Manila Standard - 2024 February 13 - Tuesday

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Foreign biz back ‘Cha-cha’

As Congress enters ‘constructive phase’ of economic reforms

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

F

OREIGN businessmen on Monday and experts invited by a Senate panel tackling revisions to the 1987 Constitution welcomed the easing of restrictions on foreign direct investments through Charter change.

CHA-CHA PANEL. Dr. Bernardo Villegas, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and lawyer Rene Sarmiento (from left) face the Senate subcommittee tackling proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution on Monday at the Senate building in Pasay City. Lino Santos

Bomb threat hoax rattles 6 gov’t offices, schools

"We are of the opinion that the removal of economic restrictions in the 1987 Constitution would facilitate an increase in FDI (foreign direct investment) in sectors where such investments are currently restricted,” said Julius Payne, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Payne, who spoke in the hearing on Monday chaired by Senator Sonny Angara, also said that foreign businessmen recognize it is also the “duty of the government to protect its national interest.” Next page

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 3 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 •

Mastermind of Marawi bombing killed in skirmish, Army says HELP FOR HEROES.

President Marcos personally hands over special financial assistance to 12 soldiers at the Army General Hospital after they sustained injuries in fighting the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group following the bombing of the Mindanao State University-Marawi last month. PCO Photo

By Rey Requejo, Rio Araja, Darwin Amojelar, and Butch Gunio AT least six government agencies and some public schools in Bataan, Zambales and Cebu received bomb threats yesterday, which all turned out to be false alerts.

The threat reportedly stemmed from an email sent from a Japanese address by a certain Takahiro Karasawa, who identified himself as a lawyer.

“I set high-performance bombs in major Philippine government offices. Those bombs will explode at approximately 3:34 p.m. on February 12. Unlike previous bomb threats, it really explodes and many people die,” the email sender wrote.

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AFP EYES BATANES FOR ‘BALIKATAN’ NEWS / A2 THE alleged mastermind of a bombing Among the dead was Khadafi at a Catholic mass in Mindanao last year Mimbesa, who went by the alias of was killed during a military operation in "Engineer," whom the military identified Lanao del Sur last month, officials said as the "mastermind" behind the bombing.

Monday.

Four people were killed and dozens

Volatile market blunts oil price rollbacks today

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BOMBER AND BOMB THREAT REAX. Top photo from the Philippine

National Police shows Khadafi Mimbesa, tagged as the mastermind in the Dec. 3 bombing of Mindanao State University in Marawi City that killed four people. Above photo shows workers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources outside their central office in Quezon City after receiving an emailed bomb threat, which turned out to be a hoax. Manny Palmero

#ANONGBALITA Benitez explains 'chance encounter' with Ivana Alawi BACOLOD City Mayor Alfredo Benitez denied he went to Japan with actress Ivana Alawi, saying it was only a “chance encounter” after a video of the two of them conversing while in line at the airport went Next page viral online.

THE continued volatility in the world oil market cut into the expected price rollback this week, as oil companies set a final cut of P0.60 per liter for gasoline, P0.40 per liter for kerosene, and P0.10 per liter for diesel effective 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, Cleanfuel and Jetti Petroleum announced the price rollback, ending five weeks of consecutive oil price hikes. Other oil companies are expected to follow.

"The volatility of oil market continues last week with factors pushing the prices to go down or up but after 5 consecutive weeks, we will be expecting a minimal rollback in the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene," Department of Energy (DOE) director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said. Next page

Mayor Binay ready for 'exciting part' MAKATI Mayor Abigail Binay made a cryptic post on social media, hinting at getting ready for an “exciting” chapter in life where she will have the last laugh over people who have hurt her in the past.

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wounded in the Dec. 3 attack on worshippers inside the gym of the Mindanao State University in Marawi, the country's largest Muslim city, that was later claimed by the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group.

Eight Dawlah Islamiyah militants were suspected of carrying out the attack on Mindanao island, Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo of the 103rd Infantry Next page Brigade said.

Chiefs nip 49ers for third Super Bowl title LAS VEGAS—Patrick Mahomes conjured another Super Bowl comeback on Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs snatched a thrilling 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers to win their third US National Football League championship in five seasons.

In a perfectly scripted finale before a celebrity-studded Las Vegas crowd including pop icon Taylor Swift, Mahomes found Mecole Hardman in the end zone with just three seconds remaining

in overtime to seal a dramatic win in what was the longest Super Bowl in history.

The victory makes Kansas City the first team to win back-to-back Lombardi Trophies since the New England Patrio t s in 2003-2004, cementing the franchise's right to be regarded as the NFL's newest dynasty.

Taylor Swift kisses Travis Kelce

MVP's advice to Andres Muhlach: Court Princess Leonor of Spain TYCOON Manny Pangilinan urged the son of actor Aga Muhlach to court Princess Leonor of Spain.

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NEWS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

68 now dead from Davao landslide

T

It also said that 51 others remain missing, while five of those recovered still have to be identified.

Meanwhile, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed P70 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the needs of communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Mindanao, the US Embassy in Manila said.

More than a dozen bodies were pulled from the mud on Monday, as the missing included mine workers and villagers, according to official figures released by the municipal government.

“It is almost a week after the incident and… we are assuming that no one is alive there,” Edward Macapili, spokesman for the Davao de Oro provincial disaster office, told Agence France Presse (AFP).

“There is already a foul smell in the area now, so there’s a need to fast-track the retrieval.”

An area around 50 meters (164 feet) deep remains to be searched, Macapili added.

The landslide buried three buses and a jeepney waiting for employees of a gold mining firm and 55 nearby houses, leaving 32 other people injured.

The US embassy said the new funding will provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City in Mindanao.

It said the USAID will partner with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger to ensure this life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, including single-parent households, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, low-income families, and indigenous peoples.

The Philippine Red Cross, on the other hand, has dispatched additional resources to Mindanao to provide immediate relief to about 230,000 families in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.

“We sent additional food trucks because

Foreign...

healthy democratic discussion of our (constitutional) economic provisions,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales said at a news briefing.

“At this hour, the Senate is conducting the hearing [on Charter Change] and we hope it matches our discussion [at the Lower House] to pursue our dream of Charter change [focusing on] economic provisions,” Gonzales said in the briefing also attended by Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Ways and Means chair Rep. Joey Salceda, and Appropriations panel senior vice chairperson Rep. Stella Quimbo of Marikina City.

The President laid down his directive when he spoke at the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) event celebrating Constitution Day 2024 in Makati City last Thursday, Gonzales noted.

Salceda said the House would henceforth be guided by the President’s statements on amending the Charter.

“Follow the President! This is the consensus among House members. The House will follow the President, period.

So let there be no ambiguity about it, of

the direction of the House,” he said.

Suarez said that as for the timeline, President Marcos said he wants the country to achieve middle-income status by 2025.

“When the President gave a date and a clear goal, it is up to the Legislative Branch to cooperate and to make sure that objective is met,” Suarez said, saying that the ideal time for the Senate to pass any measure that will amend the Constitution is within the next few months.

Quimbo, for her part, said members of the House need to engage with their counterparts in the Senate in meaningful debate when it comes to the need to amend the Constitution on its restrictive economic provisions.

“We can't keep quiet because the problem we face is very important. Lack of work, lack of capital. If we do not act on this, our countrymen will continue to leave just to support their families," she said.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, however, rejected claims that the country has a “closed economy.”

She noted the great strides that have been taken in the past years in liberalizing the economy without compromising national security or putting Filipino businesses at a disadvantage.

“Would amending the public utilities provisions in our Constitution open the economy or open a can of worms? “ she asked.

Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Sntonio Carpio, at the same hearing, noted that the Philippines, without amending the 1987 Constitution, has passed several laws to open the economy to 100 percent foreign ownership.

Carpio said the recently-amended Public Service Act reclassified several businesses as public services, open to 100 percent foreign ownership.

In particular, he said the amended PSA allows 100% ownership in telecommunications, air, sea and land transportation except Public Utility Vehicles and airports.

According to the retired justice, power generation "has always been open to 100% foreign ownership for the longest time."

Volatile...

However, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said Saturday gasoline should go down by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter, while diesel should go down by P0.20 to P0.30 per liter.

On Feb. 6, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by P0.75, P1.50, and P0.80 per liter, respectively.

Year-to-date adjustment of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene stands at a net increase of P5.15, P4.40, and P0.85 per liter, respectively.

Prevailing retail prices of petroleum products in the National Capital Region for Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 range from P56.30 to P81.58 per liter for gasoline, P52.90 to P83.56 per liter for diesel, and P72.85 to P84.28 per liter for kerosene.

HE number of fatalities in the landslide in a mining village in Davao de Oro has risen to 68, according to a report of the local government’s search and recovery team.

From A1

Florian Gottein, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, reiterated that amending the Constitution is purely a Filipino matter.

He stressed that if the Filipino people decide to amend the Constitution, “we would actually be in favor of removing the economic restrictions from it.”

Gottein also noted that recent amendments to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Retail Trade Act, and FTA, but also the Department of Justice opinion on the implementing rules and regulations on the Renewable Energy Act, “have really created a more conducive business environment for foreign investors to come in."

Congressional leaders, meanwhile, said the House of Representatives and the Senate are now in a “constructive phase” on economic charter reform.

“The discussion [on economic Charter Change] has started. This is it.

This what the President is espousing: a

Batanes eyed for Balikatan military drills ORGANIZERS of this year's "Balikatan" military exercises are considering parts of Northern Luzon including Mavulis Island in Batanes provinces to serve as a venue of the annual drills.

"Our exercises rotate to different parts of the Philippines. Right now, our outlying areas are being considered as we are now externally oriented. So this means our exercises also are geared at such. One of the areas being considered is Northern Luzon. It is still being considered and there is no final decision yet," Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview with dzRH. This developed as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched a program to bring livelihood assistance to Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, an official announced Monday.

The program, called Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG WPS), aims to

support the estimated 385,300 Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea and provinces facing the waterway.

BFAR spokesman Nazario Briguera added in a televised briefing that the BFAR is planning to add more floating assets to help them reach more Filipino fishermen in the WPS. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier ordered the military to expand its presence in Batanes – a plan that elicited an immediate warning from China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin who said the Philippines should "tread carefully and don't play with fire" by putting troops near Taiwan.

The Department of National Defense, however, was also quick to rebuff Beijing: "Batanes is Philippine territory and China has no business warning the Philippines about what it does within its own territory."

US maritime security expert Ray Powell, for his part, said boosting military presence in Batanes could complicate China's problems, which eventually could be beneficial for the Philippines. Vince Lopez

Mastermind...

militant group to surrender and "avoid the same fate as your dead comrades."

"Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now,” Brawner said.

President Marcos, for his part, personally visited and honored injured soldiers who were part of the operations against the Dawlah Islamiya last month.

The injured soldiers are confined at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Mr. Marcos also bestowed the Gold Cross Medal, Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device, and Wounded Personnel Medal to four wounded soldiers. Vince Lopez with AFP

From A1

Five have been killed in manhunt operations, one has been detained and another two were still on the run, he said.

Mimbesa was wounded in the shootout but was able to escape. He died days later while being cared for by a supporter, Barroquillo said, citing intelligence reports.

A statement from a Dawlah Islamiyah member who surrendered, identified only as “Khatab,” corroborated the military's initial information that Mimbesa has died.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner urged other members of the

Benitez...

From A1

“I am fully aware of the video footage that has been circulating, which unfortunately does not accurately explain why I was in Tokyo…

Speculations involving Ms. Ivana Alawi are untrue and only serve to put malice into what was clearly a chance encounter,” Benitez said.

He said he was in Tokyo for a business trip that was covered by an official travel order.

“I apologize to Ms. Alawi and her family who have been unfairly dragged into issues concerning my private life. There is no truth to any and all the rumors spreading and I am setting the record straight to avoid further hurt and damage to them,” the mayor said.

From A1

"Factors contributing to this downtrend are the following: surge in US crude inventory; global supply growth coming from Libya, Nigeria and Brazil; and doubts over demand forecasts, as IMF (International Monetary Fund) reported that China's economic growth would slow to 4.6 percent in 2024," Romero said.

Previous forecasts last week computed a price rollback of P1 to P1.20 per liter for gasoline and P0.40 to P0.60 per liter for diesel, based on the four-day trading of the Mean of Platts Singapore, the benchmark pricing used by oil importers.

Bomb...

From A1

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources headquarters in Quezon City suspended work yesterday as an explosive ordnance disposal team from the QC Police District conducted an inspection in response to the bomb threat.

The Philippine Information Agency also announced that the PNP Bomb Disposal squad confirmed there were no explosive devices found in its office

Chiefs...

From A1

"It means a ton," said Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player for the third time after the win.

"With the adversity we dealt with this year and to come through, the guys never faltered."

The quarterback, meanwhile, warned the Chiefs' rivals that their latest win was just the start of their reign of dominance.

"We're not done," he said. "We've got

the situation is like a silent, creeping disaster. The affected people cannot cook in evacuation centers so we sent the food trucks to provide hot meals for them,” said PNRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

The additional relief for Agusan and Davao provinces arrived Monday morning at the Surigao del Norte port.

The US Department of Defense, through the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), has provided two C-130s to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense, and USAID in delivering 15,000 DSWD food packs to affected families.

“We are proud to partner with the Philippine government to support the immediate needs of Mindanaoans in the areas hardest hit by the flooding and landslides,” said USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn. AFP

building.

“Upon conducting paneling operations and thorough inspections, the results yielded negative and no signs of any bombs or any Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found thereat,” the QCPD said.

“This Japanese national was also the one responsible for a bomb threat at MRT Kamuning Station last September 2023,” it added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla on Monday directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough probe into the bomb threats. a young team. We're going to keep this thing going."

For long periods, however, it looked as if Kansas City would be denied by San Francisco's ferocious defense.

Chiefs star Travis Kelce, whose romance with Swift has captivated the NFL this season, had a nightmare start to the game, at one stage blowing up on the sidelines at Kansas City head coach Andy Reid in an extraordinary outburst.

But with Mahomes pulling the strings, the Chiefs finally battled through a below-par performance to deliver when it mattered once more. AFP

Mayor...

From A1

“Note to self: Sila ang nag-umpisa, ikaw ang magtatapos. Kapit lang. Papunta na tayo sa exciting part,” she said in her Facebook caption on her throwback post from 2019.

In the original post five years ago, Binay wrote: “People have hurt me, kicked me to the curb and tried their best to put me down. I cry myself to sleep and ask why are there people like them but I always get up and keep going. I know that tomorrow things will be better. I know that these hardships will only make me stronger. I know I will end up on top laughing. Sa akin ang huling halakhak.”

House under Romualdez ‘more vocal’ —Suarez

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives under Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has proven to be more active, vocal, and aggressive, perhaps catching the Senate by surprise.

Thus said Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez on Monday, amid innuendos from the senators that House members have been bullying them.

"Wala namang bullying na nangyayari (There is no bullying happening). I think what the Senate is seeing is that the House is more vocal when it comes to national issues," Suarez said in a press conference.

"The House is more vocal about issues close to their heart. The House is reacting to what is happening in our country. And in any democracy, that should be a welcome development," he said.

According to the Quezon congressman, House members are no longer the type to wait on the sidelines, content to follow the lead of the senators.

"Before, we were just waiting to see what the Senate would do, we were waiting, silently, for what would be the development. But right now, you see the aggressiveness of members of the House when it comes to tackling national issues," he stressed.

Romualdez has consistently pushed for revisions to the 1987 Constitution, particularly its restrictive economic provisions. Doing so will allow more foreign direct investments to enter the Philippines and unlock its true economic potential, the Speaker said earlier.

Youth leaders: Rody a ‘pseudo oppositionist’

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta A BROAD coalition of 80 student council leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, and other youth leaders on Monday blasted former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom they called a “pseudo oppositionist” of Charter change.

At a news conference organized

by The Alliance of Youth Against Cha-cha (TAYO Against Cha-cha) in Quezon City, Akbayan Youth secretary general Khylla Meneses said Dutertes' opposition to “Cha-cha” is fake.

She said the former President was just to trying to cover up his previous crimes “when thousands of people died in his war on drugs,” and to divert public attention from the International Criminal Court’s investigation on the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is seeking peaceful solutions as the Senate prepares to examine amnesty for rebel groups and the delayed decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Patrick Mahomes

MVP's ...

From A1

“I am here on a break. I am still finishing school – one more year left,” the 22-year-old Andres Muhlach told Pangilinan as the Muhlach family signed a contract with Viva and TV5 for a sitcom deal.

“You should go after Princess Leonor,” MVP said in jest.

“Then you don't have to work [anymore].”

Andres is taking up a Business and Communications course at a university in Madrid.

NEWS

A3 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Labor chief admits misgivings over Group wants P100 wage hike; ‘too big for MSMEs’ bolder moves to frustrate cyberattacks D

By Vito Barcelo

EPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has admitted that the P100wage increase proposed by the Senate could not be sustained by Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but added that he would respect the decision of Congress on the issue.

Laguesma said they have provided inputs to the Senate over the proposed P100-legislated hike in the daily salary of minimum wage earners in the country, adding that they are not awaiting the final decision of Congress on the proposed bill.

However, Laguesma expressed reservation over the proposed wage increase, saying there is a need for DOLE to look at how to preserve employment, since the department wants to continue creating additional jobs to sustain the employment level.

“We have provided technical inputs. We hope it will help in their deliberations,” Laguesma said in a press briefing.

He said the department is not against the proposed measure, because it is the department that will implement the wage increase once enacted into law.

“At the end of the day whenever a law is passed, it is our obligation to implement it,” Laguesma said.

The DOLE will still have to wait for the actions that the House of Representatives will take on the bill since they will base their next steps on the final version of the bill that Congress will pass, he added.

Meanwhile, labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) slammed Laguesma for speculating that the P100-legislated wage hike will have an adverse impact on the economy, especially on small and medium enterprises.

“Labor Secretary Laguesma is singing the same old song with employers about economic difficulties once workers are granted a substantial wage hike. But they are singing out of tune as their doomsday scenario is refuted by economic indicators. Inflation and unemployment subsided since regional wages were increased in the latter half of 2023,” Rene Magtubo, PM national chairman said.

PM welcomed the plenary deliberations in the Senate on the proposed P100-wage hike bill.

REMEMBERING PEOPLE’S POWER. A cleaning crew from the Department of Public Works and Highways tidy up the Edsa People’s Power Shrine along Edsa Ave. in Quezon City ahead of the 38th year of the bloodless phenomenal coup on Feb. 25. Manny Palmero

BI turns back Belgian couple, six Americans THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred six undesirable foreigners, one of them a suspected terrorist, from entering the country.

BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted a Belgian man who is on the Interpol list of suspected foreign terrorists, according to Immigration chief Norman Tansingco.

He said the Belgian was turned back after arriving via an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi. His companion, a 27-year-old Belgian woman, was also sent back with him.

The suspected terrorist’s name was withheld on the request of Interpol, saying the Belgian is subject of a diffusion notice issued by the Interpol for the alleged offense of involvement in terrorism-related crime.

The Belgian was excluded pursuant to Sec. 29 of the Philippine Immigration act which forbids the entry of “any alien who believes in, advises, advocates, ore teaches the overthrow by force and violence of constituted law authority.”

Meanwhile, the four other foreigners, all convicted American sex offenders

were not allowed to enter the Philippines, for fear of abusing and victimizing Filipino women.

“We have been turning them away one after the other, yet they keep on coming here,” Tansingco said. .“But we will not relent because it is our duty in the BI to prevent the Philippines from being a hub of sex tourism,” he assured.

Tansingco identified the four American sex offenders as Herbert Nelson Price, 63; Thomas Dewey Wise, 68; Keith Knight Bonzon, 65; and John Kenneth Wilsher, 60. Vito Barcelo

Paintings done by Munti PDLs on display for sale at SC lobby

By Rey E. Requejo

CREATIVITY HAS NO LIMITS. A Quezon City florist shows off his unique money bouquet of flowers as ordered by a client in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Manny Palmero

Taguig City reopens TLC Love at the Park

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Taguig City government has announced the reopening of TLC Village Love at the Park in Barangay Lower Bicutan where families and lovers can enjoy free Valentine’s Day celebrations at the park.

Love at the Park is back for its second year, with even more events and activities planned for Taguig’s nine-day Valentine’s Day celebration. The line-up includes special performances by popular artists.

The celebration began last Saturday with a mini-concert featuring Juris, Davey Langit, and Sud. Mayor Laarni Cayetano shared a message during the opening night, emphasizing that love is the foundation of

all Taguig City’s efforts. She added that Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate not just romance, but also the love of God, family, and the city’s constituents.

Cayetano also expressed gratitude to all guests, attendees, and personnel of city departments for contributing to the successful reopening of Love at the Park.

During the second day of operation on Sunday, visitors expressed commitment to their loved ones through Love Locks, shared heartfelt messages on the Hugot Board, and savored Valentine’s treats from vendors offering roses and sweets.

Love at the Park is open from February 10-18, 2024. It operates from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

THE Supreme Court (SC) has allowed the display of 66 paintings in oil and acrylic done by prisoners or persons deprived of liberty at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City at the main lobby of the Supreme Court (SC) in Manila.

The Valentine’s Art Exhibit and Sale dubbed “Mga Pinta ng Pag-asa Mula sa Puso ng mga PDL” will be at the SC’s lobby until Feb. 16.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo led the opening of the PDLs’ art exhibit. He was joined by Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro Javier, Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R.

Rosario, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Antonio T. Kho, Jr. The SC said the art collection is part of the output done by PDLs at the NBP’s medium and security compounds and are the expressions of “the PDLs’ thoughts, aspirations, and emotions.”

The artists are from the Kulay Group of Artists, Maximum Security Compound; School of Fine Arts, Education and Training Section, Medium Security Compound; and Work and Livelihood Section, Medium Security Compound.

It said those interested in buying any of the paintings on display may contact the office of Associate Justice Marquez through (02) 8525-713. The proceeds will be turned over to the PDLs.

FINANCIAL AID COMES TO TABACO CITY. Indigent

residents of Tabaco City receive their share of the government’s financial assistance program dubbed TUPAD through the collaboration of Senators Risa Hontiveros and Manuel Lapid, and Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, along with Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro.

Norman Cruz

A CONSUMER advocacy group has lauded the President Marcos’ approval of the National Cybersecurity Plan 2024-2029 amid the rising incidence of cyberattacks targeting the government and private sector enterprises.

“We strongly support the President’s approval of the National Cybersecurity Plan as it is critical to the development of a thriving digital economy that will be a key driver of sustained growth and inclusive prosperity,” said CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor and former legislator Kit Belmonte.

Belmonte’s statement came on the heels of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan Uy announcement of approval of the comprehensive five-year plan to operationalize and strengthen the country’s defense against cyberattacks.

Belmonte pointed out that the recent cyberattack attempts on Philippine government websites that were successfully thwarted by the DICT—a allegedly traced to Chinese hackers—amplifies the urgency to equip all sectors, from the institution to individual level with cybersecurity skills and technology.

“The landscape of cybercrime and nation-state attacks is constantly evolving with creatively deceiving tactics, posing an ever-increasing threat. This calls for nothing less than a vigilant and strategic approach in fortifying our cybersecurity defenses,” Belmonte said.

He also said all government agencies must implement robust security measures to safeguard not only the organization, but also its stakeholders that need to interact with their systems to avail themselves of public services.

IN BRIEF P34-m road rehab done in Calapan THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the P34- million rehabilitation and improvement of the Calapan South Road project in Oriental Mindoro.

DPWH Region IV-B director Gerald Pacanan said that the project involves the replacement of damaged pavement stretching 1.4 kilometers, construction of road shoulders on both sides, and the application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings for enhanced safety.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the improved road project will serve as an effective alternative route, and reduce travel time by one-half, or from 20 to 10 minutes.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular road maintenance, especially along national highways that serve thousands of commuters daily, these projects ensure the safety and convenience of all road users,” the DPWH official said. Vito Barcelo

DMW raids illegal recruiter in Makati THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has padlocked an unlicensed consultancy firm operating in Makati City for alleged illegal recruitment of Filipino jobseekers purportedly to work in factories in Poland.

DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Bernard Olalia led the closure of BELMÜN which was actively recruiting and deploying workers without a valid DMW license.

BELMÜN, located in Salcedo Village, Makati was allegedly operating under the guise of a training center but clandestinely recruiting Filipino workers wishing to work abroad.

“This is a serious offense committed by BELMÜN. We, at the DMW, will intensify our campaign against these unlicensed firms engaging in the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers abroad,” Olalia said. Vito Barcelo

PCG men extract 71 from grounded ferry PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel in Northern Samar have rescued 71 passengers from a roll on/roll off ferry that ran aground on Capul Island on Sunday.

According to the PCG, MV Reina Hosanna was sailing for Matnog, Sorsogon from Allen in Northern Samar when its engines conked out, leaving the vessel drifting in the sea on Sunday night.

Batangas-based operator Marina Ferries sent MV Reina Immaculada to tow MV Reina Hosanna to safety, but, the PCG said, the mooring line was severed during the rescue attempt.

“The said incident followed by strong currents caused MV Reina Hosanna to run aground along the shoreline of Barangay 1, Capul, Northern Samar,” the PCT said in a statement. Vince Lopez

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

HB seeks to aid garbage collection workers DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar has proposed a program that aims to protect and provide health and financial assistance to workers involved in garbage collection and other waste management services.

Villar, in House Bill 9806 or the proposed Waste Workers’ Health and Welfare Act, sought that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall be tasked to establish and administer the Waste Workers’ Health and Welfare program that is designed to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of the socalled “waste workers.”

The bill defines “waste workers” as persons engaged in the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste, including garbage collectors, waste pickers, recyclers, and landfill and dumpsite workers.

“They play a vital role in solid waste management… and contribute greatly in protecting the environment. Despite their importance, waste workers are some of the most under-appreciated and unprotected workers,” Villar said.

Maricel V. Cruz

‘FURST DATE.’ Pet lovers attended the Valentine’s Day celebration of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society entitled ‘Furst Date,’ held at PAWS in Quezon City, where they had the opportunity to choose and adopt from nearly 200 rescued cats and dogs. Manny Palmero

Thousands flock to poll listup hubs T

By Vito Barcelo

HOUSANDS of eligible voter applicants trooped to different Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices nationwide as the first day of the ninemonth voter registration starts, poll chairman George Garcia said.

“At least three million Filipinos are expected to register nationwide which will run until September 30, 2024,” the poll chief said.

Hundreds of new voter applicants

lined up at the Comelec Office in Intramuros, Manila as early as 6 in the morning on the first day of voter registration, which was declared by the Comelec as “National Voter’s Day.”

The poll body will also launch nationwide its Register Anywhere Program (RAP), which will make voters’ registration easier and more accessible.

“RAP registration sites will be set up in malls, universities, or government offices/agencies in all capital cities and towns and HUCs nationwide,” he said.

Other applications that will be accepted in RAP sites include new registration, transfer of registration from another city/municipality/district, transfer of registration from overseas to local, correction of entries or

change of status, and reactivation.

At least 67.8 million voters are currently registered nationwide.

Meanwhile, Garcia reminded applicants that they will no longer accept company ID as a valid identification document.

“Applicants should only submit government-issued IDs,” the poll body chief added.

Local Comelec offices are ready to accept applications for registration and other election-related concerns from Feb. 12 to Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.

Zubiri seeks probe on entry of Bugatti cars

A BILL has been filed at the House of Representatives mandating the government to institutionalize its financial literacy programs for workers.

House Bill 9888, filed by Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group will enable workers to invest their hard-earned money wisely and protect them from scams that have proliferated in the country’s fastgrowing digital economy.

With over P155 million reported to have been lost to various types of scams in the first eight months of 2023 alone, Yamsuan said the best way to shield Filipinos from fraudulent activities is to educate them on how to manage their finances and detect bogus financial schemes.

To achieve this goal, Yamsuan’s HB 9888 provides that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas spearhead a campaign that would make financial literacy materials readily accessible to the public through various communication platforms.

Maricel V. Cruz

HB seeks to provide aid to displaced workers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday directed the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to determine if the two Bugatti Chiron sports cars that entered the country have been smuggled.

Zubiri said there are only 60 Bugattis in the world which cost $3 million per unit.

“The government is the loser here.

And we want to know who registered them, the LTO office they were registered, and which port was used,” Zubiri said.

He also said they want to find out if there are any liabilities on the part of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Marines, or the Bureau of Customs in this particular issue.

The Senate chief said all concerned agencies should be subpoenaed and that lawmakers will look into possible punishment for those who connived in this alleged smuggling.

According to Zubiri, the Bugattis are owned by “wealthy and arrogant foreigners.”

He said he further wants to determine if these foreigners are involved in drug smuggling.

Lawmaker files bill mandating financial literacy

VOTERS’ DAY. An applicant reads a registration form during the Commission on Election (Comelec) ‘National Voters’ Day’ held inside the Palacio Del Governador in Intramuros, Manila, on Feb. 12. This also marks the start of the voter registration period for the 2025 national and local polls. Norman Cruz

RIZAL Rep. Fidel Nograles highlighted the necessity of institutionalizing a program that provides aid to displaced workers despite the country’s steady recovery from the pandemic.

“We still need a permanent Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program to be implemented in the entire Philippines,” Nograles, chair of the House of Representatives Labor and Employment Committee said.

“The reality is that there will always be crises that will result in the loss of work of vulnerable sectors. We need the TUPAD program for such eventualities so that the government is empowered to help those who lose their jobs,” the lawmaker added. Maricel V. Cruz

Public school in Makati excels in international student assessment

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School (BNAHS) has excelled in the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), due to Makati City’s investments in innovative and inclusive learning interventions before and during the pandemic.

Out of all the public schools in Metro Manila, BNAHS was the only one to pass Level 2 in the international test, despite having no face-to-face classes for over two years.

“Considering that there had been no face-to-face classes for over two years when the test was conducted, this achievement speaks volumes of

the success of Makati’s innovative and inclusive programs for our public school students,” Mayor Abigail Binay said in a statement.

Binay explained that her administration invested P31 million for the full implementation of Project MILES (Mathematics Intensive Learning Enhancement for Students) for Grades 1

to 10 before the pandemic.

The program aimed to develop numeracy skills through free Saturday classes and locally-developed learning materials. Over 700 teachers handled both onsite and online sessions, and the subscription to Math software Koobits, popular in Singapore, was provided for free.

Salceda hails DOF, DOTr on winning NAIA project

By Maricel V. Cruz ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda on Monday congratulated the Department of Finance (DOF) under Secretary Ralph Recto, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under Secretary Jaime Bautista, for successfully bidding out the P170-billion rehabilitation of the

Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The project is said to be the biggest formal Public-Private Partnership to date.

“Highest congratulations are due to the DOF and DOTr, led by Secretaries Recto and Bautista, for getting it done – a very fair deal for the government,” Salceda, the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the

House resident economist, remarked.

“This is the largest single PPP to date and at an astronomical government share of air transport revenues.

At 82.16 percent share of revenues from air transport-related operations, this is the best demonstration of a benchmarkbased PPP, which I fought for in the PPP Code,” he added.

PhilHealth offers discounts on Valentine’s Day

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said it will give discounts to all members on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. This is in commemoration of PhilHealth’s 29th anniversary. Billed as

“PhilHealth Members’ Day,” the promo offers exclusive discounts for in-store and personal shopper transactions.

For a minimum single receipt purchase of P3,000, members may avail of the P300 discount.

Members simply need to present their PhilHealth ID and SMAC membership card

to become eligible. The one-day promo is not in conjunction with other promotions, such as the SM Store gift-with-purchase.

This year’s commemoration is in line with the theme “Damang-dama ko ang benepisyo” which encapsulates the state health insurer’s thrust of enhancing its health benefits packages for all Filipinos.

LOVE DISPLAY. A couple poses near SM City Bacoor’s ‘Luck In Love’ display. SM Supermalls said it is providing ‘a safe community space that advocates inclusivity, equality, and respect for all.’ Norman Cruz

B1

OPINION

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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

To The Point Emil P. Jurado

Can ICC enforce arrest warrant on DU30?

FOLLOWING the conundrum over Charter change (Cha-Cha) with both the Senate and the House of Representatives still undecided when and how amendments on the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution will be amended, there’s now the speculation on what could happen if and when The Hague-based International Criminal Court would enforce an arrest warrant on former President Duterte considering that President Marcos Jr. had made it clear the ICC did not have jurisdiction in the Philippines!

With no less than the former President claiming the ICC had issued warrants against him and others including Duterte’s former chief of police, now senator, and some others who had committed “crimes against humanity” during Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

—“—

With the recent exchange of toxic words between the Senate and the House on the recent push of the House leader for People’s Initiative, the Senate has to dance the Cha-Cha alone

There had been reports ICC probers were in the Philippines last December 2023 to validate charges that Duterte et al. had indeed committed crimes against humanity with so many extra-judicial killings.

The ICC probers reportedly also had confirmed the existence of the infamous “Davao Death Squad,” linking the former President to hundreds of extrajudicial killings in Davao City, when Duterte was still mayor.

Comes now the big question: If there is really an arrest warrant for former president Duterte and others, linking them to extra-judicial killings, how will the alleged arrest warrant be enforced when no less than President Marcos had made it clear the ICC had no jurisdiction in the country?

And to give meaning to this, the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police also said they will not cooperate with the ICC. Certainly, the ICC cannot just enter the country and arrest Duterte and others for what the ICC claimed Duterte et al. committed crimes against humanity.

In other words, it all boils down to the issue of jurisdiction, since the Philippines had withdrawn membership in the United Nations Rome Statute which created the ICC. Abangan, as they say in the vernacular.

In a non-commissioned survey, Social Weather Stations found an increasing sentiment of the people in favor of the reported ICC probe in the Philippines of the bloody and brutal war of the former President on illegal drugs and the reported Davao Death Squad when Duterte was mayor.

It would seem the reported incoming arrest warrant on Duterte and some others is favored by the people.

But, as I said, how can the ICC enforce it since it would need the cooperation of the Marcos administration? *** Senate dancing Cha-Cha alone It is often said that it takes two to tango, with obvious reference to cooperation between two people to achieve anything.

But in the case of Cha-Cha, it would seem the Senate alone would push through with the amendment of the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution by its lone self.

Now, the question is, can the Senate go through with Charter change alone without the House of Representatives, since Senate Resolution 6 calls for a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution?

The Senate Resolution calls for the formation of a Constituent Assembly as the mode of a Charter change.

Santa Banana, with the recent exchange of toxic words between the Senate and the House on the recent push of the House leader for People’s Initiative, the Senate has to dance the Cha-Cha alone.

Time element is now the problem.

With the forthcoming 2025 mid-term election, reelectionist and newcomers will be filing their Certificates of Candidacy by October.

Even the plan of the Senate for a plebiscite to be done jointly with next year’s poll has been rejected by the Comelec.

Surely as night follows day, a Senate push for Charter change looks, to me, dim.

W

local officials own count, still missing, and nearly 1,500 houses damaged in the Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and Caraga, not to mention nearly 100 roads and 16 bridges impassable.

E SYMPATHIZE with the victims of flooding and landslides in Mindanao, the country’s second largest island, where an ugly swath of death and destruction has been inflicted this month.

—“—

We are heartened by the split-second reaction by the government which has thus far provided P169.2 million in assistance to affected residents

To date, the National Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said P738.6 million worth of damage to infrastructure had been on the board, with the Caraga region alone sustaining P473 million worth of damage to 32 infrastructure facilities.

The situation on the ground is unnerving, with the floods and landslides affecting 1.38 million individuals or 415,494 families in 818 barangays in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Region.

Added to this disturbing sight are the piteous crowds of nearly 50,000 people in evacuation centers, while more than 300,000 are seeking temporary shelters elsewhere.

This is a tragedy that excites strong emotions, with at least 55 bodies already recovered, 32 injured while 77 people, by

The rains were caused by the Northeast Monsoon, or what is called the Amihan, and the trough of a now-dissipated low pressure area, The landslides occurred outside a gold mining site in Davao de Oro, burying homes as well as two buses and a jeep supposed to transport employees of the mining company.

Backbencher Rod P. Kapunan

In the corridors of power and the alleys of justice, it is the voice of the people that echoes loudest, shaping the destiny of nations

Enter the specter of treaty obligations, casting a shadow over legal discourse.

The Philippines’ dalliance with the ICC ended with a diplomatic divorce, yet the ghost of the Rome Statute looms large.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio invokes this ghost, reminding us of our past entanglements and the enduring tendrils of legal com-

mitments.

But what of the practicalities?

Can the ICC’s long arm reach into the Philippines, or is it a futile grasp at ephemeral justice?

The PNP’s reluctance to dance to the ICC’s tune underscores a deeper rift – a tug-of-war between national pride and international accountability.

In the annals of legal history, echoes of similar showdowns reverberate.

From Pinochet’s precarious predicament in the UK to Omar al-Bashir’s dance with justice in Sudan, the clash between national sovereignty and international law

isn’t new.

Each instance, a testament to the delicate balance between state power and global conscience.

As the saga unfolds, a flicker of pragmatism emerges from the haze.

Retired Justice Carpio’s advice rings clear: engage, present your side, let truth bear witness.

In this crucible of accountability, silence breeds suspicion, while transparency fosters trust.

To my fellow Filipinos, I urge vigilance, not merely as spectators but as custodians of our nation’s conscience.

Can PH uphold ICC legal notice vs. Duterte? approval of ICC intervention in the drug war saga, a subtle uptick from previous polls, a sizeable portion still raises skeptical eyebrows.

This public pulse, a heartbeat of democracy, throbs with the weight of justice and accountability.

—“—

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

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

—“—

The attacks on the Dutertes are part of a US strategic political plan to continue its control of the Philippines through the traditional political elite it has co-opted

Although Bongbong Marcos did finally, after really too much dilly-dallying, declare the ICC had no jurisdiction in the Philippines as the country had withdrawn from the ICC’s Rome Statute in March 2018, he expressed a politically insensitive “they are welcome” to the ICC visitors threatening the most popular Philippine ex-president in living memory.

That really seethed among the Dutertes and the huge following all over the country of the much-missed tough anti-drug president.

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

Davao de Oro local authorities said the entire landslide area from crown to foot is 1.9 hectares and the thickness of the soil that got dumped on the village varies from 30 meters to 50 meters – making it difficult to conduct search, relief and rescue as well as clearing operations.

But while the Mindanao sky is dark and the rains are continuing, we are heartened by the split-second reaction by the government which has thus far provided P169.2 million in assistance to affected residents.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the release of P265 million from his Presidential Social Fundt o augment the relief assistance for the families affected.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development itself has responded with P142 million in humanitarian aid, including: food packs, sleeping kits, tents, household items.

At the same time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said two US Marine Corps Hercules aircraft, now stationed at the ready at the Villamor Air Base in the metropolis, will be used to help in delivering supplies to the victims in Maco, Davao de Oro. There are planned four deliveries daily – two per plane – to maintain a steady supply to the affected communities.

Manila imperialism: Extension of US ence is the direct physical threat, with the insidious flirtation of the Marcos Jr. administration, as regards the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte by the UScontrolled International Criminal Court and the subsequent inclusion of Vice President Sara Duterte in the charge of Human Rights violations in connection with the “anti-drug war.”

(Editor’s Note: The Hague-based ICC seeks to investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave offenses such as genocide and war crimes. There are 123 member countries, but dozens of governments are not ICC parties, including China, Russia, India and the United States.)

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

Feeling for Mindanao

MINDANAO has long been yearning for independence from the tentacles of Luzon politics.

The sentiment we have been hearing recently from the likes of former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, followed in the most earth-shaking fashion by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, for a separation of Mindanao from Luzon, had been as strong in the 1980s then voiced by the trio of the late and former Senator Aquino “Nene” Pimentel, former assemblymen Reuben Canoy and Homobono Adaza.

The Mindanao trip called their campaign the Mindanao Independence Movement and it resounded amongst many Mindanaoans.

It was a later evolution of the Muslim Independence Movement of Datu Udtog Matalam of Cotabato and anti-Japanese guerilla leader who launched his secessionist movement partly in reaction to the mass migration of Luzonians into Mindanao.

It had the Jabidah massacre as the lighting of the fuse for the movement.

Canoy, Pimentel and Adaza used the name Mindanao for their independence movement to embrace the non-Muslim constituencies of Mindanao and.

It had a better ring to it that attracted even more Mindanaoan Filipinos to the idea of establishing their own republic away from what by that time had become known as “Imperial Manila” dictating on the budgets of Mindanao, de-prioritizing petitions from Mindanao to favor northern Luzon development and projects.

Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos defused the MIM by recruiting Canoy and Adaza from their local media and political roles into mainstream Luzon politics, appointing Canoy as undersecretary of public information, and Adaza was allowed in to the legislative assembly, then known as Batasang Pambansa.

Pimentel took the opposition course and joined Corazon C. Aquino, but behind the opposition was the US role in supporting some of these upcoming politicians.

Fast-forwarding to today, the issues that have driven the infinitely graver call for the exploration of the Mindanao Independ-

Citizen Barok

IN THE misty intersection between international law and national sovereignty, a thorny issue emerges: the potential enforcement of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against former Philippine President Duterte.

While the Philippines may no longer wear the ICC badge, the National Union of Peoples Lawyers asserts enforcing such a warrant isn’t entirely implausible.

Comity, a term often obscured in legal jargon, becomes a pivotal concept.

It’s the nod of recognition from one court to another, a gesture of respect for legal processes.

NUPL contends under the cloak of comity, the Philippine National Police might be nudged to execute the warrant, either by presidential decree, extradition request, or compliance with international obligations.

But amidst this legal labyrinth, voices of dissent echo.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stands firm, asserting the country’s right to chart its legal destiny without external interference.

He paints a picture of sovereignty as an inviolable shield against foreign legal entanglements.

Yet, the tides of public sentiment sway differently.

A recent Social Weather Stations survey reveals a nuanced landscape of opinion.

While 53 percent of Filipinos nod in

EDITORIAL

The attacks on the Dutertes are part of a US strategic political plan to continue its control of the Philippines through the traditional political elite it has co-opted and the independent-minded Dutertes are definitely prime targets whom the US is determined to eliminate from the future politics of the country.

It is the same as the US elimination of Marcos Sr. from Philippine politics which the progeny has clearly parlayed away with.

The broader implication of the re-colonization of the Philippines is the systematic dismantling of any national economic development plan and one of the earliest victims to this is the extremely vital 10-Phase, 1,544 kilometer-long Mindanao Circumferential Railway (initially called Trans-Mindanao High Speed Railway) to be funded by a multi-billion Dollars ODA from China.

During Duterte’s term, China funded the Samal-Davao Bridge and the Bucana Bridge project which recently commenced construction.

The Mindanao Independence Movement sentiment is not just about the Dutertes.

It is about the entire development strategy of the nation which the US continues to block as they tried their darndest during the time of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, and succeeded in sabotaging his “Eleven Industrial Projects” just before they finally ousted him with a controlled puppet – Corazon C. Aquino, and the rest is a 30-year history of dismantling of the Philippines’ independent economy and its privatization.

For six years under the Philippines saw a revival of Marcos Sr.’s independence in foreign policy and the revival of the national, physical economy development of public and industrial infrastructure development and building spree.

But US Imperialism has been restored and Manila’s diktats now follow that strategy of oppression, suppression and deconstruction of development initiatives and projects.

The US divides and rules once again.

Who is to stop it? (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

As we navigate this legal labyrinth, let us heed the lessons of history and the clarion call of justice.

In the crucible of accountability lies the forge of a nation’s character.

In the end, the question remains: will the Philippines embrace the gauntlet of international justice or retreat behind the shield of sovereignty?

The answer, shrouded in uncertainty, awaits its reckoning.

But let us remember, in the corridors of power and the alleys of justice, it is the voice of the people that echoes loudest, shaping the destiny of nations.

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

Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

WORLD

B2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ukraine package clears procedural vote in US Senate WASHINGTON, DC – A sweeping US foreign aid package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, passed a key procedural vote Sunday (Monday in Manila), although opposition from right-wing Republicans may block it from becoming law.

The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel’s fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan, but the lion’s share would help pro-Western Ukraine restock depleted ammunition supplies, weapons and other crucial needs as it enters a third year of war.

The Senate, which has a very slim Democratic majority, voted 67-27 to break a procedural hold placed on the bill, making it almost certain it will pass a final simple-majority vote around midweek.

It is unusual for the Senate to hold votes on the weekend, with Sunday’s session also coinciding with the all-important NFL championship game.

“I can’t remember the last time the Senate was in session on Super Bowl Sunday, but as I’ve said all week long, we’re going to keep working on this bill until the job is done,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said before the vote.

“As we speak, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has rendered parts of Eastern Europe a war zone the likes of which we have not seen in those regions since the Second World War,” the New York senator said.

“The only right answer to this threat is for the Senate to face it down unflinchingly, by passing this bill as soon as we can.”

The aid had looked dead in the water after Republicans rejected an earlier version on Wednesday that also attached to it many of the US-Mexico border security measures they had spent months championing. AFP

TRUMP’S COMMENTS DENOUNCED. Former US President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump attends a ‘Get Out the Vote’ Rally in Conway,

South Carolina during the weekend. He prompted stark warnings on Sunday (Monday in Manila) that his remarks against NATO threatened the military alliance, after a campaign speech renewed doubts over the US commitment to the mutual defense treaty if the former president wins in November. AFP

Hamas health ministry: ‘Around 100’ killed in Israeli Rafah strikes P ALESTINIAN Territories— Predawn Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed “around 100” people on Monday, the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry said in a statement.

The statement revised upward the ministry’s earlier toll of 52 people killed in the strikes on the city along the Egyptian border.

The Israeli military said in a statement on Monday that it had “conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the south-

ern Gaza Strip,” adding the strikes had concluded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his army to prepare a ground offensive on Rafah, Gaza’s last major population center that troops have yet to enter after Hamas’s October 7 attacks sparked the war.

About 1.4 million Palestinians have crowded into Rafah, with many living in tents while food, water and medicine are becoming increasingly scarce.

The strikes followed Hamas’ warning Israel on Sunday that a ground offensive in Rafah, crowded with displaced Gazans, would imperil future hostage releases, while US President Joe Biden urged the protection of civilians in the besieged territory.

Foreign governments, including Is-

rael’s key ally the United States, and aid groups have voiced deep concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to extend operations into the far-southern Gaza city.

Rafah, on the border with Egypt, has remained the last refuge for Palestinians fleeing Israel’s relentless bombardment elsewhere in the Gaza Strip in its four-month war against Hamas, triggered by the group’s Oct. 7 attack.

“Any attack by the occupation army on the city of Rafah would torpedo the exchange negotiations,” a Hamas leader told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Netanyahu has told troops to prepare to enter the city which now hosts more than half of Gaza’s total population, spurring concern about the impact on displaced civilians.

Biden slams Trump’s ‘appalling, dangerous’ NATO comments WASHINGTON, DC – US President Joe Biden slammed as “appalling and dangerous” comments by Donald Trump downplaying his commitment to NATO, warning Sunday that the former president intends to give Russian leader Vladimir Putin “a greenlight for more war and violence.”

Biden spoke after Trump said in a speech Saturday that he would “encourage” Russia to attack members of NATO who had not met their financial obligations, his most extreme broadside against the military alliance he has long expressed skepticism about.

Those comments, at a campaign rally in South Carolina, prompted stark warnings at home and abroad that he was putting the military alliance in peril, renewing doubts over

the US commitment to the mutual defense treaty if the former president and current Republican frontrunner wins in November.

“Donald Trump’s admission that he intends to give Putin a greenlight for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous,” Biden said in a statement.

Trump had described what he said was a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting.

“One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, ‘Well, sir, if we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?’ I said, ‘You didn’t pay, you’re delinquent?’” AFP

Vote-buying in Indonesia casts shadows

MAMA ANTULA CANONIZED. People touch an image of Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa (1730-1799), known as Mama Antula, on the day of her canonization, at Our Lady of Mercy Basilica in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, day before Pope Francis and Argentina’s President Javier Milei are due to hold their first official talks as the two leaders seek to mend fences amid the explosive economic situation in their native country. AFP

Hospitalized Pentagon chief, in critical care, hands duties to deputy WASHINGTON, DC—US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was admitted to a critical care ward with a bladder issue after he transferred his duties to his deputy Sunday, the Pentagon said, as he battles prostate cancer.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks “assumed the functions and duties” just before 5:00 pm, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement, adding the White House

and Congress had been informed.

Austin was “admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for supportive care and close monitoring,” the Pentagon said in a later statement, citing his doctors.

The latest health scare came weeks after it emerged that Austin, 70, had kept previous hospital stays secret and had not immediately informed

US President Joe Biden of his cancer diagnosis, sparking criticism as the United States faces crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Austin effectively vanished from the public eye for treatment for prostate cancer in December and again in January after suffering complications from the procedure.

This time, the public was alerted around two hours after he was sent to

the hospital on Sunday afternoon.

Austin “was transported by his security detail” to the hospital, Ryder said in the earlier statement.

Ryder noted initially that the defense chief brought along classified communications systems and would be retaining “the functions and duties of his office.”

However, the announcement that Hicks would instead be taking over came just a few hours later. AFP

‘Everyone jumping, everyone happy’: Rio celebrates carnival

VIBRATOR, NOT FLOWERS. This photograph taken in Paris, on Feb. 9, shows gift sets, mugs and service bells displayed at the ‘Passage du Desir’ love store and sex shop. A vibrator instead of flowers, a clitoral stimulator instead of a candlelit dinner: sex toys are the gift of choice for Valentine’s Day. AFP

Biden spoke to Netanyahu on the phone Sunday and told him the Gaza advance should not go ahead in the absence of a “credible” plan to ensure “the safety” of people sheltering there, the White House said.

About 1.4 million Palestinians have crowded into Rafah, with many living in tents while food, water and medicine are becoming increasingly scarce.

Netanyahu had told US broadcaster ABC News the Rafah operation would go ahead until Hamas is eliminated, adding he would provide “safe passage” to civilians wishing to leave.

When pressed about where they could go, Netanyahu said: “You know, the areas that we’ve cleared north of Rafah, plenty of areas there. But, we are working out a detailed plan.” AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—Glittering with sequins and sweat, thousands of performers shimmying to sultry samba beats danced their way down an avenue in Rio de Janeiro Sunday (Monday in Manila) as the Brazilian beach city’s famed carnival parades got under way.

With whimsical floats, thundering drum sections and legions of performers in fanciful, flesh-flaunting costumes, 12 samba schools are competing for the coveted title of carnival champions across two nights of epic bootyshaking.

Porto da Pedra, a school from the impoverished Sao Goncalo neighborhood, opened the festivities with a float topped by an enormous, roaring

orange tiger that swatted out at the crowd with its claws, drawing shrieks of delight.

Entering the parade venue “gives me goosebumps every time,” said Debora Moraes de Souza, a 53-year-old doctor who grew up in Sao Goncalo and has been parading with the school for a decade.

“You get to the end and you say, ‘Oh, it’s over already? I want more!’ Everyone’s jumping, everyone’s happy.’”

Rio has already been celebrating carnival for weeks with colorful, free-forall street parties known as “blocos.”

The parades are the climax: sumptuous festivals of color and sound that last all night and into the next day. AFP

JAKARTA—When Indonesian housewife Suharti was returning home from a shopping trip, a gathering of political party workers handed her 100,000 rupiah ($6.3) and a Tshirt -- and asked her to vote for their candidate next week.

“They told me to vote for this certain candidate but I still don’t know who I’m going to vote for,” the 53-year-old told AFP. “Once I’m inside the voting booth, I’ll vote according to what my heart tells me to.”

Voters, candidates and campaign volunteers have told AFP they saw free goodies and envelopes stuffed with cash being handed out ahead of the February 14 presidential, parliamentary and regional polls.

About 205 million Indonesians are registered to vote in the world’s thirdbiggest democracy, and the country’s election monitoring body, Bawaslu, has urged people to report any votebuying.

But corruption remains a problem, and Transparency International in its 2023 report said the country’s antigraft commission had been “severely disempowered.”

Parliament is widely viewed as one of Indonesia’s most graft-hit institutions, and the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) monitor says at least 56 candidates previously convicted of graft are running for seats in this year’s legislative vote.

One man who only gave his name as Andri told AFP he had been asked by several candidates running for a seat in parliament for help distributing money and groceries to lure voters.

He said he had been approached because of his role in a Jakarta football fan club.

He accepted the task.

“I usually started (distributing money) to people closest to me first, and then to people in my neighbourhood,” the 37-year-old said.

“I distributed hundreds or even thousands of envelopes, depending on how much the candidates gave me.”

Despite warnings from official bodies that bribes are illegal, the practice persists. AFP

BUSINESS

B3 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks end in the red as market awaits US inflation data release

By Jenniffer B. Austria

P

HILIPPINE stocks opened the week in the red amid profit-taking after last week’s steep climb.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped 42.34 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 6,807.82, while the broader all-shares index dipped 8.15 points, or 0.23 percent, to settle at 3,566.06.

Analysts said investors were on a wait-and-see stance ahead of the release of US January inflation data

early this week.

“A slower US inflation is set to fuel expectations that the US Federal Reserve will find interest rate cuts palatable in the coming months,” said Regina Capital Development Corp, head of sales Luis Limlingan.

Limlingan said investors were also

awaiting the results of MSCI rebalancing and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Monetary Board meeting scheduled this Thursday.

Total value traded reached P4.17 billion.

Meanwhile, markets were mixed in Asia on Monday in holiday-thinned trade as investors look ahead to the release of crucial US inflation data due this week.

Another record close for the S&P 500 in New York did little to inspire buying on a day when most of the region is closed for the Lunar New Year break.

Wall Street welcomed revised data showing the US consumer price index (CPI) came down on-month in December.

That added to optimism that the Federal Reserve is on course to get inflation under control, though observers were skeptical as to whether officials will cut interest rates as early as markets expect.

Comments from Fed officials in recent weeks have pushed back against market bets on a series of cuts this year starting in March, with commentators now tipping a first move in May. With AFP

Unilever expects faster growth in PH on easing inflation

By Othel V. Campos UNILEVER Philippines expects to grow its business faster than the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, as inflation eases and people start to return to the buying of premium portfolio.

“We will continue to deliver high growth. Driving more people into the category, driving frequency of use and application, contributes to the overall growth of the company and it benefits the ecosystem. Our goal is to continue to be one of the highest growing countries for Unilever Global,” newly-appointed Unilever Philippines chief executive Fredy Ong said in a briefing Monday.

The company will navigate business growth by focusing on its core brands, driving brand superiority and scaling innovations to drive category growth and premiumization, he said.

“We recognize the opportunity for our business to grow competitively. In the Philippines, we will drive category growth, grow volumes and market share through ruthless focus on our strategy, powered by data and digital transformation,” Ong said.

He said sustainability, a core value across all product segments and in compliance to the government’s extender producer responsibility (EPR), is of paramount importance to the company.

The Philippines continues to be among the top ten markets for Unilever globally, with the Unilever Philippines business growing ahead of the country’s GDP. Emerging markets contribute to 58 percent of Unilever’s turnover globally.

Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is a very important region for the company and a growth driver for Unilever.

Unilever Philippines stood out as a leading FMCG player by locally manufacturing over 90 percent of its products.

Its commitment to local production has been bolstered by recent investments, including the 2016 expansion of their nutrition factory and the 2023 inauguration of a new beauty and wellbeing and personal care facility in Cavite.

These investments significantly increased production capacity, meeting the growing demand in the Philippines and export markets.

Unilever Philippines ranks among the top manufacturers for nutrition, beauty and wellbeing, personal care, ice cream and home care.

STI’S AWARDS. STI College receives multiple recognitions at the recently concluded Philippine Quill Awards and Anvil Awards for its programs that help students better navigate their campus life and guide them in making important choices for their careers. Attending the Quill Awards ceremony are (from left) web administrator Dennis Balaga, creative services head John Rey Teofilo, content producer Graceline Marcelo, digital and social media manager Guadalupe Gatan, content manager Alyssah Lucman, vice president for communications Elbert De Guzman, media production manager Jenny Dy, communication and brand management head Erick Listana and web associate John Patrick Pili.

DOE to auction geothermal, hydro capacity totaling 4.4 GW

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday it will conduct the third round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-3) in August, covering geothermal, impounding hydro, run-of-river hydro and pumped-storage hydro projects, with a total capacity of 4,399 megawatts (4.399 gigawatts).”

Through the administration of the GEA-3, the DOE is not only paving the way for a more sustainable future but is also ensuring a transparent and competitive selection of renewable energy (RE) facilities,” the agency said.

It said the initiative is part of the DOE’s efforts to increase the utilization of the country’s renewable energy resources and achieve energy security and reliability goals.

The GEA-3 will specifically cater to non-feed-in-tariff eligible RE technologies, namely geothermal, impounding hydro, and pumped storage hydro, under Department Circular No. DC2023-10-0029, which provides specific auction policy and guidelines for these RE technologies in the Green Energy Auction Program.

The auction will include run-ofriver (ROR) hydro, which is a FITeligible RE technology.

The estimated capacities for nonFIT eligible RE technologies are 699 megawatts from impounding hydro, 3,120 MW from pumped-storage hydro and 380 MW from geothermal sources. Target delivery for impounding hydro and pumped-storage hydro is set from 2028 to 2030, while geothermal’s schedule will be from 2024 to 2030.

Figaro’s net income grew 7% in second half of 2023 led by store openings FOOD and beverage company Figaro Coffee Group, Inc. logged a 7-percent increase in net income in the second half of 2023, as a result of the improvement in volume resulting from store opening and expansions.

Figaro said in a regulatory filing Monday net income from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023 reached P282.9 million, up from P265.1 million recorded in the same period in 2022.

System-wide sales grew 36 per-

cent to P2.79 billion from P2.05 billion in the same period.

The company opened 38 new stores during the period, which brought the total number of stores to 203 by end of December 2023. Total revenues also increased 36 percent.

Gross profit went up by 31 percent primarily due to the increase in volume from store expansion and opening.

Gross profit margin slightly declined to 46.8 percent from 48.4

percent due to inflation for majority of raw materials at the start of 2023.

Operating costs increased 44-percent as a result of the massive store opening activities during the year, which resulted in higher overhead costs.

Figaro, which operates several restaurant brands including Figaro Coffee, Angel’s Pizza and Tien Ma’s, has been aggressively expanding not only in Metro Manila but also in other key cities.

It is also looking at franchising to accelerate its expansion plans.

The company earlier obtained shareholders’ approval for the sale of up to 20 percent of the company’s outstanding common shares to potential third-party investors to fund the roll-out of more stores.

Its shareholders also approved the proposed conduct of a followon/public offering of either common shares or preferred shares.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Gov’t to turn over Casecnan hydro complex to Fresh River this month

ISO CERTIFICATION. Century Properties Management Inc. (CPMI), the full-service property

and facilities management arm of Century Properties Group (CPG), is awarded again with an ISO 9001:2015 certification, the world’s most recognized Quality Management System standard, reaffirming the company’s dedication to quality performance, customer satisfaction and service excellence. CPMI first received the award in 2017. Receiving the plaques from TÜV SÜD Philippines, a leading provider of management systems certification are CPMI president and chief executive Rafael Yaptinchay (center, 13th from left) and CPMI senior vice president for operations, marketing and support services Streisand Tuason (11th from left).

THE government is preparing for the ceremonial turnover of the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant (CHEPP) to Fresh River Lakes Corp. (FLRC) this month.

This followed the Philippine Competition Commission’s (PCC) approval of the sale by state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to FLRC, a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Gen Corp. on Jan. 25, 2024.

The PCC cleared Fresh River’s takeover of the CHEPP, seeing that the transaction would not result in substantial lessening of competition in the relevant markets.

PSALM issued its certificate of effectivity to FLRC on Jan. 31, 2024, following PCC’s clearance, which marked the CHEPP final transaction documents effective and binding among the parties composed of PSALM, NIA and FRLC. “The parties are now preparing for the ceremonial turnover of the CHEPP on Feb. 26, 2024,” PSALM said.

PSALM declared FRLC as the highest bidder on May 16, 2023, with its offer of $526 million during the public bidding.

PSALM plans to use proceeds from the privatization of the CHEPP to partially settle its debt. Alena Mae S. Flores

Judge orders Elon Musk to answer to regulators in X probe WASHINGTON, United States— A US judge ordered Elon Musk to comply with a subpoena to answer questions from regulators about his purchases of Twitter shares last year.

The order comes after Musk, who beefed up his stake in Twitter -- now called X -- before buying the company for $44 billion, did not show up for a scheduled deposition in September with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to a legal filing.

“The court grants the SEC’s application to enforce the subpoena,” the decision by California judge Laurel Beeler, published on Saturday and seen by AFP, stated.

The billionaire boss and the SEC now

have a week to agree on a time and place for Musk to give testimony, it added.

The SEC investigation pertains to all of Musk’s purchases of Twitter stock in 2022 as well as his statements and filings with market regulators, court documents stated.

Musk took part in two half-day depositions in July with the SEC, which told the court it has since received “thousands of documents” that have raised questions they want him to answer.

Musk’s objections to the latest deposition included an accusation that the SEC is using its power to “harass” him, the commission said in the filing.

“The SEC has already taken Mr.

Musk’s testimony multiple times in this misguided investigation— enough is enough,” Musk attorney Alex Spiro said in reply to an AFP inquiry.

But the SEC had argued that “Musk’s ongoing refusal to comply with the SEC’s administrative subpoena is hindering and delaying the SEC staff’s investigation to determine whether violations of the federal securities laws have occurred,” according to court documents.

Musk’s role at the social network has been marked by numerous controversies and led to various legal actions on the part of investors, former employees and companies that had contracts with Twitter. AFP

WATER SECURITY. Manila Water Company Inc. reaches a significant milestone by earning its first A- score in water security from the renowned environmental non-profit organization CDP. The score places Manila Water above the Asian regional average of C and surpasses the non-energy utilities sector average of B.

BUSINESS

B4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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

November inflows lifted 11-month foreign direct investments to $7.6b NET inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines climbed 27.8 percent in November 2023 to $1 billion from $820-million net inflows in the same period in 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday.

The BSP attributed the uptick in FDI net inflows primarily to a 57.8-percent expansion in nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments, which rose to $897 million from $568 million a year earlier.

Nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital (excluding reinvestment of earnings) and reinvestment of earnings saw declines of 52.5 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, totaling $85 million from $180 million and $66

million from $72 million.

The majority of equity capital placements in November originated from Japan and the United States, with investments flowing into the manufacturing, real estate, and construction sectors.

These developments resulted in cumulative FDI net inflows of $7.6 billion in the first eleven months of 2023, marking a 13.3 percent decrease from the $8.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2022.

Despite sustained economic growth in the country, FDI remained subdued due to the lingering impact of high inflation and subdued global growth prospects, according to the BSP. Darwin G. Amojelar

DRAGON DANCE. The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) marks the first trading day of the lunar new year with a lion and dragon dance and an opening bell ringing event led by PSE chairman Jose Pardo (sixth from left), director Ma. Vivian Yuchengco (fifth from left) and other officials of the local bourse.

NLEX submits offer for phase 3 expansion

By Darwin G. Amojelar

N

Board.

LEX Corp. submitted a proposal to widen the North Luzon Expressway to ease traffic congestion, according to the Toll Regulatory

“They [NLEX] submitted what we call NLEX Widening Expansion Phase 3. It’s still under evaluation,” TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said. He said the proposed project would decongest traffic along the expressway.

NLEX earlier signed a memorandum

of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the TRB to build the Sto. Tomas Interchange between San Simon and San Fernando City in Pampanga to provide direct access to Santo Tomas and nearby towns.

The interchange will also ease congestion leading to San Fernando, by providing an additional entry point to Pampanga province.

As part of the company’s traffic decongestion program, the new F. Raymundo exit in Barangay Pandayan, Meycauayan northbound and the additional lane at the Meycauayan northbound exit ramp were recently opened to ease the recurring heavy traffic in the area especially during peak hours and holidays.

The new exit provides an additional and alternative route going to the

eastern portion of Meycauayan City and Marilao, while the additional lane in Meycauayan northbound exit ramp serves as the new dedicated lane for Malhacan-bound vehicles. The leftmost and middle lanes are assigned to those going to Iba/Camalig, providing additional space for the high volume of trucks going to the industrial areas.

The tollway company said it would also continue its heavy maintenance program, a comprehensive pavement maintenance and repair works done annually to preserve the quality of road assets and ensure its safe condition.

PSAC, Millenium Challenge meeting bolsters US-PH economic cooperation THE Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) met with Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) to reinforce economic collaboration between the US and the Philippines.

MCC chief executive Alice Albright, in a meeting with PSAC strategic convenor Sabin Aboitiz and leads Henry Aguda and Irwin Lee, reaffirmed their dedication to fostering economic growth and poverty reduction through collaborative endeavors between governments and the private sector.

The MCC, recognized for its time-limited grants aimed at promoting economic growth and institutional strengthening in partner countries, expressed keen interest in deepening engagement with both the Philippine government and the private sector.

GSIS mobile app now available in US, Singapore PENSIONERS of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) who are based in the United States and Singapore may now use the GSIS Touch, the mobile app of GSIS, in complying with the proof of life requirement on annual pensioners information revalidation (APIR) and other transactions.

GSIS pensioners in the US and Singapore comprise 78 percent of the 18,000 pensioners based abroad. Pensioners who are based in the US as indicated in their GSIS records may download, register and utilize the GSIS Touch mobile app.

The GSIS said it would then send a one-time personal identification number (OTP) to their email listed in the GSIS database to register. In Singapore, GSIS Touch may be used by GSIS pensioners who have already downloaded the GSIS Touch and registered in the app.

The GSIS Touch has a facial recognition feature for APIR, making it seamless and convenient for pensioners to update their status without physically going to the GSIS. They need to undergo APIR or report their status to ensure continuous receipt of their pension.

“We call on our members and pensioners to use the GSIS Touch for their transactions. We made it available to pensioners abroad as our response to their clamor to allow them to experience its innovative and convenient service,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said in a statement.

Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) strategic convenor Sabin Aboitiz (third from right) engages in discussions with Millennium Challenge Corp. chief executive Alice Albright to reinforce economic collaboration between the US and the Philippines.

Albright underscored the need for comprehending and addressing the primary challenges faced by the nation, marking the beginning of an ear-

nest listening process.

Aboitiz, the Aboitiz Group president and CEO, echoed the sentiment of collaboration and consultation as

vital elements for progress.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier established PSAC as a proactive approach to directly engage with the private sector across diverse areas, including agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs and tourism.

“This ongoing dialogue with the private sector underscores the government’s commitment to actively listen and address critical needs,” said Aboitiz.

MCC Philippines director Sarah Olmstead noted the significance of working closely with Philippine counterparts to identify key policy areas for support. Olmstead highlighted the collaborative nature of their objectives, aiming to empower local leadership in driving impactful change.

ACEN, Yindjibarndi group investing P36b in Australian RE projects

By Othel V. Campos AUSTRALIA’S First Nations Yindjibarndi people and ACEN Corp. signed a partnership agreement for P36 billion worth of renewable energy projects in Western Australia.

Yindjibarndi Energy Corp. (YEC), the partnership company, will develop wind, solar and renewable energy projects in Yindjibarndi Ngurra, an area of encompassing 13,000 square kilometers within Yindjibarndi’s exclusive native title land in Australia.

“What ACEN and the Yindjibarndi group are doing is fully aligned with

the strategic partnership between Australia and the Philippines. We are happy to collaborate and work together to ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial and sustainable,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu. The partnership is one of the largest indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives in Australia, focused on sustainable development and economic opportunities.

YEC aims to develop 750 megawatts of combined wind, solar and battery storage in the short term for domestic and export markets.

Subsequent projects will target an additional 2 GW to 3 GW of combined wind, solar and battery storage.

“This partnership between ACEN and the Yindjibarndi People was built on shared values. ACEN were genuine in their interactions with the Yinjibarndi people – they were honest about their intentions and listened to what the Traditional Owners needed. This made the Yindjibarndi comfortable around ACEN’s people and put them in good standing to negotiate the terms of the partnership agreement,” said YEC chief executive Craig Ricato. With Rey Requejo

AREIT shareholders approve P28.6-b share swap with ALI

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHAREHOLDERS of AREIT Inc. on Monday approved the P28.6 billion property-for-share swap deal with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and its subsidiaries.

AREIT said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its stockholders owning majority of its outstanding capital approved the resolution providing for the issuance of 841,259,410 primary common shares to ALI and its subsidiaries including Greenhaven Property Ventures Inc., Cebu Insular Hotel Co. Inc. and Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACEN Corp.

The approval was obtained during a special stockholders meeting.

The shares will be issued at P34 apiece, representing a 3.75-percent premium over 30-day volume weighted average price of P32.77 or the prevailing market price.

AREIT in exchange will acquire several properties from ALI and its subsidiaries including four commercial buildings at Ayala Center Makati and Ayala Center Cebu and a 276-hectare parcel of industrial land in Zambales province.

The new infusions will bring AREIT’s assets under management (AUM) to P117 billion, its gross leasable building area to more than 1 million square meters and its leased industrial land area to 286 hectares by 2024.

The deal will also support AREIT’s objectives to expand and diversify its portfolio to capitalize on various growth opportunities across real estate sectors.

Aside from the asset-share swap, AREIT recently acquired Seda Lio in El Nido, Palawan from ALI subsidiary Econorth Resort Ventures Inc. for P1.19 billion.

The acquisition is expected to immediately contribute to AREIT’s income in the first quarter of 2024.

GCash bullish on international market, to expand services to 10 more countries

SM’S AWARDS. The SM Group, led by SM Investments Corp., with BDO Unibank Inc., SM Foundation Inc., SM Retail Inc., Belle Corp., 2GO Group Inc. and Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines) Inc. receive 14 awards for public relations during the 59th Anvil Awards presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) at Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on Jan. 31, 2024.

GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc., said Monday it plans to expand its services to 10 more countries this year.

“We are very bullish about international space. We continue to expand our international services to cater to many Filipinos abroad as we launch GCash overseas in 10 more countries, and the plan is to get into 16 countries, probably covering 80 percent of the addressable market for overseas Filipinos,” GCash chief financial officer Tek Olaño said.

“Right now, we have six, the plan is to add 10 countries,” he said.

GCash is currently available in Japan, Australia, Italy, Canada, the UK and the US. The mobile wallet earlier said it filed an application with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to expand its services in

the Middle East.

GCash disbursed P118 billion worth of loans to 3.9 million borrowers in the Philippines last year. It also sold 16.3 million insurance policies in 2023, up 172 percent from 2022.

GCash offers users a wide variety of accessible financial products and services such as sending money, buying loads and paying bills.

Users can also explore other innovative financial services to jumpstart their journey towards their financial goals through GSave, GInsure and GInvest.

Mynt, the operator of GCash, became the country’s first unicorn or privatelyheld startup company with a value of over $1 billion in November 2021, after it raised more than $300 million in its latest funding round from new and existing investors to fund aggressive expansion. Darwin G. Amojelar

C1

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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

Superstar Swift celebrates nail-biting win for Kelce’s Chiefs LAS VEGAS—Taylor Swift’s transPacific dash to the Super Bowl was rewarded with a thrilling overtime triumph for boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The pop icon was performing in Tokyo on Saturday night before hopping a private jet to make the NFL championship spectacular in Las Vegas, a journey that ended in hugs and tears of joy as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in just the second overtime game in Super Bowl history.

Swift, who won a record fourth Album of the Year Grammy this month, arrived at Allegiant Stadium in style, her bespoke Kansas City Chiefs jacket slung over her shoulder and her gold necklace bearing Kelce’s number 87.

Wearing a black corset-style top and black jeans with crystal-lined slits on each leg, she was joined by celebrity friends along with her parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, and her brother Austin and Kelce’s parents Ed and Donna and his brother Jason -- who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 34-year-old was the brightest in a galaxy of stars attending the game -- the 13th Chiefs game she has turned out for since she and Kelce became an item last year.

Actor Blake Lively and Ice Spice joined her in the luxury suite, and Swift fans watching at home were treated to their first glimpse of her during pre-game festivities, when broadcaster CBS offered a cutaway shot of the singer and friends.

Swift’s friend singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey and music legend Paul McCartney made appearances in the suite, where cameras caught Swift swaying to Post Malone’s pre-game performance of “America the Beautiful” but looking tense in the early minutes of the contest.

Fans who like their football with plenty of cold beverages were delighted when the stadium’s massive electronic scoreboard showed Swift chugging a drink in seconds and slamming down the empty cup with a flourish.

She celebrated ecstatically -- long ponytail bouncing -- when the Chiefs scored a touchdown to take the lead for the first time in the game late in the third quarter. AFP

Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, shown with his son Patrick Bronze, watches the confettis fall as he celebrates winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

AFP

Viva Las Vegas!: Chiefs seek Super Bowl 3-peat after thriller L

AS VEGAS—Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce vowed to target a hat trick of Super Bowl crowns on Sunday after his team’s epic overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers.

The larger-than-life tight end -- who embraced girlfriend Taylor Swift on the field after the Chiefs 25-22 overtime win -- had craved back-to-back Super Bowls to cement the team’s dynasty status.

And Kelce, who lost his cool with head coach Andy Reid during a firsthalf meltdown on the sidelines, said the Chiefs were already targeting a third title.

“Viva Las Vegas!” Kelce roared after

the win. “The goal has always been to get three. But we couldn’t get here without getting the two and having that target on our back all year.

“We get a chance to do it three times in a row.”

But first, though, the fun-loving Kelce planned to paint ‘Sin City’ Kansas City red.

“How do you get excited for that?

You go party in Las Vegas and then get back to work,” Kelce said during

ing to keep this thing going.”

Kansas City head coach Reid, meanwhile, saluted his team’s concentration down the stretch.

“The guys were great,” Reid said.

“Defense played out of their mind.

The offense just kept persevering and pushing and pushing and did a great job. I’m so proud of the whole group.”

Kansas City receiver Mecole Hardman, who only rejoined the franchise in October after a stint with the New York Jets, was left pinching himself after scoring the overtime touchdown that sealed the team’s win.

“It feels great. I blacked out when I caught the ball, though. But it feels awesome,” Hardman said. AFP

Lobo warns Haggerty to tread lightly: I want to show him who I am

Field confirmed for women’s Olympic caging in Paris 2024 MIES, Switzerland—The 12-team field for the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 is now complete following the successful conclusion of the four FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, in Antwerp, Belgium; Belem, Brazil; Xi’An, China and Sopron, Hungary.

A total of 11 teams already have previous Olympic appearances, but there was a significant new chapter written for Germany, who will make history when they appear at the Games for the very first time.

The last tickets to the Olympic Games were claimed on Sunday by Canada, Germany, Japan, Serbia and Spain. Australia, Belgium, China, Nigeria and Puerto Rico qualified on Friday and Saturday.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 champions USA and the hosts of the Olympic Games, France, had guaranteed spots in the Olympics ahead of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The full list of the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament teams is as follows: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Serbia, Spain and USA. Emma Meesseman (Belgium), Gabby Williams (France), Mai Yamamoto (Japan) and Ezi Magbegor (Australia) all received TISSOT MVP awards following impressive individual displays at the respective tournaments.

The Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 will take place from July 29 to August 11.

an on-field interview.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who led the team back from a double-digit deficit to win the Super Bowl for the third time in his career, said the roller coaster win was a fitting end to Kansas City’s season.

“With the adversity we dealt with this year and to come through, the guys never faltered,” said Mahomes, who like Kelce is targeting more hardware.

Asked if the Chiefs were now a dynasty, he replied: “Yeah, it’s the start of one. We’re not done. I know we’re going to celebrate tonight, celebrate at the parade Wednesday at Kansas City. But we’re not done.

We’ve got a young team. We’re go-

Felipe Lobo

FELIPE “Demolition Man” Lobo doesn’t need any added fuel on his quest for ONE Championship gold, but ahead of his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title fight against two-sport king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, he’s getting plenty of added fire.

The two bantamweight greats will headline ONE Fight Night 19 on 17 February inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and the Brazilian heavy hitter can’t wait to come in and end all talks.

Haggerty’s been name dropping Lobo since the latter’s big comeback win over Saemapetch Fairtex, and it spilled over when the Englishman called him out after beating his teammate Fabricio Andrade at the end of last year. “[Haggerty has] been calling me since my last fight with Saemapetch. When my fight with Saemapetch ended, back at the hotel he walked past me and said, ‘I liked watching you fight. You’re next,’” he said.

“On the day of the fight with Fabricio, it was the same thing. [Haggerty] walked past me and said, ‘You’re next.’

“I said, ‘Let’s see what happens next time. I’m waiting for you.’ His coaches came and said a lot of things, but I couldn’t understand because everyone was talking at the same time. He likes to talk a lot. He is talkative.”

Lobo took those words to heart, and now he plans to quiet Haggerty for good by taking one

of his belts when they meet inside “The Mecca of Muay Thai” in less than two weeks.

“This confrontation certainly increased my desire to face him. Especially because in the ring, he said I was a nobody. So, I want to show him who I am,” he said.

He did praise Haggerty’s hands, noting how he maximizes his boxing skills to set up flurries of attacks. However, he did question “The General’s” defensive skills and ability to absorb hits.

“He knows how to use his boxing very well. He moves forward all the time and kicks very well. Furthermore, he has good feints that I need to pay attention to so as not to be surprised. But I believe his strong point is his speed. He moves very well,” he said.

“And his weak point is that he can’t take many hits.

He’s very good at hitting, but when it comes to defending himself, protecting himself, he’s not so good.”

That’s why Lobo believes he’ll come out of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium not only as the new ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, but also as just the second man to finish Haggerty in ONE Championship after Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

“Like I said, I think there will be a lot of striking in this fight. I’m preparing myself for everything – walking backward, moving forward, to suppress – but I keep in mind that I can’t let him get comfortable in the fight,” he said.

“But my prediction is to win this fight by knockout. I’m going to knock him out – that’s my prediction.”

HD Spikers set tone for redemption campaign in Champions League CIGNAL HD kicked off its redemption drive Sunday with a rout of College of Saint Benilde in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum where only a day before the franchise’s women’s team missed snatching the title.

“It’s our first game of the year and everybody contributed well not just the first six but the entire team,” said Cignal HD coach Dexter Clamor following his wards’ 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 of the Blazers, the only collegiate squad in the eight-team men’s tournament organized by the PNVF headed

by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

“They are all eager to win,” added Clamor, a former University of Perpetual Help Alta, whose team has two missions in the competition—regain the crown it lost to the University of Santo Tomas in the tournament branded as Champions Cup last November and avenge the women’s squad’s final setback to Petro Gazz last Saturday.

The vengeful HD Spikers needed only 88 minutes to dispose of the Blazers and provide the openingday highlight of the tournament backed by PLDT,

Ayala Land, Nuvali, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+, Mikasa, Senoh, Foton, Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

National team spiker Joshua Umandal had 15 points on 12 hits and three blocks for the former champions, while skipper JP Bugaoan contributed 10 points and fellow national team player Llloyd Josafat and Wendell Miguel added six and five points, respectively.

Cignal has yet to play with its prized recruit, national team ace Bryan Bagunas, in its campaign in Pool A where Savouge Spin Doctors debuted with a 25-21, 15-25, 25-22, 25-22 victory over PGJC Philippine Navy also Sunday.

In Pool B, Iloilo D’Navigators booked a 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 sweep of the VNS Asereht Griffins.

Jhun Señoron, Sherwin Caritativo and Jeremy Pedrosa joined forces with 16, 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Spin Doctors while Iloilo banked on John Andres’ 16 points as well as Kyle Villamor’s 10.

Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army made their debuts in Pool B on Monday.

Cignal HD’s Joshua Umandal soars for a spike against College of Saint Benilde’s Arnel Christian Aguilar.

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Alcoseba, Remolino dash to Sunrise Sprint glory CAMARINES SUR – Kim Remolino and Faith Alcoseba lived up to pre-race hype but achieved victories in distinct styles in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint at the CamSur Watersports Complex here Sunday.

Remolino edged Matthew Hermosa and Renz Corbin in a thrilling finish, posting a 01:04:33 clocking to rule the men’s division of the sub-category event to the 5150 CamSur covering 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run distance. Hermosa and Corbin turned in identical times of 01:04:49.

Alcoseba, on the other hand, dominated from start to finish, claiming the top spot in the women’s side in 01:08:52. Heart Quiambao placed a distant second in 01:14:09, while Nicole del Rosario came in third in 01:14:38.

Remolino and Alcoseba, both representing Team Go for Gold Cebu, flashed their exceptional form and rigorous training, previously excelling in a short-distance triathlon series as they shared top honors with 5150 CamSur overall winners Kim Mangrobang and Edward Macalalad.

Remolino also took the 20-24 age group title while Hermosa secured victory in the 15-19 division of the event organized by The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc., which also marked the triathlon’s return to its original race destination.

Other winners in the men’s categories included Mark Novallasca (25-29), Bryan Tan (30-34), Saidamen Manabilang (35-39), Dennis Llagas (40-44), Emilio Corral (50-54) and William Menes (55-59).

Alcoseba also claimed the women’s 20-24 trophy, Raizzen Azada took the 15-19 crown, Regina Rosquites topped the 30-34 class, and Liza Jane Reyes ruled the 45-49 category.

TLTG Go for Gold, comprised of Alcoseba, Corbin, John Lalimos, Johnwayne Ybañez and Fidel Redillas, nailed the best team award with a combined time of 5:41:56.66, while Remolino and Hermosa’s Team Go for Gold, which also included Carron Cañas, Randle Belleza and Jeremy Go, clocked 6:07:09.20 for second.

Meantime, Team CamSur Triteam topped the all-male relay event with a time of 2:06:18, besting Team TDSC, which timed 2:12:12, while Team Hawhaw 2.0 placed third in 3:43:01.

Team Trilungs, on the other hand, ruled the all-female relay side in 3:28:10, edging Team Adreality and TDDNG Tri, which submitted 3:30:50 and 3:34:09 clocking, respectively, while CamSur Triteam 2 bagged the mixed team relay trophy in 2:11:58, beating Team The Next Step Tri and

UNITY LEAGUE. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during the launching of Unity League’s ‘Mobile Legend: Bang Bang’ tournament at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City Monday morning. Romualdez vowed the support of the House of Representatives for the development of esports in the country as he expressed confidence Filipino players can become a dominant force in the gaming arena. He added that the launch of the nationwide competition is a bold step towards recognizing and nurturing the immense talent pool in the country in the realm of esport. Present in the event are Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, PTV Network General Manager Analisa Puod, Presidential Communication Office Under Secretary Gerald Baria, DICT Under Secretary for Special Concerns Paul Mercado and IBC 13 President Jose Policarpio. Ver Noveno

Romualdez vows House support for esports growth

By Maricel V. Cruz

S

PEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday vowed the full support of the House of Representatives for the development of esports in the country as he expressed confidence the Philippines could cement its position as a dominant force in the gaming arena.

Romualdez made the commitment in his message during the launch of the Unity League and its inaugural Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nationwide tournament at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

“As the leader of the House of Representatives, I assure you that we are fully committed to supporting the development of esports in the country,” said Romualdez.

“We believe in the power of youth, innovation, and technology to bring about positive change. Together, let’s make history and prove that the Philippines can be a dominant force in esports, just as we have been in other sports disciplines,” he added.

The country’s esports athletes have

scored significant wins in the international scene, including the gold medal the Philippine National Esports Team (Sibol) bagged in the 2023 IESF Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event held last August in Romania.

The Philippines likewise clinched the gold and silver medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang for the male and female categories, respectively, in May last year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Romualdez bared that the House will help provide funding support, through the Philippine Sports Commission, to offer a prize money of P2 million for the winning team, P1 million for the runner-up, and P500,000 for the third-

place winner.

Likewise, Romualdez agreed to suggestions to double the prize money for the regional competition, originally pegged at P60,000 for the first place, P30,000 for the second place, and P20,000 for the 3rd place winner.

Romualdez was accompanied in the event by Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co and Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

According to Romualdez, the launch of the Unity League is a pivotal moment in the history of Philippine esports and a bold step towards recognizing and nurturing the immense talent pool in our country.

He noted that the Philippines has a rich tradition of excellence in various sports and can extend this legacy to the digital arena through the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang nationwide tournament.

“By opening this platform to all Local Government Units, we are tapping into the grassroots level, where the heart of Philippine esports beats the strongest,” Romualdez said.

He commended PTV4, its broadcast partner IBC-13, the Philippine Sports

Green Spikers team to beat in UAAP women’s volley

By Peter Atencio FOR the La Salle Lady Green Spikers, a titleretention bid will be a difficult thing to achieve in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Noel Orcullo, one of the coaches of the Lady Green Spikers, said this going into their first game at the start of competitions this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

But don’t tell that to the rest of the league, which believes the Green Spikers are one of the league’s favorites.

The Lady Green Spikers are the team to beat, and members of the squad are aware of this.

“Lahat ay malakas. Ang hirap sa amin ay kami ang hinahabol dahil kami ang defending champion,” said Orcullo, during Monday’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers showed their game shape last month when they turned back a multi-titled Thailand club Supreme VC in a friendly match.

La Salle won four out of five sets in a tune-up game, 25-23, 25-15, 25-22, 20-25, 15-10, during their training camp in Thailand.

UAAP Season 85 Rookie-MVP Angel Canino, Best Middle Blocker Thea Gagate and Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals MVP Shevana Laput are expected to return.

Canino, Gagate and Laput are stepping up, now that four veterans, season 85 Best Outside Spiker Jolina dela Cruz, Best Setter Mars Alba, middle blocker Fifi Sharma and ace libero Justine Jazareno have graduated.

“Nandu’n ang improvement nila, every day,” added Orcullo.

The Lady Spikers ruled UAAP Season 85 with only one loss through their entire campaign, including a 2-0 sweep of former champion National University for the crown.

Coach Ramil Cruz is now preparing the Lady Archers for an opportunity to keep the title they won at the expense of National University Lady Bulldogs last year.

La Salle coach Noel Orcullo

realme holds Regional Wars in Pangasinan FOLLOWING the success of the first-ever and Cebu, the smartphone brand continues realme Regional Wars - Call of Duty: Mo- to prove its commitment and support to bile last September 2023 at the realme Fan- Filipino gamers in local esports.

Fest that commenced in Pampanga, Davao This time around, realme Philippines

Catch the realme Regional Wars in Guanzon Festival on February 17

brings Regional Wars in Pangasinan and will be holding a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament as part of celebrating Guanzon Festival on February 17.

The tournament is open to all MLBB amateur players residing in Pangasinan and neighboring provinces or cities.

Meanwhile, teams must consist of five (5) players and at least thirteen (13) years old (all minors must provide written guardian’s consent during registration) and all teams must be willing to participate in the qualifier match schedules set by the event organizers.

Moreover, all participants will be equipped with a realme C67 to use for the duration of the tournament as the smartphone. It is backed with a highly power

efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 and has a 90Hz refresh rate that both allow for a smooth gaming experience.

The realme Regional Wars Pangasinan Edition has a total prize pool of P150,000 worth of cash and products.

The winning team will be taking home P5,000 and a realme Pad each. Meanwhile, the first runner-up and semifinalists will take home cash prizes as well as TechLife products.

The realme Regional Wars Pangasinan Edition will be hosted by Chantelle Hernandez and will be joined by shoutcasters OSX and Manjean Faldas. Aside from this, the Squad can visit the realme booth to get a chance to meet and greet these well-known casters along with Odin.

Commission, and the Philippine Esports Organization for their vision and efforts in making the Unity League a reality.

Pointing out that esports has rapidly evolved from being a pastime to a global phenomenon, Speaker Romualdez exhorted the young athletes participating in the tournament to showcase their skills and be part of something bigger than themselves.

“Do not look to the Unity League as a mere competition. It is a chance to showcase your skills, to represent your communities, and to be part of something bigger than yourselves. It is an opportunity to be at the forefront of an exciting and emerging field, to potentially become national esports athletes under Team Sibol, and to contribute to our country’s success on the international stage,” Romualdez said.

“Remember, every champion was once a contender that refused to give up. So, I encourage you to seize this opportunity, to dream big, and to work hard. The future of Philippine esports looks bright, and it’s up to us to ensure that it shines on the world stage.”

PSA Forum to discuss Asian swim tournament THE biggest swimming event in the country this year will be tackled in the resumption of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum this Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general and Batangas First District Rep. Eric Buhain is going to talk about the 11th Asian Age Group Championships set from Feb. 26 to March 9 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Joining Buhain in the public sports program are local organizing committee officers Joseph ‘Jojit’ Alcazar (president and CEO) and Dave Carter (COO).

The session starts at 10:30 a.m. and is presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the 24/7 sports app in the country, ArenaPlus.

The swimming competition supported by both the PSC and POC, will be joined by more than 1,000 athletes from 25 countries.

The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares it on its official Facebook page.

SHOWBIZ The Voice of Ryan Gallagher

C3 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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

Ryan Gallagher makes his debut in the country with concert, ‘The Voice of Ryan’

Ice Seguerra is the director of the one-nightonly concert

Filipina Soprano Lara Maigue joins the roster of Ryan’s special guests

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

A

MERICAN singer Ryan Gallagher is doing a one-night-only show at the Music Museum on Feb. 17. The concert, aptly titled The Voice of Ryan, marks Gallagher’s highly-anticipated debut in the Philippines, where he will showcase his exceptional talent, versatility as an artist, and his deep appreciation of Original Pinoy Music (OPM).

Gallagher, known for his outstanding performances and classical training, gained international acclaim as a fan favorite on The Voice USA Season 19. His rendition of “The Prayer” during the blind audition left a lasting impression, earning him a coveted spot on Kelly Clarkson’s team and captivating audiences worldwide.

As he gears up for his first solo concert in the Philippines, Gallagher acknowledges the challenges of interpreting OPM songs as a foreigner.

In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, the 35-year-old classically-trained singer expressed admiration for the beautiful melodies of OPM, recognizing them as some of

the most exquisite he has ever heard.

Despite the linguistic and cultural barriers, Gallagher embraces the opportunity to immerse himself in the rich musical heritage of the Philippines.

“Singing is telling a story, and I’m still learning that,” Gallagher shared.

“There’s nothing relatable about it when people say, ‘Wow, he’s a great singer.’ But when I started singing ‘Isang Saglit,’ I was smiling, and it’s weird because it’s a sad song. So as a singer, you really have to figure out what you’re saying and enough to be able to tell the story. I’m learning that every day.”

With the guidance of seasoned

OPM artists like Ice Seguerra, who directs the show, Gallagher embraces the challenge of delving into unfamiliar musical territory.

Seguerra, renowned for his musical expertise and keen artistic sensibilities, recognizes Gallagher’s potential to transcend boundaries and explore new dimensions of his talent.

“I’ve always known him as a classical singer, but he has a lot of potential. With that voice, there’s a lot of things that he could do,” Seguerra remarked. “Why don’t we showcase that? He can do classical, which is amazing, but he can also do something now that’s so interesting apart from what we saw in The Voice. He’s so versatile.”

The Voice of Ryan promises to be a multifaceted journey through three captivating themes: “Classically Ryan,” “Ryan Reimagined,” and “Ryan Unplugged.” Backed by an ensemble of exceptional Filipino musicians and artists, including Concert King Martin Nievera, Filipina Soprano Lara Maigue, and Ice Seguerra, Gallagher promises to showcase his diverse musical influences and redefine his identity as an artist.

“I am more green in this industry.

I’ve been invited to sing in private

events, so it’s a whole different kind of animal for me,” Gallagher admitted. “But I’m up for the challenge. It’s about discovering the other side of me as an artist.”

Presented by Katinko and sponsored by the Baron Method and Phillip’s Fine Jewelry, The Voice of Ryan is produced by Fire and Ice LIVE! Ti c k e t s are now available at Ticketworld, offering audiences the opportunity to witness the captivating voice of a man who continues to redefine himself as a singer and musician.

Join Ryan Gallagher and special guests for an unforgettable night of music at the Music Museum on Feb. 17. For more

Concert King Martin Nievera is one of the musicians accompanying Ryan

information and updates, visit Fire and Ice PH on Facebook.

Liza Soberano starrer film secures second spot at US tills

From left: Global Leader Alex Kim, CEO Hur Chan, artist Gwyn Dorado, COO Biblein, Creative Lead Victor Park during signing of contract on Feb 4, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea’s AO Entertainment signs first Filipino solo artist GWYN Dorado, has recently season 1, held in Singapore in signed a five-year contract with 2015 when she was only 10 AO Entertainment of South years old.

Korea.

With this new venture, AO took interest in Gwyn Gwyn hopes to improve when her song produced by her craft in composing and Thrice Cooked USA entitled writing songs.

“Why Do We Love” hit the “Why Do We Love?” is 1 million streams on Spotify. her latest composition, which The song became No. 1 on garnered more than 11 million Spotify’s Top 50 Viral and Viral views on TikTok when she Hits Philippines for over three posted a short version filmed at weeks. her home. It was noticed by Thrice The success of the song has enticed Cooked USA, the same company that Gwyn Dorado’s hit song other big international recording promoted Pink Sweat$ (one of his ‘Why Do We Love?’ companies to offer Gwyn management caught the eye of AO famous works is “At My Worst”). contracts. The young Filipina singer AO Entertainment is composed Entertainment chose AO Entertainment of South of music impresarios who used to Korea due to the plans the management presented be part of managements like HYBE (BTS’s to her. management) & SM Universe. They established Apart from singing and performing, Gwyn AO company to help promote young artists will be trained in composing, writing songs, not only in K-pop but also in other genres and acting, and music production. artists from various countries. Gwyn is their Gwyn was a grand finalist in Asia’s Got Talent first signed solo artist from the Philippines.

FOCUS Features’ latest release, Lisa Frankenstein, featuring Filipino actress Liza Soberano in a supporting role, earned an estimated $3.8 million in North American theaters during a slow-moving movie weekend overshadowed by the Super Bowl championship game.

It trails behind US box office winner, Argylle, which garnered just an estimated $6.5 million for the Fridaythrough-Sunday period, as ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ has earned nearly $3.8 million in North American theaters reported by industry watcher million opening weekend – Variety has declared Exhibitor Relations. The film stars Dua Lipa, it “the year’s first big bomb.”

Henry Cavill, John Cena, and Ariana DeBose, MGM action flick The Beekeeper, starring with Bryce Dallas Howard portraying a spy Jason Statham, stayed steady in third place, novelist who finds herself in over her head. taking in $3.5 million.

Given the Apple co-production’s budget of In fourth spot was Fathom Events’ The $200 million – and its sharp drop from an $18 Chosen: S4 EP 1-3, about the life of Jesus Christ.

It earned $3.2 million.

And in fifth, Warner Bros.’ fantasy musical Wonka kept up its long top-five streak, making $3.1 million in its ninth week of release.

Timothee Chalamet stars as the eccentric chocolate maker.

Analytics company Comscore said total ticket sales for the weekend were at a near all-time low for a Super Bowl weekend, at roughly just $42 million. AFP From left: ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ stars Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton, and Liza Soberano

C4

LIFE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

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

Win a supercar while enjoying your favorite pizza The giveaway will include the BMW X1, X3, and X5 models

Shakeys’ ambassador Luis Manzano mingles with fans at the promo’s official launch

IMAGINE enjoying your favorite pizza while cruising in your very own luxury BMW. Surprisingly, it’s not too good to be true.

Three BMW X Series SUVs are up for grabs in the Supercard Super Cars Monthly Grand Giveaway, making luxury ownership as easy as enjoying pizza or chicken.

Shakey’s, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea have teamed up to offer this enticing opportunity.

The BMW X1, X3, and X5, representing top-tier luxury and performance, will be given away in monthly raffle draws. The X1, leading

the compact SUV segment, kicks off the prizes, followed by the X3 with its powerful engineering, and the X5, boasting elegance and all-terrain capabilities.

BMW X1 will be raffled off for entries received from Jan. 15 to Feb. 14. BMW X3, will be raffled off for entries received from Jan. 15 to March 14.

And finally, the BMW X5 will be raffled off for entries received from Jan. 15 to April 15.

“This is the first time since we opened in 1975 that we’re giving away not just one but three supercars. We said that if we were going to do another promo, we wanted it to be something

SPAVI president and CEO Vicente L. Gregorio (third from right) with Shakey’s ambassador Luis Manzano (first from left) with celebrity guests

‘wowing.’ And I think our partner BMW is also up for doing this promo with us,” SPAVI president and CEO Vicente L. Gregorio told Manila Standard Life in an interview.

“We’re just grateful to all the people who have patronized our brand all these years. We’re growing, and we hope that this promo creates a buzz that will signal our appreciation for all the years that we’ve been supported by our customers.

SPAVI now owns four other brands, and this promo is also an investment for us,” Gregorio added.

The monthly raffle draws will be conducted electronically under the supervision of the

Unlock Europe with Greece’s Golden Visa program

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), ensuring fairness and transparency.

To participate, Supercard Classic and Gold holders can enroll their cards on the official promo site. Every P300 spent at participating outlets earns one raffle entry, with dine-in, carryout, and in-house delivery purchases eligible. Transactions through delivery aggregators are excluded.

All existing and active Supercard holders are eligible for the monthly draws that will run from Jan. 15 to April 15.

Visit the official promo site at supercars. mysupercard.ph for the full promo mechanics.

ARTIST’S RENDITION. The Highlands Residences is composed of five midrise residential buildings with five to seven floors

By Angelica Villanueva GOLDEN Visa Centrale (GVC), a leading consultancy in residency by investment, unveils a tailored Greek Golden Visa program for Filipino investors.

Vicky Luis,, president and founder of GVC, emphasized the increasing appeal of residency-by-investment programs for investors worldwide, including in the Philippines.

“Residency-by-investment programs have been getting traction for investors across the world, including the Philippines.

These programs not only grant investors and their families the freedom to travel, to study, to work but also Vicky Luis encourages investors offer opportunities for wealth to take advantage of the program diversification,” said Luis. for the various opportunities GVC offers The Golden Visa program enables individuals and their families to obtain foreign residency or citizenship by meeting a minimum investment requirement set by the host country’s government. It offers benefits such as unrestricted travel and potential tax advantages.

More than 130,000 people have obtained similar visas in European countries, including Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Over 60 countries globally offer golden visa programs, with European countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Greece being among the most popular.

Established in 2019, GVC has successfully processed and facilitated hundreds of golden visa applications across various European countries and the U.S. The number of golden visa applications from the Philippines has increased by at least 30 percent annually since 2019, indicating a growing trend of Filipinos seeking international residency and investment opportunities.

“We are excited to bring the Greek Golden Visa program to Filipino investors. This is a program perfect for those looking for profitable investments or those who want to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Luis added.

The Greek Golden Visa program, initiated in 2013, granted 31,000 golden visas in 2022, injecting €2.3 billion into the Greek economy.

With an initial investment of €250,000, the program offers Filipinos the chance to invest in Patra, the third-largest city in Greece and a thriving university hub on the Peloponnese peninsula.

The investment comes with a range of compelling benefits, including a five-year permanent residence visa, the possibility of family reunification for up to three generations, remote application convenience, visa-free travel within Schengen countries, fast processing times, and no stay requirement.

Luis also highlighted the program’s appeal, citing its vibrant living experience and a reasonable investment threshold, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable and desirable residency opportunities.

The program, along with GVC’s other offerings, aligns with the company’s mission to provide clients with the freedom to enjoy beautiful landscapes while actively contributing to the economic development of cities and countries worldwide.

“The Greek Golden Visa program, along with our other offerings, reflects our mission to offer clients the freedom to enjoy beautiful landscapes while actively contributing to the economic development of cities and countries worldwide,” she explained.

To learn more about the Greek Golden Visa program, visit https:// goldenvisacentral.com/ or the GVC Facebook page.

The visa program gives Filipinos the opportunity to invest in Patra

Experience all things Tagaytay Highlands all at once

T

AGAYTAY Highlands has earned a distinct reputation as the Philippines’ most exclusive residential complex of its kind and scale. Lending its unique character are signature log cabins and lush mountain ranges set amidst a year-round nippy breeze, creating a stunning landscape perfect for luxury living and outdoor relaxation.

Various amenities showcase open-air activities alongside scenic views

Today, Tagaytay Highlands opens a new chapter as a muchawaited archetype of its renowned lifestyle is set to unravel – Highlands Residences. The private mountain resort’s newest midrise condominium development is designed to embody mountain living ideals where indoor and outdoor adventures come together in one luxury address.

Designed to surround the central amenity, this low-density condominium development is envisioned to promote open-air activities, which makes Highlands Residences a destination in and of itself.

With Tagaytay Highlands’ residential communities being known for having their exclusive world-class amenities, look no further as Highlands Residences already comes with its line-up of recreational features that are for the sole use of its residents.

Communing with nature and exploring the world around them is the lifestyle roadmap that awaits future homeowners of Highlands Residences. The central amenity incorporates such convergence areas as the Bonfire, Sunken Garden, and Outdoor

seating alcoves where one can either lounge and feel the cool mountain air or spend a magical night under a starry sky.

Water lovers can also enjoy morning workouts in the lap pool and afternoon dips in the kiddie pool. For more adventurous souls, they can enjoy the fresh air while getting physical at the Exercise Area or trek amidst the lush greens of the Nature Trail.

With scenic vistas and Highlands views all around, as well as luxurious amenities and a multitude of activities available for the family, there is always an adventure waiting around the corner. Here, every day is an opportunity to turn weekend thrills into daily hillside experiences.

Five midrise residential buildings of five to seven floors comprise a composite design that is inspired by all things Tagaytay Highlands.

Each Highlands Residences unit is well-thought-out to provide space that strikes the perfect balance between work and play.

From spacious living rooms meant to encourage bonding with loved ones, to tastefully designed bedrooms meant to help one wind down and escape the stress of every day, Highlands Residences is built with the uncompromising resident in mind.

Attesting to Tagaytay Highlands’ commitment to excellence in every detail is its developer and SM Prime Holdings subsidiary Highlands Prime, Inc.’s (HPI) recently bestowed Bronze Award for Developer of the Year (Luzon) during The Outlook 2023 Philippine Real Estate Awards

by Lamudi. Also, for Tagaytay Highlands’ dedication to upholding sustainability, safety, and security, it was recently awarded a “Safety Seal” by the City Government of Tagaytay.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) also hailed HPI as one of CALABARZON’s 2021 Outstanding Developers for Open Market Projects.

Tagaytay Highlands’ property management will remain efficient in complying with health and safety precautionary measures and delivering quick crisis responses during adverse natural and high-risk events.

Highlands Residences is masterfully designed to capitalize on Filipinos’ penchant for luxury getaways and nature activities. Carving one’s own space means immersing in the beauty of nature to unwind, breathe, and simply be in the present. One’s coveted t h e y Highlands Residences story begins the moment only in experience Tagaytay Highlands’ celebrated lifestyle– residential destination. this exclusive The condominium redefines the idea of mountain living