer-related fraud.

“Admittedly, the main problem we have there is identifying the perpetrators. We struggled because they are often hidden, especially because the accounts they use are sometimes or often fictitious,” Acorda said.

P65 on their weekly groceries. We need to increase this,” Romualdez said.

He said the House of Representatives will convene a technical working group this week to review the Senior Citizens Act to determine how much additional discounts should be provided for seniors and PWDs. Romualdez said at present, seniors receive a five percent discount each week on groceries, capped at a total purchase value of P1,500, which translates to a measly discount of P65 per week.

Top Swiss envoy in Manila Feb. 8 SWITZERLAND’S foreign minister will be visiting the Philippines to discuss how to enhance its bilateral relations with Manila.

As the two nations mark 67 years of diplomatic ties, Swiss Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila for a one-day visit on Feb. 8.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the two diplomats will tackle “multilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern.”

Cassis’ itinerary will also include meetings with other Philippine high-level officials, the DFA said in a statement. Rey Requejo

DOTr probing charges vs. LTO chief Mendoza

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CAAP says four Mindanao airports set for upgrade

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI. Workers of

the city government of Manila enhance the public square known as San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza in Binondo district in preparation of the Chinese New Year celebration, with 2024 designated as the year of the Wooden Dragon under the Chinese calendar. The observance also marks the 430th anniversary of the Chinatown in Binondo, reputedly the world’s oldest of such ethnic community.

Lino Santos

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has identified four major airport projects that will potentially boost economy Mindanao’s economy.

One of such projects was the Bukidnon Airport greenfield project which has undergone substantial upgrade under Phase 1 and 2, the CAAP said. The expansion included construction of the apron, north and south taxiways, completed last November, and the landside area finished in October 2022.

Phase 3, which includes the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), runway strip, and runways, has achieved actual accomplishment of 41.35 percent as of last month, with a target completion set for January next year.

The terminals of three other airports in Mindanao are currently undergoing rehabilitation, the CAAP said.

The terminal of M’lang Airport, along with the construction of its power house, parking areas, and other facilities is on-going. The expansion and rehabilitation of the General Santos Airport were placed at 52.10 percent complete, while the PTB at Davao International Airport was programmed to be completed by January 2026.

CAAP director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo said there were also unsolicited proposals for several airports in the region.

“As part of the government mandate to increase private participation in government projects, CAAP has received unsolicited proposals for nine airports. Three of these are in Mindanao, namely Laguindingan International Airport, Davao International Airport, and Siargao Airport,” said Tamayo during the Aviation Summit held in General Santos on Feb. 5.

The summit was organized by the Department of Transportation to discuss priority projects in the air industry with sector stakeholders.

Tamayo said once those projects were expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the supply chain and travel experience for Filipinos, leading to economic acceleration in Mindanao.

Solon tells BuCor to give priority to PDLs’ welfare

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) was urged Tuesday to prioritize the enhancement of the prisoners’ welfare in the agency’s plan to intensify its income-generating activities through joint ventures with the private sector.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan issued the proposal as he criticized a recent move by the BuCor under director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. to partner with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in establishing industrial zones in certain areas of BuCor’s penal colonies.

“We laud Gen. Catapang for taking the lead in developing BuCor’s real estate assets through tie-ups with the private sector. This plan is a key factor in transforming the bureau into a modern, highly professionalized and self-sustaining agency,” said Yamsuan, a member of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.

“As it starts to earn from its business activities, we are optimistic that BuCor would ensure that improving the welfare of the PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) under its custody would be top priority in spending its additional income,” said Yamsuan, a staunch advocate for sweeping reforms in the country’s correctional system.

Providing PDLs with decent and habitable quarters, adequate and nutritious food, quality medical care, and wellcrafted reformation programs should be first on BuCor’s agenda when it starts to profit from its business ventures, Yamsuan said.

CA denies Sanofi petition to restore Dengvaxia CPR T

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Court of Appeals denied the petition of pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (SPI) assailing the government’s decision to revoke its certificates of product registration (CPR) for the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine used against dengue.

Associate Justice Eduardo Ramos Jr. of the CA’s Seventh Division wrote a 19page decision, declaring SPI’s petition for review had been rendered moot and academic, considering its CPRs already expired on Dec. 22, 2020.

“It is thus futile to insist on the reinstatement of the CPRs whose validity period had long expired,” the CA held.

The Food and Drug Administration suspended the CPRs of SPI for a year last Dec. 29, 2017. It also Imposed a fine of P100,000 on the company due to its failure to submit post-approval commitment documents.

FDA permanently revoked the CPRs for Dengvaxia on Dec. 21, 2018. SPI filed a motion for reconsideration and argued

that the issuance of the assailed order violated its right to due process for lack of notice or warning that there was an administrative proceeding against it.

The firm insisted it had complied with the post-marketing authorization requirements.

In a resolution dated Feb. 15, 2019, the FDA denied the motion forreconsideration and affirmed its earlier order, prompting SPI to file an appeal before the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health.

But in a decision dated Aug. 19, 2019, the DOH affirmed the FDA’s order revoking the CPRs. The Secretary of Health ruled that Sanofi was afforded sufficient notice and the op-

portunity to be heard and that it violated the rules on post-approval or post-authorization requirements and/or commitments.

The petitioner elevated the case to the Office of the President which affirmed the DOH’s ruling that there was no denial of due process against SPI. The OP also noted that some of the post-approval commitments of SPI were delayed or not complied with.

Sanofi elevated the case before the CA, where it maintained that the revocation of its CPRs was done in violation of its right to due process.

The company also asserted that it complied with the post-marketing authorization requirements.

It added that even if SPI failed to comply with its post-marketing authorization requirements, there is no basis for the immediate revocation of the CPR. In denying Sanofi’s petition, the CA agreed with the position of the Office of the Solicitor General, which represents the respondents DOH and FDA, that the reinstatement of the petitioner’s CPRs would no longer possible as it had already expired on Dec. 22, 2020.

ACCESS TO MEDICINE SUMMIT.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, graces the Access to Medicine Summit 2.0. at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

The conference aims to “create an interactive space to learn from innovative and emerging best practices towards improving access to medicine for every Filipino.

Norman Cruz

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Lawmaker eyes accessible healthcare services A CONGRESSMAN pushes enhanced healthcare services as he expressed full support for the government’s plan to build more specialty hospitals in the regions.

“We thank the President for his commitment to bringing healthcare closer to the people and we laud his lofty goal of establishing an additional 179 specialty centers by 2028,” said Rep. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan partylist.

“Being one of the first to pr mote the establishment of specialty hospitals in rural areas, the people can count on our full and continuous support in this program,” Reyes said.

Reyes was one of the initial proponents of building Regional Specialty Centers.

He filed House Bill 3134 which was enacted August last year as Republic Act 11959 or Regional Specialty Centers Act. According to Reyes, as of last December, 131 functional specialty centers have been

built through the Regional Specialty Centers Act. “This is a perfect example of a law working for the people. By bringing these specialty centers closer to our people, we reassure our kababayans that wherever you are in the Philippines, you can have access to affordable, specialized care,” Reyes said.

The lawmaker, who is the vice chairman of the House Committee on Health, also said that for this year, P11.12 billion has been earmarked to build additional specialty centers in the regions.

“We need to make specialized medical services accessible to people in the provinces and unburden them from the unnecessary travel and other expenses,” he said.

“With the help of this law, we hope that our people will no longer have to travel far to access their health needs,” Reyes stressed.

Maricel Cruz

DMW cited for initiating review of Seasonal Workers Program THE OFW party-list group on Tuesday praised the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for spearheading a review of the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP).

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino cited the DMW’s Advisory No. 1 s. 2024 dated January 11, 2024, putting a moratorium on the employment and deployment of Filipino seasonal agricultural workers to South Korea under the Seasonal Workers Program.

This is in response to the documented reports of illegal recruitment and labor violations under the program.

“While we acknowledge that the program provides livelihood opportunities to our countrymen, it should not come at the expense of the dignity and rights of our Filipino workers. We should always put the welfare and safety of our kababayans ahead of any other consideration,” Magsino said.

“That is why I laud DMW for standing its ground and reviewing the mechanisms and guidelines of the program to ensure that once the moratorium is lifted, our Filipino workers will be clothed with the protection of our policies, which should be strictly followed by the South Korean employers if they want to continue benefiting from the diligence of our Filipino Seasonal Agricultural Workers,” she added. Maricel V. Cruz

NAIA operations face one-month repair works on power systems THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will conduct a month-long electrical maintenance operation in Terminals 1 and 2, the International Cargo Terminal, the Administrative Building, and the airfield of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The maintenance that will begin from Feb. 6 until March 7 is part of an on-going upgrade of electrical systems of the NAIA, with minimal disruptions in some areas.

However, NAIA management assured travellers that critical systems used for passenger processing will remain operational with no significant impact on flight operations due to the maintenance works.

Under the supervision of MIAA general manager Eric Ines, the agency meets with stakeholders on the implementation of a unified strategy to ensure uninterrupted flights and passenger movement during the maintenance period.

The airport management completed the last round of electrical maintenance activities at Terminal 3 last December.

Since the start of the maintenance works being conducted by Meralco, power cables have been upgraded to larger ones, voltage circuit breakers and relays have been replaced with new ones, and relay settings have been optimized.

This initiative is part of MIAA’s commitment to improving the overall reliability of the electrical systems of the country’s premier airport, officials said.

The MIAA pledges provide further updates and announcements on the maintenance activities.

The airport management faced criticism last year following a series of power outages during peak travel dates that caused frustration for air travellers.

Netizens have criticized the airport management for alleged lack of preparation and inability to prevent the interruptions. Joel E. Zurbano

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Customs says collections hit P73.3b in Jan.

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday said it surpassed its revenue target in January by 2.16 percent, driven by enhanced collection efforts.

Preliminary data indicated that the agency generated P73.329 billion in revenue for the first month of 2024, above the target collection of P71.779 billion.

The revenue collected in 2024 exceeded the previous year’s figures by P2.738 billion, or 3.88% and last month’s figure also exceeded the P70.6 billion total revenue collection in January 2023.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the collection districts for their noteworthy contribution to the overall collection performance of the agency, adding that “the BOC is geared up for intensified efforts in 2024.

We are committed to working twice as hard to ensure that we not only meet but exceed our year-end revenue target.”

“This notable increase is attributed to the Bureau’s improved system of determining the customs value of imported goods, strengthened border protection, and concrete trade facilitation efforts,” the official added.

The agency was tasked to collect nearly P1 trillion this year while the Bureau of Internal Revenue has to collect P3.05 trillion to meet the government’s total revenue target of P4.3 trillion.

“The success in revenue collection during the first month of 2024 sets a positive precedent for the year ahead, showcasing the dedication of the BOC in contributing to the economic prosperity of our nation and underscoring the entire Bureau’s steadfast commitment for excellence and fiscal responsibility as strategically aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas campaign of His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Rubio said. With Vito Barcelo

Andanar slams CEZA chief on ‘disinformation’ FORMER Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar dismissed allegations about his involvement in an alleged disinformation drive.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) administrator Katrina Ponce Enrile, in a recent address captured on video, accused Andanar of funding a disinformation campaign while in China.

“Martin Andanar is not based here.

He is now based in Beijing, he is now funding all this disinformation, like Maharlika TV, and Sass all these others. They’re doing this not out of love for country. They’re doing this because they’re getting paid,” she said, in an excerpt of her speech shared on TikTok. The CEZA executive was referring to vloggers Maharlika TV and Sass Rogando Sasot, whom Andanar was allegedly funding.

The daughter of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile also cautioned against the alleged involvement of China in the country’s affairs. She urged Filipinos to broaden their minds and not to fall for the alleged China-sponsored propaganda.

But Andanar said Enrile’s accusations are “nothing more than false information.”

Andanar is now based in China as a news anchor for the English-language China Global Television Network.

He took to social media to throw major shade at Enrile, even proclaiming his preference for Purefoods over the Enrile-owned Delimondo chain.

QUEUE FOR ASSISTANCE. Residents from flood-affected areas queue for assistance from the Davao City government of Davao. Delivery and distribution of welfare goods will continue this week in coordination with the concerned barangay units, city officials said. Davao City PIO

Death toll in Davao floods climbs to 18—NDRRMC T

HE death toll from the effects of bad weather due to a trough of a low-pressure area and the northeast monsoon (amihan) in parts of Mindanao has climbed to 18.

In its latest situation report on Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the reported deaths in the Davao Region, along with 11 injured and three missing persons, are still being validated.

Some 324,040 families or over 1.2 million persons in 723 villages in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have so far been affected.

Of this number, 25,477 families or 97,603 persons are being aided in 380 evacuation centers while another

175,370 families or 697,454 persons are being aided outside.

Davao del Norte Rep. Alan Dujali has appealed for immediate relief and humanitarian aid in the region.

Dujali issued this call on Tuesday even as he assured the flood-affected people in the region that aid has started to pour in the provinces affected by the deadly flooding triggered by heavy rains since last week.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that flood victims have expressed worry after cases of leptospirosis have gone up. The DOH-11 said leptospirosis cases in the region went up in January 2024 com-

pared to the same period last year.

From January 1 to 27, the DOH-11 has recorded 34 cases of leptospirosis with two deaths, which is 48% higher compared to the 23 cases logged in 2023.

Davao de Oro has the most number of cases followed by Davao del Norte.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) meanwhile said it has extended over P26.9 million worth of humanitarian aid to families affected by torrential rains and flooding.

More than 41,100 family food packs (FFPs) were distributed to the families affected in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Sur and Davao City. Maricel V. Cruz

PROPER EXIT. Employees and visitors exit the Bontoc Municipal Capitol after the municipality felt the tremor of the magnitude 4.9 earthquake yesterday at around noon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the earthquake’s epicenter is in Tadian, Mountain Province. Bontoc PIO

Navy reports China intrusions in disputed area

By Vince Lopez THE Philippine Navy said on Tuesday that Chinese vessels have interfered in 3 out of 14 rotation and resupply missions to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in 2023.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, said most of the interference in 2023 occurred in Ayungin Shoal.

“On the number of incidents that there were illegal actions by the maritime militia or the Chinese Coast Guard, I would say that less than half,” Trinidad said.

These harassments included water cannon incidents, dangerous maneuvers, and the presence of Chinese Navy and Coast Guard vessels as well as their militia ships in the area during the missions, according to the Navy official.

The Navy reported that 28 rotation and resupply missions were successfully conducted last year.

The latest rotation and resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was a success and was described as “flawless” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

American maritime security analyst Ray Powell said that the AFP’s latest resupply mission was “very different” as China’s usual blockade hasn’t materialized.

All China’s militia vessels were staying back by Mischief Reef, according to Powell.

The Atin Ito Coalition on Tuesday lauded Catholic bishops for defending the WPS against China’s aggression.

Watchdog warns PNP: Tighter security in Congress after bomb threat vs. Miru Systems for poll project

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to beef up security in Congress following an alleged bomb threat against lawmakers.

In a palace briefing on Monday, PNP Chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda said PNP personnel are currently coordinating with Congress to investigate the threat.

Asked if the threat was politically mo-

tivated, Acorda stated that as of the investigation’s current development, “everything is possible.”

On Sunday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco reported that security in the Batasang Pambansa Complex is on heightened alert after various employees and some members of the Congress received alleged bomb threats.

Although refusing to identify who

received the threats, Velasco said there were “more than one.”

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was not among those who received the threat, Velasco said.

“There’ve been threats being received by members of Congress, by employees, by staff from groups. Of course we don’t mind them because that is (part of) the hazards of the job. It is part of working in the government, Velasco said.

DBM releases funds for tertiary education plan

ANTI-CHINA SENTIMENTS. Members of Pamalakaya, an organization of Filipino fishermen, stage protest actions in front of the Chinese consulate office in Makati on Tuesday, amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Norman Cruz

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P3.41 billion to fund the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act, granting nearly 75,000 students free college education in 2024.

Its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) in the amount of P1.77 billion for the first quarter of 2024 was also released.

“Not everyone may be able to afford higher education. But I believe this should not be the case, most especially to those who are deserving— those who have the heart and passion to learn and who wishes to put their talent and intelligence for the greater good,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

“Education, more than a privilege, is a basic human right. It is our gateway for better

career paths, higher salaries, and an overall improved quality of life,” she added.

Approximately 74,262 learners for the UAQTE program for the school year 2024 will benefit from the allocated P3.41 billion fund, which covers tuition and miscellaneous fees, accident insurance, trainee provision, internet allowance, starter tool kits, national assessment fees, and other school charges.

Otherwise known as Republic Act 10931, the UAQTE is a law that formalizes zero-cost education and waivers of additional charges in state universities and colleges (SUCs) as well as local universities and colleges (LUCs). It e visions financial aid for private higher education institutions, to provide less privileged Filipinos better opportunities to pursue college degrees.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ELECTION watchdog Democracy Watch Philippines has raised doubts about the qualification of Miru Systems, the lone bidder in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) procurement process for the 2025 National and Local elections.

In a letter directed to the Special Bids & Awards Committee (SBAC), the watchdog group enumerated six crucial points needing clarification from Miru Systems to assure citizens of the system’s reliability for the upcoming elections.

It raised concern on what type of technology Miru Systems submitted for evaluation by Comelec: Is it merely a prototype, or is it a system that has been rigorously field-tested in past elections?

The election watchdog group underscores this query as fundamental, given that the 2007 Election Automation Law mandates the use of technology with an established record of reliability.

With a voter population exceeding 60 million, the quality of paper needed

by Miru, scanning devices to process hand-marked ballots emerges as another area of criticism, the group said.

Vito Barcelo

B1

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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

Pop Goes The World Jenny Ortuoste

EDITORIAL

World Cancer Day ‘CLOSE the cancer gap’ — that’s this year’s theme of World Cancer Day, observed last Feb. 4 and led by the Union for International Cancer Control.

According to the NCD (noncommunicable diseases) Alliance, this theme, used over the last three years, focuses on “addressing issues of equity in cancer care, rallying individuals, organizations, and governments alike to address the disparities that hinder access to essential cancer services for many people, due to age, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic situation or geographical location.”

It is imperative, writes the NCD Alliance, to ask world leaders to “close the cancer gap” by implementing programs and policies and allocate resources to making sure “no one dies from a preventable and treatable cancer.”

In the Philippines, the cost of good cancer care is still prohibitive and, as always, the ‘haves’ receive better care than the ‘have nots.’

founding president Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala as having said: “We need to implement NICCA immediately…and work overtime and behave as we did in 202 when we united and scrambled to find solutions to fight the [COVID-19] pandemic.”

Why is it taking so long to fully implement the NICCA? On paper, it’s a wonderful law, and the Philippines is one of only eight countries in the world that have a cancer law (per Alikpala).

But why the unconscionable delay in making it happen, and work as it should to improve the lives of Filipino cancer patients?

The same article by Baclig also cites the following facts: that cancer is a leading cause of death among Filipinos; and that cancer treatments “have been financially catastrophic,” thus making “cancer care inaccessible to many, especially the poor.”

Given all that, something we’ve known for ages, why isn’t there a sense of urgency about this issue? And it isn’t only cancer care that needs government and private funding, but also cancer research.

Last month, the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science website posted an article by Harvey L. Sapigao about UP chemists who modified the anticancer compound deguelin into “a novel class of compounds that show promise as safer and more effective treatments for colon, lung, and breast cancer.”

“Reduced adverse effects” were noted in tests done on human cancer cell cultures.

A version called 6a “outperformed doxorubicin” in treating colon cancer, while two other versions were found to excel in treating lung and breast cancer.

These compounds are simpler and more cost-effective to produce. As a colon cancer patient, I was given doxorubicin and suffered awful side effects. A doctor friend told me, “That’s why they call it the ‘red devil’ chemo.”

And it cost the earth. Now if the new compounds created by the UP scientists are more effective, hopefully with less severe side effects, and cheaper and easier to make, shouldn’t we accelerate the research and development in this area – and help close the cancer gap?

We also need better communications about cancer, NICCA, and new breakthroughs and developments in the fight against cancer.

Makati Medical Center oncologist Dr. Maria Belen Tamayo recently spearheaded a communication initiative via an infographic display about hereditary cancer at the MMC lobby for World Cancer Day. The huge display featured the photos of patients who are cancer warriors (myself among them) and their questions related to hereditary cancer, with answers from the oncology team.

World Cancer Day may have come and gone, but if you’re fighting cancer, or have a relative or friend who does, every day is cancer day.

Every day is a day we think about cancer, how to defeat it, how to make screening, care, and treatments accessible to everyone. *** FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

—“—

World Cancer Day may have come and gone, but if you’re fighting cancer, or have a relative or friend who does, every day is cancer day

As a cancer warrior myself who has battled third-stage colon and first-stage breast cancers, this disease has resulted in financial straits for myself and family.

I got the best care and live to fight another day, but bankrupted myself in the process.

We can imagine how much worse it is for those without privilege, without savings, without earnings, without the ability to borrow money.

It’s practically a death sentence.

Government care of cancer patients only goes so far.

The National Integrated Cancer Control Act that aims to reduce the financial burden of cancer on patients and their families was enacted in 2019.

But a material from the Philippine Cancer Summit 2024, to be held February 29 to March 1, says “much remains to be done.

Implementation of key provisions needs to be advanced and accelerated.” An ordinary person researching the internet for news about the NICCA’s implementation will be frustrated.

The most recent I can find is the one about the Cancer Summit, and an article by Cristina Eloisa Baclig in the Philippine Daily Inquirer from October last year, that again mentioned the many wonderful promises of the NICCA will be fulfilled if “the legislation is fully implemented.”

The article quotes ICanServe Foundation

EVERYMAN

Ninety seconds to midnight

By Adelle Chua IF THE moment of apocalypse were to happen at midnight, the earth is just 90 seconds away from it. This point is the closest we have ever come to the metaphorical equivalent of annihilation.

This is what the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group which includes at least nine Nobel laureates, declared on Jan. 23.

Serving as the basis for this moment of historical danger are the war in Ukraine and Gaza, and the widespread and growing reliance on nuclear weapons -- China, Russia, and the United States are spending big money to expand or modernize their nuclear capacities.

Last year, too, was the hottest year on record for the Earth; climate-related disasters affected millions across the globe.

Aside from this, there are rapid and worrisome developments in the life sciences and in disruptive technologies.

In 2019, the clock was at two minutes to midnight; in 2022, it was reset to 100 seconds.

This is the second straight year that the clock’s position has been at 90 minutes to midnight. “Humanity continues to face an unprecedented level of danger,” according to the Bulletin.

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and other scientists from the University of Chicago who developed atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project.

This was supposedly the physicists’ way of protesting the use of the weapons on people.

The scientists, after the bombings in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, felt deeply responsi-

ble for the consequences of their own work.

Their objective was to equip the public, policymakers, and scientists with the information needed to reduce man-made threats to humanity’s existence.

Two years later, in 1947, the Bulletin created the Doomsday Clock.

On its website, the Bulletin said everyone has an interest in reducing the likelihood of catastrophe.

—“—

‘Teetering near the edge,’ scientists say on where humanity is

No single country can keep these threats under control, so the leaders and nations “have to work together in the shared belief that common threats demand common actions.”

Despite this moment being one of acute danger, two officials of the Bulletin – president and CEO Rachel Bronson and Science and Security Board chair Daniel Holz, who describe themselves as “experts who spend our lives on these issues” – sent out a message of hope.

In an op-ed for USA Today, Bronson and Holz cite encouraging developments amid the global threats. For instance, the transition to clean energy has gained momentum, with more that $1.7 trillion being invested in clean energy last year.

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Time to revisit the Vape Law

N

EARLY two years ago, the Vape Bill lapsed into law which lowered age restriction of such products from 21 years to 18 years old, removed comprehensive ban on vapes and heated tobacco products in public places, and allowed their advertisement.

This Republic Act 11900 of July 25, 2022 aimed to regulate the “importation, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products,” like electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

The law allows online sales and products with nicotine strengths up to 65 mg/mL (6.5 percent) and lowers the legal age of purchase from 21 to 18, which means there will be more young people vaping instead of smoking (the age to buy cigarettes is 18).

We seem to have conveniently forgotten that tobacco – vape or no vape-- is the highest risk factor driving the most death and disability combined in 2019.

It was estimated that tobacco use ac-

About Town

counted for more than 112,112 deaths or 27 percent of all deaths in the Philippines that year.

Of tobacco deaths, 96,000 or 85 percent were attributed to smoking, 22,000 or 19 percent were second-hand smoking

—“—

Research studies are coming out with very similar damage from heating up vaping solutions and inhaling that vapor into the lungs

Researchers estimate that every year around 8 million people die an early death due to cigarette smoke, a complex mixture of chemical compounds bound to aerosol particles or are free in the gas phase – a major health problem for many decades.

We note that among top reasons for vape use among students have been online accessibility (32 percent), flavor (22 percent), and the belief that ecgarettes are safer than cigarettes (17

Ernesto M. Hilario

Should PH ban toxic e-cigarettes?

HOW serious is the problem of illicit trade in e-cigarettes or vapes in the country?

Serious enough, it would seem, that it merited an investigation by the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives.

The recent probe revealed the local vape industry is now worth P13 billion, which should be paying an excise tax of P5.56 billion a year but paid only P631 million in 2022.

The illicit trade in vapes is on the rise as untaxed and unregulated e-cigarette products enter the country.

Most of the illicit vapes are disposables or single-use vapes, which are fast becoming health and environmental hazards, prompting some European governments such as the United Kingdom to impose a ban on it.

The UK leadership wants to ban disposable vapes to stop their children from getting addicted to e-cigarettes.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is risking his political career with this draconian measure amid his plunging popularity among Britons and even within his Conservative Party.

A 2023 report from Action on Smoking and Health found that the proportion of children experimenting with vaping had grown by 50 percent year-on-year.

The proportion of youths from 11 to 17 years-old who use vape has increased almost nine times in the last two years with disposables as a “key driver” for the rise.

The UK is not the first country to introduce the idea of banning disposable vapes.

Australia began banning the import of disposable e-cigarettes in early January 2024, citing concerns over teens’ health.

In December last year, France’s National Assembly unanimously approved a bill to ban disposables to protect young people and reduce environmental impacts.

Scotland and Ireland are also both moving in the same direction while Belgium is seen to follow the French example. Germany and New Zealand are close to enforcing their

own respective ban.

Disposable vapes are usually made of inferior and questionable materials. They contain multiple types of hazardous waste from residual nicotine, heavy metals from the vaporizer’s electrical circuitry, lithium batteries, residual e-liquid, and plastic waste from a non-decomposable outer shell and packaging materials.

When littered, the toxic chemicals and the plastic in vape waste degrade and leach into the environment, contaminating ecosystems such as creeks, lakes, rivers and wildlife.

And then, governments around the world have started acting on the prevailing public discourse on AI paired with modern bioresearch or military systems and minimizing judgment on issues of life and death.

There are efforts to better regulate pathogen research, which could maintain the ability to create new lifesaving treatments with minimizing risk.

There have also been diplomatic initiatives to contain the global nuclear threat and a push for a landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

“We need innovation by experts to identify new solutions. We need bold political leadership to implement solutions. And ultimately, all of us need to be the catalysts,” Bronson and Holz wrote. *** The threats mentioned above are very deeply felt here in the Philippines as well.

What is happening in the West Philippine

Sea reminds us every day that our part of the world is a flash point and is never secure.

Our geographical location makes us vulnerable to extreme weather patterns brought about by climate change, and the uneven disaster risk reduction management capacities of our local governments magnify that vulnerability.

Despite being known for being active social media users, Filipinos easily fall prey to disinformation and misinformation, as well as scams and fraud.

We have also not yet figured out how to view, deal with, and cope with AI given the certainty of its presence in our life and society.

Our share of pressing issues finds resonance with and is reflected in the global situation.

We wonder: should similar parameters be used to localize the Doomsday Clock, at which point exactly would the Philippines be?

What other issues specific to our country

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

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

percent).

Unlike regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes, which do not have tobacco, are battery-powered devices that have a heating element and a cartridge that contains liquid. Puffing on the device heats the liquid, which produces vapor.

Vaping has not been around for long enough for authorities to know the risks of long-term use. While vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it is unlikely to be totally harmless.

There’s the catch.

Thus, the healthiest option is not to smoke or vape. Health experts say if one were vaping to quit smoking, one should aim to eventually stop vaping too.

E-cigarettes produce several dangerous chemicals including acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde.

According to researchers, emerging data suggest links to chronic lung disease and asthma as well as associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease.

Overall, here’s not much difference between smoking and vaping.

Commonly, smoking was thought to be more harmful because the product is being burnt and smoke inhaled into the lungs.

But research studies are coming out with very similar damage from heating up vaping solutions and inhaling that vapor into the lungs.

Check the e-cigarette smoke. Now.

—“—

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año is well within his scope of authority to declare that any move toward secession of any part of Philippine territory would be met with resolute force

In the Philippines, vapes or e-cigarettes remain a fairly new category subject to excise taxes as embodied in the recently approved Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. Framers of the Vape law did not immediately put a ban provision on disposables since the primordial task was to first capture potential lost revenues after years of allowing the industry to go unregulated.

But if, in the near-term, the illicit trade

in vapes continues to persist to the extent of reaching “parity” with contraband cigarettes, lawmakers may have to revisit the measure and introduce an outright ban.

There’s no use in trying to tax an industry that does not want to play fair while continuously hurting the health of our young and polluting our environment.

Should we ban toxic politics as well?

We were shocked, as many right-thinking Filipinos should have responded, by the recent statement of former President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants Mindanao to secede from the Republic and henceforth become an independent state.

Coming from the former Chief Executive who is also a lawyer, the proposal is outlandish and patently unconstitutional as the State, through the armed forces, has the duty to ensure the integrity of the national territory.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año is well within his scope of authority to declare that any move toward secession of any part of Philippine territory would be met with resolute force.

Over at the House of Representatives, there’s a move by the sitting Camiguin representative to investigate and look into the possible expulsion of former Speaker and currently Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez for advocating an independent Mindanao.

Alvarez, according to Duterte, would lead the gathering of signatures from people across Mindanao who support the idea.

Duterte’s bombshell amid the break-up of the UniTeam between the Marcos-Duterte families in the 2022 elections reflects a rather toxic political atmosphere that could set back efforts at economic advance and social cohesion less than two years after the Marcos Jr. administration assumed office.

We can’t predict what lies ahead, but one thing is sure: the uncertain political situation isn’t going to help the economy any.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com) must be considered?

More importantly, what do we need to do in order to move away from midnight?

The word “doomsday” seems so glum and daunting, conjuring images of annihilation and the end of life as we know it.

But working backward from this likelihood, in measurable intervals like seconds or minutes, could do an effective job of emphasizing worst-case scenarios so they would not have to come to pass. Sometimes, it is only when we are aware of what is at stake and what we are about to lose that we come to our senses. adellechua@gmail.com (Adelle Chua is an assistant professor of journalism at the UP College of Mass Communication. She was opinion editor and columnist for this newspaper for 15 years until 2021)

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B2

WORLD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Russia, China accuse US of stoking already high tensions in Mideast UNITED NATIONS, New York – Russia and China accused the United States during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday of stoking already high tensions in the Middle East with its recent retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria.

The US military struck dozens of targets in Syria and Iraq overnight on Friday into Saturday, in retaliation for a January 28 drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers.

The strikes, which targeted elite Iranian units and pro-Iranian militant groups, have led to fears that the ongoing IsraelHamas war in Gaza could spiral into a regional conflict.

“It’s clear that American airstrikes are specifically, deliberately aimed to stoke

the conflict,” said Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, whose country had called for the emergency meeting.

China’s ambassador Jun Zhang similarly claimed that the “US actions will certainly exacerbate the vicious cycle of tit-for-tat violence in the Middle East.”

Anger over Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza—which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7—has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

A UN official called for “all parties to step back from the brink and to consider the unbearable human and economic cost of a potential regional conflict.” AFP

Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

TODAY

National Capital Judicial Region Branch 209 Mandaluyong City

IN RE PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY OF ALBERICA C. MANUEL, ALBERICA C. MANUEL, Petitioner, -versus-

Case No. R-MND-23-01904-SP

MANDALUYONG CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR; ROWENA LYN T. COLOBONG, WINSTON R. MANUEL, ROSENDA R. RABANG, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------x

ORDER On 1 December 2023, petitioner Alberica C. Manuel (hereinafter, Alberica) filed the undated instant Petition for Correction of Entry in the Civil Registry dated 22 November 2023.

Alberica alleges that she was born out of wedlock on 8 April 1995 in Mandaluyong City to Rowena Lyn Tacap Colobong (hereinafter, Rowena) and Winston Reyes Manuel (hereinafter, Winston). On 11 September 1997, Alberica’s certificate of live birth was registered in Mandaluyong City with Winston as informant and Rowena preparing the document. Alberica’s name appearing on the certificate of live birth is “ALBERICA TANAP COLOBONG.” There are two annotations on the birth certificate, to wit: (a)

“LATE REGISTRATION” “LEGITIMATED BY A SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGE OF PARENTS ON AUGUST 18, 1997 – MANDALUYONG”

(b)

“Acknowledged by Winston R. Manuel on Sept. 11, 1997 under reg. no. 97-375”

The above-mentioned legitimation is supported by Deed of Legitimation which states that Winston and Rowena contracted marriage on 18 August 1997 at MTC Branch 60 of Mandaluyong City solemnized by Judge Ma. Luisa O. Padilla. Alberica would use the surname “Manuel.” Her pre-school records, elementary records, high school records, college records, passport, employment identification cards, government-issued identification cards, various billing statements, and medical records all reflect the surname used “Manuel.”

When Alberica entered law school, the registrar asked her to use the surname “Colobong” considering that her birth certificate reflects the said surname. Her law school records reflect “Colobong” as her surname.

In September 2023, she took the bar examinations.

The Office of the Bar Confidant notified her that her birth certificate lacked the requisite annotation that indicates she is allowed to use the surname “Manuel” notwithstanding the annotation on the legitimation.

She sought the administrative correction of her birth certificate with the Civil Registrar General, but the same was denied. It was revealed that Winston had record of two marriages first is on 12 August 1991 to a certain Rosenda R. Rabang in Italy; second is on 18 August 1997 to Rowena. Thus, the marriage of Winston and Rowena was void ab initio being made during the subsistence of a valid marriage, and consequently, the request to annotate that Albie may use the surname “Manuel” based on legitimation was denied. Thus, Alberica prays that after due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered ordering the correction of her certificate of live birth by annotating the following entry: “Legitimated by virtue of subsequent marriage of parents on August 18, 1997 at Mandaluyong City.

Henceforth, the child shall be known as: ALBERICA COLOBONG MANUEL.” Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. Let this Petition be set for hearing on 19 March 2024 at 8:30 a.m. before this Court located at 2nd Floor, New Hall of Justice Bldg., Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City.

Notice is hereby given that anyone who has any objection to the Petition should file on or the date of hearing his opposition thereto with a statement of the grounds therefor.

Let this Order be posted on the Bulletin Board of the Court and published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines chosen by the Court through raffle at petitioner’s expense.

Finally, furnish the respondents, the Civil Registrar General, and the Office of the Solicitor General with copies of this Order and of the Petition, also at petitioner’s expense.

SO ORDERED. 12 December 2023, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) MONIQUE A. QUISUMBING-IGNACIO Presiding Judge Copy furnished: BATOCABE AND PARTNERS LAW OFFICE Counsel for petitioner Suite 408, Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas, Jr., Rd. Ortigas Center, Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City Email: bgrlawfirm@yahoo.com.ph batocabeandpartners@gmail.com CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL / PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 12th Floor, Eton Centris Cyberpod Five EDSA, cor. Quezon Ave., Diliman, Quezon City 1101 ROWENA LYN T. COLOBONG WINSTON R. MANUEL 34 Via Dei Mellini Rome, Italy OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village Makati City THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Mandaluyong City RTC-OCC Mandaluyong City ROSENDA R. RABANG Rome, Italy

(MStandard - Jan. 24, 31 & Feb. 7, 2024)

SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he disembarks upon arrival at Cairo East YELLOW Airport in Cairo on Tuesday. The US top diplomat’s stop in Egypt is part of a CYAN Middle MAGENTA East crisis tour seeking aBLACK new truce and ‘an enduring end’ to the Israel-Hamas war. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL IPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Quezon City - Branch 217 rtc1qzn217@judiciary.gov.ph Cp # 09275426985 (Effective September 13, 2023) Tel. # 8529•0868

REPUBLIC OF THE PHIL IPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Quezon City - Branch 217 rtc1qzn217@judiciary.gov.ph Cp # 09275426985 (Effective September 13, 2023) Tel. # 8529•0868

Blinken heads to Egypt to seek ‘enduring end’ to war in Gaza P IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE CANCELLATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATES OF LIVE BIRTH OF VERNADETTE NAGUIT.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT a.k.a.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT DUAZO. Petitioner.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT a.k.a.

VERNADETTE NAGUIT DUAZO. Petitioner.

-versusSP. Proc. No. R-QZN -23-11718-SP ALESTINIAN Territories—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF in Egypt QUEZON CITY, THE CIVIL REGISTRAR Tuesday as part ofOFa THE Middle East crisis GENERAL PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (formerly NSO), tour seeking a newEDITHA truce and “an enduring DIMAGIBA NAGUIT, VICENTE PANTUA DUAZO and all other persons claiming rights end” to the Israel-Hamas war. and interest in the instant petition,

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given for the settlement of the Estate of Carmen R. Garcia (“Decedent”) who died on February 28, 2021, has been executed by and among the heirs by Atty.

Joshua P. Lapus, Notary Public for and in the City of Makati on September 13, 2023, with Doc No. 9, Page No. 3, Book No. 46, Series of 2022.

(MS-JAN. 31/ FEB. 7/14, 2024

Respondents.

In Cairo, Blinken is scheduled to meet x------------------------------------------------------------x

Egyptian PresidentORDER Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the is ahe verified for Riyadh Cancellation/Correction dayThis after heldpetition talks in with Saudi of entry Prince in the Certificate of Live Birth of Vernadette Crown Mohammed bin Salman.

Naguit Duazo, filed by the Petitioner, through counsel, TheDecember trip, Blinken’s fifth to the region since dated 21 , 2023. the start of the nearly four-month-long war, Petition alleges Petitioner a Filipino willThe later include stopsthat in Israel andisQatar. citizen, and a resident of Bldg.push 4, 1st has floor, Unit Blinken’s diplomatic been4, Bistekville 15, Richland Avenue, Sauyo, Quezon City; given fresh urgency as Israeli forces press that Petitioner was born on April 2, 1990; her Parents further south Rafah, Palestinian are herein namedtowards respondents EdithaaDimagiba Naguit and Vicente Pantua Duazo; however registration city on the southern border the with Egyptof the Certificate of Live Birth herein Petitioner was where more than half theof population of the done only sometime May 28, 1996; the Petitioner’s Gaza Strip hasEditha takenand shelter. birth her parents Vicente were not married; Shellings and contracted raids continued Tuesdayin they subsequently marriage sometime February 11, 1996 at the Green Ville Covered Court by

attending “Kasalang Bayan”; in the year 1999 herein NOTICE OF AFFIDAVIT OFaLOSS respondents Vicente P. Duazo and EDITHA D. Naguit (WITH UNDERTAKING) executed a joint Affidavit of Legitimation declaring,

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE among others,PUBLIC that they had no legal impediment THAT AN AFFIDAVIT to OFmarry LOSS when (WITH contracted marriage; a Certification UNDERTAKING) DATED JANUARY 10, 2024 dated November 23, 2023 was issued by the Office HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY REGINA P. Civil CARDIÑO of the City Registry Department of Quezon City RELATIVE TO THE LOSS OF ONEthat (1) indeed STOCK to certify the Affidavit of Legitimation was CERTIFICATE WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS: filed and recorded in the office as Registry No. 99-679; COMPANY NAME STOCK CERTIFICATE NO. DATE ISSUED NUMBER OF SHARES

herein Petitioner, now already of age, had a fiance, an

: MEGAWORLD AmericanCORPORATION citizen, whom she intends to marry; upon : 87178review of her Certificate of Live Birth questions were : AUGUST 18, 2000 raised about the Remarks/Annotation found at the : 20,000 right uppermost of said Certificate of Live Birth which

indicates AS PER DOC. NO.: 904; PAGE NO.:“Legitimated 77; BOOK by Subsequent Marriage of on NOTARIAL 11th February 1996 in Quezon City under NO.: 2; SERIES OF 2024 Parents OF THE reg.no.

99-679” Verifications were required about REGISTER/ BOOK OF ATTY. DALEY ROSE A. the legitimated status of herein Petitioner and in the LlMOSINERO FOR AND IN THE CITY OF MAKATI

process herein Petitioner was able to secured from (MS-JAN. 7, 2024) the Office of 24/31/FEB. the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) the respective CENOMARS of her parents; the copy of NOTICE OF AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS the Cenomar of respondent Editha D. Naguit showed (WITH UNDERTAKING) that she had contracted marriage only once and it was with Vicente P. Duazo revealed that he was married NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TOtheTHE PUBLIC was with Miguela Orivida which twice; first marriage THAT AN AFFIDAVIT happened OF LOSS (WITH sometime March 22, 1986; copies of the UNDERTAKING) DATED JANUARY 2024D. Naguit and Vicente P. Duazo.

CENOMARs10, of Editha

HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY REGINA P. CARDIÑO RELATIVE TO THE LOSS OF ONE (1) STOCK The first wife, Miguela Orivida, of herein respondent CERTIFICATE WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS: was alive during the time herein respondents Edith

COMPANY NAME STOCK CERTIFICATE NO. DATE ISSUED NUMBER OF SHARES

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR THE CANCELLATION/CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATES OF LIVE BIRTH OF VERNADETTE NAGUIT.

D.LAND, Naguit : AYALA INC.and Vicente P. Duazo contracted marriage; considering; a copy of Miguela Orivida’s facebook : 20222 138 screenshot, to prove the fact that she was still : March 10, 2022 : 1,425alive when herein respondents Editha and Vicente

-versus-

SP. Proc. No. R-QZN -23-11718-SP

They also discussed “regional coordination morning as Israel presses to eradicate Hamas THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF in theQUEZON wake CITY, of the militants’ unprecedented to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in THE CIVIL REGISTRAR Gaza.”

Oct. 7GENERAL attack. OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (formerly NSO), shall But Israel has vowed to press on with its “No place is safe, no place at all, where EDITHA DIMAGIBA NAGUIT, VICENTE we go?”

Palestinian Mohamad Kozaat said retaliatory offensive, pushing as far into the PANTUA DUAZO and all other persons claiming rights after and six interest members ofinstant his family, in the petition, including his Palestinian territory as needed to root out highdaughter, were injured in an Israeli strike on ranking Hamas officials.

Respondents. x------------------------------------------------------------x The military “will reach places where we the border town.

At least 99 people, mostly women and have not yet fought... right up to the last Hamas ORDER children, were killed in Israeli strikes overnight bastion, which is Rafah,” Israeli Defense This is a verified petition for Cancellation/Correction of entry Monday to Tuesday, according to the health Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday. in the Certificate of Live Birth of Vernadette Naguit Duazo, filed by thein Petitioner, through counsel,territory. dated December 21 , 2023.

In recent weeks, the Israeli military has ministry the Hamas-ruled Blinken is hoping shore up issupport a andpounded Khan Yunis, southern Gaza’s main The Petition allegesto that Petitioner a Filipino for citizen, resident of Bldg. 4, 1st floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15, Richland truce aAvenue, deal hashed out in Paris in January, but city and the hometown of Hamas’s Gaza chief, Sauyo, Quezon City; that Petitioner was born on April not yet on by or Israel.EdithaYahya Sinwar.

2, signed 1990; heroff Parents areeither herein Hamas named respondents Naguit and Vicente Pantua Duazo; however the Gallant said Sinwar was “moving from HeDimagiba spoke with the Saudi crown prince about registration of the Certificate of Live Birth of herein Petitioner “the urgent to reduce regional tensions”, was doneneed only sometime May 28, 1996; the Petitioner’s birth herhideout to hideout”, without elaborating on his parents Editha and Vicente were not married; they subsequently according to State Department spokesman presumed current location. contracted marriage sometime in February 11, 1996 at the Matthew GreenMiller.

Ville Covered Court by attending a “Kasalang Bayan”; in Israel accuses Sinwar of masterminding the the year 1999 herein respondents Vicente P. Duazo and EDITHA A surge in attacks across the region by Iran- Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of D. Naguit executed a joint Affidavit of Legitimation declaring, backed Hamas allies hashad triggered counterattacks among others, that they no legal impediment to marry whenabout 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according marriage; a Certification dated November 23, 2023 to an AFP tally based on official figures. AFP by thecontracted United States and its partners. was issued by the Office of the City Civil Registry Department of Quezon City to certify that indeed the Affidavit of Legitimation was filed and recorded in the office as Registry No. 99-679; herein Petitioner, now already of age, had a fiance, an American citizen, whom she intends to marry; upon review of her Certificate of Live Birth questions were raised about the Remarks/ Annotation found at the right uppermost of said Certificate of Live Birth which indicates “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage of Parents on 11th February 1996 in Quezon City under reg.no.

99-679” Verifications were required about the legitimated status of herein Petitioner and in the process herein Petitioner was able to secured from the Office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) the respective CENOMARS of her parents; the copy of the Cenomar of respondent Editha D. Naguit showed that she had contracted marriage only once and it was with Vicente P. Duazo revealed that he was married twice; the first marriage was with Miguela Orivida which happened sometime March 22, 1986; copies of the CENOMARs of Editha D. Naguit and Vicente P. Duazo.

The first wife, Miguela Orivida, of herein respondent was alive during the time herein respondents Edith D. Naguit and Vicente P. Duazo contracted marriage; considering; a copy of Miguela Orivida’s facebook screenshot, to prove the fact that she was still alive when herein respondents Editha and Vicente contracted marriage; considering that the marriage of herein respondent Vicente P. Duazo with Miguela Orivida happened much earlier than his marriage with herein respondent Editha D. Naguit the subsequent marriage is considering bigamous and therefore null and void from the beginning; herein Petitioner cannot be considered as a legitimated child considering that when her parents were married there was a legal impediment for the parents to contract such marriage; the Petitioner the sought the advice of both PSA and Civil Registry Office of Quezon City on how to remover or cancel the annotation on her Certificate of Live Birth and both offices advised her to file the appropriate case before the court; thus, the filing of this Petition to correct the error and to cancel the annotation “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage of Parents on 11th February 1996 in QC under the reg. no. 99-679” found in her Certificate of Live Birth and likewise to cancel the registered “ Joint Affidavit of Legitimation” filed by herein respondents Editha and Vicente with the Office of the Civil Registry of Quezon City; there is a need to correct the erroneous annotation “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage of Parents on 11th February 1996 in QC under reg. no. 99-679” found in Petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth to reflect her true and actual status as a person relative to her family to avoid confusion with her public records and most importantly, to give herein Petitioner peace of mind in her future private and public transactions.

Chile mourns 123 killed in raging wildfire inferno

contracted marriage; considering that the marriage

of herein AS PER DOC. NO.: 905; PAGE NO.:respondent 77; BOOKVicente P. Duazo with Miguela happened much earlier than his marriage with NO.: 2; SERIES OF 2024 Orivida OF THE NOTARIAL herein respondent D. Naguit the subsequent REGISTER/ BOOK OF ATTY. DALEY ROSEEditha A. marriage considering LlMOSINERO FOR AND IN THE CITYisOF MAKATI bigamous and therefore null

and void from the beginning; herein Petitioner cannot (MS-JAN. 24/31/FEB. 7, 2024) be considered as a legitimated child considering that WHEREFORE, let this Petition be set for hearing before this when her parents were married there wasMAR, a legal Chile—Chile Court began located attwo Roomdays 604, Sixth Hall of Justice - Annex, VIñA DEL of Floor, national mourning NOTICE OF AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS impediment for the parents to contract such marriage; Diliman, Quezon City on June 5, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock in the Monday (Tuesday in Manila) for at least 123 victims of a raging wildfire, morning at which place and on which time, all interested person (WITH UNDERTAKING) the Petitioner the sought the advice of both PSA and and fileas their opposition/spick to the petition. the search continuing formust theappear missing survivors through the Civil Registry Office of Quezonwith City on how to remover NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE PUBLIC on herscorched or cancel the annotation Certificate remains of Live Birth of their lives. Pursuant to Section 4, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court let a THAT AN AFFIDAVIT and OF both LOSS copy of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioner offices(WITH advised her to file the appropriate streets were strewn with charred cars, debris and ash after flames UNDERTAKING) DATED JANUARY 2024 thus, the The once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of case before 10, the court; filing of this Petition general circulation throughout the Philippines. tore through crowded hilltop neighborhoods in the coastal region of HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY REGINA P. CARDIÑO to correct the error and to cancel the annotation RELATIVE TO THE LOSS OF ONE (1) STOCK Valparaiso, in theon world’s third-deadliest wildfire this century.

Further, let copies of this Order together with the Petition “Legitimated by Subsequent Marriage of Parents CERTIFICATE WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS: and its annexes be sent by registered mail to the Office of the 11th February 1996 in QC under “I thestill reg.have no. 99-679” a lump in my throat and, not so much for the material stuff, Solicitor General, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, in her Certificate of Live and likewise butBirth I mean, I lostto several neighborhood nearby, four more up Office of the Local friends Civil Registrar of Quezon City and Philippine COMPANY NAME : SUN found LIFE FINANCIAL cancel the registered “ Joint Affidavit of Legitimation” Statistics Authority who may file their oppositions thereto with in STOCK CERTIFICATE NO. : C 0001545 there.

That’s what hurts the most,” said Hugo deof Filippi, a 34-year-old fifteen (15) days from notice this petition. filed by herein respondents Editha and Vicente with the DATE ISSUED : MARCH 22, 2000 car mechanic.

NUMBER OF SHARES : 262 Office of the Civil Registry of Quezon City; there is a SO ORDERED. need to correct the erroneous annotation “Legitimated In the resort town of Vina del Mar, one of the hardest hit areas, volunteers Quezon City, Philippines, January 4, 2024.

by Subsequent on 11th February AS PER DOC. NO.: 907; PAGE NO.: 78; Marriage BOOK of Parents brought in water, clothing and food, while using shovels and brooms to in QC NOTARIAL under reg. no. 99-679” found in Petitioner’s NO.: 2; SERI ES OF 2024 1996 OF THE (Sgd.) CARLO D. VILLARAMA help with the clean-up.

Certificate Live Birth REGISTER/ BOOK OF ATTY. DALEYofROSE A. to reflect her true and actual Presiding Judge “There is no explanation.

This is really a disaster.

Today we are LlMOSINERO FOR AND IN THE CITY MAKATI status as OF a person relative to her family to avoid cc: Vernadette Naguit a.k.a. confusion with her public records and most importantly, removing debris... then we will take what is needed to each house,” said (MS-JAN. 24/31/FEB. 7, 2024) Vernadette Naguit Duazo to give herein Petitioner peace of volunteer, mind in her future one Camila Perez, 23.

Petitioner private and public transactions.

1st floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15 Richland Avenue, Sauyo,

The blaze engulfed homes and cars, their burned-out husks now littering

Quezon City NOTICE OF AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS the streets it remained unclear if they had been parked and abandoned, WHEREFORE, let this Petition be set -foras hearing (WITH UNDERTAKING) Carlitos N. Encarnacio II before this Court located at Room 604, Sixth Floor,occupied Hall or if they were with Atty. residents trying to flee the narrow streets of

Counsel for the Petitioner of Justice - Annex, Diliman, Quezon City oncommunities.

June 5, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE PUBLIC the hillside Rm. 207 2/f CMC Bldg., 35 Matalino St., Diliman, Q.C. 10:00 o’clock at which place THAT AN AFFIDAVIT 2024 OF at LOSS (WITH in the morning The state forensic agency arcc_enca@yahoo.com on Monday reported the toll stood at 123 UNDERTAKING) DATEDand JANUARY on which time, 10, all interested person must appear with only 33 of the victims 2024 HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY opposition/s REGINA to thedead, and file their petition.

Edithaidentified.

Dimagiba Naguit & Vicente Pantua Duazo P. CARDIÑO RELATIVE TO THE LOSS OF Nearly 15,000 homes haveRespondents been damaged, according to Ministry of Bldg., 4, 1st floor, Unit 4, Bistekville 15, Richland Avenue, ONE (1) STOCK CERTIFICATE WITH THE4, Rule 108 Pursuant to Section of the Rules of Court Interior undersecretary Manuel Monsalve.

Sauyo, Quezon City and FOLLOWING DETAILS: let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of

6 Sitio Cabuyao, Sauyo, Quezon City toll President Gabriel Boric hadArea warned Sunday thatNovaliches, the earlier death

the Petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive

COMPANY NAME STOCK CERTIFICATE NO. DATE ISSUED NUMBER OF SHARES

: AYALA CORPORATION could rise “significantly” and THE the LOCAL searchCIVIL continued for victims. weeks in a newspaper of general circulation throughout REGISTRAR : 8000001456 Quezonin City the Philippines.

Most of the fatalities have been Vina del Mar, a popular tourist spot : MAY 30, 2005 known for its beaches and botanical gardens.

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY : 1,320 Further, let copies of this Order together with the

COMPANY NAME STOCK CERTIFICATE NO. DATE ISSUED NUMBER OF SHARES

Petition and its annexes be sent by registered mail to City : AYALA LAND CORPORATION “190Office people still missing”Diliman, in theQuezon city, where 20,000 people have been the Office of the Solicitor General, of are the City : 8000001457 OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL Prosecutor of Quezon City, Office of the Local Civil affected by the fires. : MARCH 10, 2022 Makati City Philippine StatisticsFriday in the fires surged region, fueled by winds and amid a brutal : 822 Registrar of Quezon City and The

PSA, Complex East Ave The town’s mayor, Macarena Ripamonti, told reporters on Sunday that

Authority who may file their oppositions thereto with in

OFFICE OF CITY PROSECUTOR heatwave that has seen temperatures ofTHE around 40 degrees Celsius.

fifteenNO.: (15) days from notice of this petition.

City AS PER DOC. NO.: 906; PAGE 78; BOOK Authorities are investigatingQuezon whether they were started- Jan. deliberately.

(MStandard xx, xx & xx, 2024) NO.: 2; SERIES OF 2024 OF THE NOTARIAL SO ORDERED. While weather conditions were improving, teams were still fighting REGISTER/ BOOK OF ATTY. DALEY ROSE A. LIMOSINERO FOR AND IN THE CITY OF some 40 fires around the country.

Quezon City, Philippines, January 4, 2024.

MAKATI Abraham Mardones, a 24-year-old welder who fled his burning home in (Sgd.) CARLO VILLARAMA VinaD.del Mar, told AFP he narrowly escaped the fast-paced inferno. AFP Presiding Judge

(MS-JAN. 24/31/FEB. 7, 2024)

cc: Vernadette Naguit a.k.a.

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

RISING DEATH TOLL. A Chilean

flag waves as neighbors clean their lands and burnt homes in Villa Independencia, Valparaiso region, Chile on Tuesday, with the death toll from the blazing wildfires climbing up to at least 112 people, after President Gabriel Boric warned the number would rise ‘significantly’ as teams search gutted neighborhoods.

AFP

King Charles’ cancer finding discovered early, says PM Sunak LONDON—The cancer diagnosis for 75-year-old King Charles III was made early, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Tuesday.

“Thankfully, this has been caught early and now everyone will be wishing that he gets the treatment that he needs and makes a full recovery,” Sunak told the BBC. The British leader said he is in regular contact with the monarch after his cancer diagnosis and that their communication would continue as normal.

“I think that’s what we’re all hoping and praying for and I am, of course, in regular contact with him and will continue to communicate with him as normal.”

Buckingham Palace said on Monday Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun treatment, sparking a flood of support from around the world.

Charles, who became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022, has generally enjoyed good health, barring injuries from polo and skiing.

But the palace said that during his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, “a separate issue of concern was noted”. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market rises, cheers lower January inflation rate

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

HILIPPINE stocks advanced Tuesday as investors cheered the lower January inflation rate.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 27.04 points, or 0.40 percent, to close at 6,755.26, while the broader all-shares index went up by 13.91 points, or 0.40 percent, to reach 3,529.05.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research

analyst Mikhail Plopenio said adding to the positive sentiment is the Moody’s Analytics report showing the Philippine economy may perform better in the second half of the year on easing inflation and interest rates.

The inflation rate in January settled at 2.8 percent, within the government’s target. It also marked the second straight month that inflation fell within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks rallied Tuesday after Chinese authorities pledged to boost their investment as part of a drive to staunch a long-running rout, though

other Asian and European markets were mixed following a drop on Wall Street.

Traders in the Chinese cities enjoyed much-needed buying interest after a unit that controls company stakes on behalf of the government said it had expanded the scope of investments.

Hong Kong and Shanghai are among the world’s worst-performing markets in 2024 as traders fret over ongoing weakness in the world’s second-largest economy, particularly the colossal property sector, as well as government crackdowns on various industries, including tech.

China’s leadership has become

increasingly worried about the selloff, which has wiped trillions off valuations, and has unveiled a string of measures to try to staunch the rout.

Central Huijin Investment, the unit that holds Chinese government stakes in big financial institutions, said it would increase its exchange-traded fund holdings.

That was followed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission saying it would urge more action from long-term funds and call on listed firms to ramp up repurchases, while Bloomberg reported President Xi Jinping would meet officials to discuss the market’s dire performance. With AFP

Axelum eyeing global expansion to sustain growth AXELUM Resources Corp., the country’s leading fully-integrated manufacturer and exporter of premium coconut products, said it plans to expand its global footprint and product offering to ensure the continued growth of the company.

Axelum said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday it formulated key strategies to restart its momentum and anchor long-term growth.

“We recognize the importance of adapting in today’s business landscape by keeping in step with evolving market trends, pioneering fresh ideas and more importantly, embedding sustainability in our way of doing business. This critical focus is to ensure that we constantly serve the needs of stakeholders, while contributing to permanent solutions that alleviate marginalization and climate risks,” said Axelum chairman and chief executive Romeo Chan.

The group’s new growth strategies were created after the completion of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures’ P5.32billion investment in the company.

Chan said Axelum aimied to expand its global reach by venturing in unserved and underserved geographies through distributorships, third-party brokers or brick-andmortar presence.

Axelum has been catering to a toptier clientele composed of renowned international household brands for over 30 years. It recently reinforced strategic capabilities by onboarding experienced professionals and reorganizing its salesforce to boost local presence, prioritize on-theground networking and account servicing.

It is investing in multiple digital touchpoints to enhance customer lead generation and promote mainstream awareness. It also plans to expand its product offerings to new growth areas.

“Axelum is committed to unlocking the massive potential of its consumer segment by reintroducing existing products and developing incubator projects geared towards a thriving health-conscious population globally,” the company said.

Axelum is working on a pipeline of innovative product concepts in various stages of research and testing, with planned launches scheduled in the coming months.

The company is present in over 30 export markets, with an extensive coconut portfolio ranging from coconut milk and desiccated coconut, to coconut water and coconut cream.

Jenniffer B. Austria

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (center), with their respective cabinet secretaries, pose after a productive high-level meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam that sealed partnerships for increased trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by president Enunina Mangio (second row, third from left) joined Marcos together with PCCI vice president for regional affairs Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco (second from left) and PCCI Philippines-Vietnam Business Council chair Lloyd Balajadia, with Philippine Franchise Association president Joseph Tanbuntiong (left). With them are Secretary Frederick Go (sixth from left) of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (front row, fourth from left).

ALBAY Rep. and House Ways and Means Committee chairman Joey Sarte Salceda is pushing for the renewal of the legislative franchise of Manila Electric Co. for another 25 years to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted distribution of quality and reliable power supply and “in consideration of the nature of the vital service it provides.”

Meralco’s latest franchise was issued under Republic Act 9209 in 2003 and will expire in 2028.

Salceda recently filed HB 9793 to amend RA 9209 and give Meralco another 25 years to “construct, operate and maintain a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to end-users.”

The company distributes power to 38 cities and 73 towns of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal and certain areas in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga, key political and economic centers of the country that includes major air and seaports, main offices of government and centers for trade and commerce.

Salceda said Meralco provides reliable and world-class electric service to homes and supports the competitiveness of industrial and commercial customers that total to more than 7.6 million in number by the end of 2022.

“For the year 2022 alone, Meralco delivered 48,916 gigawatt-hours of electricity to these end-users at an average retail rate of P9.52 per kilowatt-hour.

Electricity consumption in the Meralco franchise area already represented more than 50 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption in 2022,” he said in explanatory note.

The lawmaker said Meralco’s proven track record over a span of 120 years assisted greatly in the development of the country’s key economic growth areas.

Lotilla asks Mitsubishi Motors to support emerging e-vehicle industry in PH

By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY Secretary Raphael Lotilla on Tuesday called on Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) to continue supporting the country’s clean transport system through electric vehicle (EV) innovation.

Lotilla made the request during a visit

by MMPC chairman Noriaki Hirakata and other company representatives, coinciding with the signing of a memorandum of agreement to lend the Department of Energy a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

(PHEV) to promote the technology.

He urged MMPC to assist the industry by sharing innovation in EV charging stations and other EV infrastructure, including assisting the development of soft skills on these new technologies.

Lotilla said there is a growing adoption of EVs in the country, citing 94 battery EVs, 19 plug-in hybrid EVs, 30 hybrid EVs, and 32 light EVs registered in January under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI).

The energy chief said 96 commercial EV charging stations were deployed as of December 2023.

He also reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of having 50 percent or more of all vehicles on the road be electric by 2040 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 million tons.

He cited the urgency of addressing emissions from the transportation sector, which account for over 30 percent of the country’s final energy consumption and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

“Making transport cleaner is also part of the country’s commitment to fulfill its nationally determined contributions, a climate pledge that promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And we are committed to decarbonize our transport sector,” Lotilla said earlier.

The energy chief outlined the government’s vision for a network of over 100,000 charging stations powered by renewable energy, alongside a thriving EV industry expected to create an estimated 40,000 jobs in manufacturing and technology support.

SEC sets deadline for 2024 submission of annual reports, GIS of corporations

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT. West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) begins the initial operations of its newly-constructed sewage treatment plant (STP) in Marulas, Valenzuela. The Valenzuela Water Reclamation Facility—the company’s 23rd wastewater treatment facility—treats around 12 million liters per day (MLD) of wastewater generated by communities around the Marulas Creek. It is among the STPs that Maynilad plans to eventually tap for the production of new water—or potable supply sourced from used water.

TANGGapp launches US remittance feature for PH accounts THE US-based mobile remittance app team of TANGGapp launched the reverse padala product feature where Philippines-based account holders can easily send money to their loved ones in the US in a few clicks on their phones.

TANGGapp said the newest service is aimed towards parents who send their children to college or friends who ask friends for pasabuy requests before they travel home to the Philippines.

The company said paying someone in the US is now as easy as texting, and one does not need to go to a bank or remittance center.

“All that is needed is for the sender and receiver is install TANGGapp on

Salceda pushes Meralco franchise’s 25-year extension

their mobile phone with their local bank connected. PH-based users can now send money easily starting with BPI, Unionbank, RCBC, and Chinabank accounts,” it said.

TANGGapp also announced that it would open its pre-Series A round of funding soon, on the heels of 56x growth for its mobile remittance product.

The company raised its $2.5 million seed round funding last year, led by both global and Philippine investors.

The round was led by leading global consumer tech venture capital funds such as TEN13 and Goodwater Capital, regional investors such as North Fifth Asia and Philippines investors that include Foxmont Capital and angels from

the Manila Angel Investors’ Network (MAIN).

The funding brings their total funds raised to date to $4 million.

TANGGapp said the key to their successful raise is the exponential organic growth in their mobile remittance product despite being in the market for only two years.

It said users love their product, boasting on average a 48-percent repeat usage rate, or more than triple the financial technology industry benchmark.

Customers in the Philippines are able to connect most local banks and e-wallets for seamless transacting, covering more than 90 percent of the country’s local adult population.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) set the deadlines for the submission of the annual financial statements (AFS) and general information sheets (GIS) of corporations in 2024.

The commission on Jan. 27 issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2024, which provides the 2024 filing of annual financial statements and GIS. All stock and nonstock corporations are required to submit their annual reports online through the SEC Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST) at efast.sec.gov.ph.

The SEC said it would not accept submissions over the counter and through courier, in line with the

zero-contact policy and automation of business-related transactions mandated by Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

All corporations, including branch offices, representative offices, regional headquarters and regional operating headquarters of foreign corporations whose fiscal years ended on Dec. 31, 2023 should file their AFS according to a schedule based on the last digit of their respective registration or license number.

It said a corporation whose fiscal year ended on a date other than Dec. 31, 2023 should file its AFS within 120 calendar days from the end of its fiscal year.

US-based and Filipinafounded mobile remittance app team of TANGGapp launches its reverse padala product feature where Philippines-based account holders can easily send money to loved ones in the US. Founder Rebecca Kersch, a Filipina-Dutch and American Harvard graduate with multiple Master’s Degrees, discusses the features of TANGGapp aimed towards parents who send their kids to college or friends who ask friends for pasabuy requests before they travel home to the Philippines.

BUSINESS

B4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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

Nine Media agrees to carry TV5 shows in place of CNN PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar

M

EDIAQUEST Holdings Inc. and TV5 Network Inc. signed an agreement with Nine Media Corp. to distribute the former’s programs in RPTV, the newest free-to-air channel that replaced CNN Philippines.

LUNCHEON MEETING. Manila Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo (third from left, business editor

MediaQuest Holdings president and chief executive Jane Basas, TV5 president and chief executive Guido Zaballero and Nine Media president Benjamin Ramos recently signed a content distribution, sales and marketing services agreement for the new channel.

“The deal arose from the previous agreement that saw TV5’s PBA and EAT Bulaga! airing on Channel 9 on weekends beginning January,” Basas said.

“Both parties saw a good opportunity for a more robust collaboration for a unique channel that puts together some of the most sought-after sports and entertainment content that the MediaQuest group has to offer”, she said.

“This agreement brings together TV5 and MediaQuest’s vast library of programs and Nine Media’s broadcast network access and nationwide reach,” said Zaballero.

“Our collaboration with Nine Media allows us to reach more Filipinos and deliver our commitment to pro-

vide the entertainment, sports, news, and public service content that they love,” said Zaballero.

RPTV was launched on Feb. 1 and is now available on Channel 9 Analog, Channel 19 DTT, Channel 18.3 DTT, over 300 cable and satellite providers nationwide and streaming live via the Cignal Play OTT App. CNN Philippines, which shut down on Jan. 31, used to air on RPN’s free TV Channel 9.

RPN is co-owned by Nine Media, Far East Managers and Investors Inc., Government Communications Group under the Presidential Communications Operations Office and several private stockholders.

Nine Media earlier committed to giving compensation to about 300 employees of CNN Philippines who were displaced by the shutdown over financial losses.

The affected employees will receive one month separation pay for every year of service, according to Nine Media.

Roderick dela Cruz (second from left), advertising head Baldwin Felipe (fourth from left) and digital marketing head Peter Paul Duran (left) meet with Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) public information and media committee chairman Wilson Lee Flores (third from right), co-chairman Eduardo Cobankiat (fourth from right) and assistants Clarissa Mediavillo and Grace Castillo at Tanabe Japanese Restaurant in Malate, Manila over lunch on Jan. 31, 2024 to discuss the industry group’s programs and projects.

PCC clears Fresh Lake’s acquisition of Casecnan plant

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) approved the acquisition of the Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant (CHEPP) by Fresh River Lakes Corp. from state-owned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The antitrust agency, on Jan. 25, 2024, cleared the take-over of the power plant after previous assessments showed no substantial lessening of competition in relevant markets.

It said its Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO) conducted the first phase

GREEN SOLUTIONS. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launches Green Solutions, becoming the first bank in the country to offer financing options for ecofriendly housing and auto choices and strengthening its commitment to sustainable finance.

Attending the launch are (from left) Karen Ibasco, host and Miss Earth 2017; BPI chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer Eric Luchangco, BPI head of sustainability office Jo Ann Eala and BPI head of retail lending and bancassurance Dexter Cuajotor.

gations of state-owned National Power Corp. (NPC).

Fresh River secured the 165-megawatt Casecnan Plant, with the highest bid of $526 million.

The facility located near Pantabangan and Munoz, Nueva Ecija is a run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, which diverts water from the Casecnan and Taan Rivers through a 26-kilometer-long tunnel to generate energy.

The PCC is mandated under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure that these deals will not substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets and harm consumer welfare.

European businessmen sign agreement with ARTA to enhance business climate

Globe warns public against rising cases of online, text fraud GLOBE Telecom advised Filipinos to be cautious online as law enforcers warned of a fresh rise in online and text fraud.

Globe chief information security officer Anton Bonifacio said fraudsters were finding new ways to bait potential victims to circumvent the SIM Registration Act and sustained industry efforts to block spam and scam SMS. Bonifacio said because of Globe’s tighter regulations, scammers were increasingly shifting to over-the-top (OTT) media services such as chat apps and spoofing, or the use of illegal devices to trick customer phones, all of which operate outside the scope of telcos.

“As much as we improve our filtering systems and enhance the implementation of the SIM Registration Act, fraudsters continue to find new ways to make victims out of mobile and internet users. We would like to reiterate our appeal to the public: please, please never engage with unsolicited calls, texts or chat messages and never give your personal details to strangers,” said Bonifacio.

Police reports showed that cases of cyber identity theft in the Philippines increased 12.2 percent in 2023, with 1,597 cases logged compared to 1,402 in 2022.

Meanwhile, Globe’s own data showed that scam and spam texts continued to rise, with 5.48 billion unwanted SMS blocked in 2023, or double the figure in 2022 at 2.7 billion. Darwin G. Amojelar

review of the deal on Dec. 15, 2023 on potential antitrust concerns that may arise from the transaction.

Based on MAO’s assessments, competing energy generation companies exert competitive pressure on the parties, while the volume generated by the Casecnan plant is unlikely to impact the relevant markets.

It said sufficient safeguards are in place under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) to ensure that the market remains competitive.

The deal aligns with PSALM’s mandate under the EPIRA to privatize all assets and liquidate all financial obli-

EASY BUSINESS. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote and strengthen the ease of doing business (EODB) in the Philippines. Signing the MOY are (from left) EU minister counsellor and head of the economic and trade section Philipp Dupuis, ARTA deputy director-general Gerald Divinagracia, ARTA director-general Ernesto Perez, ECCP president Paulo Duarte and ECCP executive director Florian Gottein.

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) signed Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote and strengthen the ease of doing business (EODB) in the Philippines.

ARTA director-general Ernesto Perez said the agency is dedicated to improving the country’s bureaucratic efficiency.

“We believe that by working together with esteemed operations like the ECCP, we can unlock the full potential of the Philippines and contribute to the realization of a progressive ‘Bagong Pilipinas”, Perez said.

The MOU seeks cooperation from ECCP and its members to receive and endorse complaints from the business

Gov’t eyes alternative funding for Mindanao Railway THE government remains committed to the long-awaited Mindanao Railway Project (MRP), despite China’s withdrawal of financial support for the project, according to the Department of Transportation.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr was coordinating with the Department of Finance in seeking alternative funding sources such as official development assistance (ODA) from other foreign governments and international financial institutions.

“We decided to pursue Phase 1 of the MRP despite withdrawal of prior funding commitment from the government of China. While looking for funding

sources, various pre-construction activities show we are not dropping the project,” Bautista said.

Land acquisitions are ongoing along the target alignment from Tagum to Digos via Davao City, the agency said.

Resettlement sites for displaced residents were also identified with villages in different stages of construction.

“In fact, the Tagum Train Village is scheduled for turnover to its future residents in the coming months. Livelihood programs are also being prepared for affected families,” Bautista said.

The P81.6-billion Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project has a length of 100.2 kilometers, consisting of eight

stations. Once operational, the rail line is expected to serve 122,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time from Tagum City to Digos City to an hour from three hours.

Bautista said the MRP Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos line would concretize the master rail plan of connecting the entire island of Mindanao.

Once the entire Mindanao Railway Project is completed, the 1,544-kilometer rail system will connect key provinces such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao and Malaybalay and pump prime Mindanao’s economic boom. Darwin G. Amojelar

A. Brown, Century Properties announce dividend rates for preferred shares offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developers A. Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI) and Century Properties Goup Inc. (CPG) announced the dividend rates for their respective planned preferred shares offering.

CPG said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday the primary offering of 20 million Series B preferred shares with an oversubscription option of up to 20 million would carry a coupon rate of 7.5432 percent per annum.

The company plans to raise up to P4 billion from the equity offering which it will use to pay the company’s fixed rate thee-year bonds, which will mature next

month, partially fund the strategic land banking of PHirst Park Homes and capital expenditures of Azure North development as well as general corporate requirements.

China Bank Capital Corp. is the sole issue manager, underwriter and book runner for the transaction.

Meanwhile, ABCI set the dividend rate for the issuance of 10 million Series B and Series C preferred shares with an oversubscription option for another 5 million shares.

The company said the Series B preferred shares would have a dividend rate of 8.25 percent per annum, while the Series C preferred shares would carry 8.75 percent.

sector, the professionals and civil society organizations.

The ECCP will designate a focal person, certified by ARTA, to accept complaints and endorse the same to the agency.

The chamber will also assist ARTA in enhancing government initiatives through timely reporting of information related to fixing activities and other forms of red tape.

ECCP will also work with ARTA in raising the awareness of the business sector on EODB and undertake efforts towards values formation and moral transformation.

ARTA agreed to ensure that the complaints endorsed by ECCP are acted accordingly and promptly.

Othel V. Campos

PSALM gets P5.176b payment from DOTr for Sucat properties STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) said Tuesday it received P5.176 billion from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), representing the first tranche of its purchase price for the Sucat properties spanning 11 hectares.

PSALM said in a statement the payment represents the purchase price for the Sucat properties equivalent to 100 percent of the value of the titled land.

“This is a culmination of almost three years of coordination beginning January 2021 when DOTr formally confirmed its interest to acquire the Sucat Properties to be used for its North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project and PNR South Long-Haul projects,” PSALM said.

The NSCR Project is a 147-kilometer mass transportation railway system linking Region 3, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A, while the SLH is a 639-km. railway system linking the NCR, Regions IV-A and Region V. PSALM said it would use the proceeds from the sale of the Sucat properties to pay for the remaining stranded contract costs and stranded debts under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).

Alena Mae S. Flores

C1

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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

SURF CHAMP.

Filipino surfer Rogelio Esquievel is lifted by his supporters after winning the Baler International Pro long Board category at Sabang Beach in Baler Aurora on Tuesday against Japanese contender Kai Hamase.

Baler International Pro is a qualifying event for the World Surf League world championship.

Danny Pata

Comboy lifts Smooth Razor to PBA 3x3 quarterfinals

Beermen gun for 3-0 lead; Hotshots try to stay alive

By Peter Atencio

A

FTER winning by 24 points in Game 2, the San Miguel Beermen are gearing for another win in their next encounter with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Coach Jorge Gallent said playing as a team and JuneMar Fajardo’s role inside the paint will once again play big, decisive factors in Game 3.

“We play as a team, we play as a unit, everybody comes to practice together, and everybody works as a team inside the court,” said Gallent.

The Beermen head into Game 3 with a 2-0 lead in their best-of seven final series, after having pulled off a 109-85 swamping of the Hotshots in Game 2.

Game time is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero be-

lieves that a lot of adjustments will be needed when they confront the Beermen for the third straight time.

“We need to fix our transition defense also because they had so many threes, especially in the first quarter,” said Victolero.

In Game 2, Bennie Boatwright topscored for the Beermen with 34 points, 23 in the first half. He also had 10 rebounds, and five assists.

CJ Perez scored 20 points, while Fajardo had 14 boards and 19 points, including back-to-back triples in the last two minutes.

Gallent talked about the importance of Fajardo’s inside presence, and the defense he plays during crucial moments of the game.

“Junemar does a lot for the team, especially on defense, especially when he gets a ball at the post. He can do a lot of things,” added Gallent.

A day before gametime, Calvin Abueva of Magnolia and San Miguel big man Mo Tautuaa are scheduled to appear before Commissioner Willie Marcial, following their Sunday’s postgame incident.

The two players and their wives got involved in a post-game quarrel at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Their confrontation happened at the hallway leading to the locker rooms.

Abueva was also seen mocking SMB coach Jorge Gallent’s physical disability during the game.

PH shooters seeking Paris Olympic berths THE Philippine National Shooting Association is taking its best shot in the remaining qualifying tournaments for the Paris Olympics.

PNSA secretary general Iryne Garcia made the assurance Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Garcia said the PSNA is trying to send the top Filipino shooters to each of the qualifying tournaments lined up for the Paris Games.

“We’ve been trying to join all the qualifying events,” said Garcia, who was joined at the forum by young shooters Amparo Acuna of rifle and Franchette Quiroz of pistol, who are both so close to making it to their first Olympics.

Garcia said PNSF president and Rep. Mike Dy is fully behind the shooters hoping to make it to Paris, including 2020 Tokyo Olympics veteran Jayson Valdez and

Shown here are (from left) Franchette Quiroz, PNSA secretary general Iryne Garcia, and Amparo Acuna

Morales leads 1-2-3 finish by Navymen in men’s criterium PHILIPPINE Navy-Standard Insurance swept the Men Elite race and the usual suspects kept their grip on their gold medals in Monday’s criterium races of the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2024 at the Tagaytay City Atrium.

Darkness started to set in when the Navy trio of Jan Paul Morales, Junrey Navarro and Ronald Oranza darted to a 1-2-3 finish in the 40 minutes plus 3 laps event where 47 from a start list of 71 of the country’s strongest riders managed to finish.

“It was tough all the way, everyone was unrelenting so I had to push and push so hard the entire race,” said Morales, already 37 but still

the man to beat in local racing especially in the nationals presented by Standard Insurance and the MVP Sports Foundation.

Kim Bonilla and Angelica Mae Altamarino retained their women junior and under-23 crowns with plenty to spare, while former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Jermyn Prado regained her throne with a solo finish in the women’s elite category of the nationals also supported by Tagaytay City, Chooks-To-Go, Excellent Noodles, CCN and Fitbar.

The other winners in the races organized by the PhilCycling headed by Abraham Tolentino, sanctioned by the UCI and supported by the local gov-

ernment units in Batangas and Cavite and PNP commands in Batangas and Cavite and the Bureau of Fire were Yvaine Osias and Jhay Karl Nunez in Youth 2 (under 14) and Ems Krog and Sean Andrei Gatchalian in Youth 1 (15-6 years old) Balayan’s Marvin Mandac was unmolested at the finish and won the men junior title riding a borrowed aluminum bike while Steven Nicolas Shane Tablizo ruled the men under-23.

POC and PhilCyling president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino is all set to flag off the cyclists.

Enrique Enriquez (skeet). The country’s other top shooters are Hagen Topacio (trap) and Bryan Rosario, who vied in skeet event of the 2012 London Olympics.

Acuna and Quiroz are bound for a rigid training in Germany next month before they head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the ISSF World Olympic Qualification Tournament for rifle and pistol set April 11 to 19.

Then there’s the qualifiers for shotgun in Doha, Qatar from April 19 to 29 for the other Filipino hopefuls.

Last month, qualifying events for rifle, pistol and shotgun were staged in Jakarta and Kuwait. But the Filipinos who made it to the finals fell short of top two finishes that would have guaranteed them of tickets to Paris.

“But we must keep on trying because if the top two finishers in each event in the remaining qualifiers have already clinched the quota, it passes on to the other top finishers,” said Acuna, 26.

WENDELL Comboy was on fire for Blackwater as he carried the Smooth Razor to the Leg 6 quarterfinals of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference at the Ayala Malls Market Market.

For starters, the gunner out of Far Easter University exploded for 12 points in a thrilling 20-18 upset of Cavitex, then followed it up with a 19-16 win over Leg 2 winner MCFASolver where he finished with eight points.

He came back on the court and dropped 10 points against Purefoods in a 21-15 victory to help Blackwater complete a three-game sweep of Pool C heading to the knockout stage of the last leg of the season.

Joining Blackwater in the next round are perennial contenders TNT and Meralco, which also swept their respective assignments in Pool A and B. Even without Almond Vosotros, the Triple Giga remained leathal after wins over Pioneer Elastoseal, 21-17, and San Miguel Beer, 21-12, for a 2-0 record on Pool A. The Bolts meanwhile, continued to ride the hot hands of Jeff Manday as they beat Terrafirma, 2117, Northport, 21-9, and Barangay Ginebra, 21-17.

Manday averaged 11.6 points in the three games, including a high of 13 in the win over the Dyip.

Pioneer Elastoseal bounced back from its loss to TNT behind a 21-19 ousting of San Miguel to clinch the other quarterfinals berth in Pool A. Barangay Ginebra (1-1), Northport (1-2), Terrafirma (0-2), will dispute the remaining two berths to the knockout stage in Pool B, while the two other tickets in Pool C are up for grabs among MCFASolver (1-1), Cavitex (1-2), and Purefoods (0-2).

The final games of the group stage will be played just before the knockout stage.

No parcels during Olympic Games, France tells Parisians PARIS— France’s government is asking Paris residents to avoid ordering parcel deliveries this summer during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to an official website.

The advice, posted on the new government website anticiperlesjeux. gouv.fr (“get ready for the Games”), underlines the extent of headaches Parisians may have to endure for what are set to be among the most high security Games in recent memory.

“As far as possible, we invite you to do parcel orders in advance so that they are delivered before July 24, after September 8 or between the two Olympics, so between August 12 and 27,” the ministry of transport said in a message on the website.

If deliveries should still take place during this time period, the government is asking to people to “favour deliveries at times and days with less traffic” and “by bike or on foot” or at pick-up points outside the security perimeters.

Asked to comment further on the advice, the ministry of transport Monday described it as “a message of information and encouragement” given “as far in advance as possible”.

“The objective still remains maximum continuity in usual activity.”

Also asked by AFP, France postal service La Poste said it “understands the urgent need to ensure the security of goods and people during the Games.”

France’s government is racing to warn people in advance over potential Games inconveniences which will range from needing a QR code to leave home areas for people living near event sites or a sharp hike in public transport tickets.

The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. AFP

C2

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Members of the media interview Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Pangasinan, Abra to join MPBL; More ex-pros OKd A WILD scramble for experienced talents is projected following the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s decision to relax its rules regarding the hiring of former pros by the teams competing in the MPBL’s 2004 Season starting on March 16.

Unlike last year, when each of the 29 teams was allowed to have only seven pros, now they can field as many as possible in their 22-man lineups. The only prohibitions are that only 15 can play each game and there should be at least three homegrown players in the roster.

Players from collegiate leagues like the UAAP and the NCAA can also be fielded provided they have SGL (Special Guest Licenses) from the Games and Amusements Board.

MPBL Founder Manny Pacquiao decided on the adjustments after the team owners’ of the country’s top regional cage league met recently.

Also announced was the acceptance of Pangasinan as the league’s newest franchise and the holding of a pre-season tournament in GenSan from Feb. 20-27 in conjunction with the city’s Kalinangan Festival.

Abra also beat the clock and will be joining the MPBL Sixth Season, according to Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes on Tuesday.

In line with the MPBL’s thrust to get rid of game-fixing, 47 players and team officials were issued red flags and were banned from the league.

Apart from Pacquiao and Duremdes, also present during the team owners’ meeting held at the Conrad Hotel were Executive Officer Joe Ramos and Operations Head Emmer Oreta.

The highly successful Fifth Season won by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, saw the MPBL post a record reach of 35.5 million, gain nearly 33 million visits, notch 6 million content interactions, and register over a million followers on its Facebook page.

Kelce aiming to match Swift’s Grammy feat with Super Bowl win L AS VEGAS—Travis Kelce says he wants to match girlfriend Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Grammy exploits by bringing home some silverware of his own at this week’s Super Bowl.

The final countdown to the biggest event in the American sporting calendar got under way in Las Vegas on Monday with the traditional opening night media circus.

An estimated 30,000 fans packed into Allegiant Stadium -- venue for Sunday’s showpiece between Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers -- to salute players from both teams during staggered two-hour media sessions.

Unsurprisingly, it was Kelce, the Chiefs’ larger-than-life tight end whose relationship with pop icon Swift has captivated the NFL this season, who found himself center stage, surrounded by a large scrum of media

from around the world.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Swift had made history by winning her fourth Album of the Year award at the Grammys, a record tally that saw her pull clear of icons such as Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

Kelce -- who could win a third Super Bowl crown on Sunday -- quipped that he was now under pressure to match his pop icon partner’s achievements.

“She’s unbelievable,” a relaxed Kelce said of Swift. “She’s rewriting the history books.

“I told her I need to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too.

“Taylor has an unbelievable fan base that follows her and supports her throughout her life and it has been fun to gather the Swifties and the Chiefs Kingdom and open them to the football world and sports world and it has been cool to just experience that.”

On a mission Kelce, meanwhile, admitted he is on a mission to clinch back-to-back Super Bowls with Kansas City following last year’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce and the Chiefs missed the chance to repeat in 2021 when they were beaten by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a year after downing the 49ers in Miami.

“That has motivated me to get back to this point right here,” Kelce said of the 2021 defeat. “You’ll hear me say this a lot -- but I’ve wanted this more than I’ve ever wanted to win a Super Bowl in my life.

“That tier of teams who have won it

Tighter competition as PAL holds Interclub’s 75th play THE Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub will stage the diamond anniversary edition of what is regarded as the country’s unofficial golf club team championships in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon in less than three weeks using a new format in Men’s play that guarantees keener competition.

From the usual five players coming out for each team every day, tournament organizers will, for the first time, implement the four-to-play, three-to-count format that makes for more balanced action with bench depth not as big a factor as before.

“We have been thinking of that for quite a few years now, and we feel that this year is the time to implement it,” tournament director Henry Arabelo said as the Interclub gets off the ground on Feb. 22 with Se-

niors action where Luisita is the defending champion.

“We just feel that competition will be tighter because of that, as every team will have more solid rosters coming out each day,” he went on. “And because there will be fewer players, we have been able to accommodate 10 more teams to the field.”

That means that both the Seniors and Men’s championships will be using the same format as Manila Southwoods aims to extend its mastery of the regular field using one of the most solid developmental programs that produced Asian champions like Angelo Que, Artemio Murakami, Jerome Delariarte and even Tom Kim in the PGA Tour.

The move makes sense as clubs will now filter their respective rosters to their eight best players, although

fielding will still be key, like in past years.

Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro and the rolling gem in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon that is Del Monte will be the venues that will be used as the Interclub goes to that part of Mindanao that last hosted the event in 2011.

The PAL Interclub Golf Tournament 2024 is expected to boost sports tourism and generate economic activity for Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. Philippine Airlines selected these prime areas of Mindanao as the host venues for the 75th diamond jubilee of the PAL Interclub in collaboration with the local governments and local communities.

Regular Men’s action gets off the ground on March 1, with Del Monte expected to host the fourth days of both divisions.

MILO honors world’s no. 2 vaulter Obiena, young athletes at PSA Awards Night IN recognition of athletes who have shown outstanding display of grit, determination, and perseverance to lead the Philippine sports forward, leading beverage brand MILO has given distinct recognition to Filipino world champions and up-and-coming athletes at the recently-concluded 2023 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night.

The world’s no. 2 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was bestowed the MILO Gold, Grit, and Glory Award for amassing historic and record-breaking achievements with sheer determination and resilience. The award was handed by MILO Philippines’ Sports Head Carlo Sampan.

“MILO is greatly privileged to give tribute to the men and women who have made a meaningful impact and inspired a whole nation through their perseverance and resolve to achieve their successes both in sports and in life,” said Sampan. “EJ embodies the grit for his unwavering determination in the face of challenges and glory to become an inspiration for others, making him a worthy recipient of this recognition.”

World’s no. 2 vaulter Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena (left photo) was bestowed the MILO Gold Grit and Glory Award at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night.

MILO Sports Head Carlo Sampan (far right) and PSA officer and The Philippine Star sportswriter Abac Cordero (far left) handed the award to EJ’s mother Jeanette Obiena (3rd from left) and father Emerson Obiena (2nd from right).

From his humble beginnings as a young hurdler in Chiang Kai Shek College to becoming a record-breaking champion, EJ has dominated the world of pole vaulting, putting the Philippines on the international sporting map with great success.

“I am only a guy who jumps over a bar with a pole,” Obiena ruminated during his acceptance speech. “However, I would like to think of it this way: it’s not really a question about what we do, but how we leverage that and how we create a lasting impact and create positive

change. I feel my profession is a means to inspire the next generation…and as a means for nation-building.”

Young athletes who are making strides in their respective sports disciplines were also recognized with the MILO Junior Athlete Award for their stunning achievements in under-17 sports. Among its notable recipients is Aleia Aielle Aguilar, one of the youngest jiu-jitsu champions in the world. At the tender age of six, Aguilar ruled the Abu Dhabi World Festival JiuJitsu Championships last November and took home the gold medal two times in a row. Mentored by her parents, the young martial artist holds a bright and promising future for the sport.

“It’s been an awesome journey for Aielle. My message to her is you can achieve anything and everything you want, all you have to do is work for it,” said Aguilar’s father Alvin Aguilar, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts.

Christian Gian Karlo Arca has taken the realm of chess by storm after conquering the blitz event of the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship.

Currently a FIDE master, the 15-yearold Grade 9 student from Panabo, Davao del Norte is committed to reaching grandmaster status.

(back-to-back) have gone down as some of the greats.”

Las Vegas is hosting the Super Bowl for the first time on Sunday and the Nevada gambling hub has clearly embraced the occasion judging by Monday’s opening extravaganza.

“They’re the Mecca of the world for entertainment,” Kelce said. “To be a part of the first one ever is pretty historical. I’m definitely I’m enjoying this right now.”

On the next podium, a similar-sized crowd of media thronged around Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who like Kelce could win his third Vince Lombardi Trophy with a victory this weekend.

The 28-year-old, regarded as the finest quarterback of his generation, pushed back at being mentioned in the same breath as NFL great Tom Brady, insisting comparisons to the seven-time Super Bowl winner were premature. AFP

Bolts hoping to win final EASL game MERALCO eyes to finish its East Asia Super League campaign on a winning note as it faces the Seoul SK Knights Wednesday night for its final game in the Home and Away Season.

The Bolts arrived in the Korean capital a day before their match against the home team set at the Jamsil Student’s Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

The Bolts (1-4) are already out of the running for a semifinals berth, but coach Luigi Trillo said the team will use the game to give their bench players playing minutes as part of their preparation for the coming PBA Philippine Cup. Shonn Miller will reinforce Meralco and will partner with 6-foot-9 Alioune Tew, the Paris-born center and product of Niagara University. The duo takes over the place of Zach Lofton and Prince Ibeh.

“We’ll give our rookies and bench players a chance to play,” said Trillo.

The Bolts last played two weeks ago when they were booted out by the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their do-ordie encounter for the last semis berth in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Knights (3-2) meanwhile, are already assured of the last semifinals berth in Group B following their 89-57 rout of Jeremy Lin and the New Taipei Kings at home last week.

Three-time Korean Basketball League Best Import Jameel Warney will once again anchor the Knights, who are Cebu-bound together with the New Taipei Kings, Chiba Jets, and Anyang Jung Kwan Jang for the EASL Final Four set March 8-10 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

Meanwhile over at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, also-ran Taipei Fubon Braves (1-4) host Anyang Red Boosters (3-2) in the other game of the EASL doubleheader that on the final day of the four-month eliminations.

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SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Puregold CinePanalo Fest

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

unveils film grant recipients

T

HE Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival officially unveiled the recipients of its film grants during a press conference at the Artson Events Place in Quezon City recently. Attended by representatives from Puregold, film directors, their respective producers, and other key team members, the conference emphasized Puregold’s primary goals.

The inaugural CinePanalo aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers and showcase narratives, collectively known as Kuwentong Panalo, that resonate with the heart and reflect the indomitable Filipino spirit.

From a pool of numerous CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one of the very best were selected as finalists, marking the commencement of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Among the full-length film

finalists named during the press conference were Kurt Soberano, a newcomer with his entry, Under the Piaya Moon, and Eugene Torres with One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All. These earned the “Producer’s Choice” title, expanding the initial five grant slots to six.

Accompanying them were renowned directors Sigrid Bernardo for Pushcart Tales, Raynier Brizuela for Boys at the Back, Joel Ferrer for Road to Happy, and Carlo Obispo for A Lab Story.

The press conference also introduced promising new student directors, each representing their respective institutions.

The six full-length film directors were granted P2.5 million each, while the 25 short film student directors received P100,000 each.

Additionally, all finalists received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital and essential groceries from Puregold to support them during the production phase.

The finished Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films are scheduled for a premiere at the

From left: Full-length film directors Kurt Soberano, Raynier Brizuela, Sigrid Bernardo, and Eugene Torres, producers VJ Mendoza, Mina Cruz, and Thirdy Rivera, and actor Elora Espano

Student directors pose for a photo with festival director (center) Chris Cahilig

The first CinePanalo gathers established and up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their stories that resonate with the heart and reflect the indomitable Filipino spirit

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

Carla Abellana ready to face estranged husband Tom Rodriguez WITH Tom Rodriguez returning to the country after over two years in the US, Carla Abellana expresses her readiness to potentially encounter him, considering they are both part of the same industry and contract stars of GMA-7.

She shares that she didn’t know about his arrival, emphasizing she doesn’t feel intimidated, scared, or nervous about the prospect.

Carla acknowledges it’s expected due to his obligations to their mother network. She asserts her readiness to face him if their paths cross, stating she’s not the type to avoid the scenario.

The be-dimpled actress stresses that she has already moved on from their marital split.

“At this point, I’ve already found peace. I’ve already closed that sad chapter in my life.

It’s more than just moving

on. I’m in a happy state. I’m happy with my life and with where and who I am now!”

Interestingly, is she ready to open the door of friendship to Tom if ever?

“I believe that sometimes, the things you don’t expect to happen.

Life has lots of irony. Many unpredictable things do come true.

I don’t want to end my sentence with a period. Let’s see in the coming days,” Carla. *** In its recent media conference, the entertainment press applauded the trailer of GMA’s Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis (Season 2) headlined by Senator Bong Revilla, Jr. and Beauty Gonzalez. The general observation is that the material is a movie made for television.

“Well, I’m happy and proud of the show. It’s big-budgeted for one. There are lots of spectacular sequences. I’m confident that the viewers will be amazed by the action scenes apart from the comedy, of course,” Bong states.

Considering the grandiosity of the production, some entertainment scribes asked if it was possible to make it a daily primetime series.

“Honestly, it will be hard on my part if the show will run daily. It will require longer taping hours which is difficult. Well, I’m not getting any younger. I need to have sufficient sleep. Perhaps, if I’m not in the Senate, that’s possible.”

Bong says that he is already okay with his present work set-up.

“Time management is very important. I always manage my time so that I see to it that no one or nothing gets sacrificed. My life is in perfect balance. I have time for my family, as a public servant, and for my acting career!”

HAPPY TIMES. Estranged couple Tom Rodriguez (left) and Carla Abellana both share the same home network

Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, with potential regional screenings to follow. Short films will be available on Puregold’s official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok. The distinguished selection committee, comprising veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; film critic Tito Valiente, award-winning filmmaker Victor Villanueva, Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative, and

Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, played a crucial role in shaping the festival’s trajectory.

With the CinePanalo Film Festival, Puregold further strengthens its commitment to fostering local talent, bridging gaps, and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.

‘Argylle’ stars Dua Lipa (left) and Henry Cavill

Star-studded ‘Argylle’ takes box-office top spot UNIVERSAL’S new comedy adventure Argylle took the number one spot at the North American box office this weekend, earning an estimated $18 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

The film, co-produced by Apple and directed by Matthew Vaughn, recounts the wacky misadventures of a successful spy novelist, played by Bryce Dallas Howard.

Despite its star-studded cast, the movie – which also features Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, John Cena, and Ariana DeBose – has received lackluster reviews since its release Friday.

Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called the showing, which is set to be the first in a trilogy, a “weak opening.”

“The biggest action comedies feature broad-appeal comedic actors, or they’re based on popular intellectual property or both. For an original story to break

through, the humor has to jump off the screen,” Gross said, adding “That’s not happening here.”

In second place was the next cinematic installment of the Biblical series from Fathom Events, The Chosen: S3 EP 1-3, which tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ. The movie, also in its first week of release, earned $6 million over the weekend.

Last week’s winner, The Beekeeper starring Jason Statham, buzzed into this weekend’s third spot, with the MGM action flick taking in an estimated $5.2 million.

The Warner Bros.’ fantasy musical Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet as the titular eccentric chocolatier, continued its strong streak at number four, even in its eighth week of release, making $4.8 million.

And animated film Migration, also from Universal, took the weekend’s fifth spot, with $4.1 million. AFP

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LIFE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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

A

By Angelica Villanueva

VIDA Land has unveiled In Her Future Memories, the winning mural of its South Park District Mural Design Competition. Towering at 20 meters, this masterpiece isn’t just the largest creative mural in the south, it’s a colorful portal to a world where technology and nature seamlessly collide.

Serving as a testament to Avida’s commitment to champion local artists, the mural is the brainchild of Jhocel “Anthony Marahuyo”

‘In Her Future Memories’ revolves around the theme of ‘Part City, Part Nature, Pure South’

The mural showcases the fusion of technology and nature

Vibrant mural celebrating community is South Park District’s newest landmark

The winning mural shows the charm of the south to visitors

Malicsi and his team of 13 talented artists: Rheydene Luca Ortega, Rhealhet Luca Ortega, Laurence Sebolino Gutierrez, Ma. Aleilyn Joyce Domingo Botin, John Roland Alipis, Ainafer Rupal Arena, John Alexis Rupal Arena, Roma Nieves Huet, Rica Permejo, Mia Jormalyn Astrera Balaoro, John Lenarrd Soriano Barua, Michael Grospe Autos, and Jefferson Panghulan Parajas. On board to handle logistics for this team were Jerome Edianel Carandang, Charmaine Abiado Camba, Paul Denvir Delmonte, and John Carlo Decrepito.

Their vision, adhering to the competition’s theme of “Part City, Part Nature, Pure South,” manifests in a stunning fusion of technology and nature. The mural features s female cyborg with her mechanical parts blending harmoniously with vibrant tropical flowers. The left side, where the flowers give way to a futuristic cityscape, invites viewers to “dream of the possibilities that lie ahead.”

Avida Land Marketing Head Tess Tatco describes In Her Future Memories as more than just art but an invitation “to step beneath the canvas, feel the city’s pulse merge with nature’s heartbeat, and

Nostalgia, anime, and cinematic delights at Japanese Filmfest

rediscover the charm of the South.” She also envisions not just Avida residents, but everyone, joining this artistic pilgrimage.

“We are so excited to see an additional feature for Avida Land projects down south.

This will be so nice to see with the existing Reginald Yuson art installations and I’m sure people would flock to this area as we invite everyone to see it themselves. The Part City, Part Nature, Pure South was a fitting theme for this, blending modern styles, technology, and nature,” she adds.

“Coming to the south is just a great combination of [the] city and the quietness of Calabarzon. Avida Towers Altura and Avida Towers Ardane are located here, this is what it is all about. It’s industry and aesthetics, and these artists show passion doing it in 12 days, and as we grow, we hope this reminds the people who live in the development, we are so happy to have your work here,” Avida’s Brand Marketing Head Ann Baylon Jara says.

The mural is located at South Park District, National Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Come and see In Her Future Memories for yourself and step beneath the towering canvas to feel the pulse of the city and nature merge.

beloved children’s authors. Tokyo Story (1953), on the other hand, is about an elderly couple who visited their children living in Tokyo but ended up disappointed when their children prioritized maintaining their lifestyle rather than spending time with their parents.

Other films include the comedy drama Not Quite Dead Yet (2020) and the social realism film Angry Son (2022).

Celebrating the strong bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, this year’s festival features Voltes V: Legacy, a film based on the Tagalized TV series produced by GMA 7. Director Mark Reyes turned the first few episodes of the TV series into a film.

To close the festival, JFF will screen Voltes V: The Liberation (1999). Directed

by Nagahama Tadao, the film narrates the climactic conclusion of the Voltes V animated series. During the Martial Law, this anime was banned.

“We hope that the wide range of films will entertain long-time festival goers and those who are already fans of Japanese films. We also welcome newcomers to enjoy Japanese films and the Japanese Film Festival,” said Tanaka.

Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, JFF was launched in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country.

Two ‘Detective Conan’ films make their way to JFF 2024 ‘Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom’ is a feature film tackling Every year, it attracts over 25,000 kingdoms resolving conflict through an arranged marriage audiences, treating them to a variety of cinematic delights from drama, anime, romance, mystery, and Akagi, point guard everything in between.

Rukawa, Sakuragi, Admission is free to and Mitsui, among all screenings. Guests others, took the stage can simply visit their at the Inter-High preferred participating School National theaters and queue Championship and before each screening reached the level of their chosen movie. to challenge the I’VE always been an anime fan.

Seats will be on a firstreigning champion, Sannoh Kogyo Whenever I have time, I would watch come-first-serve basis.

High School. new anime or re-watch old anime After its Shangri-La Based on the hit anime series that that I love. I remember re-watching Red Carpet Cinema run, became a favorite among Filipino Slam Dunk a couple of months ago. I JFF 2024 will head to the anime and basketball fans in the watched until episode 10 but then got regions in SM Cinemas 1990s, the animated sports film written busy with work. in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and directed by Takehiko Inoue When Slam Dunk aired on RPN in and Davao. JFF screens has amazing animation and heart1998, then eventually on GMA 7 in in SM Seaside City pounding basketball action. The film 2002, I remember religiously following Cebu from February also resonates with heartfelt emotions the anime. I would hurry home so I 16 to 25, and in SM and gives that truly nostalgic cinematic would not miss an episode. Rukawa City Baguio, Iloilo, and journey. was my favorite character back then.

Davao from Feb. 23 to According to festival director I followed the kilig moments between March 3. The festival Yojiro Tanaka, JFF 2024 decided Sakuragi and Haruko, whose brother will also have a special on the theme, Nostalgia. “We chose Akagi was the captain of the Shohoku ‘Voltes V: Legacy’s’ feature in the JFF celebrates ‘The First Slum Dunk’ serves as the opening run at the UPFI Film films that will make our audience feel basketball team.

Center in UP Diliman the relations between Japan and the Philippines film of this year’s Japanese Film Festival nostalgic and remember their own fond Last Feb. 1, we got the chance to from Feb. 22 to March 2. memories and feelings.” relive the basketball journey of the For more information satisfaction of cinephiles, drama “The festival will showcase a range Shohoku basketball team in the First on the festival’s full film lineup, ever find peace? devotees, and comedy connoisseurs of Japanese films from various genres Slam Dunk, the opening film of this comprehensive movie synopsis, and Father of the Milky Way Railroad alike,” said Tanaka. that are sure to cater to different tastes. year’s Japanese Film Festival. complete screening schedules, please (2023) is a powerful biopic detailing You can catch all the featured films This year’s JFF lineup has something In the movie, the high school visit www.JapaneseFilmFestPH.jfmo. the life of legendary poet and novelist of JFF 2024 at the Shangri-La Plaza for everyone, and guarantees the basketball team, led by captain org.ph Miyaka Kenji, one of Japan’s most Cineplex until Feb. 11.

Featured films include two Detective Conan films: Detective Conan The Movie: The Time-Bombed Skyscraper (1997), based on the original graphic novel Meitantei Conan by Gosho Aoyama, about a high school detective who was turned into a little boy by a dark organization; another Detective Conan The Movie: The Private Eyes’ Requiem (2006), where young detective Conan faces his worst crisis yet when someone figured out his real identity in the 10th anniversary feature film.

A film by Ishikawa Kei, A Man (2022) answers whether the truth will set a person free through the story of a woman who discovered that her departed husband was posing under someone else’s identity. Prefaced by René Magritte’s surrealist painting Not to be Reproduced, this thoughtprovoking film is a vital addition to a growing genre of Japanese cinema that interrogates fragile morals permeating contemporary society.

And Yet, You Are So Sweet (2023) explores one-sided love in a high school setting, while We Made A Beautiful Bouquet (2021) chronicles the fleeting lifespan of love. Mondays: See You “This” Week! (2022) has the entire office stuck in a time loop, and it is up to the workers to find a way to end the endless Monday.

In Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom (2023), two warring kingdoms come to a diplomatic agreement to end the war through an arranged marriage. But with the stubbornness of the rulers, will they