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PBBM STRESSES ECONOMIC CHA-CHA SUPPORT; SPEAKER LAUDS MOVE PRESIDENT Marcos has thrown his full support behind the ongoing efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, underscoring the move as crucial for the nation's future development and prosperity.

Speaking to lawmakers, government officials, and members of the Philippine Constitution Association, President Marcos outlined his vision for a reinvigorated Philippines, one that can better navigate the challenges of the 21st century through essential constitutional reforms.

“Our country’s economic well-being is a distinctly important concern.

Many sectors of our society, particularly business, have pointed to certain economic provisions in the Constitution that inhibit our growth momentum,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President emphasized that the current Constitution, while having served the country well for over three decades, contains provisions that now pose limitations to economic growth, foreign investment, and governance efficiency.

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VOL. XXXVII • NO. 359 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024 •

Stop call for Mindanao secession, says Marcos

Rody-backed move ‘doomed to fail, a constitutional travesty’

By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar

P

RESIDENT Marcos on Thursday slammed calls for Mindanao to separate from the country, saying such a move is "doomed to fail."

During his keynote speech during the commemoration of Constitution Day, Mr. Marcos said the call for Mindanao to secede from the rest of the country was a "constitutional travesty."

"The new call for a separate Mindanao is doomed to fail for it is anchored on a false premise not to mention a sheer constitutional travesty," he said.

"The current leadership of BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) itself has repudiated this preposterous proposal," he added.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called for a separate and independent Mindanao republic amid calls to amend the 1987 Constitution.

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BANGSAMORO MEETING. President Marcos (center) sings the national anthem, with the Rizal Monument projected on the screen behind him, during the meeting of the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations body at the PICC in Pasay City on Thursday. Flanking the President are (from left) BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.. Revoli S. Cortez

Plebiscite, polls can go together in ‘25—Angara SENATOR Sonny Angara said Thursday that the plebiscite on proposed changes in the 1987 Constitution can be held simultaneously with the 2025 midterm elections.

"I'm not sure about the legal basis of (Commission on Elections) Chairman (George) Garcia for saying that,” Angara said during the Kapihan sa Senado.

Angara said the Supreme Court ruled in the 1981 Occena vs. Comelec case that a plebiscite on constitutional amendments can be held along with a regular election.

He also said the “practical deadline’” for passing Resolution of Both Houses 6 (RBH6), which the Senate is tackling, would be in October—in time for the filing of candidacies for next year’s polls—although he pointed out it could be earlier.

Angara, who chairs the Senate hearings on RBH6, said the October deadline would allow the Comelec to include the question on the proposed constitutional amendment in the ballot.

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China willing to help probe cyberattacks

By Charles Dantes CHINA is willing to cooperate in the investigation on the series of hacking incidents against government websites in the Philippines, Information and Communications Secretary Ivan Uy said Thursday.

"They have reached out to ask if we can do some cooperation,” Uy said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“We are open to working with everybody,” he added.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology earlier said culprits of the hacking attacks operated within China's territories, targeting websites that include the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Coast Guard, and President Marcos' personal website. Next page

Meralco to charge 57c per kwh more Davao Oro landslide toll up to 10, missing rises to 90 this month on higher supplier costs

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will pay for higher electricity rates of P0.5738 per kilowatt hour in February due to higher cost of power from its suppliers.

The latest rate increase will bring the overall rate for a typical household to P11.9168 per kWh this month from

P11.3430 per kWh in January.

Residential customers consuming an average of 200 kWh, will see an increase of around P115 in their total electricity bill.

Meralco said driving this month’s overall rate increase is the generation charge, which went up by P0.4552 to P7.1020 per kWh from P6.6468 per kWh last month.

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THE death toll in the Davao de Oro landslide climbed to 10 as three more bodies were recovered in Maco town on Thursday.

Ninety people are missing, up from the previously reported 48,disaster agency official Edward Macapili of Davao de Oro said, citing police data.

“We have recorded that ten bodies have been recovered from the landslide and 31 injured persons have been rescued,” the provincial government said.

Rescuers used their bare hands and shovels to dig through mud in a desperate search for survivors as the landslide on Tuesday nightdestroyed houses and engulfed three buses and a jeepney waiting for workers from a gold mine.

"It is everybody's hope that people are still alive," Macapili said.

"Our rescue team is in a hurry because every second counts when it comes to human life."

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MORE CASUALTIES. In this handout photo from the Armed Forces Eastern

Mindanao Command, rescuers carry away one of the three bodies discovered Thursday during search and rescue operations after the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro. Rescuers used their bare hands and shovels to dig through mud in a desperate search for survivors as the death toll rose to 10, officials said. AFP

Pag-IBIG releases record-high P126b in housing loans COURTESY CALL. Miss World Philippines Gwendolyne Fourniol receives a

token and words of encouragement and support from Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez when she paid him a courtesy call Wednesday at the House of Representatives. Fourniol will represent the country in the 71st Miss World pageant in Mumbai, India on March 9. Roy Pelovello

THE Pag-IBIG Fund has released a record-high P126.04 billion in home loans to finance the housing units of 96,848 members in 2023, its top officials announced Thursday.

The amount of housing loans released

last year grew by P8.19 billion or 7 percent compared to the P117.85 billion released in 2022.

“We are happy to report that PagIBIG Fund has posted the highest amount of home loans released during a single

year in its 43-year history,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairs the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

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NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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Senate tackles P100 wage hike bill

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A

BILL seeking a 100-peso increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector nationwide reached the Senate plenary on Thursday, with Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development chair Jinggoy Estrada pushing for its passage.

Estrada said an estimated 4.2 million minimum wage earners in the private sector would benefit from Senate Bill 2534.

SB 2534 is a consolidation of SB 2002

filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, with Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senators Nancy Binay, and Christopher Lawrence Go as co-authors, and

SB 2018 by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. "Under this measure, all employees in the private sector in the entire country, whether agricultural or non-agricultural, are entitled to (a) P100 minimum wage increase," Estrada said in his sponsorship speech.

SB 2534, he said, augments the wage increases already issued by the regional wage boards.

"Thus, after consideration of the existing socio-economic conditions and positions of various sectors, it is incumbent upon us to propose a daily pay hike to help alleviate the burden of Filipinos in the face of soaring prices of basic commodities and rising

cost of living," he added.

Estrada also pointed out that if passed into law, the measure wouldalso result in increased purchasing power among consumers and would stimulate economic activity, thereby contributing to national growth.

"This wage hike bill would also help attain our goal of reducing poverty incidence rate in the coming years to have a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor by 2040," he said.

He said under the Philippine Development Plan, the government is targeting to reduce the poverty incidence rate to 13.2 percent by 2025 and to 9 percent by 2028.

Stop...

From A1

Duterte assured the breakaway would be peaceful and bloodless as he vowed to follow the processes established by the United Nations.

President Marcos, however, said calls for a separate Mindanao should be stopped, noting it is not part of the "Bagong Pilipinas" he was aiming for the country.

"This is not the New Philippines that we are shaping, but rather it is the destruction of our country, the Philippines," he said.

"The Constitution calls for a united undivided country. It calls for eternal cohesion. For this reason, unlike in other constitutions there is nothing in ours that allows the breaking up of this union, such as an exit provision," Mr. Marcos added.

The President said his administration is ready to protect the country from any threats, including external and internal.

"I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Our national territory will not be diminished, even by one square inch.

We will continue to defend from any threats, external and internal. We will not allow even an iota of suggestion of its breaking apart," the President said.

"This is my guarantee not only throughout this term but up to my dying breath," he added.

Earlier, the President warned against forces outside the democratic processes that might mess up the first Bangsamoro elections in 2025, saying these should not be allowed to "deviate our dreams."

"The preparations we have made will be tested in May 2025 when we will hold the very first elections for the BARMM parliament," Marcos said during the 17th meeting of the national government-Bangsamoro government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) in Pasay City.

"On this, let me be blunt that, perhaps, we must remind ourselves that we are now operating under different rules and that we cannot allow forces outside of the democratic process to deviate our dreams and our aspirations from a democratic process," Mr. Marcos said.

The President said no voter should be disenfranchised by violence, intimidation, or bribery.

"I urge all of you, and we will be by your side, to make this very historic election, this very historical and important event a success.

Let us show the world that it is peaceful and it is credible," he said.

"And after the elections, it will be a new chapter for BARMM. I face the future with optimism. What gives me hope is the belief that you have prepared well, you are ripe, and you are ready," Mr. Marcos added.

The first-ever election in the Bangsamoro region was originally scheduled in May 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ''A stronger BARMM means a stronger Mindanao. A stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines bringing us closer to achieving our agendas,'' Mr. Marcos said.

Bagong Pilipinas, the President said, would be incomplete without a progressive Bangsamoro region.

Mr. Marcos enumerated the projects being made in BARMM and Mindanao, including international investments such as the Non-Project Grant Aid for the acquisition of $6.8 million worth of Construction Equipment for Road Network Improvement and Disaster Quick Response Operation in BARMM, and the Joint award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts for energy security in the region.

Davao...

From A1

The landslide left a deep, brown gouge down the mountain. Rescuers pulled a person alive from the mud 11 hours after it hit, Macapili said.

"So, there's a chance," he added.

Police, soldiers and rescuers from Davao de Oro and the adjacent Davao del Norte province have been deployed to Masara to help the search and retrieval

April 30 deadline for consolidation firm, says LTFRB

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board reminded traditional jeepney operators that they would no longer be allowed to operate if they failed to apply for consolidation after the April 30 extended deadline under its modernization program.

“After April 30, those who consolidated but have traditional jeepneys, will continue to run. The unconsolidated by April 30, that's the one we won't allow anymore,” lawyer Mercy Leynes of the LTFRB told the House committee on transportation during its motu proprio inquiry into the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

President Marcos had extended the consolidation deadline for PUVs to April 30 from the original Jan. 31 date upon the recommendation of Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Leynes said the LTFRB policy “as of today” is that PUVs failing to consolidate under cooperatives by April 30 will not be allowed to ply their routes anymore.

Rep. Romeo Acop of Antipolo City questioned the LTFRB’s rationale behind the new policy.

Plebiscite,...

From A1

PHILCONSA-MOPC SPEECH. President Marcos speaks after receiving the ‘Golden Maharlika Medallion’ award during the

Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) celebration of Constitution Day at Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City on Thursday. Listening are Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Ver Noveno

eign investments and the potential for faster and inclusive economic growth, which in turn could translate into a better life for every Filipino,” he said.

“We are happy that he also took note of our consistent advocacy in the House of Representatives for changing those restrictive provisions for more than three decades since the 8th Congress, or since 36-37 years ago,” the leader of the 315-strong House said.

Romualdez also lauded the President’s assurance that his support for reform, to quote him, “extends to economic matters only… nothing more.”

“At the risk of being ‘makulit’ (stubborn), we have been saying that we do not advocate any political amendment,” he said.

President Marcos highlighted the need for amendments that would allow greater flexibility in the economy, particularly in opening up sectors currently

restricted to foreign investors.

“We must allow this healthy and democratic debate to rage on, engaging and informing the minds of our citizenry, especially since the socio-economic development of our country is directly involved,” he stressed.

“I will neither hinder this dialogue, nor encroach on the prerogatives of Congress and the sovereign will of the Filipino people. Ourbicameral Congress and our built-in system of checks-andbalances are wonders to behold. We must allow our democratic institutions and mechanisms, made possible by our constitutional order, to take their natural course,” he added.

Mr. Marcos expressed his belief that changes in the 1987 Constitution are vital to attract more foreign direct investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

rity company Surfshark.

This was an improvement from the country's 26th ranking in 2022, according to the study.

Surfshark said the Philippines had 705,470 breached accounts in 2023, lower compared to the 1,369,604 record in 2022.

Uy said the DICT routinely investigates all types of threats from all sectors and sources, including those originating from outside the country.

“We take those things very seriously and we actually have built up more competencies in detecting early on, any of those attempts to hack into not just government systems, but also private corporations. There have been some private

institutions that were also compromised by ransomware,” he said.

“There are many criminal organizations, mercenaries, cyber hackers hiding in different countries and using their talents in bad ways. So, coordination among different countries is important to work together and go after these groups,” Uy added.

He said the DICT also presented to the President the "comprehensive” National Cybersecurity Plan (NCP) covering 2024 to 2028.

He said the National Cybersecurity Plan will serve as a blueprint that provides policy direction and operational guidelines to build up the country’s cybersecurity posture.

It said Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also increased their fees.

Meralco's IPPs hiked charges by P1.4764 per kWh due to higher fuel costs of First Gas – Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo power plants.

This was mainly due to the increased use of imported liquefied naturalgas (LNG), which was around 35 percent to 40 percent more expensive than Malampaya gas.

The power retailer sourced 32.8 percent and 46.8 percent from its IPPs and PSAs of its total energy requirement.

Meanwhile, the increases in IPP

and PSA charges were tempered by the P0.4071 per kWh decrease in charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the electricity spot market, due to improved supply situation in the Luzon grid.

Meralco’s distribution charge, on the other hand, has not moved since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction for a typical residential customer beginning August 2022.

Meanwhile, Sen Grace Poe on Thursday said a rotational brownout is not a solution to the reduction of the power produced by power plants Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC).

"NGCP’s resort to rotational brownout is not solving the problem," said Poe. While this may prevent another domino effect of plant tripping and eventual

collapse of the grid, Poe said we need a more proactive stance from our sole power transmission operator.

"We reiterate our call for NGCP to expedite the completion of the CebuPanay-Negros project and all other power transmission projects," she said.

"Delay is a denial of public service," added the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services.

PCPC's failure to conduct plant maintenance as scheduled in August 2023 had a negative effect not only to its operations but to the entire power supply in Panay.

Poe said the Energy Regulatory Commission should also look into NGCP’s limited visitational powers. She said this effectively prevents proper monitoring of the plants. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

operation.

While rescuers were using heavy earth-moving equipment in places, theyhad to rely on their bare hands and shovels in areas where they believed there were bodies, Macapili said.

"The soil that covered the buses was very thick—it could almost cover a twostory building," he said.

At least 20 mine workers are believed to be entombed in the vehicles.

Hundreds of families from Masara and four nearby villages have had to evacuate

from their homes and shelter in emergency centers for fear of further landslides.

The state weather forecaster has also warned that flash floods and landslides caused by moderate to heavy rain could strike the province in the coming days."I'm worried that there will be more heavy rains," Macapili said. "Of course, that will affect the operations."

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said water purification teams from the Metro Manila Development Authority

(MMDA) will be deployed to the flood and landslide-hit areas in Davao and Caraga.

One unit of a mobile water purifying machine can convert 180 gallons of potable water per hour, which the affected residents could use for their daily needs such as washing, cooking, drinking, and cleaning.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday thanked the President for the assistance extended to families affected by landslides and flooding inthe Davao region. AFP with Vince Lopez

PBBM...

From A1

“Anchored on these restrictive provisions, there are laws that prohibit certain kinds of foreign investments, thus limiting our economic potential and our global competitiveness,” he said.

“That is why since the 8th Congress, there have been no less than 300 measures filed in the House of Representatives calling for the amendment of these economic provisions of our Constitution,” he added.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who was at the same event as Philconsa president, welcomed the President’s statement on the need and urgency for amending the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions.

“The President made it clear that these provisions hinder the entry of for-

China...

From A1

China said it does not condone or encourage "all forms of cyberattacks."

"China is a major victim of cyberattack. We keep a firm stance against all forms of cyberattacks and resort to lawful methods in tackling them. China does not encourage, support or condone attacks launched by hackers," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Twitter.

As this developed, the Philippines placed 30th among 163 countries with the most accounts that were breached in 2023, according to a study of cybersecu-

Meralco...

From A1

Meanwhile, a House leader said Thursday the People’s Initiative (PI) to amend the 1987 charter remains an alternative should the Senate fail to honor their commitment to pass RBH6

by March.

“So far, we haven't discussed the backup plan. We are just giving the Senate the time to consider approving and adopting RBH 6. It would really be appreciated if they will adopt this within the time that they have promised,” said Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

“If this will not happen, I think the PI is still ongoing and it's just suspended for the meantime in the Comelec.

Maybe the backup plan is to consider the PI,” he said.

The people’s initiative proposes that the two chambers of Congress should vote jointly, not separately, on any Charter change proposal.

“The PI, that's not in our hands, it's in the hands of PIRMA... wehave no role in that. Many quarters are saying that we need to look at the Constitution. The League of Governors, League of Municipal Mayors, chambers of commerce and industry in the different provinces, business community, Makati Business Club,” he said.

Several senators, however, continued to question the motives of the Lower House in pushing for charter change.

Senator Chiz Escudero dared House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and the other congressmen to finally admit in public that they were behind the “fake” people’s initiative signature campaign. Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz

Pag-IBIG...

From A1

“This is very good news because as the amount of home loans we release increases, so does the number of Filipinos who now have homes of their own,” Acuzar added.

This achievement is a testament to Pag-IBIG Fund’s unwavering commitment to help address the country’s housing backlog, in line with its efforts under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino or 4PH Program of the Marcos Administration, he said.

Out of the total housing units financed by the agency last year, 11,257 or 12% were socialized housing units, now owned by members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors, Acuzar said.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, noted that the agency has maintained its low interest rates despite the strong demand for its home loans and amid prevailing high market rates.

“Our performance in 2023 is noteworthy because apart from releasing the highest amount of housing loans in our history, it was also during last year —July to be exact— that we further reduced our already low interest rates on our home loans to make it even more affordable,” Acosta stated.

“We expect to maintain the affordability of our home loans, especially since we have more funds to address the increasing demand for home financing from our members with the implementation of our new monthly savings rates this February,” she said.

NEWS ‘PH rice supply enough to last until mid-year’ AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has assured the public that the country’s rice supply is sufficient through the first half of 2024.

“We have enough rice supply, so prices should remain stable through the first half of the year. Our priority now is market stability,” Tiu Laurel said.

He cautioned, however, that prices might remain high through September due to global rice supply concerns stemming from El Niño and the resulting high international prices.

Recent imports and the upcoming harvest, peaking in March and April, will ensure stable prices for the main food staple despite El Niño concerns, he added.

In the first week of February 2024, the Philippines secured a fiveyear rice supply deal with Vietnam, guaranteeing 1.5 million to two million metric tons annually. India also pledged additional supply despite its import ban on non-basmati rice.

A total of 750,000 metric tons of imported rice arrived in December and January, bolstering local inventory.

“What we need to guard against now are profiteers who may attempt to exploit the situation by using El Nino as excuse to hoard rice supply to push local prices to unreasonably high levels,” Tiu Laurel warned.

Othel V. Campos

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MALABON CITY’S MINI-DRAGONS.

Malabon Zoo owner Manny Tangco shows off ‘Greenie,’ an iguana, along with ‘Bayaw,’ a monitor lizard, and “Lolong,” a crocodile, which he said are his own dragons symbolizing good health, good luck, and strength in celebration of the Chinese New Year dubbed as the year of the Wood Dragon. Andrew Rabulan

El Niño damages breach P150 million

By Rio N. Araja, Othel V. Campos, and Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE local agriculture sector has sustained P151.3 million worth of damage and losses on the back of the ongoing El Niño, even as the country has yet to experience the peak of the dry spell.

The latest estimate released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) compares with the P109.4 million in losses at the end of January, covering 6,618 metric tons of palay (unhusked rice) and corn over 3,291 hectares.

The estimates said about 3,923

farmers in Western Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula were affected.

Further details were not immediately available from the department.

“Most of the damage and losses were incurred on rice and corn that are on their reproductive stage,” the bulletin

ILLEGAL DRUGS GO UP IN SMOKE. The

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency burns some 724 kilograms of seized illegal drugs and substances at an incinerator in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Norman Cruz

was cited as saying in a DA statement released Wednesday.

This developed as a strong and mature El Niño is expected to continue through February, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Meanwhile, the DA will distribute vegetable seeds in Western Visayas while procuring planting materials for high value crops that need less water to help thousands of farmers in the Zamboanga peninsula cope with the damage and losses caused by El Niño.

In another development, a partylist lawmaker urged the government to ramp up the construction of postharvest facilities this year to complement the increased borrowing of farmers to finance agriculture and fisheries production.

Rep. Wilbert T. Lee of the AGRI party-list group issued the call after the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines reported that loans to agriculture and rural development hit P755.1-billion mark at the end of 2023, equivalent to a 23 percent growth compared to the third quarter of last year.

Lingkod Bayan Caravan will help EMBO residents in Taguig—Binay

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Makati City government has granted residents of the Enlisted Men’s Barrio (EMBO) which has been transferred to Taguig City free access to various social services of the weekly Lingkod Bayan Caravan.

The EMBO barangays consisted of the villages of Cembo, Comembo, Pembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, South Cembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, and Rizal.

Makati Mayor Abigail Binay earlier announced the free consultations for EMBO residents at all barangay health centers and the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) in response to complaints from

affected residents about inadequate health services.

“We have been receiving numerous complaints from EMBO residents about lack of access to basic health services. We are also concerned for residents and senior citizens who can no longer avail themselves of free, unlimited dialysis sessions and free maintenance medicines which Makati provides,” Binay said in a statement.

Starting February 12, four barangay health centers in Bangkal, Poblacion, Kasilawan, and Guadalupe Nuevo will operate from 6 am to 10 pm, instead of the usual 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, to accommodate both Makati and EMBO residents.

PDEA destroys DTI wages crackdown on online vape dealers selling to minors P4.51b worth of illegal drugs THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA0 on Thursday burned over 725 kilos of shabu and other illegal drugs worth P4.51 billion in an incinerator in Cavite.

The destruction of the seized drugs was carried out with the permission of the courts where the materials were presented as evidence.

PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo supervised the destruction of the illegal drugs and banned substances weighing over 725 kilos at the Integrated Waste Management facility in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City.

At least 530 kilos of shabu seized by the National Bureau of Investigation in Mexico, Pampanga in September 2023 were among those that went to smoke.

Some of the illegal drugs and controlled substances consisted of more than 535,352 grams of marijuana, 3,219 grams of ecstasy and 7,423 grams of cocaine.

The drugs involved were seized from various anti-drug operations conducted by the PDEA, along with its counterpart law enforcement and military units.

Exposed to temperatures of over 1,000 degrees centigrade, all dangerous drugs are completely decomposed or broken down and are impossible to reconstitute.

Representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, other law enforcement agencies, the media and non-government organizations as well as local officials of Barangay Aguado witnessed the drug destruction. Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) cracks down on nearly 61,000 out of the 66,000 online vape stores monitored as of January 2024 for marketing such products that unduly appeal to minors.

The drive was part of DTI’s intensified monitoring and enforcement operations against violators of Repub-

lic Act No. 11900 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The DTI targeted retailers that allegedly sell their regulated products to minors.

Thus far, it has issued notices of violations (NOVs) and show cause orders (SCOs) to 269 physical stores and thou-

sands more online over their failure to verify the age of their buyers.

These include vape products that were either packaged, labelled, presented, or marketed with f lavor descriptors.

“The DTI also flagged violators who used cartoons, anime, manga, animated characters, youth influenc-

P1-M ANVIL DONATION.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc (2nd from right) shows a facsimile check for P1 million donated by the Anvil Business Club for micro, small and medium enterprises in his province.

Photo was taken at the weekly Pandesalan Forum in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

Program eyed to train QC street vendors THE Quezon City government has partnered with the Consultancy Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to launch a program to help street vendors level up their entrepreneurship skills.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the partnership to help educate vendors is not only first in the Philippines, but also in Southeast Asia.

There will be a first batch of 49 public vendors, 60 hawker vendors and 60 temporary vendors to partici-

pate in the six-month training program of the Vendor Business School.

Aside from teaching the vendors on how to improve themselves, they will be trained on how to ensure that the food they sell is safe and healthier, and that they follow the proper hygiene and sanitation.

Belmonte said the participants will be taught to adapt with climate change and make them cope with the changing times. Rio N. Araja

ers, and personalities. More than 200 formal charges have been filed with the DTI, and administrative fines have been imposed on decided cases,” the agency said.

Through these efforts, the DTI seized over 18,000 vape products from noncompliant stores valued at approximately 5.5 million pesos. Othel V. Campos

Bill aims to expedite NLRC labor disputes A BILL filed at the House of Representatives seeks stronger powers to enable the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) to expedite the resolution of labor disputes.

House Bill 9827, otherwise known as “Promoting and Expediting Labor Justice Act” authored

by OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, stresses that labor justice is needed in the prompt execution of orders and decisions rendered in labor disputes by quasi-judicial bodies such as the NLRC and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), particularly those in favor of the workingmen.

“A study conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in 2021 showed that it takes an average of 7.2 years for an Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFW) money claims case to be resolved from the time of filing of the complaint in the NLRC up to the date of a final decision by the Supreme Court,” Magsino said in the bill’s explanatory note.

“Legal maneuverings and strategies by lawyers such as endless motions and pleadings, often dilatory, slow down the proceedings, and more significantly, give their clients the time to hide their assets beyond the reach of impending execution,” she said. Maricel V. Cruz

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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‘SMC ready for NAIA modernization’ S

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AN Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Thursday said it is ready to modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after it emerged as the highest bidder for the P171 billion contract to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the country’s main international gateway.

The SMC SAP Company Consortium, which is formed by San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc. and Incheon International Airport Corp. offered a highest bid of 82.16 percent revenue share to the

government at the opening of financial proposals for NAIA. Under the terms of reference, the percentage revenue share to the government is the main bid parameter for the auction. This means the higher proposed revenue share to the government

is better.

The other two bidders that submitted financial bids were the Manila International Airport Consortium, which is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Ayala’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global-Infracorp, Filinvest and JG Summit Holdings (25.91 percent), and GMR Airports International B.V., Cavitex Holdings, Inc. and House of Investments, Inc. of GMR Airports Consortium (33.3 percent).

Asian Airport Consortium was disqualified to join the bidding process by the Pre-qualifications, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) because it failed to comply with the technical proposals

for NAIA, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) undersecretary for aviation Roberto Lim. Asian Airport Consortium, is composed of Asian Infrastructure and Management Corp., Cosco Capital Inc., Philippine Skylanders Inc. and PT Angkasa Pura II. Lim said this meant only three bidders were allowed to proceed to the next stage of having their financial proposals opened by PBAC. Ramon S. Ang, president and chief executive of SMC, emphasized that the consortium’s financial proposal prioritizes benefits to the government and the Filipino people.

CHINESE NEW YEAR. Children don vibrant paper dragon heads which added a splash of color to the festivities during the Chinese New Year display in SM City Taytay. Inset shows students from the Chiang Kai Shek College in Manila watching a dragon dance as part of the New Year festivities. Norman Cruz

Global action to enforce marine treaty

By Rey E. Requejo EXPERTS said international cooperation is needed to protect the marine environment because the widely celebrated High Seas Treaty to conserve marine diversity has not yet come into force.

Nishimoto Kentaro, an International Law professor at Tohoku University, said the High Seas Treaty, signed in June 2023 by 86 countries, including the Philippines, is not yet being implemented.

At least 60 countries are needed to ratify it.

“This treaty is very important not only in the context of biodiversity because when it enters into force, that will add another layer to the rule of law that applies to the oceans. There is a continuing relevance of the South China Sea arbitral award in the context of this treaty,” Nishimoto said, in a forum jointly hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Manila and the think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

The roundtable discussion tackled the so-called “The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement and its implications on the South China Sea” at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, unraveling the complexities of international maritime law, with a particular focus on the BBNJ Agreement and its impact on the dynamic region.

PBBM elated over growth of labor sector

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is elated with a recent survey showing growth in the country’s labor sector.

“I am pleased to see the significant progress and resilience in our labor market as reflected in the latest labor force survey for December 2023,” the President said, citing the December 2023 Labor Force Survey.

“Our labor force participation rate has climbed to 66.6 percent, indicating a growing confidence in our economy. Our employment rate has also increased, reaching 96.9%, which means more opportunities are opening up for our workforce,” he added.

President Marcos also cited the notable decline in the unemployment rate to a 3.1%, marking a improvement from previous figures.

Further, President Marcos outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing the skills of the workforce to align with the evolving demands of the labor market.

“We will also pursue upskilling and re-skilling initiatives and promote innovation to prepare our workforce with the necessary skills and adaptability to thrive in many high-quality employment opportunities,” the President said.

‘Observe Isra ICC arrest warrant cannot be enforced, SolGen says Wal Mi’raj with optimism’

By Rey E. Requejo

SOLICITOR General Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said no one in the Philippines can enforce the warrant of arrest that may be issued by the International Criminal Court aside from members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies.

“The PNP members and other law enforcement officers are the only per-

sons authorized to serve warrants of arrest in Philippine territory,” Guevarra said, in a text message to reporters.

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo made it clear that the PNP will not enforce the arrest warrants that will be issued by the ICC against persons including former President Rodrigo R. Duterte over allegations of abuses, including killings, committed during the drug war under his administration.

“The PNP’s statement that it will not enforce any warrant that may be issued by the ICC is simply in obedience to the directive of President Marcos who exercises control over the executive department, including the national police,” the Solicitor General stressed.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV had earlier claimed that the ICC may soon issue arrest warrants after having concluded its investigation against those accused of crimes against humanity.

‘LOVE TRAIN.’ Mac Tolentino proposed to his girlfriend Yen Flores while the couple passed by the ‘love booth’ at the MRT Ayala Station in Makati. (Inset) The Department of Transportation Metro Rail Transit Line-3 launched the ‘Love Train’ celebration of the love month of February. Manny Palmero

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos encouraged Filipino Muslims to observe Isra Wal Mi’raj on Thursday “with courage and optimism for the country’s future.”

“Let this occasion imbue us with increased courage and optimism as we collectively face and transform the future of our nation to be more peaceful, inclusive, and progressive for all Filipinos to enjoy,” President Marcos said in a statement.

Isra Wal Mi’raj commemorates the journey of Prophet Muhammad, ascending to the seven heavens and embarking on a divine voyage from Mecca to the AlAqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

The Bangsamoro government on Wednesday said Feb. 8 is not a holiday but a “special working holiday” within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The clarification was made in response to news reports quoting a memorandum issued by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) pertaining to the observance of Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf as a holiday.

Comelec: Voters registering more than once face imprisonment

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday warned qualified voters not to register more than once or face 1 to 3 years of imprisonment.

Comelec chair George Garcia issued the statement as listing for new voter reg-

istration will start on Monday, Feb. 12 until Sept. 30, 2024 in preparation for the 2025 National and Local elections.

Garcia warned unscrupulous persons who may try to exploit the voter registration, saying double registrants can be easily monitored because the Comelec is using advance and modern machines

Guadiz unfazed by graft complaints, says he’ll respond in appropriate time

By Rio N. Araja LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chief Teofilo Guadiz III on Thursday said he is unfazed by the filing of a graft complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“Upon receipt of these documents, a comprehensive examination of the allegations will be conducted, and our response will be presented in the appropriate venue and time-

frame,” he said.

The planned modernization program will continue, the agency said.

Guadiz assured that the LTFRB remains committed to carefully adhere to pertinent provisions of the 1987 Constitution, other applicable laws and judicial rulings.

On Thursday, transport group Manibela, led by Mar Valbuena, filed a graft complaint against Guadiz, and his board members Liza Marie Paches, Mercy Jane Paras Leynes and Robert Peig before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“We have AFIS, that’s the Automated Fingerprint Identification System that we countercheck if a voter has been registered before or is a multiple registrant… we will delete the registration, and at the same time can face an election offense case.,” he added.

The poll body is also set to implement

nationwide its Register Anywhere Program (RAP) when the voter registration period resumes on Feb. 12.

Under the RAP, a registrant will be allowed to file his/her application wherever there is a designated RAP registration site regardless of his/her place of residence.

PHARMA AND HEALTHCARE EXPO. Executives from the

pharmaceutical and healthcare industry pose for a photo to launch the Philippine Pharma & Healthcare Exhibition, scheduled from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. In the photo are (from right) Dr. Maria Minerva P. Calimag. MD., M. SC. PhD, president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA); Dr. Jose Santiago, MD, president of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA); Dr. Rene De Grano, MD, president of the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAP); Dr. Luis Ramon V. Rodriguez Md, MDM, president of the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP); and Dr. Johnny Chotrani, country chair, Philippines ASEAN India Business Council & Chairman Philippines India Business Council (AIBC).

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OPINION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Año: The centurion safeguarding our Republic IN THE echoes of discord, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año emerges as a modern-day Roman centurion, standing vigilant against the looming threat to our Republic’s integrity.

The call for secession by former President Rodrigo Duterte has cast a shadow over the Philippines, and Año, with unwavering determination, vows to defend the sovereignty and unity that define our Republic.

Año, a seasoned commander who once led the Armed Forces of the Philippines and served as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, brings a resolute force to bear against any attempt to dismantle our Republic.

—“—

Año reminds us that our strength lies in unity, and any attempt to sow division must be unequivocally rejected by all sectors

His statement resonates like the clang of a centurion’s armor, declaring the government will not hesitate to use its authority to quell such attempts.

As the Roman centurion protects the boundaries of the empire, Año emphasizes the importance of national unity, security, and stability.

His words become a rallying cry, urging Filipinos to reject divisive calls and unite behind the principles enshrined in our Constitution.

Año reminds us that our strength lies in unity, and any attempt to sow division must be unequivocally rejected by all sectors.

Duterte, once the leader of our nation, now emerges as the most sinister threat to our security.

His proposal to separate Mindanao from

the Philippines, like a dark specter, haunts the principles of democracy and territorial integrity.

Año’s stance, reminiscent of a centurion guarding against a treacherous foe, underscores the gravity of this moment in our nation’s history.

Mindanao’s leaders, recognizing the perilous path suggested by Duterte, raise their voices against secession.

Governors Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu and Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu stand as beacons of unity, rejecting the idea that division is the answer to the region’s problems.

In their spirit of peace and unity, they emphasize the commitment to democracy and the collective objective of stability and progress for a united Philippines.

The Romualdos, likewise senators of old, brand Duterte’s call as seditious, warning of criminal liability for advocating divisive secession.

Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo and Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo demand accountability, questioning why, if things were as dire as claimed, action was not taken during Duterte’s six years in power.

In this tale of political intrigue and potential sedition, Año emerges as the Roman centurion commander, embodying the steadfast defense of our nation’s values.

As we stand at the crossroads of unity and division, Año’s call echoes through the annals of history, urging Filipinos to unite behind the banner of our Republic.

The centurion’s armor clinks with resolve, symbolizing the collective strength needed to thwart any attempt to dismember our beloved Philippines.

Let the call be heard across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – a united front against the shadows of division, protecting the hard-won gains of peace and development.

As we face this pivotal moment, let Año’s rallying cry be our guiding light.

For in unity, we find strength, and in the defense of our Republic, we become the guardians of our nation’s destiny.

United, we stand against the specter of secession, ensuring that the principles of sovereignty, unity, and the rule of law prevail.

EVERYMAN

Auspicious start for Tengco-led Pagcor

By Melandrew T. Velasco EVERYTHING’S coming up roses for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the state-run gaming operator and regulator.

Barely a year and a half into office as Pagcor chairman and CEO, lawyer Alejandro H. Tengco appears to be reaping the early benefits of reforms he has instituted at the gaming agency.

Consider these developments: l Pagcor achieved a record-setting gross gaming revenue of P285.27 billion in 2023, or 11.22 percent more than the previous high of P256.49 billion in 2019, just before the 2020 COVID pandemic that sent the GGR falling steeply to its lowest at P98.79 billion; l The country’s integrated resorts remained as the biggest contributors to the gaming industry’s revenue with P207.48billion haul in 2023; l The fast-rising Electronic Games sector (e-casino, e-bingo, sports and other specialty games) kicked in P58.16 billion; l Pagcor-operated casinos under the Casino Filipino brand contributed P19.62 billion.

Tengco, a true-blue Atenean, released these figures mid-January with a note saying “the 2023 results exceeded even our most optimistic projections, and it proves beyond doubt that the Philippine gaming industry has fully recovered and is now poised for sustained growth in the medium- to long-term.”

For 2024, the industry’s gross revenue projection of P336.38 billion appears to be more achievable, especially with the scheduled opening of new integrated resorts this year, according to the Pagcor chief.

I’ve been saying all along, without any doubt, that Tengco is the right man for the job despite the criticisms over his handling of reforms early in his tenure.

After raising the minimum gaming fee in the casinos from P200 to P1,000, he is

now betting on the e-games sector to spark a renewed boom in the industry, fueled by the much-bruited about “revenge spending” of Asian high-rollers.

The phenomenal growth of this sector is also expected to linger as a result of Tengco-initiated changes in the gaming industry.

At the same time, Tengco may implement other reforms like increasing license fees as additional revenue booster.

—“—

Tengco is well equipped to push the envelope and pursue other reforms like the privatization of landbased casinos and other assets

This way, Pagcor beneficiaries like charity organizations and even local government units can continue to count on Pagcor for much-needed donations.

A risk-taker, Tengco wants to re-brand the controversy-hit POGO and preserve the 70,000 Filipino workers under its employ, a plan that shows not only his business acumen but also his own social consciousness, a genuine concern for the workers’ welfare.

And if Tengco has his way, POGO henceforth will be called “International Gaming Licensees” because its old name just got too controversial that no one will dare to touch like a hot potato.

But first, Tengco will have to contend with Congress many of whose members

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EDITORIAL

Needed: Traffic czar

I

must be vested with full powers and authority to mobilize, direct and deploy existing government resources, both on the national and local levels.

F THE private sector, including business enterprises, are among those adversely affected by horrible and monstrous traffic congestion in Metro Manila, shouldn’t government at least listen to what they have to say?

—“—

The government must realize the crisis has been the result of a failure in traffic management and a change in road and traffic management policies and practices is essential

The Management Association of the Philippines recently called on the government to appoint a traffic czar to oversee the transport situation in Metro Manila, describing the current traffic situation in the metropolis as having reached ‘crisis’ levels.

The 73-year-old business group believes the government must realize the crisis has been the result of a failure in traffic management and a change in road and traffic management policies and practices is essential.

“For this paradigm shift to happen, the MAP recommends, as a first step, the declaration of a traffic crisis and the appointment of a new traffic management team to be headed by a traffic czar appointed by the President,” MAP said.

The designated traffic czar, the influential business group pointed out,

The group also recommended a holistic approach that includes organizing Metro Manila into four traffic management zones, each to be headed by a qualified traffic manager.

These traffic managers would report to and be accountable to the traffic czar.

MAP also proposed the designation of new “Mabuhay lanes,” or secondary

About Town

Ernesto M. Hilario

‘Dirty Ashtray’: Award or insult?

AN INTERNATIONAL coalition of nongovernment organizations risks losing its credibility by honoring countries where smoking is free for all, while discrediting nations that regulate cigarette alternatives to help smokers quit and eliminate the black market.

The Global Alliance on Tobacco Control (GATC), a leading civil society advocate for the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, administers the ‘Dirty Ashtray’ awards—or more appropriately, insults— given to WHO FCTC member countries that support and adopt harm reduction strategies in tobacco control during the Conference of Parties, like the Philippines.

The 10th COP meeting is underway in Panama City and will conclude on Feb 10.

The Philippines has been a recipient of the Dirty Ashtray several times for regulating cigarette alternatives, and rejecting the prohibitionist stance of WHO FCTC in tobacco control.

In 2022, the Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to enact comprehensive and risk-proportionate vape regulations, covering electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco and other smokefree products for adult consumers.

These products, per numerous scientific studies, have been found to be at least 95 percent less harmful than traditional cigarettes due to the absence of burning and, consequently, smoke.

While the GATC may have noble intentions to end the smoking epidemic, it loses focus by engaging in moral debates on the appropriateness of alternatives to cigarettes.

Instead of fostering unity to assist smokers, the group alienates them and demonizes all novel tobacco products despite the results of voluminous scientific research showing they are in fact far less

harmful than cigarettes.

For the GATC, all these products and cigarettes are the same for containing nicotine, which is actually a food-grade substance that also naturally occurs in tomato, pepper and potato, aside from tobacco.

now have turned “POGO-phobic,” and will avoid association with anything offshore gaming.

Tengco has not given up on his bid to make Pagcor the gold standard in Asian gaming.

This plan has come out in my previous piece late last year.

“We certainly know our potentials and capability to become the gold standard in the Asian gaming scene,” I wrote in my column then.

I repeat: This isn’t an empty boast, given Pagcor’s mandate to transform itself into a purely regulator role once its privatization takes full effect by 2025.

Pagcor is well positioned to be the regulator since it knows the “ins and outs” of the trade it is regulating, with its over four decades of experience in the gaming business.

With a highly competent management team assisting him and adequate resources at his disposal, Tengco is well equipped to push the envelope and pursue further reforms like the privatization of land-based casinos and other assets.

My unsolicited advice: Tengco has to shed some of the excess fat off the burgeoning Pagcor bureaucracy.

He has to ensure that all his plans and other reforms are carried out before Pagcor

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

—“—

It is only through innovation and scientific approach that we can collectively address the global smoking problem

Both GATC and the WHO FCTC refuse to acknowledge the merits of harm reduction, a scientific approach that helps individuals minimize risks from an activity.

Harm reduction practices include the use of vaccines to protect against viruses or masks to mitigate pollution.

In the case of smoking, tobacco harm reduction involves less harmful alternatives, primarily electronic delivery products like vapes, heated tobacco and oral nicotine products.

At the 10th COP meeting, the GATC is yet again resorting to public shaming, targeting the novel tobacco product industry.

The FCTC, formed in 2005 to reduce tobacco product use, has faced challenges due to its universal approach to control strategies across all countries without including THR strategies.

While the WHO FCTC shifts its focus

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

streets serving as alternate routes to main arterial roads such as EDSA, C4, C5 and other radial roads.

It proposed the direction of traffic flows on Metro Manila streets be revised to minimize conflicts at intersections. This could be done by limiting left turns and crossings as well as prohibiting U-turns except only in suitable locations.

MAP also recommended complying with the 2017 National Transport Plan drafted by NEDA prioritizing policies for mass public transport over the use of private vehicles.

There’s more: the government must complete the EDSA busway system and privatize the operation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit Line 2, among others.

In 2017, the Japan International Cooperation Agency estimated the Philippine economy lost P3.5 billion daily due to traffic in Metro Manila. with a dire warning that this would balloon to P5.4 billion per day in 2035 without government intervention.

It’s the government’s move, from where we sit, and it shouldn’t wait anymore for the abominable traffic in the National Capital region to descend into utter chaos and descend into what’s been described as nothing less than “Carmageddon.” to discredit and eliminate smoke-free products, over 8 million smokers die each year from smoking-related diseases, primarily in lower- or middle-income countries, including those heavily influenced by the WHO FCTC. In countries where its influence has waned, such as the UK, Japan or Sweden, less harmful alternatives have mainly replaced cigarettes, reducing smoking-related deaths.

In the UK, the government planned to provide vaping starter kits to over 1 million smokers to eliminate cost barriers to transitioning from combustible cigarettes to reduced-risk e-cigarettes.

In Japan, smoking rates decreased from 33 percent in 2000 to 20 percent in 2020, because of higher taxes, public smoking bans and the introduction of heated tobacco.

Despite Japan’s successes, the GATC gave the country the highest number of “Dirty Ashtray” awards during the previous COP meetings.

The GATC appears to have lost its original purpose, engaging in endless debates against innovation, while the global smoking problem persists.

As the GATC rewards countries with rising smoking rates and criticizes those achieving significant harm reduction gains, questions arise about the organization losing its direction.

Primarily composed of public health officials, the GATC opts for ideological disputes, leaving smokers with limited options and feeling helpless.

Fortunately, there are countries such as the Philippines willing to defy the WHO FCTC’s dictates and risk their reputation if only to help save smokers.

These countries are the ones that truly deserve respect and acclaim.

If the WHO FCTC and its allies like GATC really intend to have a smoke-free future, it is crucial for them to reassess their strategies, prioritize unity and work with countries leading the way in harm reduction.

It is only through innovation and scientific approach that we can collectively address the global smoking problem and offer smokers the support and options they need to make healthier choices.

It should not be about awards or insults, but about saving smokers.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

morphs into a singular role. As a regulator, Tengco and Pagcor should adopt better safeguards and impose stricter controls to address the social ills that unintentionally go with gaming operations.

An idiomatic expression -- let the chips fall where they may-- sounds appropriate to this case.

(The author is a writer and publisher of coffee-table books. He is also the president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc, a non-government outfit advocating tree planting and watershed protection.)

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

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WORLD

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PRESS FOR TRUCE. US

Pakistanis vote with ex-PM Khan in jail, Sharif tipped to win ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—Millions of Pakistanis voted Thursday in an election marred by allegations of poll rigging, with the country’s most popular politician in jail and a military-favored candidate tipped to win.

Adding to the concerns about the integrity of the vote, authorities announced just before polls opened that they had suspended mobile telephone services across the country “to maintain law and order” following a bloody election campaign -- including two blasts on Wednesday that killed 28 people.

Pollsters had predicted a low turnout from the country’s 128 million eligible voters following a lackluster campaign overshadowed by the jailing of former prime minister Imran Khan, and the hobbling of his Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party by the military-led establishment.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is expected to win the most seats in Thursday’s vote, with analysts saying its 74-year-old founder Nawaz Sharif has won the blessing of the generals.

Outside a polling station in Islamabad, 22-year-old psychology student Haleema Shafiq said she was determined to vote.

“I believe in democracy. I want a government that can make Pakistan safer for girls,” she told AFP. But another voter expressed the doubts of many.

“My only fear is whether my vote will be counted for the same party I cast it for. At the same time, for the poor it does not matter who is ruling -- we need a government that can control inflation,” said Syed Tassawar, a 39-year-old construction worker.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am and were due to close at 5:00 pm, with voters already inside allowed another hour.

Officials deployed more than 650,000 army, paramilitary and police personnel to provide security for an election already marred by violence. AFP

Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday during a Middle East tour, his fifth urgent trip to the region since the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza erupted in October. Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv Hamas’s counter-proposal at least offered an opportunity ‘to pursue negotiations.’

AFP

Israel PM tells troops to prepare for push to Rafah amid truce bid J ERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered troops to prepare to enter the overcrowded Gazan city of Rafah, even as a new round of talks aimed at securing a truce with Hamas were set to open Thursday in Cairo.

Netanyahu announced the order after rejecting Hamas’s response to a ceasefire proposal at the centre of intense recent diplomatic efforts, though visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted on Wednesday that he still saw “space for agreement to be reached.”

Concerns were mounting, meanwhile, for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have sought refuge in

Rafah along the Egyptian border, with UN chief Antonio Guterres warning a military push into the city “would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare.”

In televised remarks Wednesday, Netanyahu said he had ordered troops to “prepare to operate” in the city and that “total victory” over Hamas was just months away.

North Korea cuts economic ties with South SEOUL—North Korea’s rubberstamp parliament has voted to abolish laws on economic cooperation with the South, state media said Thursday, as relations between the two neighbors hit new lows.

Ties between the two Koreas have been in a deep freeze as Pyongyang accelerates its weapons development programs and Seoul ramps up military cooperation with Washington and Tokyo, with key inter-Korean economic cooperation projects suspended for years.

At a plenary meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly on Wednesday, officials voted to scrap the law on inter-Korean economic cooperation “with unanimous approbation”, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The latest decision comes after Pyongyang last month declared Seoul its main enemy, jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification, and threatened to occupy the South during war.

The parliament also unanimously approved a plan to abolish a special law on the operation of the Mount Kumgang tourism project, once a prominent symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.

The resort was built by South Korea’s Hyundai Asan on one of the North’s most scenic mountains, and once drew hundreds of thousands of visitors from the South. AFP

prisoner-hostage exchange was set to open Thursday in Cairo, an Egyptian official said.

Cairo was urging “both parties to show the necessary flexibility” to make a deal, the official added, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A Hamas source with knowledge of the matter confirmed that the Palestinian group had agreed to the talks with the goals of “a ceasefire, an end to the war and a prisoner exchange deal”.

The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. AFP

Fukushima operator reports leak, says no contamination detected

ELECTION FEVER. A supporter listens as US Republican presidential hopeful and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a rally at Hollywood American Legion Post 43 in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. AFP

TOKYO—An estimated 5,500 liters of radioactive water leaked from Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant but no sign of contamination has been detected outside the facility, its operator said Thursday.

A spokeswoman from Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) told AFP that the leak was detected at part of the plant that processes contaminated water.

“We estimate that roughly 5.5 tonnes (5,500 litres) of water leaked” on Wednesday morning, but “there have been no significant changes” at posts monitoring radioactivity around the power station, she said.

Even so, TEPCO plans to remove soil from around the area that may have been contaminated, the spokeswoman said, without providing specific details on the location of the leaked water.

Subianto: Ex-general leading Indonesia presidency race JAKARTA—Prabowo Subianto is accused of rights abuses while serving as a military chief during Indonesia’s dying days of the Suharto dictatorship a generation ago, but is now the favourite to win next week’s presidential election.

The Indonesian defense minister has opened a wide lead in polls owing to his vast wealth, nationalist verve in populist speeches and strongman credentials as chief of the influential military.

“At 18, I signed a vow, I was ready to die for the people and the nation. I have not revoked the vow. I am ready if God summons me,” the front-runner told a

Tucker Carlson to air Putin interview WASHINGTON, DC—Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin will air on Thursday (Friday in Manila), the right-wing US talk show host announced.

In a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday, Carlson said the sitdown, which has already been recorded, would be broadcast at 6 pm Eastern on his website.

The former Fox News host, a key ally of 2024 election candidate Donald Trump and a vocal opponent to US military aid for Ukraine, traveled to Moscow for Putin’s first interview with a Western journalist since Russia’s February 2022 invasion.

Carlson’s access to Putin is a huge contrast with restraints on other for-

Regarding the ceasefire proposal, he added: “Giving in to the bizarre demands of Hamas that we have just heard will... only invite another massacre.”

Blinken, who is on yet another trip to the region to press for a truce, told reporters in Tel Aviv that Hamas’s counter-proposal at least offered an opportunity “to pursue negotiations”.

“While there are some clear nonstarters in Hamas’s response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there,” Blinken said, hours after meeting Netanyahu.

A new round of negotiations aimed at achieving “calm” in Gaza and a

eign journalists in Russia, where two US citizens—Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe’s Alsu Kurmasheva—are currently imprisoned.

The media provocateur has spent years depicting America as a declining nation under assault by Democrats, Black Lives Matter advocates, so-called ‘woke’ protesters and communism.

But his hit show on Fox came to an end in April, days after the right-wing cable network paid a settlement approaching $800 million to end a defamation case over false allegations that ballot-counting company Dominion Voting Systems had helped steal the 2020 presidential election from Trump. AFP

campaign rally last month, touting his military service.

NGOs and former army bosses have accused him of ordering the abduction of democracy activists at the end of Suharto’s rule in the late 1990s. He also remains accused of ties to the Suharto family as an ex-husband of one of the dictator’s daughters.

But the 72-year-old candidate has rehabilitated his image—as a “cute grandpa” who dances on social media—in a bid to lead the world’s third-biggest democracy and replace his former rival Joko Widodo.

While Subianto is promising more of Widodo’s economic development, the prospect of his presidency is causing alarm among rights groups that democratic gains made since the end of authoritarian rule could be rolled back.

“I am still concerned that Prabowo— fully backed up by Jokowi—could roll back reforms achieved with tears and blood of my fellow student activists,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, using the current president’s nickname.

“This could be the end of our hardwon freedom,” he added. AFP

BENDING THE BALL. Brazilian

footballer Dani Alves looks on at the start of his trial at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona on Tuesday. Alves, a former star at Barca and PSG, goes on trial in Barcelona accused of raping a woman in a local nightclub.

Prosecutors are asking for a nine-year prison sentence, followed by 10 years of conditional liberty. They are also asking he pay 150,000 euros ($162,000) in compensation to the woman. AFP

The Fukushima plant was wrecked by a huge earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that killed 18,000 people.

It was one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

The clean-up operation is expected to take decades, with the most dangerous part—removing radioactive fuel and rubble from three stricken reactors— yet to begin.

In August, Japan began gradually releasing into the Pacific Ocean 1.34 million tonnes of treated wastewater that has collected since the catastrophe, saying it is harmless and heavily diluted with seawater.

This view is backed by the United Nations atomic watchdog, but China and Russia have criticised the release and banned Japanese seafood imports. AFP

Volcano erupts in Iceland’s southwest area REYJAVIK, Iceland—A volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland on Thursday, the third to hit the area since December, authorities said.

Live video images showed glowing lava oozing out of a fissure illuminating a plume of smoke rising up under the night sky.

“At 5:30 this morning intense small earthquake activity began northeast of Sylingarfell. About 30 minutes later, an eruption began in the same area,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in a statement.

IMO added that based on an initial assessment from a flyover by the Coast Guard, the fissure was about three kilometers long.

It occurred in the same area as two previous eruptions—the first on Dec. 18 and the second on Jan. 14—near the fishing village Grindavik, which had been evacuated.

Iceland is home to over 30 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe.

It straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Meralco asks large firms to join de-loading program

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) asked large power consumers to enroll in the government’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP) to help ensure the availability of sufficient electricity supply in the upcoming dry season.

The ILP is an energy demand-side management program through which large-load customers are asked to use their generator sets or shift their operations, instead of drawing power from the grid, to spare households from power interruptions during instances of red alert or when supply is insufficient to meet the demand.

Meralco said there are now 103 companies with 528 MW de-loading capacity across its franchise area that are enrolled in the ILP. The ILP has spared as many as 1.8

FARM LOAN. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) approves a P116-million term loan for the construction of a swine bio-secured farm project in Nueva Ecija in support of the national government’s thrust of modernizing the agriculture sector. DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus (sixth from left) congratulates iPigs Agricultural Farm proprietor Mark Christani Halili during the loan signing ceremony.

million households from power interruptions in the Meralco franchise area since it was first implemented in 2014.

“We are banking on the support of large load consumers within the Meralco franchise area to embody the spirit of bayanihan and join the ILP. As we have experienced in the past, the program has been beneficial in ensuring continuity of service even when supply is tight,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco also advised its customers to embrace energy efficiency as a way of life to better manage electricity consumption.

Some power saving tips customers can practice are unplugging appliances when not in use, refraining from overfilling refrigerators, regular cleaning of air conditioner filters and using LED bulbs for cost-saving lighting, it said.

PH stocks surge, take cue from Wall Street

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

HILIPPINE stocks ended the trading week on a high note as investors took positive cues from Wall Street.

Financial markets will be closed Friday, Feb. 10, for the Chinese New Year celebration.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) added 20.12 points, or 0.29 percent, to close at 6,850.16 Thursday, while the broader all-shares index inched up by 7.45 points, or 0.21 percent, to 3,574.21.

Some investors worry about a short-term pullback following the

sharp rally in many indices since October 2023, but BPI Securities, the stock brokerage arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), remains optimistic that the PSEi will close the year at the 7,500 level.

“There is a possibility for a slight correction or some sideways movement in the near term; it has been a remarkable rally since October,” said BPI Securities president Haj Narvaez.

“But I still believe the arrow is pointing up until year-end. Earnings will grow around 10 percent this year and rate cuts are likely coming. Combined, this is a recipe for P/E multiple expansion,” he said.

Narvaez, however, noted that the local stock market continues to face low liquidity problem.

“We’ve seen turnover fall to about

P4 billion per day. Back in 2021, we were doing about P8 billion. The low turnover is in line with expectations and a function of high rates offered by less risky assets. We only see it [liquidity] improving meaningfully in the back end of the year or six to nine months after rate cuts occur,” he said.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks mostly rose Thursday following another record on Wall Street, with strong earnings, a resilient US economy and Chinese moves to boost the country’s markets playing up against fading hopes for an early Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Fresh comments from US monetary policymakers pushing back against reducing borrowing costs too early were unable to overshadow a string of forecast-beating reports from top firms this season including Amazon

and Facebook parent Meta.

With traders now resigned to fewer rate cuts this year, they are also focusing on readings showing that US growth remained on track and jobs were still being created, all as inflation came down.

In the latest moves to temper bets on a dovish Fed pivot, the bank’s Richmond president Tom Barkin said he was “very supportive of being patient” on announcing the first reduction, citing the strong metrics.

And governor Adriana Kugler added that she wanted to wait until more data was available before moving.

While figures continue to show the inflation battle is being won, decision-makers are reluctant to cut too early in case prices bounce back.

Still, New York traders were in a

good mood, helped by healthy results from Disney, auto giant Ford and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

That helped the S&P 500 push to a new all-time high within a whisker of the 5,000-point mark, while the Nasdaq and Dow were also well up.

“Higher rates don’t appear to burden consumers or corporations significantly, enabling the Fed to wait longer to ensure inflation control without disrupting the stock market’s momentum,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“It’s becoming increasingly evident that equities are unfazed and indifferent to the Federal Reserve’s less dovish stance, which suggests that unless there is a substantial deterioration in the labor market, the central bank’s baseline expectation for 2024 includes three rate cuts.” With AFP

PH should check out a better option than those toxic landfills —“— Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

RENEWABLE energy has long been a global buzzword amid calls for cleaner fuel and climate change warnings.

Nations across the globe espouse this option but tapping unconventional sources of energy may also do harm than good―if not weighed carefully.

One way of producing energy and rejecting fossilbased fuels is dumping trash into a landfill and burning or incinerating the piles of garbage to generate electricity.

Producing power from this renewable option, or wasteto-energy (WTE), became popular in many countries.

It provided a solution to deal with garbage problems, especially in heavily populated nations like China, and cut down their imports of fossil-based fuels.

Over time, however, the renewable form of energy created new problems. Incinerating trash produce pollution and emit particulates that dirty the atmosphere.

It destroyed materials that could have been recycled and discouraged more sustainable waste management solutions and other renewable energy sources.

It worsens urban air pollution, contaminated the groundwater and poses health risks to communities near the dumpsite. The landfill and its incinerator ironically released carbon into the air and would shortly contribute to global warming.

The popularity of WTE, despite its environmental risks, relegated the waste-to-fuel (WTF) option to the background, instead of being given the attention it deserves.

Landfills, per se, are not bad. Local government units have to store and dump solid and industrial wastes, hazardous chemicals and green discards. But disposing them through incineration to generate electricity produces pollutants that poison the atmosphere and the air breathed by nearby residents.

The WTF, meanwhile, offers a more sustainable renewable energy source. Instead of burning the trash, the WTE can process and collect liquid fuels, such as ethanol, methane and aviation gas, through materials recovery facilities. Extracting these fuel products from the dump is more sustainable and eco-friendly than simply incinerating them to generate electricity.

A bill is already pending at the Senate that will institutionalize WTE, although seems to have overlooked the WTF. Evidence suggests the WTF is a much safer, cleaner way to convert garbage dumps into a repository of fuel sources.

The shift to WTF and away from the WTE promises to be a game changer once our lawmakers realize

Extracting ...fuel products from the dump is more sustainable and ecofriendly than simply incinerating them to generate electricity.

the advantages of the latter. It would require a more comprehensive legislation to jumpstart the WTE industry.

The law must first straighten the maze of bureaucracy that involves at least three government departments― Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Energy and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

We should learn from from the experience of other nations and take a more circumspect look at the WTE system.

The direct use of burning trash to feed power generators is laden with complexities other than the amount of poison it releases into the air.

Scientific evidence suggests that directly feeding power generators with burning trash will not solve runaway waste and expensive energy. Instead, it will just add a bigger problem―toxicity.

The WTF alternative will help address this main concern about WTE and the process it takes to turn wastes into energy.

Investing in a WTF facility will require a big sum of money―it is a new technology after all. It would take more than tax breaks or holidays to entice investments into the WTF, an entirely new enterprise that will take years to mature.

In many countries, using waste as fuel for energy has won government guarantees because like a newly-born born child, the industry needs motherly hands to keep its first steps steady. The experience of India and Thailand, among several countries with working WTF industries, can serve as business models for the infant industry.

The Philippines has already taken the first step in a potentially game-changing WTF industry through the National Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. But implementing the law has proven to be a daunting, often impossible, task.

Local governments, for one, cannot catch up with the requirement to build waste management infrastructure due to lack of funds.

But the WTE offers a sustainable solution to fossilbased fuels and is more friendly to the environment. It could also be a way out from the imperfections of the WTE and redesign the Philippines this early to a zero landfill landscape.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

PLDT PARTNERS. PLDT Enterprise holds its annual Channel Partners Sales Rally to empower partners nationwide and recognize their dedication to small and medium enterprises (SME) digitalization efforts. The sales rally, which took place in five regions from Jan 24 to Feb. 1, aims to bolster the morale and capabilities of channel partners.

DoubleDragon gets sticker symbol for planned Hotel101 NASDAQ listing DOUBLEDRAGON Properties Corp. announced Thursday it secured the “HBNB” ticker symbol for its planned NASDAQ listing via special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its hotel subsidiary Hotel101 Global Pte. Ltd. officially reserved the ticker symbol “HBNB”.

“This step is in line towards Hotel101 Global’s previously announced SPAC listing preparations and given the latest progress,” DoubleDragon said.

It said Hotel101 Global is expected to sign with its chosen SPAC sponsor the definitive SPAC business combination merger agreement in March 2024, to be followed by the official filing of its prospectus subject to the US regulatory approvals.

DoubleDragon said Hotel101 Global is poised to become the first Filipino company to be listed via SPAC in the US NASDAQ Stock Exchange.

It is also seen to become one of the major brands, concept and business model exports of the Philippines, given its assetlight business model and could become one of the major sources of US dollar inflow to the Philippines from 2025 onwards.

Meanwhile, DoubleDragon said the SPAC listing would not only increase Hotel 101’s equity capital base but would also make it become more relevant overseas.

It will also strengthen DoubleDragon’s consolidated balance sheet.

“Hotel101 is poised to become the most tech-advanced hotel company given its mid-end market typical rooms can optimize the use of technology since the rooms are all the same,” DoubleDragon said.

Hotel101 adopts dynamic pricing on its room rates similar to airline tickets where its room price moves up and down depending on the real-time supply and demand on the chosen date of booking.

Jenniffer B. Austria

DOE endorses 13 projects for grid impact study THE Department of Energy (DOE) endorsed 13 projects for system impact study (SIS) to transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines in January, as the government continues to woo investors to invest in the power sector.

“In January 2024, the DOE issued 13 SIS endorsements to the NGCP, which are all new applications,” the agency said.

The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmission lines, transformers or substations.

Blue Circle Philippines Mindoro Corp.’s 924.6-megawatt Caluya wind project in Caluya, Antique is the biggest project

endorsed for SIS during the period.

Five projects of Apolaki Group were also endorsed to NGCP, including Apolaki One Inc.’s 300-MW wind project in Camarines Sur, 50-MW Tinambac wind project in Camarines Sur, Sibonga wind project in Pangasinan, 50MW Lian wind project in Tuy, Batangas and 50-MW Taysan wind farm also in Batangas.

The other projects are Ixus Solar Energy Corp.’s 301.392-MW Aguilar solar power with 100-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Pangasinan and Freya Renewables Inc.’s 156.25MW Pantabangan wind power project in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

Alena Mae S. Flores

BUSINESS

B4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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

Foreign reserves decline slightly to $103.4b—BSP THE Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) dropped to $103.4 billion in January from $103.8 billion in December, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday.

The BSP said in a statement the latest GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

“Moreover, it is also about 6.0 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.9 times based on residual maturity,” the BSP said.

It said the month-on-month decline in the GIR level reflected mainly the national government’s (NG) payments of its foreign currency debt obligations and downward valuation adjustments in the BSP’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market.

The net international reserves, which refers to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets and reserve liabilities, also decreased to $102.8 billion as of end-January 2024 from the end-December 2023 level of $103.7 billion.

“For the coming months, the country’s GIR could still be supported by the continued growth in the country’s structural inflows from OFW remittances, BPO revenues, exports, relatively fast recovery in foreign tourism revenues as well as continued foreign investment/FDI inflows coming from among pre-pandemic highs,” said Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Darwin G. Amojelar

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING. Integrated transportation and logistics solutions provider 2GO Group Inc., a subsidiary of SM Investments Corp., signs a pact with National University (NU) under its Sea Solutions Business Unit to provide maritime experiential on-the-job training for its tourism and hospitality students.

This alliance aims to equip students with the practical work experience essential for a successful transition into their professional careers upon graduation.

Attending the signing of the agreement are (from left) NU Mall of Asia executive director Dr. Leonora Concepcion; 2GO senior sales manager Sheryl Chua; NU Group academic officer and chief information officer Dr. Rosauro Manuel; NU president and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr.; 2GO business unit head of Sea Solutions Sharon Ngo; 2GO head of commercial sales Cecil Valle, NU vice president for corporate affairs Rolando Averilla and NU Manila College of Tourism and Hospitality Management head Dr. Medelene Forbes.

NEDA supports abolition of telco legislative franchise

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) supports the abolition of outdated requirement of legislative franchise for telecom companies to attract more players and further improve the broadband service in the country.

“The current legislative franchise requirement for telecommunications service providers presents a major barrier to market entry, hindering innovation and competition,” NEDA said in a statement.

“By removing this requirement and transitioning to a general authorization regime, the sector can attract more investment and encourage new entrants,” it said.

The plan, according to NEDA, is in line with global best practices and is expected to stimulate growth and development in the telecommunications industry.

“The Philippines is the only coun-

try in the world, and the only one in the ASEAN region that requires a legislative franchise for the set-up of a telecommunications entity or a data transmission entity,” NEDA said.

“Securing a legislative franchise is costly and creates uncertainty for businesses which can deter investments,” it said.

NEDA said regulators in other countries merely grant licenses as a matter of course and the payment of a modest licensing fee, or perhaps based on a technical evaluation of

network and business plans.

The NEDA is supporting the passage of the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill to improve the internet service in the country.

The bill aims to establish an open access policy, create a comprehensive spectrum management framework and revamp the franchise and licensing regime for potential market players.

It promotes more competition in the telecommunications sector by removing the requirement of a legislative franchise for players seeking to build their networks. Another proposed reform is to rationalize access and use of the country’s scarce spectrum resources.

The reforms are crucial to accelerating digitalization and creating a dynamic innovation ecosystem as key elements of the country’s transformation agenda, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, it said.

BIR missed 2023 collection goal despite 7% increase in revenues

NHMFC BONDS. Key players in National Home Mortgage Finance Corp.’s (NHMFC) sixth securitization offering celebrate the successful issuance of P533 million worth of bonds. The issuance, backed by quality affordable housing loan receivables, is a realization of NHMFC’s contribution to the administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). Attending the event are (top, from left) Philippine National Bank president Florido Casuela, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board member Rosalia de Leon, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Land Bank of the Philippines president Lynette Ortiz, NHMFC president Renato Tobias, Development Bank of the Philippines vice president Camilo Sanchez, (bottom, from left) LBP loan officer Marcos Duenas III, MOORE Roxas Cruz Tagle Co. partner Jarred Pereña, LBP executive vice president Carel Halog, Securities and Exchange Commission accountant Matthew Corsey Binsol and MOSVELDTT Law Offices partner Jerry Coloma.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Thursday it missed its 2023 revenue collection target mostly because of the revised value added tax (VAT) filing under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui told reporters the agency collected P2.5 trillion last year, up by 7 percent from P2.34 trillion in 2022.

The agency, however, fell short of its full-year revenue target of P2.67 trillion.

Lumagui blamed the lower revenue collection last year to the timing of VAT filing from monthly to quarterly basis or within 25 days after the close of every taxable quarter.

He said if the fourth-quarter VAT collection was included last year, the total collection may hit nearly P2.6 trillion.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said one of the reasons for lower revenue collection was that the fourth-quarter

VAT was paid in 2024.

“But essentially, I think they did a good job. I think the bigger challenge will be for 2024, because the revenue targets are high as well,” he said.

Recto assured the taxpaying public of the judicious and efficient use of their hard-earned money, vowing to eradicate inefficiency or corruption within the BIR. The government targets to collect P4.3 trillion in revenues in 2024. The bulk of the tax revenues amounting to P3.05 trillion will be generated by the BIR, while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is expected to contribute close to P1 trillion.

“These revenues will fuel our economic engine towards Bagong Pilipinas—a more inclusive and sustainable Philippine economy marked by lower poverty rates; increased infrastructure and human capital investments; more quality jobs for our people; and improved public services,” Recto said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Alternergy Holdings turned around to post P121-m net income from July to December

By Alena Mae S. Flores ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. on Thursday reported a turnaround in net income to P121 million from July to December 2023 from P879,000 in the same period in 2022, driven by healthy growth in cash, asset, equity and net income.

Alternergy said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange it posted profit in the first semester of its fiscal year 2024, led by the increase in rev-

enues from the testing and commissioning of the Palau solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project and increased production from the Pililla wind power project.

“Our solid first-half financial result has given us leverage to push our projects at an even more accelerated phase and strategically positions us for our ongoing capital raising efforts,” said Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua.

Magbanua expressed optimism for the coming months, as Alternergy is expect-

ed to break ground for the 162-megawatt Alabat and Tanay wind power projects.

“At the same time, generation revenues from the Palau project will be recognized in full in the succeeding months following achievement of commercial operations,” he said.

Alternergy’s total assets grew 31 percent to P6.39 billion from P4.87 billion for the first half of fiscal year 2024, following the P1.45-billion subscription in private placement by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in No-

vember 2023.

Alternergy said that with a healthy cash position at P2.26 billion as of December 2023, the company infused funding to its affiliates and subsidiaries to accelerate the project development of the Alabat and Tanay wind projects and Apulid aqua-voltaic solar project and continue supporting the ongoing construction of the 4.6-MW Dupinga and 7.6-MW Ibulao 1 run-of-river power projects in Nueva Ecija and Kiangan, respectively.

Citi bares $1-t sustainable financing to support UN development goals A FILIPINO executive of Citi unveiled the global bank’s pledge to allocating $1 trillion for sustainable financing by 2030.

“Our commitment to a more sustainable future cuts across our businesses, functions and teams. Citi pledged $1 trillion to sustainable finance by 2030, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” said Citi Philippines chief executive Paul Favila at the 2024 National Microinsurance Forum.

“Of this amount, $500 billion is committed to environmental finance. Citi has committed to achieving net zero emissions associated with our financing ac-

tivities by 2050, and net zero emissions for our operations by 2030,” he said.

The National Microinsurance Forum at The Manila Hotel was organized in celebration of the National Microinsurance Month, providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the microinsurance industry.

The event was organized by the Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines Inc. (MiMAP) also known as RIMANSI, in partnership with the Insurance Commission, and with the support of the Citi Foundation, ICMIF Foundation, CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions and CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc.

Citi Philippines chief executive Paul Favila (right) leads the 2024 National Microinsurance Forum at the Manila Hotel under theme ‘Sustainable and Inclusive Finance for Climate Resiliency’. The annual event, organized in celebration of the National Microinsurance Month, and provides a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the microinsurance industry.

Pangandaman vows support for Mindanao infra projects THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday vowed to support mass transport infrastructure projects in Mindanao, particularly the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) that has been stalled over lack of funding.

“As a Maranao and a daughter of Mindanao, I pledge my wholehearted support in ensuring that all projects and programs geared towards Mindanao development will be realized,” DBM Secretary Mina Pangandaman said in a statement.

“The DPTMP is a game-changing project that will transform the public transport landscape here in Davao and its nearby areas. It forms part of our whole-of-government approach to turn Mindanao from a land of promise into a land of promises fulfilled. Thus, in response to the call of our beloved President, the DBM commits to exert all the necessary help and efforts to pull this project to the finish line,” she said.

The DPTMP is a 672-kilometer bus route network that will serve 29 interconnected routes with 400 articulated battery electric buses and more than 500 diesel buses.

The Department of Transportation said the partial operation of the DPTMP is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025, while its full operation is seen by 2026.

It assured that it is also pursuing the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) which aims to improve mobility and connectivity in the entire island. Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT, Smart launch FarmTech to train agri workers on digital technology PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications teamed up with the Agricultural Training Institute to launch FarmTech to bridge the digital divide and empower farmers.

The tech-driven training kit equips farmer groups and cooperatives, even in remote areas, to educate their members on the benefits of technology in agriculture.

Receiving the very first FarmTech packages were two affiliate farm groups, Myriad Farms of Guimba, Nueva Ecija and Samahan ng mga Pangulo ng Magsasaka of Morong, Rizal.

Each FarmTech package includes a tablet, 10 smartphones, a Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with Smart Prepaid load cards, an outdoor projector and projector screen, a rechargeable portable sound system, a flash drive containing multimedia learning resources and apps and DA-ATI learning materials.

“There are a lot of apps and digital solutions we can tap and integrate into the DFP. With the help of PLDT and Smart, these can now reach the farthest corners of the Philippines,” said DA-ATI director Remelyn Recoter, adding that she is hopeful that FarmTech would play a key role in encouraging farmers to use technology in their livelihood.

Enabling the digitalization of farmers is PLDT and Smart’s integrated fixed and wireless networks across the country. Darwin G. Amojelar

C1

SPORTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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

UST’s Ayco named UAAP volleyball’s best player

Magnolia’s Paul Lee finds himself in no man’s land against three San Miguel Beer defenders in Game 3 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals’ showdown at the Araneta Coliseum. The Hotshots won, 88-80.

Hotshots seek equalizer, Beermen gun for 3-1 lead

By Peter Atencio

I

T’S still going to be a tough battle for the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in their best-ofseven finals’ showdown with the San Miguel Beermen in the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots will have to repeat what they did in Game 3 and do a better job in limiting the scoring juggernaut of the Beermen in the fourth game to be able to catch up with their foes.

“Isa pa lang ang panalo namin.

We have nothing to celebrate. We need to rest and recover,” said Hotshots’ coach Chito Victolero after they bounced back from two straight

losses to the Beermen in the finals.

Victolero discussed their situation after they won the third game, an 8880 triumph on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots were able to limit the Beermen to 80 points, while they were on target with t h e i r outside shooting in the fourth quarter.

The Hotshots may have taken Game 3, but the Beermen still leads the series at 2-1 going into Game 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Victolero said their two-day rest before their Game 3 encounter gave them the chance to break the Beermen’s 11-game winning streak.

And he gave credit to the scoring punch of Aries Dionisio and Paul Lee in the last 6:53 of the final period allowing the Hotshots to move away by 14, 76-62.

“They did a good job in our offense, especially Aries Dionisio,” said Victolero.

The Hotshots now have a chance to equalize in their next encounter, but if not, the Beermen will take a 3-1 lead in the series and move a win

Jancriz Ayco

Undermanned Bolts finish EASL stint with loss to Seoul, 1-5 mark

Letran Squires take on Light Bombers, start bid for repeat Games Saturday (Filoil EcoOil Centre) 9 a.m.- Mapua vs AU 11 a.m.- UPHSD vs LPU 1 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies 2:30 p.m.- JRU vs Letran 4:30 p.m.- San Beda vs SSC-R 6:30 p.m.- CSB vs EAC

THE National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 junior basketball comes off the wraps on Saturday with 10 teams, headed by reigning champion Letran seeing action at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Led by eventual MVP Andy Gemau, the Squires swept the College of St. BenildeLa Salle-Greenhills Junior Blazers in two games to claim the pontifical school’s first title in 22 seasons and 13th overall.

Letran, however, won’t be without Gemau as he had reneged on his promise to stay and opted to play for the Veritas Academy National Prep in the United States for a chance at making a US NCAA Division I school.

Letran clashes with host Jose Rizal University in one of the heavy five-game bill at 1 p.m.

But before that, the season will be officially ushered in at 1 p.m. with simple opening rites to be attended by league officials headed by NCAA Management Committee chair Paul Supan of Season 99 host JRU. And then it will be San Beda versus San Sebastian at 4:30 p.m. and CSB-LSGH against Emilio Aguinaldo College at 6:30 p.m.

Opening up hostilities is the 9 a.m. clash between Mapua and Arellano U and the 11 a.m. showdown between University of Perpetual Help and Arellano U.

closer to the crown.

In Game 3, Andy Barroca showed the way with 20 points for the Hotshots, who took the lead as early as the first period.

The Hotshots limited the Beermen to 39 points in the first half for a 4239 edge -- San Miguel’s lowest halftime output since December.

Lee sank 12 points, while Tyler Bey, Ian Sangalang and Dionisio added 11 apiece, and Jio Jalalon made 10 for the Hotshots.

Bennie Boatwright unloaded 27 points for the Beerman, but was held to three in the third period, as they trailed, 58-63, before the start of the fourth.

The Beermen earlier took a 2-0 lead in the finals’ series following a 103-93 win in Game 1 and a 109-95

FOR the first time in the UAAP, the Season Most Valuable Player of the High School Boys’ Volleyball tournament will come from University of Santo Tomas.

Opposite hitter Jancriz Ayco, who is in Grade 11, paced the Junior Golden Spikers in its fourth-place finish this season to deserve the top student-athlete plum in the tournament handed before Game 2 of the Finals between National University Nazareth School and University of the East.

“Hindi ko po in-expect na makuha ko po ‘to kasi marami pong magagaling na players,” said the Cadiz-born spiker, who played his first season in the league.

“Pero gagamitin ko po to as motivation na galingan pa po, i-improve ‘yung skills, at gawin ‘yung tama sa court,” he added.

Ayco also copped Best Opposite Hitter as teammates Paolo Medino and Sean Cruz took one of the Best Outside Hitter and Best Middle Blocker trophies, respectively.

Miguel Egger of NUNS was adjudged as one of the Best Middle Blockers for the second straight season and will try to reel the Bullpups to a fifth UAAP title later in the day.

Far Eastern University-Diliman captain Rhodson Du-ot added the Best Setter award this season to his resume after winning the Finals MVP trophy in Season 85.

Adamson University’s future is bright with Grade 10 defensive specialist John Ian Guevarra taking Best Libero in a great season for the Baby Falcons.

Anjo Caram tries to drive past two Korean defenders.

MERALCO just lacked the added firepower to overcome the Seoul SK Knights, suffering a 72-62 loss late Wednesday night in the East Asia Super League at the Jamsil Student’s Gymnasium.

The Bolts were without seven of their key players led by Chris Newsome in their final game in the regional meet’s Home and Away season.

Still, they gave the home team a good fight all the way until the final quarter when the Knights outscored them 23-14, to clinch their fourth win in six outings for a tie on top of Group B with the New Taipei Kings heading to the Final Four in Cebu City.

Leon Williams had monster numbers of 25 points, 19 rebounds, and three steals to pace the Knights, who also got 19 points from Ilyoung Heo on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range.

The Bolts were led by the 23 points and eight rebounds by import Shonn Miller.

Alvin Pasaol finished with 14 points as the best local scorer for Meralco, who also didn’t suit up Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero, Aaron Black and Cliff Hodge.

New import Alioune Tew had 10 points and grabbed 21 rebounds as the Bolts finished their campaign with a 1-5 record.

The scores Seoul SK Knights (72) – Williams 25, Heo 23, Changyong 8, Oh 7, Choi 4, Kim 3, Yaung 2, Park 0, Moon 0, S. Oh 0, B. Choi 0, Seonghwan 0.

Meralco (62) – Miller 23, Pasaol 14, Tew 10, Caram 10, Rios 3, Dario 2, Jose 0, Bates 0, Jackson 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores: 14-13; 32-30; 49-48; 72-62.

Standard Insurance’s Rombaon, Krogg rule road races AVEGAIL ROMBAON and Mathilda Krogg made Team Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance proud by sweeping the women’s road race titles in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2024 in Cavite and Batangas on Thursday.

Rombaon made a solo breakaway after the first 50 kms and held sway by keeping a consistent pace in the Sampaloc climb in Laurel to cross solo after 4 hours, 22 minutes and 03.69 seconds.

A multi-faceted cyclist—she clinched an MTB bronze in the 2019 SEA Games also in Laurel town—Rombaon dethroned Jermyn Prado, who chased solo in the final 30 kms of the 134-km Women Elite race that started and ended at the Praying Hands in Tagaytay City.

Prado clocked 4:23:21.83 to finish ahead of Maura de los Reyes, who completed a 1-3 Standard Insurance finish with her bronze medal in 4:28:33.77 in the race organized by PhilCycling and calendared by the UCI. Krogg also had time to spare in winning the Women Under-23 crown with her 4:24:22.40

clocking in the championships presented by Standard Insurance and MVP Sports Foundation and supported by Tagaytay City, Chooks-To-Go, Excellent Noodles, CCN and Fitbar and backed by the local government units in Batangas and Cavite and PNP commands in Batangas and Cavite and the Bureau of Fire.

Wenizah Claire Vinoya crossed 26 seconds later and Raven Joy Valdez more than a minute later to make the medal ceremony graced by Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz.

Kim Bonilla, meanwhile, dominated the Women Junior race on Wednesday, winning her third gold medal after the criterium and time trial in 1:08.73. Rosalie de la Cruz (1:12:31.73) and Jazmine Kaye Vinoya (1:27:57.97) completed the podium.

Mark Baruelo (2:02:23.13) won the Men Junior road race, followed by Carl Ivan Alagano (2:02:32.76) and Charles Ferrer (2:02:44.73).

Women Elite winners Avegail Rombaon, Jermyn Prado and Maura de los Reyes with POC and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz.

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SPORTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Hudson, Urban, Babyface lead NBA All-Star performances

Need for speed: McCaffrey sprints into Super Bowl

NEW YORK—The NBA today announced a star-studded entertainment lineup for NBA All-Star 2024 in Indianapolis, featuring musical acts throughout the week headlined by the youngest female EGOT winner and daytime talk show host Jennifer Hudson, who will perform at halftime of the 73rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18 on TNT. Indianapolis native and 13-time GRAMMY© Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Babyface and Canadian Juno Award-winning singer Charlotte Cardin will sing the U.S. and Canadian national anthem, respectively, ahead of the NBA All-Star Game.

NBA Crossover, the league’s immersive fan event, will feature three days of performances. On Friday, Feb. 16, multi-platinum GRAMMY Awardwinning artist Zedd and GRAMMY Award-winning artist, entrepreneur and global cultural icon T-Pain will tip off the NBA Crossover Concert Series, taking place at the Michelob ULTRA Courtside Concert. On Saturday, four-time GRAMMY Award-winning country singer and songwriter Keith Urban and GRAMMY-nominated country singer and songwriter Walker Hayes will perform at the NBA Experiences Saturday Pregame Concert, while five-time GRAMMY Awardwinning rapper and global icon Lil Wayne is set to perform ahead of the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. Tickets are available at NBAEvents.com and through the NBA Events App. On Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. ET, GRAMMY Award-winning singer and actress Coco Jones will sing the U.S. national anthem and Black national anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice’ alongside Winston Salem State University Red Sea of Sound and Virginia Union University Ambassadors of Sound at the HBCU Classic presented by AT&T on TNT, ESPN2 and NBA TV. On Friday, Indianapolis-based band The Brothers Footman and Canadian singer and songwriter Kyra Daniels will perform the U.S. and Canadian national anthems respectively before the 2024 Rising Stars and at Gainbridge Fieldhouse tipping off at 9 p.m. ET on TNT.

LAS VEGAS—As the grandson of an Olympic 100 meters silver medalist, it is little surprise that Christian McCaffrey has made a habit of leaving NFL defenders in his wake.

The 27-year-old running back is one of the San Francisco 49ers’ most potent offensive weapons as the club prepares for a Super Bowl rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas on Sunday.

McCaffrey heads into the biggest game of his life in blistering form after a regular season campaign that saw him amass 1,459 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns, thrusting him into contention for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.

An explosive game-changing talent with the ability to pierce the most ironclad defenses, McCaffrey has been pivotal in helping the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.

On Sunday, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father, Ed McCaffrey, a former wide receiver who won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and Denver Broncos.

“To win the Super Bowl is something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid,” McCaffrey said Wednesday.

“I watched my dad win (the Super Bowl), so to be able to do that would be awesome.”

Sporting success runs in the McCaffrey family.

His mother Lisa was an accomplished soccer player, while his maternal grandfather, Dave Sime, was a star of track and field in the 1950s, equalling the world 100m record before taking silver in the event at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

That kind of electrifying raw speed has become one of McCaffrey’s calling cards during his seven seasons in the NFL, which followed a record-breaking college career at Stanford University.

McCaffrey says he honed his sprinting under the tutelage of his father, while 49ers running back coach Bobby Turner has helped him get a headstart through his mental approach. AFP

Patrick Mahomes (left) and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs walk onto the stage during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Mahomes, Kelce Chiefs ‘okay’ with being Super Bowl villains

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AS VEGAS—Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he’s “okay” with his team being cast as Super Bowl villains as they chase a third NFL crown in five seasons on Sunday.

Four years ago, Mahomes and the Chiefs were widely celebrated by neutrals after defeating San Francisco to win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in Miami.

But the feelgood factor that accompanied that breakthrough success has gradually given way to antipathy amongst some fans who see the team as worthy successors to the New England Patriots.

At Monday’s Super Bowl opening night, Mahomes and team-mate

Travis Kelce were booed lustily by fans crowded into the Allegiant Stadium.

Mahomes, who will be playing in his fourth Super Bowl on Sunday, shrugged off the “villains” tag when talking to reporters on Wednesday.

“I just like winning,” Mahomes said.

“If you win a lot and it causes you to be the villain, I’m OK with that.

“At the end of the day, I’m going to enjoy playing the game and try to win as much as possible.”

Other Chiefs players are similarly nonplussed.

“For some reason, everybody used to love us,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

“We used to be one of the most favorite teams, and now everybody’s like, ‘We’re ready for the Chiefs to lose.’ I don’t know why what changed,” said Jones. “But that’s okay. They can continue hating.”

Chiefs tight end Kelce meanwhile said he reveled in the catcall.

“Y’all are firing me up, making me want to play right now,” Kelce told 49ers fans booing him on Monday.

“I love the boos more than I love the cheers. Keep them coming, Niner’s gang, keep them coming.” AFP

Xavier, Makati Hope, Sakya share spotlight in FCAAF Kid’s Athletic Day XAVIER School, Makati Hope Christian School and Sakya emerged victorious in the recent Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation ‘Kid’s Athletic Day’ at the Philsports (formerly Ultra) track oval in Pasic City.

The Xavier tracksters dominated the jumping event, while Makati Hope Christian School made its presence felt in throwing events and Sakya students showed prowess in the running competition in the one-day event that aimed to strengthen camaraderie in the community and continued development in the grassroots level.

“This program was introduced by the IAAF (International Amateur Athletics Federation). It’s the world’s biggest grassroots development program as it was implemented in 134

countries and reached a cumulative audience of more than 13 million children,” said FCAA Athletic Director Leony Chan Ang, FCAAF president Natalie Sia stressed the Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation is dedicated to promote and develop sports among the Filipino-Chinese community and cultivate sports talents.

“We believe in the educational philosophy of “Virtue, Wisdom, Physical Fitness, Social Skills, and Aesthetics,” which contributes to the comprehensive development of students’ abilities and qualities.

Schools should focus on academic achievements and emphasize students’ morals and physical and mental health.

“Sports plays an indispensable role in the healthy growth of stu-

dents, helping them establish good lifestyle habits, enhance physical fitness, and foster a spirit of teamwork,” said Sia during the awarding ceremony which was attended by top FCAAF officials with Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Fritz Gaston as special guest.

“In this digital age, electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and video games have become integral parts of children’s lives. To address this trend, we need to promote children’s sports activities more actively, encourage more participation in physical activities, instilling a love for sports in their hearts. We hope that Chinese schools will continue to collaborate with us, jointly caring for the physical development of students,” added Sia.

players to clubs set to see action in the domestic leagues. Tournament favorites Kaya FC Iloilo is among the clubs which saw its lineup, practically its starting 11, decimated by the departure of key players. Some clubs, too, were active in signing additions that The Designated Kit Man played for leagues abroad. There were also Erel Cabatbat several players that did the reverse, coming home to the country after several years playing outside the country. One of these players is Kevin Ingreso.

The Azkals’ midfielder and former Sri Pahang FC mainstay in the Malaysia Super League is coming A PROMINENT football icon in the country has back after several years lacing his boots overseas. He been invited to play a key role in assembling and said he is very excited and happy that he was given an running a football team that will compete in opportunity to play before local fans and his family, the upcoming season of the Philippines Foot- his wife and two kids. Both of his parents are based in Germany. ball League.

“I feel that it was time for my family and myself to The offer is yet to be made official, meaning the contract is still being worked out but this early, this come back to the Philippines,” he said.

Ingreso was barely in his 20s when he first came individual is a good addition to the squad, among the 15 clubs that have officially registered and accepted to the country and played for the national team and Ceres Negros FC in the old domestic league. Now in to compete in the domestic league.

He brings more than a decade of experience of his early 30s, Ingreso says he will bring his experihandling a professional team and the many chal- ence and high football IQ to Taguig FC. “The opportunity came up with the new club lenges that come with the responsibility. More importantly, his love and passion for the sport and I’m happy to start this project and move forward,” he added. remain the same.

Taguig FC held its first team scrimmage and open Just hoping that he gets to sign the contract soon.

Speaking of contracts, the past few days saw tryouts last Tuesday. The practice gave a glimpse of a flurry of signings, movements and transfers of who are already signed by the team and several more

Animo!

trying to secure a spot in the squad. Aside from Ingreso, several familiar faces showed up at the BGC Turf, including a few foreign players, who were part of the erstwhile big clubs in the old United Football League, the predecessor of the PFL. In a way, the domestic league is some sort of opportunity to come back home, restart a career or create a new one for players, coaches and even icons who have nothing more to prove, their legacy and stature secured, and yet they are on a mission to have another go at the sport they love. And I wish them all well, on and off the pitch and may the football gods be on their sides in their quest for success and fulfilment.

Speaking of comebacks, I, too, had the opportunity to dwell on this matter after eluding something for more than 30 years. For people I mentioned above, it was on the football pitch. For me, the comeback was simply going back to Mendiola to see the Drummer by the Flagpole, the chapel and the now unfamiliar grounds, literally, of my alma mater.

What does it really mean to be an alumni? For some people, this question may require a full dissertation of sorts. Others will simply tell you that it is simple: you are a graduate of a school or an educational institution. Answers may be different. Wikipedia says “alumni are former students or graduates of a school, college or a university.”

Last week, The Designated Kit Man was able to attend the 2024 Grand Alumni Homecoming of San Beda University. It was my first time attending as

FCAAF president Natalie Sia (third from right) joins PSC commissioners Fritz Gaston and Walter Torres and fellow officials in the awarding of medals during the Athletics’ Day at the Philsports track oval.

an alumni of my alma mater which was quite a long time considering that I graduated from college in the early 90s.

Together with my classmates, James, Bert, Resty, Patrinel and Raymund plus other Bedans, who came before me such as Manong Winston, Ares, Toby, Aris and Mars, we had a good time. Which made me realize that being an alumnus simply means the perfect excuse to be with friends, brothers even, who, in their little ways, had helped me overcome the challenges of Existentialism, Statistics and the manifestations of the absurd during a very crucial time in my life. It is also the perfect reason to come back next year.

On a personal note, the people behind the Bedan Response for the Development in Sports or BRED will join us this coming Sunday, February 12, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Ryu Policarpio, Jiboy Cabochan, Clint Erestain and Red Lions Team Manager Jude Roque will expound on the project that aims to support all student athletes representing San Beda University and even when their playing days are over.

Aerial voyager-turned politician Vergel Meneses will also be present in the show.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

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SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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

Liza Soberano

fulfills Hollywood dream with ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ CTRESS Liza Soberano makes her Hollywood debut in the horrorcomedy film Lisa Frankenstein from Focus Features and Universal Pictures International.

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From the inventive twisted minds of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody and first-time feature director Zelda Williams comes the fiendishly clever genre-bending romp, Lisa Frankenstein. An addictively sardonic spin on Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic, the new film time travels to 1989 suburbia where high school senior Lisa Swallows spends her free time at the abandoned Bachelor’s Grove cemetery at the grave of a young man who died decades earlier – an unconventional pastime that promises to change the course of her life.

Starring Kathryn Newton whose previous works include Big Little Lies and Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, along with Cole Sprouse, who is best known for his starring roles on The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody and CW’s Riverdale, the two are paired for the very first time as the movie’s leads.

Lisa Frankenstein centers around Lisa Swallows (Newton), who accidentally reanimates a handsome corpse from the Victorian era, played by Sprouse, during a lightning storm. The narrative unfolds as the pair embark on a darkly humorous journey seeking love, happiness, and a few missing body parts. This a unique coming-ofage love story that is set against the backdrop of the 1980s while blending the elements of comedy, romance, and fantasy. Here, Soberano plays Taffy – the stepsister of Lisa.

“I met Zelda on a trip to LA, and she brought up this project.

Actress Liza Soberano stars alongside Hollywood figures in horror-comedy film, ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

I was instantly hooked,” Soberano recalls. “It’s amazing because I met her the same day the studio greenlit the project. When she found out it was a go, ‘They’ve got their main leads lined up. They were looking to fill other roles. How about auditioning for one?’ I was like, ‘Sure, let me check out the script. If it’s something that interests me, I’m in.’And when I saw Diablo Cody was on board, I just had to audition for it.”

Soberano is thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity. She’s excited about the ‘80s setting, including the hairstyles and makeup, which is new for her.

“This movie combines horror, comedy, and romance, which is exactly the kind of project I’ve been wanting to work on. I was seeking a role that would challenge me, and although it’s a big risk for my career, I find that aspect exciting,” she exclaims.

Soberano’s fans should expect to see a different side to her in this role.

With an amazing cast, innovative script, and unique vision of Williams, Lisa Frankenstein promises to offer a fresh take on the classic Frankenstein narrative.

The film also features notable actors like Joe Chrest (Stranger Things), Henry Eikenberry (The Crowded Room), and Carla Gugino (San Andreas).

Lisa Frankenstein is now available in theaters nationwide.

From left: Actors Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton, and Liza Soberano

Yellow Room Music unveils fresh lineup of artists to watch in 2024 Pop-funk band Ultraviolet’s newest track, ‘Paraiso,’ delves into escapism and importance of selfcare

Pop-rock band Autotelic’s debut album, ‘Papunta, Pabalik,’ has achieved platinum status

A clash of veterans on Miss Universe Philippines 2024 stage Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

IN 2023, the local music scene flourished with amazing music and promising artists, with some starting small and climbing to big stages, hinting at a bright future for Filipino music.

Looking to 2024, Yellow Room Music, led

by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise fame, is signing new artists across genres, each promising to leave a mark.

Macalino emphasized the current opportune landscape of the music industry, with digital streaming opening avenues for discovery and collaboration.

Established in 2013 by Mayonnaise, the label rebranded as YR Music in 2021, aiming to showcase exceptional talents and expand its artist roster.

Macalino expressed plans to release more material for both emerging and established artists in 2024.

Keep an eye out for a range of musicians, from familiar names like SUD and Autotelic to rising stars like Ultraviolet and NaÏV, all poised for significant progress this year under Yellow Room Music’s guidance.

Explore their stories and unique sounds as they shape the industry.

Autotelic Autotelic, a prominent pop-rock band, solidified its position in the local music scene since debuting in 2016 with “Papunta, Pabalik,” which achieved platinum status. Their subsequent EP “Takipsilim” in 2018 garnered acclaim, earning them awards from Awit and Star Awards for Music. Their latest single, “Iwan,” was released in June 2021.

Formed in 2012, the band comprises Josh Villena, Neil Tin, EJ Edralin, Timothy “Pabs” Vargas, and Gep Macadaeg. Autotelic has

Singer-songwriter Tamara debuted in 2019 with her single, ‘Ngayon,’ a love song she Power-pop alt rock band FIONA will be releasing its upcoming wrote at 17 second EP with Yellow Room Music

amassed numerous accolades from mainstream channels, independent critics, and brands, solidifying its status as one of the most decorated acts in the age of social and streaming.

SUD In 2016, SUD’s track “Sila” from their debut album, their only Tagalog song at the time, broke into the mainstream, marking one of the earliest instances of a local indie artist achieving such success. Hailing from Metro Manila, the fivepiece band has explored various genres including alternative soul, alt-rock, indie-pop, and alt-pop/ ballad. Their notable hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and “Di Makatulog” (2017). The current lineup features Sud Ballecer on vocals and guitar, Kohl Aguilar on keyboard, Carlos de la Fuente on saxophone, and Raisa Racelis on bass.

FIONA FIONA’s musical talent was evident when they won Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, showcasing their ability to deliver outstanding live performances. Now, the band has inked a deal with Yellow Room Music for their upcoming second EP, promising a fresh take while maintaining their distinctive intensity.

Established in 2010, FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band that has shared the stage with both Filipino and international acts such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Synth-pop trio NaÏV tackles the journey of a new love in latest single, ‘Ikaw Lang Talaga’

Five-piece band SUD tackles the genres of alternative soul, alt-rock, indie-pop, and alt-pop/ballad

Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” leading to their self-titled EP album. Additionally, they released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022.

Ultraviolet Ultraviolet, a band hailing from Las Piñas, recently dropped their new track “Paraiso” through Yellow Room Music. Rayna, one of the band’s composers, explained that the song serves as a reminder that we all have our paradises where we can escape from reality when needed.

Highlighting the importance of self-care, Rayna shared that as someone who occasionally grapples with existential crises, she wanted to convey this message to others. The band, formed in November 2022, comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz (lead vocalist), Emman Ramos (guitarist), Vesper Gareza (bassist), Ronn Balmedina (drummer), and Marco Salvacruz (keyboardist). Their music is described as pop-funk with psychedelic elements.

NaÏV NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga” is a poignant declaration of profound love, capturing the moment when you realize someone is ‘the one.’ Described by the synth-pop trio as a musical journey for those in the throes of new love, where emotions override logic, the song beautifully encapsulates the feeling of affection. NaÏV’s music, a fusion of synth-pop with vibrant melodies and poignant lyrics, reflects the trio’s shared passion for music. Comprising Mae, Gynn, and Joe, NaÏV, based in Metro Manila, brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds united by their love for music.

Tamara Tamara’s career soared at 18 when she won a jingle competition, catching the eye of Champ Lui Pio from the renowned rock band Hale. Since then, she has impressed audiences at numerous events and bars, demonstrating her prowess as both a singer and songwriter. Her debut single, “Ngayon,” released in 2019, is a love song she penned at 17. Collaborating with bands like Hale and Soapdish, Tamara is always eager to showcase her musical talents at every opportunity.

IT’S THE year of returning beauty queens in the much-anticipated Miss Universe Philippines 2024 search. The list is growing for former beauty titlists, who have represented the country in global pageants, making a comeback to try to win the right to represent the country on the Miss Universe stage.

After a decade, veterans Kris Tiffany Janson and Christi Lynn McGarry, now in their 30s, are in it to win it.

Janson, 34, recently won Miss Universe Philippines-Cebu 2024. “I realized that I’m here for a bigger purpose,” Janson said after winning Miss Cebu 2024, adding that she has proven that she can still do it at her age.

Janson, an advocate for animal-assisted therapy, represented the country in the 2014 Miss Intercontinental in Magdeburg, Germany, where she was named second runner-up.

McGarry, turning 34, was part of the Bb. Pilipinas 2015 batch topped by Pia Wurtzbach. The statuesque Fil-Am model had the privilege of competing in Miss Intercontinental twice, as a Top 15 semifinalist in 2010 as a Mutya ng Pilipinas, and placing first runner-up in 2015.

“We are at the forefront of modernity, innovation, and progression, which I embody as a candidate. I would showcase the modern and progressive Filipina on the Miss Universe stage if given the opportunity,” McGarry said during her official sashing as Miss Universe Philippines-Taguig 2024 held at The Vault in Pasig City.

Janson and McGarry will join the muchheralded Ahtisa Manalo, 2018 Miss International first runner-up. Now 26, the stunning beauty from Candelaria, Quezon, is dead set to win the title this time, which was denied to her by Catriona Gray in 2018.

Also joining is Cyrille Payumo, representing Pampanga, another pageant veteran who won the Miss Tourism International crown in 2019.

From left: Returning beauty queens Ahtisa Manalo, Christi Lynn McGarry, Kris Tiffany Janson, and Cyrille Payumo

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LIFE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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

Love Letters to the Divine How prayers on paper produce miracles Random Talk Kate Adajar

Writer and motivational speaker Vange Uy-Cuaki’s newest book encourages readers to go through their own faith and manifestation journey

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ROWING up, I personally experienced how some dreams can seem distant and unattainable. What I discovered along the way is the simple yet powerful tool that bridges the gap between our aspirations and reality. It’s the act of writing down our dreams, goals, and prayers.

—“—

Dr. Henriette Ann Klauser’s ’s book, Write It Down, Make It Happen Happen, But beyond interesting delves into the psychology behind this practice, proofs of science lies a explaining how putting pen to realm of faith—a belief paper can activate systems in that the act of writing our minds, setting in motion the manifestation of our down our prayers deepest desires. This can pave the way for book has taught me how to document miracles. my dreams and eventually experience them unfold.

But beyond interesting proofs of science lies a realm of faith—a belief that the act of writing down our prayers can pave the way for miracles. Here is where writer and motivational speaker Vange UyCuaki comes in. I recently purchased her book and it unveils her life journey which exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the written word.

In her book, Write Your Own Miracles, Uy-Cuaki shares the nine prayers she penned to God back in December 2002. Decades later, she bears witness to

‘Write Your Own Miracles’ delves into the power of faith and writing

how each dream unfolded before her eyes within different timeframes, a testament to the miraculous power of faith-filled writing.

Uy-Cuaki’s story is not just about the fulfillment of her own dreams, it’s a source of hope for anyone grappling with rejection, suffering, or heartache. Through her experiences, which were featured in GMA Network’s drama anthology Magpakailanman, she reminds us that amidst life’s trials, there is always room for miracles. She is proof that by faithfully waiting and allowing God to heal our wounds, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.

What sets Uy-Cuaki’s book apart is its personal touch. As readers journey through its pages, they’re not only greeted by inspiring anecdotes but also by colorful artwork and readable fonts that make the reading experience truly delightful. And tucked within its pages are free stickers and blank pages for readers to chronicle their own prayers, inviting them to partake in the journey of faith and manifestation.

As we find ourselves in the midst of the love month, there’s no better time to celebrate the greatest love of all—the love from God. It’s a love that knows no bounds, a love that transcends our wildest dreams and deepest desires. And what better way to honor this love than by writing down our prayers and wishes, trusting that God hears every word and works miracles in our lives.

Whether you’re drawn to the science behind writing or the faith that underpins it, one thing remains clear: writing down our dreams is undeniably effective. It’s a practice that has been tested and proven time and time again, offering us a tangible way to express our hopes and desires to a higher power. Our faith pushes down the ink for us to experience firsthand the greatest miracle of all—God’s unfailing love.

To share your prayers or random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

20 good luck tips and strategies from FFCCCII entrepreneurs

By Grace Estanislao Castillo and Clarissa Sultan Mediavillo BASED on informal interviews of various entrepreneurs of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), these are some of their suggested good luck tips and practices for the coming Chinese New Year which starts on February 10, 2024 as the “Year of the Dragon”: 1. CLEAN AND DECORATE: Start the Chinese lunar new year with a thorough cleaning of home and office or workplace, also add vibrant decorations, to welcome good fortune.

2. RED DECORATIONS: Incorporate redcolored items decors, as it symbolizes luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.

3. FAMILY REUNION DINNER: Gather with family and loved ones for a special dinner meal on New Year’s Eve which is February 9, 2024 this year, fostering unity and happiness.

4. WEAR NEW CLOTHES: Dressing in new attire signifies a fresh start and invites positive energy. Avoid wearing white (traditional mourning color in Chinese culture) or black (traditional mourning color in Western culture).

5. SHARE “ANG PAO” (MEANING “RED PACKETS” IN HOKKIEN OR SOUTH FUJIAN PROVINCE LANGUAGE): Give and receive Ang Pao red envelopes containing money to share blessings and good wishes. It doesn’t matter

how big or small the money is, every Ang Pao given or received brings good luck.

In Mandarin, the Ang Pao is called “Hong Bao”.

6. PAY RESPECTS TO ANCESTORS: Pay homage to parents and ancestors by visiting their graves or setting up ancestral altars in their memories. “Xiao Sun” in Mandarin or “Hau Sun” or filial piety of honoring and obeying elders is a foremost Confucian moral virtue of Chinese culture, which is believed to bring good luck, coincidentally similar to the Bible commandment of Christianity on honoring parents.

7. WORK HARD FOR GOOD LUCK: Entrepreneurs said that one sure and time-tested way to attract genuine good luck is to practise hard work consistently. They said honest hard work shall multiply blessings and open up new opportunities.

8. ENJOY TRADITIONAL FOODS: Enjoy dishes like fish, dumplings, noodles and of course the popular “Tikoy” or sweet, glutinous rice cake for their symbolic meanings of happiness, prosperity and unity.

9. RESOLVE DIFFERENCES: Communicate and seek to resolve differences with family members, relatives, friends, work colleagues or business associates, in order to begin the Chinese New Year with positive energy and outlook. Conflicts, anger, unresolved misunderstandings and enmity are unnecessary burdens on people as we travel life’s journey towards success and prosperity.

Ang Pao or Red Envelope, this one has Chinese character ‘Hok’ in Hokkien and ‘Fu’ in Mandarin. Feng Shui symbols like the Yin and Yang. A red cake with the Hokkien or south Fujian province language for greeting other people.

10. LIGHTING FIRECRACKERS: The loud sounds of firecrackers are traditionally believed to ward off evil and bring good luck. However, entrepreneurs recommend that people take safety precautions in using fireworks and avoid too much noise, lowquality fireworks.

11. OFFER TEA TO ELDERS: Show respect to parents or elders by serving them tea during family gatherings.

12. SETTLE DEBTS: This is an ancient Chinese belief, clear any outstanding debts before the Chinese new year in order to start with a clean slate.

13. AVOID NEGATIVE WORDS: Refrain from using words associated with bad luck, anger, conflicts or unsavory language to maintain a positive and hopeful atmosphere.

14. VISIT TEMPLES OR CHURCHES TO PRAY: Seek blessings at temples or Churches to Pray to God for a prosperous and harmonious new year ahead, since our Creator is the ultimate source of good luck in the whole universe.

15. FENG SHUI ADJUSTMENTS: Arrange furniture and decor according to logical, ecological ancient Feng Shui principles for optimal energy flow and over-all efficiency.

Be Careful! Do not succumb to too much superstitions and overly commercialized

selling of trinkets which actually cheapen and bastardize true Feng Shui.

16. GROW LIVE, BLOOMING PLANTS: Decorate your home or workplace with live, blooming plants to symbolize rebirth or new growth, to attract positive energy, or at least to make home or workplace a more conductive place for wellness and success.

17. AVOID SWEEPING ON NEW YEAR’S DAY: Sweeping the floor of the home or workplace on the first day may sweep away good luck, so it’s best to do it before February 10, 2024 or the day after.

18. ENGAGE IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: Participate in any traditional performances or events to connect with diverse, rich Chinese culture, whether painting or calligraphy exhibits, culinary events, film festivals of Mandarin movies, traditional dragon or lion dance performances, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, etc.

19. STAY POSITIVE: Maintain a positive mindset whatever your situation is and just focus on your aspirations for the coming new year.

20. EXPRESS GRATITUDE: Thank God and those people who have supported you in the past year, fostering goodwill and encouraging positive relationships.