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HOUSE EYES ECONOMIC CHA-CHA APPROVAL BEFORE HOLY WEEK BREAK By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Dimaporo said it may only take three hearings to pass the measure. "If it will be taken up via committee of the whole, I THE House believe that will be Committee of the fast, and you will Whole will start hear only those discussions on the who have issues. Resolution of Both And if those issues Houses (RBH) No. are valid, then the 7 next week and majority will relay NEWS / A2 may finish after their concerns to three hearings or our leadership,” before Congress Dimaporo said. goes on Holy Week break next month. Next page Lanao del Norte Rep. Khalid

57 solons oppose Mindanao secession

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 11• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 •

Quiboloy: Slay try, $2m bounty on me KOJC boss admits he’s in hiding; FBI denies reward money, US sees him ‘facing justice’

Let wage boards rule on pay hikes, Chamber of Commerce asks gov’t By Othel V. Campos and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) appealed to Congress to let wage boards decide on wage increases rather than push for a legislated increase that would only benefit a few and disenfranchise other members of the labor force. PCCI president Eunina Mangio said the proposed P100 legislated wage increase co-authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which is now on the third and

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel Cruz and Rey Requejo

final reading, will only benefit five million workers, while 47 million who are in the informal sector will be left behind. “The P100 proposed wage will not even be enough when inflation goes up. Why don’t we instead legislate measures to address the rising cost in food prices and other issues that hamper our economic growth?” she said. Congress should allow the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to decide on minimum wage movements, PCCI said. Next page

‘COMPLETE ANAR ROAD TO LIFT CLARK ECONOMY’

POLLO Quiboloy, the beleaguered leader of religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and founder of the television network SMNI, said he is currently in hiding because of an alleged assassination plot against him.

NEWS / A2

Quiboloy, in a 36-minute voice clip on YouTube, also claimed there was a $2 million (P111 million) bounty on his head. The pastor, however, did not address the subpoenas issued by the Senate and House of Representatives to compel him to attend separate congressional hearings over alleged sexual abuses and exploitative acts committed by KOJC members. “I have been given to foreigners. If this is true, own up to it. If I’m wrong, correct me. My life is now in danger,” Next page Quiboloy said.

ROAD INSPECTION. President Marcos (center) inspects the Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) with BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana (right), BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang (left) on Wednesday. The completion of the 20-kilometer highway with distinct suspension bridges (inset) is expected to reduce travel time between the airport and New Clark City to just 20 minutes. PPA Pool

Marcos bares gab with Grab on motorcycle taxis, TNVS SC cuts fine on Disini estate to P100m By Charles Dantes TO GIVE commuters more transport options and generate more jobs, President Marcos revealed the government's discussion with Grab Philippines to

legalize motorcycle taxis and ease regulations on transportation network vehicle service (TNVS). The super-app company also sought the President’s support to achieve its ridership target of 500,000 per day,

Malacañang said. "We're working with Grab to legalize motorcycle taxis and relax regulations on TNVS," President Marcos said during a courtesy call by Grab Holdings Inc. officials at Malacañang Palace. Next page

TALK WITH DOJ. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (right) engages in a cordial conversation with Department of Justice Usec. Raul Vasquez (left), Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, Assistant Chief State Counsel Marilyn Angeles, Assistant State Counsel Mildred Alvor, and Senior State Counsel Grace Estrada during a courtesy call at the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Ver Noveno

#ANONGBALITA? Sakay na!: Ivana Alawi supports jeepney drivers ACTRESS and celebrity influencer Ivana Alawi expressed her support for drivers amid the push to replace traditional jeepneys with modern ones. Next page

Clean record: Oil firm denies giving gas station to Roque OIL player Cleanfuel set the record straight on rumors that one of its owners, Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay, gifted actor Dominic Roque a gas station. Next page

from P1b in Bataan nuke plant ruling By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has ruled with finality on its 2021 decision that ordered the estate of the late businessman Herminio Disini, founder of the Herdis Group of Companies, to pay the government damages for the mothballed $2.3-billion Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Morong, Bataan. But instead of P1 billion in temperate damages to be paid by Disini’s estate

as it earlier ordered, the SC modified the amount to “P100 million, or about 3.5 percent of the total money being claimed by the government,” saying it “is more appropriate.” “The original award of P1 billion represents about 35 percent of the amount being claimed by the Republic ($50,562,500). Clearly, such an amount is excessive and out of proportion, and must therefore be reduced,” it stressed. Next page

14 die, 3 hurt as truck falls off Negros cliff DUMAGUETE CITY—At least 14 people died and three others were injured as the truck they were riding on lost its brakes and fell off a cliff at Sitio Tubod, Barangay Bulwang in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Wednesday. The passengers were all livestock buyers from La Libertad, Negros Oriental. They were on their way to Dauis, Bayawan City when the truck they

were riding, driven by Antonio Boganotan Toreno, lost its brakes and overshot the road before it fell off the cliff past 1:30 p.m. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said Toreno—a widower, also from La Libertad—was among the injured and is now recuperating at the health center in Mabinay.

Ageing scuttles Japan’s ‘naked men’ festival A STEAM of sweat rose as hundreds of naked men tussled over a bag of wooden talismans, performing a dramatic end to a thousand-yearold ritual in Japan that took place for the last time. Next page

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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57 solons nix Mindanao secession A party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines. We make our intentions known, as Mindanao lawmakers,” said Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, one of the signatories and the chair of the House committee on Muslim affairs. Duterte and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez called for an independent Mindanao, which has drawn so much criticism and flak from so many sectors in the Philippines. “We, the elected representatives of Mindanao in the House of Representa-

tives, firmly oppose the calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines. Our stance is deeply rooted in our belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development, and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including the indigenous people of Mindanao,” the manifesto read. “Mindanao’s vibrant cultural diversity represents the nation's broader principle of unity in diversity. We stand for fostering understanding and collaboration across all communities within the framework of the Republic, enriching our shared national identity and heritage,” it added.

The US government, through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, issued a warrant for Quiboloy's arrest in 2022 on charges related to labortrafficking, sex trafficking, fraudulent visa acquisition, and bulkcash smuggling. The FBI, in a message to GMA News, denied it raised a $2 million bounty for the arrest of Quiboloy and his two associates–Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag–who are currently wanted in the US over various cases. "There is an active arrest warrant for Mr. Quiboloy but I’m unaware of a reward offer,” FBI Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller Eimiller said. The United States Embassy in the Philippines, however, expressed confidence that Quiboloy will “face justice for his heinous crimes.” "For more than a decade, Apollo Quiboloy engaged in serious human rights abuses, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape ofgirls as

young as 11 years old, and is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted List," US embassy spokesman Kanishka Gangopadhyay said. "We are confident that Quiboloy will face justice for his heinous crimes. Questions about legal proceedings should be directed to the US Department of Justice," he added. The Los Angeles court has rescheduled hearings for the cases ofconspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling against Quiboloy and his associates. The proceedings are supposed to begin on March 19, 2024. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who heads the committee on women, children,family relations and gender equality that is hearing complaints of sexual assault and labor violations former KOJC members against Quiboloy, said he should not play the victim card. “His constitutional rights remain intact to the effect that he is being investigated by a senate committee, to the effect that he wasissued a warrant, he

was issued a subpoena. So, he has all the freedom to make a decision,” the senator said. “But, of course, there is an obligation as a citizen who has serious accusations against him. As to the bounty on his head, like I said, he should not play the victim,” she added. The House committee on legislative franchises also summoned the televangelist to get his position on the issues leveled against SMNI. "We encourage Pastor Quiboloy to address his legal challenges throughthe proper legal channels and respect the legal processes in place," Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement. “While I understand the gravity of the accusations he faces on the international stage, specifically from the FBI, it is important to clarify that the Philippine government and its officials, including myself and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., operate within the bounds of our constitution and laws. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, without exception."

Let...

House...

Senator Bong Revilla, for his part, welcomed the filing of RBH No. 7. "We are also grateful to our counterparts in the House for filing RBH 7 and immediately scheduling it for hearing. This proposal mirrors RBH 6 in the Senate. It will usher in an expeditious and efficient consideration and resolution of issues and concerns on the proposed amendments," he said. Dimaporo also urged senators to heed the President's call Charter change to amend restrictive economic provisions. He expressed belief the President's statement was "born out offrustration" –a sentiment which he said by House members over the prolonged delay in pursuing Charter amendments. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked Mr. Marcos for reiterating his trust in the Senate to take the lead in reviewing restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution. Zubiri also vowed to ensure the passage of the amendments. He said this was well underway with the hearings for RBH No. 6.

By Maricel V. Cruz

TOTAL of 57 members of the House of Representatives–53 of whom are from Mindanao–signed a Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development that rejects, in no uncertain terms, the proposal of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for an independent Mindanao. The manifesto was signed by 53 Min- Mindanao secession. danao lawmakers, three party-list repre“We signed the manifesto as one voice, sentatives, and one House member from one nation, rejecting all calls for the sethe Visayas, all refusing to heed calls for a cession of Mindanao. We will not be a

IN BRIEF Big bonus dangled for Singapore nurses SINGAPORE will pay nurses a bonus of up to SGD$100,000 (P4.16 million) to encourage them to stay in the public health system as the city-state deals with a staff shortage and a rapidly aging society.

About 29,000 nurses will be eligible for the payout, including foreign nurses who have worked in the country for four years, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said Tuesday. Most foreign nurses in Singapore come from neighboring countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Under the incentive scheme announced by Ong, nurses will be entitled to up to S$100,000 (US$74,500) over 20 years, or up to retirement age, whichever comes first. AFP

SEC suspends 118k firms over reporting THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Wednesday it suspended the corporate registration of nearly 118,000 corporations for failing to comply with their reportorial requirements.

In an order dated Feb. 16, the SEC’s Company Registration and Monitoring Department suspended the certificates of incorporation of 117,885 corporations for failure to submit their annual reports for more than five years. The list also includes corporations that have commenced their business but became inoperative for more than five consecutive years. SEC issued the suspension order following the conclusion of SEC’s amnesty program, which ran from March to December 2023 and gave non-compliant and suspended or revoked corporations a chance to recover their good standing by paying the reduced fees. Jenniffer B. Austria

USAID unveils P1.6b plan for PH colleges THE United States government through its US Agency for International Development has allocated P1.6 billion to bankroll a program intended to make the Philippines’ higher education graduates globally competitive. The US Embassy in Manila said USAID launched the $30-million USPhilippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program on Feb. 20. Under the program, US universities, Philippine government agencies engaged in human capital development, and private sector partners will cooperate to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions through faculty and staff training, curriculum improvements, and increasing community outreach and technology transfer. The US Embassy said the initiative was jointly announced by President Marcos and US President Joseph Biden during the Philippine leader’s visit to the White House last May. Rey Requejo

Marcos... From A1

"More transport options will benefit commuters, drivers, and MSMEs," he added. President Marcos also commended Grab's contribution to boosting employment opportunities in the country, citing the car-hailing app's impact on the nation's economy.

Quiboloy:.. From A1

‘Complete ANAR road to boost Clark economy’ PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday led the inspection of the New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) in Pampanga, touting its potential to boost tourism and investments in the region. During his visit, the President directed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure the timely completion of the 20-kilometer, six-lane highway project. The P8.42-billion project acts as a dedicated access road to improve connectivity across Luzon. It aims to transform travel and trade between Central and Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Clark International Airport. Mr. Marcos highlighted the significant impact of the project, saying it will cut travel time between Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to just 20 minutes. “This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area. It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer,” President Marcos said. He underscored the project's contribution to "unlocking the full potential of Clark" and making it a competitive investment and tourism destination. “Project such as this all convey one message to prospective investors. Charles Dantes

Go out and vote, Speaker urges youth for 2025

From A1

Mangio warned the move will be a deterrent to foreign companies eyeing the Philippines as a destination for investments. “No one would ever try to look at the Philippines once they see that legislators can enact wage hikes anytime even disregarding the authority of the National Wage Board,” she said. PCCI local chambers also expressed their strong opposition to the proposed P100 legislated wage increase. “The proposed legislation directly infringes upon the RTWPB mandate to regulate wage adjustments regionally based on economic conditions. Centralizing wage determination undermines the board's ability to tailor wage policies to regional economic realities, thereby risking economic imbalances,” PCCI South Luzon said in a statement. PCCI Visayas also raised concerns on the impact of a legislated wage hike on efforts to expand economic activities and attract investments. “By attracting both foreign and local direct investments, we can generate more job opportunities and stimulate economic growth that is inclusive” the group said. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros assured individuals employed under contractual agreements, subcontractual agreements, or manpower agencies earning the minimum wage will be included in the proposed wage hike. "We assure construction workers, security guards, utilities, waiters, and other workers in the service sector, who are oftentimes contractual or subcontractual, would not be left behind," she said.

“But generally I’m sure that the House will resolve issues quite fast," he added. RBH No. 7. is almost an exact reproduction of RBH No. 6 filed before the Senate. The proposed House and Senate changes are on the grant of legislative franchises to public utilities in Article 12, basic education in Article 14, and advertising in Article 16. The suggested principal amendments are the insertion of the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law,” which would empower Congress to lift or relax present economic restrictions in the nation’s basic law, and the addition of the qualifier “basic” in Article 16. RBH No. 7 and RBH No. 6 restate the provision of the Constitution that Congress may propose amendments “upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members.”

FATAL FALL. Rescuers and locals mill around the site where a truck fell after overshooting the road in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Wednesday. Fourteen people died from the incident. Jeffrey Dasian/GMA Balitang Bisdak

“Your impact on unemployment numbers comprises about 1.1 percent of the increase in employment in the past year and half. That was Grab, so that’s the 300,000 that we’re talking about that has a significant effect,” President Marcos said. Grab CEO Anthony Tan told the President that since the successful acquisition of motorcycle taxi firm Move It, the company was doing 8,000 rides a day, which has now

ballooned to over 300,000 every day, highlighting the improved livelihood opportunities in transport service. “So, it’s not just about the number of jobs, Mr. President, it’s the quality, increasing livelihood,” Tan told Mr. Marcos. Seeking the President's backing, Grab outlined its ambitious plans to double its daily ridership from 300,000 to 500,000.

WITH the 2025 midterm elections drawing near, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez rallied the Filipino youth on Wednesday to actively participate in the democratic process by registering as voters and casting their votes in the coming electoral exercise. Last Feb. 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) opened the period of registration for the 2025 midterm elections. The registration period ends on Sept. 30 this year. Under the Comelec’s Register Anywhere Program, applicants may register in any of the poll body’s designated registration sites, which include Comelec offices and satellite offices, malls, and special registration areas such as certain churches and plazas. Recognizing the pivotal role that young voters play in shaping the future of the nation, Romualdez cited the importance of their engagement in the electoral process. Maricel V. Cruz

14 die,... From A1

Sakay...

Clean...

From A1

A lucky “biyaheng Quiapo” jeepney driver instantly received P50,000 pesos from the “Batang Quiapo” star who borrowed his vehicle for her recent vlog. “In fairness to our jeepney drivers, they are very hardworking, and I truly salute them. Because they travel every day for their families, and even though it's hard, they still do it,” Alawi said. In an earlier viral video shared by Panday Sining PUP on its Facebook page, a student asked Alawi for her thoughts on the jeepney modernization program.

"We are categorically denying the allegation that Mr. Roque was given a Cleanfuel gasoline station. Being a company-owned entity, Cleanfuel does not provide nor extend franchise to anyone as claimed by some," the company said in a statement. The company said Roque, in

his capacity as brand ambassador, has worked and represented the brand professionally for the past six years. "His contribution has been vital to reflect the company's image and brand success," Cleanfuel said. The actor, following various rumors that cropped up after his split with actress Bea Alonzo, denied Suntay was his “benefactor.” Alena Mae Flores

SC... From A1

In June 2014, Disini died due to organ failure and was buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City. In a resolution made public on Feb. 20, the modified SC decisiondenied with finality the government’s Oct. 28, 2021 motion for reconsideration, as it partially granted Disini’s comment and omnibus motion.

Ageing... From A1

Their passionate chants of "jasso, joyasa" (meaning "evil, be gone") echoed through a cedar forest in northern Japan's Iwate region, where the secluded Kokuseki Temple has decided to end the popular annual rite. Organizing the event, which draws hundreds of participants and thousands of tourists every year,

Police identified 10 of the fatalities as Jun Jun Magos, Peding Desipolo, a certain Lindo, a certain Leo, a certain Jemboy, Junior Desipolo, a certain Marlon, Ric Ric Desipolo, Dodoy Magos and Allan Flores. Four others have yet to be identified. The other injured were identified as Almer Gargoles and Jovanni Flores. Polinar said the police are preparing to file a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against the driver.

“The award of temperate damages is reduced to P100,000,000. All otheraspects of the assailed Decision stand. No further pleadings ormotions shall be entertained in this case. Let the entry of judgmentbe issued immediately," it said. The resolution denied the motion filed by the government on the SC’s Jan. 15, 2021 decision. The motion insisted that the estate of Disini should also pay the more than $50 million as ordered by the Sandiganbayan. has become a heavy burden for the ageing local faithful, who find it hard to keep up with the rigors of the ritual. The "Sominsai" festival, regarded as one of the strangest festivals in Japan, is the latest tradition impacted by the country's ageing population crisis that has hit rural communities hard. "It is very difficult to organize a festival of this scale," said Daigo Fujinami, a resident monk of the temple that opened in 729. AFP

NEWS

A3 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

G-24 members must intensify sustainability FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto has called for intensified efforts among developing countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (ASD). “We must keep in mind that 2030 marks a universal deadline for all nations to make substantial progress in eradicating poverty, ending hunger, and protecting the environment,” Recto said in his opening remarks for the G-24 Technical Group Meeting (TGM) on Wednesday. “With over half a decade remaining until 2030, there is enough opportunity for developing economies to reclaim lost momentum and make a powerful comeback if we unite in concerted action and adhere to fiscal discipline,” said Recto, chairman of the G-24 meeting in Manila. The 2030 ASD is a universal action plan that balances economic, social, and environmental goals. Formed in 1971, the G-24 helps coordinate the positions of developing countries on international monetary and development finance issues, as well as to ensure that their interests are adequately represented in negotiations on international monetary matters. This year, the Philippines hosts the two-day G-24 Technical Group meeting with the theme, “Building Resilience to Meet Global Challenges” to discuss strategies to efficiently address ongoing economic challenges including climate financing, changes in global trade regime, resource mobilization, and sovereign debt resolution, among others. Recto stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted a severe blow to the global economy, halting its growth momentum and leaving middle and lowincome countries with constricted fiscal resources and mounting debt burdens. As economies strive for sustainable recovery, he said the lingering effects of COVID-19 continue to loom over the post-pandemic world as developing nations find themselves in a post-COVID landscape with little to no fiscal buffer amid tighter credit conditions and higher costs of borrowing. Darwin Amojelar

ROAD MISHAP. A passenger jeepney flips over after colliding with another jeepney along Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City Wednesday morning, leaving some commuters injured. Inset shows elements of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority assisting the victims. Manny Palmero

OSG asks SC to recall protection order for two detained activists T By Vince Lopez

HE Ofﬁce of the Solicitor General (OSG) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to recall the temporary protection order (TPO) granted to two environmentalists who were detained by the military.

This developed as a Bulacan trial court issued a warrant of arrest against the two activists, Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, who early on claimed that they were kidnapped by soldiers last year. But Tamano and Castro immediately posted bail for the charge of grave oral defamation filed against them by the government.

According to their release order, the two posted a cash bond of P18,000. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in the urgent motion that the TPO prevents the implementation of the arrest warrants against Castro and Tamano who have a pending grave oral defamation case before the Dona Remedios Trinidad Municipal Trial Court.

“In light of these considerations, it is therefore imperative to beg the indulgence of the honorable court to ask for a reassessment of the TPO, with an aim to provide clear guidance on its enforcement, particularly in scenarios where protective measures intersect with law enforcement actions,” the OSG said. In a resolution handed down last week by the SC, government officials including law enforcers were prohibited from entering within a radius of one kilometer from the places of residence or locations of Castro and Tamano and their immediate families. The OSG also questioned the writs of amparo and habeas data granted by the High Tribunal which supposedly undermined an assessment yet to be done by the

IN BRIEF

Probe poised over mess in cash aid to ex-MILFs THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is poised to investigate the alleged anomalies in the distribution of the P100,000-cash grant for Muslim rebel returnees. In a hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he received reports that one-half of the P100,000 aid for rebel returnees from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were allegedly given to commanders. Estrada, chairman of the committee, said he got this information from former MILF rebels themselves. “This government shall not tolerate any act of corruption or irregular transactions, more so those that undermine the well-being of our MILF brothers and

sisters,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement. Galvez said such “isolated incidents will be investigated, and will be brought to the attention of the” MILF leadership. MILF peace panelist Mahajirin Ali told Estrada’s panel that they were still validating the report, adding that their group does not tolerate such illegal practice. The former MILF combatants alleged that their commanders get a 50-percent cut from the P100,000 grant due them. Estrada and the OPAPRU chief also advised the complainants to submit their sworn statements of affidavits to the Senate to formalize their complaints that will serve as the basis for the conduct of a formal investigation into the matter. Vince Lopez

House panel wants vape firm closed

CASH SUBSIDY PAYOUT. Senator Lito Lapid gives away cash aid to 413 beneficiaries in Quiapo Manila, victims of a recent conflagration in the district. The financial subsidy is done through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. Lino Santos

Maynilad to pour over P31b this year to enhance services By Rio N. Araja WEST zone franchisee Maynilad Water Services Inc. is investing over P31 billion this year for water and wastewater projects, its biggest capital investment since water services in Metro Manila were privatized in 1997. “Last year, we spent over P26 billion in capital investment, which is our highest annual Capex spent in history. We are continuing to accelerate our service enhancement program so that our customers can en-

TOURISM CONFAB.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco addresses the general membership meeting of the Philippine Tours Operators Association, Inc. in Makati City. Normal Cruz

Court of Appeals on the sufficiency of evidence of petitioners Castro and Tamano. “Therefore, the issuance of an order of the writ necessarily precludes the finding of substantial evidence, as this is a matter to be adjudicated by the Court of Appeals in the conduct of summary hearing,” the OSG explained. The OSG also said it was “unfortunate” for the SC to have paid less attention to the right to due process of respondent government officials compared to the “due regard given to the petitioners’ rights and welfare.” “To give credence on unverified allegations and media reports deviates from the established standards of evidence required in judicial proceedings,” the OSG argued.

joy the benefits sooner rather than later,” president and chief executive officer Ramoncito Fernandez said. The bulk of the budget or P11.40 billion has been earmarked for Maynilad’s wastewater management projects, including the construction of new sewage treatment plants and laying of new sewer lines. About P8.72 billion will go to the implementation of water source projects to enable Maynilad to tap alternate raw water sources and generate more supply for customers, while P6.27 billion has been allotted for

operations support projects. Over P4 billion will be dedicated to the non-revenue water reduction program and service expansion initiatives. The rest of the 2024 Capex budget will be used for its customer service and information infrastructure, among other projects. Per its approved 2023–2027 business plan, Maynilad has set a P227- billion total spending plan to sustain service enhancements and ensure water sustainability and security.

DA eyes experts to stamp out fruit flies By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking foreign expertise to end fruit f ly infestation affecting the country’s local mango production and export. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel said the DA has invited fruit fly experts from Florida-based Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC to help eliminate Cecid fly infestation The DA is open to the idea of testing the products of Sun & Earth after the biotechnology company helped control fusarium wilt in bananas—a fungus that causes discoloration and wilting that eventually kills the plant.

The agency expressed interest to try products that will address fusarium wilt that affects banana, abaca and coconut trees—all major agricultural exports of the Philippines—as well as solutions to resolve rice bugs infestation. Sun & Earth plans to use biological microbes that had been successfully tested against the insects in Venezuela, Columbia and Vietnam to address Cecid fly problem in Palawan. The island has raised concerns over the pest after some 10,000 hectares of mango plantation was affected by the Cecid f ly. The US biotechnology company also uses biological control agents to paralyze Cecid flies.

THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to immediately cancel the business permit and manufacturing license of a popular vape company. Committee chairman Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda made the recommendation amid reports of alleged violations of the country’s landmark vaping law by the Flava Corp., dealer of a popular brand of vape products. In a congressional hearing, the panel approved the committee report based on investigations into Flava’s alleged violations of the anti-vaping law enacted to protect the youth from nicotine-addiction. The inquiry reportedly unearthed Flava’s string of offences, including tax evasion and marketing flavored vapes to minors, as well as infractions of Republic Act (RA) 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. Maricel V. Cruz

DHSUD rolls out PLANADO drive THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has launched a program for well-coordinated planning among government agencies and stakeholders toward sustainable and inclusive Filipino communities under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative of the Marcos administration. The program aims streamline and digitalize land use and urban planning, and development processes toward enhanced building smart, green, resilient and inclusive human settlements. DHSUD Undersecretary Henry Yap, representing his boss, Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, led the opening ceremony for the PLANADO (Plan & Do) program and highlighted the significance of supporting and assisting local government units and various “urban actors” in planning to improve cities and communities. Rio N. Araja

DPWH completes P23-m road projects THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of a P23-million farm-tomarket road (FMR) and access road projects) in the municipalities of Sibunag and Nueva Valencia, in the island-province of Guimaras DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Oropel said the newly concreted roads will hasten and ease the transport of goods and basic services to nearby towns, increasing opportunities for productivity and local economic development. He said local farmers in the surrounding communities will benefit from a newly-finished road projects, along with the Cabalagnan Fish Landing in Barangay Cabalagnan, Nueva Valencia.Vito Barcelo

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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‘Show documents to support stance on national budget’ By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE.

ONGRESSMEN on Wednesday appealed to Senator Imee Marcos to support her concerns against the P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget with documents.

“If you really want to know the answer to that, bring out the minutes of the bicam, malalaman natin (we will know),” Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said at a news conference. He was referring to the bicameral conference committee that finalized the budget. Marcos was a member of the committee and signed its report. “I really would like to appeal to both houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate as much as possible we keep things professional that you know the Filipino people are deserving more of the usual ‘marites’ (rumor-mongering),” he said. “Now if you want to point fingers on where certain realignments came from, get the minutes of the bicam,” he said. Manila Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., for his part, lamented that there have been statements and video recordings in social media that he found to be “very unprofessional.” “For me personally, when I watch the news, when I see social media, on YouTube sometimes, it’s sad that there are statements that are made that are very unprofessional. In my hum-

ble opinion, we have to keep things professional,” Dionisio said. Dionisio said lawmakers should be respectful of each other. “We should really speak and give our opinions cordially, let’s be respectful to each other and let’s work together. Again, the President and our Speaker really want to get things done so not until such time that both houses unite and talk without fighting, I think it’s hard to work like that,” he added. For his part, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega issues about the 2024 budget should have been raised and resolved when the spending measures were pending in Congress, and not now. “Why is it only now coming out when it all went through the rigorous budget process of the House and the Senate. So, I guess, if there are administrative concerns or budgetary concerns, that should be threshed out in our hearings,” Ortega said. “I mean, it should have gone with the process, but it’s easy to say something like this, so if it’s in the proper forum, then I guess we should talk about it to fix the different problems and concerns,” the lawmaker added.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe (right) with Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez, Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, and 4Ps Party List Rep. JC Abalos answer questions from media during the press conference at the media center of the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon. Inset shows Lanao Del Norte 1st District Representative Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (center), La Union 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo Ortega, and Manila 1st District Representative Ernesto ‘Ernix’ Dinonisio Jr. during the same press conference.

Owner surrenders Bugatti sports car after BOC warning By Vito Barcelo THE owner of the P165-million blue Bugatti sports car surrendered the luxury car to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after the bureau issued a warning that the owner could face arrest due to smuggling. “We warned the owner of this blue sports car that we will find him and make him accountable. We’re glad he came to his senses and surrendered willingly to the bureau because we don’t plan on letting up anytime soon or ever,” BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said. Earlier, the owner of the Red Bugatti

sports car was turned over to the bureau after the BOC issued a warning to its owners that the sports cars were illegally imported and needed to pay the proper duties and taxes. A Chinese national has voluntarily surrendered the red Bugatti Chiron sports car that the authorities have been searching for on suspicions that it was smuggled. “We are happy to report that the blue Bugatti sports car we’ve been looking for was finally surrendered to the BOC. The fact that the mission took barely three weeks speaks of the hard work and commitment we put into this since we appealed to the public to help us find these motor vehicles,” Customs Com-

IN BRIEF

DOJ firm against use of cyanide in PH waters

Cops arrest foreigner over bomb joke in Misamis

By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday its firm stance against the use of cyanide fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the government’s commitment to holding accountable those involved in such destructive practices. “Under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., the Philippines will not tolerate any actions that harm our environment or deprive our people of their right to its resources,” Remulla declared in a statement. This strong reaction follows reports of alleged cyanide fishing activities by Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. The DOJ, according to Remulla, is actively collaborating with relevant agencies to gather evidence and build a robust legal case against those responsible. Remulla highlighted the department’s ongoing involvement in the legal action against China for the grounding of their Coast Guard vessels near Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, causing significant damage to the coral ecosystem. “The impact on these coral reefs is devastating,” Remulla lamented. “These ecosystems are crucial not only for marine life but also for the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk. We are committed to ensuring accountability for such acts.”

missioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said. “Our intelligence is that the Bugatti sports cars were stored in a house in Alabang. Since we shared the information about the two cars publicly, it got harder for the owners to drive these anywhere,” he said. The two Bugatti Chiron sports cars were the subject of a search launched by the agency a month ago after a lawmaker exposed that two luxury cars were illegally released at the Port of Batangas. Rubio said that despite surrendering the car, the owners will still face charges for violating Section 1401 in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

‘TUPAD’ PAYOUT. The Tingog Partylist and Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, with the municipal government of Tanauan Leyte led the distribution Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) payout to 243 beneficiaries in Barangays Binongto-an, Amanluran and Canbalisara in the municipality of Tanauan, Leyte Tuesday morning.

Group urges gov’t to lift investment restrictions on rice, corn THE advocacy group Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) on Wednesday pushed for the lifting of foreign investment restrictions in the rice and corn sector to boost productivity, increase farmers’ income, promote competition in the industry, and bring down prices. The group presented its position during the second roundtable discussions on attracting foreign investment in the country sponsored by the House of Representatives Congressional Planning, Budget and Research Department and the Committee Affairs Department. Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, mod-

erated the discussions. The FEF stand was articulated by its technical consultant, Maria Charina Ubarra, a former House legislative officer. It was later supported by representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce, Board of Investments, Department of Agriculture, and National Food Authority. Ubarra told legislators that their position has a two-fold objective: remove limitations on foreign investment in the rice and corn sector, and encourage foreign investments to develop and boost the sector’s productivity. She said restrictions are not only contained in the Constitution but in two laws: Republic Act 3018, which limited the industry to Filipinos and

which was enacted on August 2, 1960, and Presidential Decree No. 194, issued by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on May 17, 1973. She said the decree allowed foreigners to engage in the rice and corn business but imposed a “time-lock delay” —the requirement for them to divest 60 percent of their ownership to Filipinos 30 years after they start operations. “The divestment requirement is a unique restriction to the Philippines and the rice and corn sector, in particular. Foreign companies that have established operations in the country are hesitant to expand their operations as they near the divestment period, since they will lose control of their investments,” she stressed. Maricel V. Cruz

Calamba hospital becomes healthcare partner for retired cops in Calabarzon

The Philippine Nationa Police Police Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) in Calabarzon formalized an agreement to make the Calamba Medical Center one of its partner hospitals. The ceremony was attended by key figures including PCOL Leon Victor Z Rosete (seated), Acting Director of the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service; and Pilar Nenuca P. Almira (third from left), president and CEO of Calamba Medical Center. Roy Tomandao

THE Calamba Medical Center has recently become one of the partner hospitals of the Philippine National Police Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) in Calabarzon. This development was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)signing ceremony held at Police Regional Office Calabarzon, PRO4A Camp BGen Vicente Lim Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba City, Laguna on Feb. 19. The ceremony was attended by key figures from both organizations, including PCOL Leon Victor Z. Rosete, Acting Director of the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City and lawyer Pilar Nenuca P. Almira, the president and chief executive officer

of Calamba Medical Center. With this partnership, retired personnel of PNP Calabarzon and their qualified beneficiaries will now have access to quality medical services provided by Calamba Medical Center. This collaboration aims to ensure that the retired PNP personnel and their beneficiaries receive the necessary healthcare support and benefits they deserve. The inclusion of Calamba Medical Center as a partner hospital signifies the trust and confidence that the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service has in the healthcare facilities and services offered by the medical center. It is a testament to the center’s commitment to delivering excellent medical care to its patients. Roy Tomandao

POLICE arrested a foreigner after making a bomb joke while on board a flight Tuesday night at Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Airport Manager Job De Jesus stated that Cebgo flight DG 6723 from Cebu, carrying 73 passengers had already landed. During the disembarkation process, a US citizen stood up to retrieve his baggage and made a threatening remark “I can shoot you all, and I can trigger the bomb.” Members of the Police-Aviation Security Unit and CAAP Security and Intelligence Unit immediately responded and conducted K9 paneling and checked all passengers’ baggage, but all of which showed no indication of bombs. The suspect, who was interrogated by PNP-AVSEU, is currently detained at the PNP headquarters of Laguindingan Airport and is set to face the appropriate charges. Joel E. Zurbano

Lacuna opens Manila filmfest for short films TO EXPAND the Manila Film Festival (TMFF) and attract young filmmakers, Mayor Honey Lacuna has officially announced the opening of submissions for short films. The initiative, spearheaded by the city government’s Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts (DTCAM) under the leadership of Charlie Dungo, aims to celebrate the creative spirit of Filipino cinema. Lacuna said the TMFF 2024 will present the “Gawad Maynila” film grant, recognizing and supporting promising independent Filipino filmmakers. Dungo said the competition is open to bona fide students, at least 18 years old, from private and state colleges and universities nationwide. The thematic focus for TMFF 2024 is to celebrate Manila as the ‘City of Infinite Possibilities and A Thousand Tales.’ The deadline for submission of entries is on Feb. 29, 2024.Randy Caluag

LTO lauds Parañaque for indicting van operator

THE Land Transportation Office on Wednesday lauded the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office for the indictment of a van owner as well as his driver for unauthorized (colorum) operation. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the prosecutor’s office has found probable cause to file charges against van owner, Roberto Salvador, and driver, Rocky Cos, for violation of Section 18 in relation to Section 24 of the Commonwealth Act 146 as amended by Republic Act 11659 or the Public Service Act. He said the duo failed to present any document from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board that the van was allowed to be used as a public utility van. “This should serve as a strong message that the LTO will really drag you in court in our efforts to put an end to this colorum activity,” he added. Rio N. Araja

BUSINESS

B1 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

Maynilad allocates record P31b for 2024 capex MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. is embarking on a P31-billion capital investment in 2024, the biggest investment for the company since water services in Metro Manila were privatized in 1997. Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez said the west zone concessionaire spent over P26 billion in capital investment, the highest annual capital expenditure in the history of the company last year. “We are continuing to accelerate our service enhancement program so that our customers can enjoy the ben-

efits sooner rather than later,” he said. The company earmarked P11.40 billion for wastewater management projects, including the construction of new sewage treatment plants (STP) and laying of new sewer lines this year. It is also spending P8.72 billion on new water projects to enable the company to tap alternate raw water sources and P6.27 billion for operations support projects. More than P4 billion will be dedicated to the company’s non-revenue water reduction program and service expansion initiatives.

The rest of the 2024 capex will be used for its customer service and information infrastructure, among other projects, the company said. Maynilad said funding for the massive infrastructure investment would come from local and international bank loans and internally-generated funds. Based on the approved 2023 to 2027 business plan, Maynilad crafted a P227-billion spending plan to sustain service enhancements and ensure water sustainability and security. Othel V. Campos

PH vehicle sales sustained strong growth in January By Othel V. Campos

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual recognizes the significant role of public and private partnerships in propelling the country’s automotive industry during the ceremonial turnover of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.’s (TMP) presidency on Feb. 20, 2024. He also recognized TMP and the broader automotive industry’s contribution to boosting job creation and economic growth. New TMP president Masando Hashimoto expressed optimism for continued innovation and excellence in the Philippine automotive industry. He replaced Atsuhiro Okamoto as TMP head.

Ayala Land set to launch P115-b commercial, housing projects By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) said Tuesday it will launch P115 billion worth of commercial and residential projects in 2024 after registering a robust growth in 2023. ALI president and chief executive Anna Margarita Dy said 80 percent of the company’s launches would involve premium commercial and residential projects, as this market remained robust despite the current market conditions.

“Our desire for the core market is to come back, but I think this year, we are still not uncertain how robust that core market will be, which is why we are ready with our premium segment,” Dy said. Dy said the prolonged weakness in its core market, primarily the middleincome segment, could have negative effect over the medium term. The current high-interest rate environment and the lingering impact of the pandemic affected the residential sales to middle and affordable mar-

kets last year. “The core market is very reliant on mortgages. So that itself gives you an idea of the changes in behavior. Also, I suppose inflation and everything that has happened since the pandemic, it’s usually the middle market that I guess is more vulnerable to these changes,” Dy said. She noted, however, that ALI would continue to nurture its brands catering to the middle income and affordable markets and prepares to launch projects once this segment recovers.

UTOMOTIVE sales in the Philippines sustained its double-digit growth in January 2024, reflecting positive business and consumer confidence.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) said in a joint report total sales of their members reached 34,060 units in the first month of 2024, or 15 percent higher than 29.499 units delivered in the same month in 2023. “We are starting 2024 with positive business and consumer confidence outlook. We see new model introductions and the expansion of electrified vehicle line-up especially in the hybrid electric vehicle segment, and more brands coming into the market,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez. Passenger cars (PC) accounted for 25 percent of total sales at 8,446 units, up by 12.5 percent from 7,506 units a year ago. Commercial vehicles (CV), which accounted for 75 percent of overall sales, grew by 16.5 percent to 25,614 units from 21,993 in the same month last year. Data, however, showed that monthon-month vehicle sales declined by 13 percent from 39,153 units in December 2023.

Passenger car sales dropped 12.01 percent from 9,599 units in December while commercial vehicle sales went down by 13.3 percent from 29,554 units. Gutierrez said there are more reasons for optimism in 2024 despite inflation risks and the imminent taxation of double-cab pickup trucks. CAMPI maintained a conservative sale forecast of 468,300 units in 2024, or 9 percent higher than the two industry groups’ sales of 429,807 units in 2023. Meanwhile, Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) welcomed its new president Masando Hashimoto as it thanked outgoing president Atsuhiro Okamoto for its invaluable contribution to the then Philippine automotive industry, especially during the pandemic. Hashimoto said he is a firm believer in multi-stakeholder cooperation, a driving force to make the industry more globally-competitive. “One of our goals is to contribute to economic balance so we will continue to enhance our very own automotive and parts manufacturing capabilities,” he said.

Beyond rides and deliveries: A look at how these Filipinos succeed in life with the help of Grab GRAB for many Filipino consumers is a safe, reliable, and costeffective online marketplace that connects them with vital aspects of their everyday life—may it be in transportation, on-demand deliveries, and financial services. Having established a strong presence in the Philippines for over a decade, Grab has developed a deep understanding of the dynamic needs of the local market—enabling it to introduce hyperlocal solutions that uplift the lives of its Filipino users. Consequent to this, Filipinos have increased their reliance on and appreciation of superapps like Grab, witnessing how this technology is making their life more seamless with just a few taps on their smartphones. Today, Grab remains at the forefront of shaping digital mobility and on-demand deliveries in the Philippines as it offers its suite of services in more than a hundred cities across the country. The superapp experience, founded on Grab’s key services GrabCar, GrabTaxi, GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress, has allowed the leading superapp to redefine the modern Filipino lifestyle in a digital-first post-pandemic era. Grab continues to outserve the evolving needs of its consumers, it becomes more indispensable in the lives of many Filipinos. This allows Grab to gain a strategic advantage in providing programs, initiatives, and solutions to empower its growing community of partners in the Philippines. Grab recognizes the strong linkage between the quality of service it renders to its consumers and the welfare and social mobility of its partners. This continuously inspires Grab to leverage its growth, leadership, and tech expertise to be an effective vehicle of economic progress and an enabler of livelihood for every kuya and ate Grab. This is demonstrated by the success stories of partners like GrabCar Driver Erlita Lebosada, GrabFood Delivery-Partner Christofer Maglinao, and GrabFood Cyclist Sarah Aguja. ERLITA LEBOSADA: A Mother’s Drive Towards Success Erlita Lebosada, a dedicated GrabCar driver-partner, has been a valuable member of the Grab driver community for over eight years. “Ang Grab ang pangunahin namin source of income ng tatlo kong anak. Bilang isang single mother, naging

With her Hello Kitty-themed GrabCar, Erlita proudly drives around the metro ferrying passengers as she provides for her three young children

napaka-halaga sa akin na merong stable at maganda na kita para masiguro na ‘di lang kami nakakaraos sa araw-araw, kundi nakakapamuhay nang komportable.” After years of dedication and hard work, Erlita has finally achieved her dream of owning a six-seater Toyota Innova. Passengers who have the pleasure of riding with Erlita are in for a delightful experience, as she proudly operates her vehicle as a Hello Kitty-themed GrabCar—marrying her love for driving and the global feline icon by adorning her vehicle with her personal collectibles. “Mahalaga na masaya ang mga pasahero kaya maliban sa safe na pag-dadrive at magandang service, nakakatuwa na nakapagbibigay tayo ng ngiti ‘pag nakikita nila si Hello Kitty. Masaya ako na makapag-bigay nang maginhawang transportasyon sa mga commuter kasama ang mga collectibles ko. At syempre, nakakagagalak na naitataguyod ko ang aking pamilya sa pamamagitan ng passion ko na ito.” Erlita, a single mother, emphasizes the significance of the work flexibility provided by Grab. This flexibility allows her to manage her time effectively, prioritizing her responsibilities as a mother above all else. She appreciates the autonomy Grab offers, stating, “Sa Grab, wala akong boss kaya hawak ko ang oras ko. Dahil dito, natutukan ko ang aking mga anak habang pinapanatili ko ang aking hanap-buhay.” CHRISTOFER MAGLINAO: Dreams Achieved One Delivery at a Time In an ADB study in 2023, it was revealed that the average daily income of GrabFood delivery-partners is approximately double the minimum wage, allowing them to effectively enjoy above-par earnings on the platform. This optimal earnings potential continues to attract Filipinos aspiring for a better life for themselves and their families. Among them is former ice cream agent and ukay-ukay seller Christofer Maglinao—a GrabFood delivery-partner. “Okay naman po ang kita ko noon, pero sa GrabFood bilang rider, mas natutustusan ko po ang pangangailangan ng aking pamilya, lalo na pagdating sa maintenance medicine ng aking mga magulang.” Christofer serves as his family’s primary provider. Now in his fourth year as a delivery-partner, Christofer looks back at key milestones he was able to achieve thanks to his dedication to his livelihood. Among those that he takes most pride in is sending his siblings to school and being able to sustain his family’s day-today essentials. As a proud owner of his motorcycle, Christofer now plies the road more confidently as he inches closer to his dreams one delivery at a time—with his next stop being buying his family’s very own home. Sarah Aguja: A Champion Peddling Through the Metro Sarah Francesca Aguja, a dedicated GrabFood deliverypartner since June 22, 2019, transitioned from the corporate world to prioritize her mental well-being. She appreciates the flexible schedule Grab offers, allowing her to enjoy hobbies and time with loved ones. Sarah’s main goal is to support her parents, her mother with chronic diseases, and her retired father.

Sarah Aguja was named Padyak Champion 2023 by The Mobility Awards, recognizing her exemplary work as a cyclist and delivery-partner

Her role at GrabFood not only covers their daily needs but also allows her to save for emergencies and leisure activities. As a member of the Grab cycling group, she enjoys special incentives and welfare programs like insurance packages— empowering her to brave the roads of the metro with an extra layer of safety and protection. Aguja has recently been honored with the prestigious title of Padyak Champion by The Mobility Awards. This accolade is exclusively bestowed upon the most exceptional cyclist messengers and delivery riders who are involved in on-demand and parcel delivery services. This accomplishment serves as a powerful endorsement of their extraordinary dedication and superior performance in the delivery industry, all while upholding sustainable transportation methods. ““Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko na ako ay naging isang GrabFood Cyclist. Dahil dito, natutustusan ko at nasusuportahan ko ang aking pamilya. Bukod dito, nakakapag travel din ako na isa sa mga kinahihiligan ko. Katulad ng Grab, hindi po ako tumitigil sa paghahanap ng paraan para mas mapabuti pa ang aking hanapbuhay. Sa pamamagitan ng aking pagde-deliver, ako rin po ay unti-unti na rin na nakakapag invest sa mga negosyo at stocks,”Aguja proudly shares. A Viable Livelihood for Kuya and Ate Grab The aspirations of Grab partners revolve around a central theme – to attain a brighter future for themselves and those that they hold dear in life. This reality serves as a polestar for Grab in growing and sustaining a robust marketplace that is best positioned to provide a viable livelihood to every partner. Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz shares, “It is a common view that Grab is a towering figure in the Philippine tech and mobility industry. And this stature transcends mere business figures for us—it is a meaningful quest to lift as many more Filipinos with us as we sustain our ecosystem’s growth. This is why Grab is committed to striving each day to be the best superapp for the everyday Filipino because thousands of individuals, like Erlita, Christofer, and Sarah, depend on us to lead the way.”

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

SEC rejects NOW Telecom’s appeal on P1-m disclosure fine By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected again the appeal filed by NOW Corp. on the P1million fine for allegedly misleading the public about a P2.6-billion debt owed by its subsidiary NOW Telecom. The SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department, in an order dated Feb. 16, 2024, denied the request for reconsideration filed by NOW Corp. and its chief executive Mel Velarde for lack of merit. It stemmed from the Nov. 11, 2021 disclosure made by Now Corp. stating the company had no knowledge of the details surrounding the motion filed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) with the Supreme Court seeking resolution on NOW Telecom’s P2.6 billion liability representing unpaid

supervision and regulation fees (SRF) and spectrum user fees (SUF). The request for reconsideration, dated July 3, 2023, contested the SEC order issued on June 15, 2023, which found NOW Corp. and Velarde administratively liable for violation of Section 24.1(d) in relation to Section 54.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) for failing to disclose material information to the public. The SEC, in its latest order, maintained that NOW Corp. and Velarde “cannot simply deny that they were unaware of the details surrounding the motion filed by the NTC.” “To be simply dismissive about it and to nonchalantly disclose that ‘the company has no knowledge of the specific details surrounding the alleged motion field by the [NTC]...’ created a misconception to the investing public,” the SEC said.

LOYALTY PROGRAM. Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. president and chief executive Vic Gregorio (fourth from left) leads the launch of Supercard Super Cars Giveaway campaign where registered Supercard holders get three chances of winning one of three BMW X Series cars. Shakey’s Supercard is one of the biggest loyalty programs in the country with over 2 million active users, allowing guests access to promos and limited offers across Shakey’s multibrand portfolio including its flagship Shakey’s brand, Peri-Peri and R&B Milk Tea.

PH stocks extend gains on foreign buying By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE composite index of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) extended its gains Wednesday, supported by continued net foreign buying.

The 30-company PSE index climbed 42.70 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 6,897.36, while the broader all-shares index advanced 18.40 points, or 0.51 percent, to 3,600.10. “Foreign investors have been consistently participating in the market, recording a net foreign buying of P505 million for the day,” Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Claire Alviar said. “This positive trend has persisted since the beginning of February, es-

tablishing foreigners are net buyers,” she said. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. head economist Michael Ricafort said the market also welcomed the doubledigit growth in vehicle sales in January and the decline in oil prices in the global market. He said the new leads, mostly softer economic data from the US, support possible US rate cut in 2024. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks jumped Wednesday after Beijing’s

latest measures to boost the stuttering economy, but declines on Wall Street weighed on other Asian markets. China’s central bank rate-cut on Tuesday is among measures intended to rally dwindling growth as the world’s second-largest economy battles a prolonged property-sector crisis and a global slowdown. The People’s Bank of China said it was lowering the five-year loan prime rate, used to price mortgages, from 4.2 to 3.95 percent -- the largest reduction since the key rate was revamped in 2019. Hong Kong climbed 1.6 percent, peaking at 3.0 percent at the afternoon break, while Shanghai was up 1.0 percent at the close. Analysts said markets were likely having a delayed reaction to China’s cut.

“The strong inflow into the onshore market via the stock connect this morning is quite surprising,” Dickie Wong, executive director of research at Kingston Securities Ltd, told Bloomberg. “I think investors are reacting to the bigger-than-expected 5-year LPR rate cut after they have had some time to react and think about the recent increased measure to support the property market.” The picture was mixed elsewhere in Asia as investors await key US tech earnings with heavyweight Nvidia reporting later Wednesday and the Fed also releasing policy meeting minutes which will be parsed for clues on the outlook for rates. Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur were all

down. Japanese stocks were also lower as chip-linked shares dipped after Nvidia’s slump ahead of its earnings report. Recent losses in Tokyo have pushed the benchmark Nikkei 225 further from hitting its highest-ever close of 38,915.87, reached in 1989. But Bloomberg reported “macro and stock hedge funds are betting on Japan this year”, predicting the Bank of Japan will shift its nearly decadelong policy of negative rates. US stocks closed lower Tuesday, with the tech-rich Nasdaq down nearly one percent ahead of chip giant Nvidia’s highly anticipated results, with traders hoping it can meet high expectations driven by the AI sector and the firm’s strong growth. With AFP

Rail links that should decongest emerging traffic in modern NAIA Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

THE modernization of the nation’s premier airport― the Ninoy Aquino International Airport―will close one chapter of tourism embarrassment. Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has emerged victorious in the bidding for the upgrade and management of NAIA. The company led by president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang, or RSA, now has the enviable task of upgrading NAIA and making it at par, at least, with some of Asia’s modern and chic airports. NAIA has in the past earned a bad reputation and ranked top in the “World’s Worst Airports” and “Airports with the longest queuing time.” San Miguel and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, who recently announced the conglomerate as the winner of NAIA bidding, will have a chance to change that image to lure more foreign tourists to the Philippines. Partnering with San Miguel in the NAIA upgrade is Incheon International Airport Corp., the operator of South Korea’s main airport. Incheon Airport ranks fourth on the list of the Top 10 most beautiful and best airports in the world. San Miguel is the perfect fit for the job because of its experience in managing other infrastructure projects, specially road and rail. It built the Tarlac-PangasinanLa Union Expressway, or TPLEx, that made travel to Baguio and Northern Luzon faster and more convenient. TPLEx sped up the flow of people and goods to towns in the central and northern parts of Luzon. San Miguel also built the Metro Manila Skyway 3, the extension of the original skyway from Makati to Balintawak. Vehicles heading to Central and Northern Luzon from the southern part of Luzon no longer need to pass through and experience Metro Manila’s notorious traffic jams. Transforming NAIA into a modern hub, however, could worsen the traffic congestion in the capital region. The airport’s makeover will enable it to serve up to 70 million passengers a year efficiently, or more than double its current capacity. A modern NAIA with a much bigger passenger capacity will certainly contribute to the traffic logjam in Metro Manila, unless it offers a solution to address the gridlock it will create. A growing population, the lack of mass transportation system and wide roads, and the continuous migration of workers from the provinces have created the perfect storm that is causing mayhem in the whole of the capital region. The traffic situation in the metropolis may get worse even before it improves. Growing vehicle sales in the Philippines are further constricting the capacities of the roads in Metro Manila.

—“—

… NAIA and its increased passenger capacity should not contribute to traffic congestion if it takes advantage of available railway links. But NAIA and its increased passenger capacity should not contribute to traffic congestion if it takes advantage of available railway links. Modern urban centers in the world build and design their airports with a rail link to improve the accessibility of passengers to downtown areas or, in some cases, suburbs or distant cities. One railway link that will provide solution to NAIA’s emerging traffic problem is the North South Commuter Railways (NSCR) project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Work at the 147-kilometer rail transportation system has already started. Once completed, the NSCR will expedite travel from New Clark City in Pampanga and Tarlac to Calamba City in Laguna. The project, jointly funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will pass through Metro Manila and is expected to cut travel time by more than half. The NSCR project will certainly help improve commuters’ travel experience and provide motorists in Metro Manila more transportation options. It will have 36 stations and include a regular commuter service, a commuter express line with limited stops and an airport express service to the Clark International Airport. The NSCR will be linked to the Metro Manila Subway, a 33.1-km subway that will stretch from Valenzuela to NAIA, connecting 17 stations and a depot. It will be the first mass underground transport system in the Philippines. The NSCR will also serve as the major link to the LRT/MRT-lines in Metro Manila. It is designed to improve connectivity by providing direct train services for passengers traveling from Calamba and Pampanga to Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas and Quezon City along the Metro Manila Subway. It is expected to reduce travel time from Calamba, Laguna to Clark, Pampanga from the current 4.5 hours to just less than two hours, and serve 600,000 passengers daily on full operations. Like NAIA, the NSCR will be a game changer. The determination of the current administration and DOTr will soon bring significant relief to residents of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The DOTr under the leadership of Bautista and DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino deserve credit for initiating the NSCR. This railway project is what a modern economy needs. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

FILINVEST LAND’S AWARDS. Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) and its executive leadership team emerge victorious at the Asian Management Excellence Awards, clinching the Philippines Team of the Year - Real Estate category. Leading the team are (from left] SharePro Inc. president Cherie Fernandez, FLI senior vice president and chief technical planning officer Winnifred Lim, president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias, vice president and brand and product head for housing Ethel Balicanta and first vice president and brand and product head for MRB Aven Valderrama.

AboitizPower expresses interest in CBK hydro power plants in Laguna By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. expressed interest in participating in the privatization of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydropower plants in Lumban, Majayjay and Kalayaan, Laguna this year. AboitizPower is one of the 29 companies that submitted letters of interest (LOI) for the CBK hydroelectric power plant complex, which comprises three separate facilities with a contracted capacity of 796.64 megawatts and plays a central role in the Luzon power system. AboitizPower president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio said the company aimed to sustain the availability and optimal efficiency of its diverse portfolio of power plants, while adding

more capacities to this portfolio. He said AboitizPower believes that maximizing the benefits of technology is essential to achieving energy security that is affordable and sustainable. AboitizPower expects to complete five renewable energy power plants with total capacity of 684 megawatts (MW) from 2024 to early 2025. These are the 17-MW binary geothermal power plant in Tiwi, Albay; 159-MW solar plant in Laoag, Pangasinan; 173-MW solar project in Calatrava, Negros Occidental; 44-MW solar plant in Armenia, Tarlac; 85-MW solar plant in San Manuel, Pangasinan; and the 206-MW wind plant in San Isidro, Northern Samar in partnership with Vena Energy and Vivant Energy.

Management system improves LTO processes THE Land Transportation Management System (LTMS), developed by the joint venture of Dermalog, Holy Family Printing Corp. and Microgenesis Business Systems, has improved the efficiency and convenience of various processes at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Dermalog JV said in a statement the LTO through LTMS issued 28 million driver’s licenses, translating about 30,000 a day that experienced fast and easy driver’s license renewal. ”If the 28 million driver’s license were not issued in LTMS, P1.932 billion in

computer fees would have been charged to the driving public,” Dermalog JV said. “On the other hand, for the 70,000 to 80,000 motor vehicle registrations a day in LTMS, the motoring public has also saved between P3.123 billion to P3.245 billion every year in computer fees,” it said. LTMS offers a full and complete service offering in motor vehicle transactions and it is being used extensively when buying a new motor vehicle, renewing your motor vehicle registration or performing a miscellaneous transaction. Darwin G. Amojelar

WORLD

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2 years into Russia-Ukraine war, no prospects for breakthrough

ABSENT AT KEY HEARING. Demonstrators pose for a photo behind a banner reading “Free Julian Assange” during a rally calling for the freedom of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange at the Miroir d’eau in Bordeaux on Tuesday, when the High Court in London heard his final appeal against extradition to the United States, where he will stand trial for publishing secret military and diplomatic files. Washington wants the 52-year-old Australian citizen extradited after he was repeatedly charged between 2018 and 2020 in connection with WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of files relating to the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. AFP

Trump compares own legal troubles with Navalny, 47 GREENVILLE — Donald Trump on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) compared his own legal troubles with the persecution of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last week. The former US president and current frontrunner for the 2024 nomination again refused to criticize Russian leader Vladimir Putin over Navalny’s unexplained death, despite being offered the chance during a town hall meeting in South Carolina. Navalny died suddenly at age 47 in an Arctic prison, shocking Russia’s exiled opposition as well as the West, where leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have blamed the Kremlin. In the hour-long appearance broadcast on Fox News, Trump railed against the $355 million fine meted out to him in a New York fraud trial, saying “it’s a form of Navalny.” “It is a form of communism or fascism,” he added. Despite prodding from host Laura Ingraham, Trump did not mention Putin when asked about Navalny, though he lamented “a very sad situation.” “He was a very brave guy because he went back. He could have stayed away, and frankly, probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country.” But, Trump added: “It’s happening in our country, too. We are turning into a communist country in many ways. “I have eight or nine trials all because of the fact that... I’m in politics,” he said “If I were losing in the polls, they wouldn’t even be talking about me and I wouldn’t have had any legal fees,” he alleged. In addition to the civil fraud case in New York, Trump faces 91 criminal counts, including charges related to alleged electoral interference in the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden. AFP

PARIS, France — After two years of war in Ukraine, there is no prospect of negotiations to find a breakthrough as Russian President Vladimir Putin, emboldened by the erosion of Western support for Kyiv, girds for a long conflict. 2024 will be another year of war because Ukraine is determined to keep on fighting to recapture territory, while Putin will only be satisfied with Kyiv’s full surrender, analysts and diplomats say. Putin may have signalled in this month’s interview with right-wing US talk show host Tucker Carlson that Russia was interested in negotiations but this would be so much on Moscow’s own terms that Kyiv would not countenance such talks. “I don’t see any negotiations

Israel pounds Gaza; US vetoes UN truce resolution, food trucks halted P

ALESTINIAN Territories — Israel kept up its deadly bombardment of war-torn Gaza as Washington vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory. Global powers trying to navigate a way out of the spiralling crisis have so far come up short, and mediation efforts have so far failed to secure a truce to halt the fighting. Adding to Gaza’s woes, the UN’s food agency said Tuesday that it had to stop desperately-needed deliveries to the north of the territory after facing “complete chaos and violence” there -- a decision condemned by

Hamas. The World Food Program had only just resumed deliveries Sunday but said its convoy was met with gunfire, violence and looting, while a truck driver was beaten. “We are shocked about this decision by the World Food Programme to suspend the delivery of food aid in northern Gaza, which means a death sentence and death for three-quarters of a million people,” the Hamas gov-

ernment media office said Tuesday night. Manila Calling onStandard the agency to “immediTODAY ately reverse its disastrous decision”, it said “we hold the United Nations and the international community responsible.” Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, Gaza has been plunged into a food crisis, with outside aid severely restricted. The UN has repeatedly sounded the alarm over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning that food shortages could lead to an “explosion” of preventable child deaths. More than four months of relentless Manila fighting have flattened much of the Standard coastal territory, pushing 2.2 million TODAY

(MS-FEB. 22/29/MAR. 7, 2024)

The ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (INEC) through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is inviting all interested manufacturers, and distributors of goods to apply for and bid for the following:

Delivery Period

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₱6,283,384.71

1 year contract

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BAC No. 07-2024

Procurement of Healthcare Services

₱3,206,622.00

1 year coverage

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₱5,000.00

BAC No. 08-2024

Supply and Delivery of Distribution Line Materials

₱5,443,075.00

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₱10,000.00

BAC No. 09-2024

Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 10MVA Substation at Tamucalao, Bacarra

₱34,574,000.00

6 Months

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BAC No. 10-2024

Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 10MVA Power Transformer for Badoc Substation

₱24,640,000.00

3 Months

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BAC No. 11-2024

Supply and Delivery of Meter Test Equipment

₱2,800,000.00

30 Days

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Supply and Delivery of Various Type of Transformers

₱6,612,500.00

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Procurement of Security Services

EXCEPTIONAL FIGURE. French army soldiers stand by the coffin of Missak Manouchian, a hero

of the French Resistance in World War II of Armenian origin who was executed by occupying Nazi forces in 1944, during a ceremony at the Mont Valerien in Suresnes, west of Paris, on Tuesday, on the eve of his being entombed to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is reserved for the most exceptional figures from the worlds of politics, culture and science. Only the president can authorise a person’s entry to the former church. AFP

will succeed the ageing Dalai Lama into sharp focus, with the choice likely to spark a controversial geopolitical contest. The charismatic spiritual leader already stepped down as his people’s political head in 2011, passing the baton of secular power to a government chosen democratically by some 130,000 Tibetans across the world. Penpa Tsering, born in India in 1967, was elected in 2021 as its second-ever leader, or sikyong. “If you look at the policies

of the Chinese government today, they’re squeezing us -like a python squeezing us out of our breath slowly,” Tsering told AFP in an interview at the office of the Tibetan government in exile in India. “That’s why we are dying a slow death.” Tibet -- ruled with an iron fist by China since the 1950s -- was historically an independent country, but Beijing maintains its long-held position that “Tibet is part of China.” Tsering readily admits the task of seeking a “resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict” with

vastly more powerful China can seem overwhelming. But the committed Buddhist takes a long view of history. “Nothing is permanent,” he said, sitting in front of a Tibetan flag in the hills above the northern Indian town of Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama also lives. India has hosted the exiled Tibetan leadership for decades and is itself a regional rival of China -- tensions between the world’s two most populous countries flared after a deadly Himalayan border clash in 2020. AFP

Japan summons S. Korea envoy over wartime labor payment TOKYO — Japan summoned South Korea’s ambassador on Wednesday to protest a compensation payment by a Japanese company related to the thorny issue of wartime forced labor. The countries have long been locked in a bitter dispute over Japan’s use of forced labour during its brutal decades-long occupation of the Korean peninsula before and during World War II.

people to the brink of famine and displacing three-quarters of the population, according to UN estimates. “We can’t take it anymore. We do not have flour, we don’t even know where to go in this cold weather,” said Ahmad, a resident EXTRA-JUDICIAL of Gaza city, SETTLEMENT OF where streets ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND DONATION OF are strewn SHARE with rubble from destroyed Notice of the Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement buildings and of Estate with waiver and donation of share of the garbage. estate of Melquiades A. “We de- Villaruz has been executed mand a cease- among his heirs. as per Doc 43; Page No. 09, Book fire. We want No. No. XXXV, Series of 2023 of to live,” he the notarial registry of Atty. Eliseo S. Calma, Jr. said. AFP

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

Beijing crushing Tibetans, exiled political leader says DHARAMSALA, India — As Tibetans prepare to mark 65 years since a failed uprising against Chinese rule and questions loom over the Dalai Lama’s successor, the diaspora’s elected leader said Beijing is crushing his people. Tibetans on March 10 will commemorate the 1959 uprising against Chinese forces that led the future Nobel laureate -- and thousands of his followers -- to cross snowy Himalayan passes into neighbouring India and set up a government in exile. But the anniversary has also put the question of who

taking place any time soon,” said Fyodor Lukyanov, head of the Kremlin-linked Council on Foreign and Defense Policy think tank in Moscow. “There’s nothing they can negotiate about,” he told AFP. While the winter of 2022 was humiliating for Putin, who failed to take Kyiv within days, he has now regrouped and appears reinvigorated by Ukraine’s unsuccessful counter-offensive, the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House in the November presidential election and the rise of the far-right in Europe. “Wouldn’t it be better to negotiate with Russia?” Putin told Carlson, urging the United States to discuss a deal that would allow Moscow to control 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory. AFP

Ties have been improving under Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, however, who last year unveiled a plan to compensate victims without direct involvement from Japan. The family of a South Korean victim who won a wartime labour case against Japanese shipbuilder Hitachi Zosen in December received money from the firm this week. The money was retrieved

from a deposit provided by the firm to a court in Seoul, after South Korea’s top court in December ordered Hitachi Zosen to pay 50 million South Korean won ($37,500) in compensation to the victim. The indirect payment -- the first of its kind -- has drawn condemnation from Japan, which maintains that the forced labour dispute was settled in a 1965 treaty.

Japan’s vice foreign minister on Wednesday “summoned South Korean ambassador to Japan Yun Duk Min and lodged a strong protest”, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. The retrieval of the payment “imposes an unfair disadvantage to a Japanese company based on a verdict that clearly violates” the 1965 deal, Hayashi said. AFP

ABC

Prospective Bidders should have completed a similar contract, and have key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The Eligibility Check/Screening, as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids, shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the NEA Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives. To complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

Procurement Activity

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Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid

February 22, 2024

Start of Availability of Bidding Documents

Pre-Bid Conference

March 01, 2024

10:00 AM at INEC Training Room, Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids, and Bid Opening

March 13, 2024

10:00 AM at INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Bid Evaluation & Post Qualification

March 14, 2024 to April 13, 2024

INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

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To be announced

Interested bidders may obtain further information from INEC through the BAC and its Secretariat located in INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. INEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: THE INEC BAC SECRETARIAT Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Email : inecbacsecretariat@gmail.com (Aiza D. Cabias) Contact Nos.: 077) 600-46-32 loc. 1503; 09190813093 (SGD.)ENGR. JENNER B. PABLO BAC Chairman Noted by: (SGD.)MR. CIPRIANO E. MARTINEZ III Acting General Manager HOPE

OPINION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

EDITORIAL So I See

Fiscal autonomy for CHR

Lito Banayo

The vanishing middle class THE Monetary Board decided to keep the interest rates steady, afraid that inflation woes, despite relative improvement in the last quarter of 2023, would rear its ugly head once more. Why is this? The first problem is the food staple -- rice. Despite a typhoon-less wet season harvest, the production increase has been quite marginal. Proof of this is both in the farm-gate prices and the markets. Even when the PSA reported lowered inflation, it admitted rice prices were spoilers. Truth is, despite normal theories about staple food being demand-inelastic, people from both the poor and middle class have been scrimping and buying less, which explains why veggies, poultry and pork vendors are glum with their sales stagnant even during the holiday season.

lion pesos per annum, and the distribution efforts will be herculean, even with LGUs cooperating. It would have been possible if NFA still retained its marketing network, with DSWD giving out rice coupons redeemable through NFA’s retailers instead of cash, but the Rice Tariffication Law has erased that. Now what about the middle classes, from D-2 to C, whose earnings can now hardly cope with increased food prices, high transport, high electricity and other vital necessities? They have become the nouveau pauvre, even as the nouveau riche of the benighted land, wallowing in wealth created by powerful connections and political entitlements, spend on luxuries like there is no tomorrow. The other problem is more externally brought -- power and transport costs are soaring as the dragon flies, fanning unending wars and conflict, with shipping upended, and oil ever-increasing. Wages cannot catch up, because employers make scant profits, if at all, squeezed between increasing costs and diminishing demand, especially the MSMEs which Albay’s Joey Salceda estimates to be 98 percent of our employers. For our congressmen, the solution is always “ayuda.” Not to be outdone in the bleeding-heart department are our senators who have just passed a mandated 100 peso daily wage increase. The SMEs, most of whom are middle-class entrepreneurs, will soon join the ranks of the nouveau poor, where their micro-enterprise brethren have since languished. Our government keeps giving paeans to our hard-working MSMEs, but, in reality, policies on the national level, and the rules and regulations on the local and agency-level are designed to make life more and more difficult for the middle class, be they small entrepreneurs or the ordinary working-class. We have local tyrants who use their power to give and renew business permits to get under-the-table payments, to national agencies which protect their turf by ponderous registration requirements, to the internal revenue examiners who, envious of the lifestyles of their counterparts in the BoC and even their high officers, keep seeking ways and means to bedevil small businessmen -all of them making life more and more miserable for the middle class. “Hindi na nga nakaka-tulong, namemerhwisyo pa” is the usual complaint against government officials. The E-income class are better off actually. They have all sorts of ayuda, and they can sell their votes to the highest-bidding candidate every three years, not to mention the loose change from barangay elections. The middle class have to fend for themselves against more and more difficult odds, their tribe vanishing ever more, be it under the Bagong Pilipinas or the “bagong luma” born on this day 38 years ago that inherited the New Society.

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The middle class have to fend for themselves against more and more difficult odds, their tribe vanishing ever more

But then comes El Nino, with a third of our provinces already experiencing, and more come March till June, when temperatures increase and the soil cracks with little rainfall. NIA may be trying its best efforts, but that isn’t immediate relief. With NFA rice out of the market, the price of rice is wholly dependent on the private supply chain, which explains why the cheapest is in the mid 40-peso range for the E-income class, while the lower D middle class forks over 56 to 60 per kilo, and the so-called upper middle class pays 65 to 70 for the staple. I have always written since last year that depending on the severity of El Nino, we might even face shortages by the lean months or earlier. Hopefully, Secretary Tiu-Laurel’s supply agreement with Vietnam will assure us of enough supply, but since NFA cannot import any longer, prices will be private importer-driven, which means higher. Now DA through USec Roger Navarro proposes that NFA rice should supplant the cash that DSWD gives to 4P beneficiaries. It’s a good idea we ourselves proposed in 2022 after PBbM assumed the agriculture portfolio. But it is not that easy to implement. The logistics is daunting. 4.4 million beneficiaries multiplied by, say, 25 kilo sacks per month means close to 5 billion per month, or 60 bil-

Citizen Barok

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Exposed: NIA’s incriminating secrets THE air in the countryside is thick with uncertainty and frustration as farmers demand answers from the National Irrigation Administration. The question on their lips echoes like a thunderclap through the valleys and fields: What happened to the billions allocated for irrigation? In the eye of this tempest stands Danilo Ramos, chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, a voice of reason amidst the chaos. With the fervor of a preacher, Ramos calls upon the NIA to justify its colossal expenditures, especially as the scourge of El Niño tightens its grip on the nation’s agricultural heart. The numbers tell a chilling tale of incompetence and mismanagement. Despite the infusion of billions, the irrigation landscape remains parched, leaving farmers high and dry. The NIA’s budget swelled to a staggering P41.7 billion in 2024, a windfall that seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams.

Under the guise of progress, the NIA has touted its slew of infrastructure projects like a snake oil salesman peddling false hope.

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The NIA must be held to task for its sins of omission and commission, its leaders made to answer for their flagrant disregard for the plight of the farming community

Yet, beneath the glossy veneer lies a grim reality: a landscape dotted with

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F THERE’S an agency that deserves an expanded mandate and hence a bigger budget because of its Constitutional duties, it’s the Commission on Human Rights.

The 1987 Constitution vests the CHR with the power to “investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights”. The agency is also tasked to “provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection.” That part about its purely investigative function is problematic, because its findings can be totally ignored by those agencies with prosecutorial power. Its capability to establish legal measures to protect the human rights of all citizens is circumscribed as well by its lack of fiscal autonomy that would

Duty Calls

insulate it from politics and protect its budget The House of Representatives is, therefore, on the right track in tackling a proposed measure aimed at strengthening the CHR role as an independent human rights institution.

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The CHR should be truly independent and enjoy fiscal autonomy so it can perform its duties well

House Bill 9790 authored by Speaker Martin Romualdez seeks “full fiscal autonomy for the CHR to ensure prompt, immediate and unrestricted” fulfillment of its functions. Other Constitutionally-constituted bodies, such as the Commission on Elections and Office of the Ombudsman, enjoy fiscal autonomy that prevents a reduction of funds or even defunding.

Florencio Fianza

Under the previous administration, lawmakers tried to strip the CHR of its budget because of its objections to the bloody war on drugs. The Supreme Court ruled in 2006 the Constitution provided fiscal autonomy only to three Constitutional commissions: the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit and Comelec. The High Tribunal said the judiciary and the Office of the Ombudsman also enjoy fiscal autonomy but the CHR was only granted limited autonomy and could not be considered a “Constitutional commission” although it was created by the 1987 charter. We understand that lawmakers and CHR officials are now looking at an independent Charter to remedy the situation and even expand the agency’s powers that are now purely investigative and recommendatory. As pointed out by human right advocates, the CHR should be truly independent and enjoy fiscal autonomy so it can perform its duties well. With both the Department of Budget and Management and Department of Justice said to be supportive of the House bill but asking for more time to study the matter, we may yet see the CHR really transform into an agency with more bite than bark.

The P20-b Pasig river rehabilitation project

IT LOOOKS like, for once, those wanting to rehabilitate the Pasig River to make it truly tourist friendly have the right formula. This is because big corporations are willing to make available billions of pesos to do what is necessary to accomplish the project. Part of what will be done which is perhaps the most important is the relocation of thousands of informal settlers along the river bank and its tributaries. This also includes the canals that empty into the Pasig River with all the shanties discharging sewer and human wastes that will have to be cleared. Ultimately, the main cause of the river pollution will be eliminated. It is, therefore, a huge undertaking that even the money mentioned for the project may not be enough. Just simply relocating the informal settlers, for instance, would require huge amounts of money. But this is probably where the government comes in to provide the relocation sites. Without the relocation of informal settlers, it is pointless to even attempt to rehabilitate the river. We cannot be constructing long stretches of promenades and walkways on the banks of the Pasig alongside all those shanties. The fact that this is understood and will be done gives us the confidence that, this time around, the effort might really succeed. All previous attempts by past administrations were at best cosmetic because it involved the cleanup of the main river but not the elimination of the root causes of the river pollution. The small section of promenade completed near the MacArthur Bridge has become a hit to the public attracting many

promenaders. So, there is an incentive for the government to participate and support the undertaking. Whether the ambitious plan to construct walkways along the entire 25-kilometer stretch of river will succeed is another matter.

It is seems, however, this is a self-imposed wish by the project proponents and hopefully they will find a way to accomplish most of it. What this huge beautification undertaking will do, however, is to put in doubt the controversial Pasig Freeway project which should make those who have opposed the undertaking happy. It would be unthinkable for aesthetic reasons to do the Promenade project and allow the Freeway project to go ahead at the same time.

The two would be in a way be negating each other and will rekindle the debate between necessity and environmental protection. Whether both proponents consulted each other I have not been able to find out. But we have not seen anything in the media that would indicate the Pasig River Freeway Project will be abandoned in favor of the river rehabilitation project being launched by the Palace with the reported endorsement of the First Lady. In fact, after the inauguration of that small promenade at the mouth of the Pasig not much has been heard. Let us hope it will not be like all the previous efforts launched in the past that after a week of media buildup and an inauguration of a short walkway, the project will go like all rest and be forgotten. That would be really be a shame. This is because a half-baked river rehabilitation and the Pasig River Freeway going on would be a monumental eyesore. The government must therefore decide which one to undertake. I would not be surprised if there are people in government and the private sector who will not object and even endorse that both projects can proceed together. How they can justify this would be interesting to see. The problem with the Pasig River Freeway Project is how it will be designed, especially with all the bridges, that it will not become an ugly sight to the public. But there will always be people who will argue that necessity is more important than aesthetics. The Pasig River rehab project is a Palace supported undertaking while the Freeway has reportedly already been green lighted by the DPWH. Let’s see which project will prevail.

abandoned canals and rusting pipes, a testament to the agency’s abject failure to deliver on its mandate. The National Irrigation Master Plan, a blueprint for progress, lies in tatters, its lofty goals reduced to mere whispers in the wind. Despite claims of increased irrigation development, the bitter truth remains: the promises of yesteryear have borne no fruit, leaving farmers to fend for themselves in an unforgiving environment. As the shadow of El Niño looms large on the horizon, casting a pall over the nation’s agricultural prospects, the NIA stands accused of criminal negligence. Farmers, once hopeful for a bountiful harvest, now face the specter of ruin as their fields wither under the scorching sun. The NIA’s hollow assurances of rice sufficiency ring hollow in the ears of those who toil the land. With crops wilting and water sources drying up, the dream of self-sufficiency fades like a mirage in the desert, leaving behind a bitter taste of betrayal. It is time for accountability. The NIA must be held to task for its sins of omission and commission, its

leaders made to answer for their flagrant disregard for the plight of the farming community. Sanctions must be swift and severe, sending a clear message that incompetence will not be tolerated in the hallowed halls of government. But amidst the anger and frustration, there is hope. A glimmer of light amidst the gathering storm. Moving forward, we must demand transparency and accountability from the NIA, ensuring that every peso allocated for irrigation is spent wisely and judiciously. Investment in infrastructure must be coupled with rigorous oversight, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are

not repeated. The road ahead will be long and arduous, fraught with challenges and obstacles at every turn. But with courage and determination, we can chart a new course for Philippine agriculture, one where farmers are empowered to thrive, and the land yields its bounty to those who tend it with care. In the end, the fate of our agricultural sector lies not in the hands of bureaucrats or politicians, but in the calloused hands of those who till the soil. It is their voices that must be heard, their concerns that must be addressed. Only then can we truly say that we have lived up to the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

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

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

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The problem with the Pasig River Freeway Project is how it will be designed, especially with all the bridges, that it will not become an ugly sight to the public

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Pop Goes The World By Jenny Ortuoste

‘People Power Day’ not a 2024 holiday

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Managing Editor News Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

Knott breaks national indoor 200-m record FILIPINO-AMERICAN sprinter Kristina Knott has established another Philippine record. The 28-year-old Knott, who saw action for the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics, ran and finished fourth place in 23.57 seconds during the Category 10 finals event of the women’s 200-meter sprints in the Arkansas qualifiers at the Randall Tyson Indoor Center in Lafayette, Arkansas last Feb. 16. Both surpassed Zion Corrales’ old mark old of 23.90 seconds in the Mount Pacific Sports Federation meet in 2020. Knott’s record-breaking feat came as another Fil Am sprinter, Angel Frank also set a new national recordbreaking time of 23.86 seconds, this time at the Bob Pollock Invitational, Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex, Clemson, SC last Jan. 27. This is the second time that the indoor women’s 200-meter run record has fallen over the last two months. Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco took note of this after he received information on their performances. The PATAFA is in the process of verifying and ratifying the results. The PATAFA is set to update its information on indoor competitions after the good showings of Knott and Frank. During the competition that Knott joined, she was behind Team USA runner Madison Whyte, who took the gold in 23.01 seconds. Jamaicans Neisha Burgher and Joanne Reid took the silver and bronze in 23.09 seconds and 23.19 seconds, respectively. Knott later settled for the bronze medal in the 60-meter finals, in 7.35 seconds, which improved on the 7.42-second time she had in the heats. With her feat, Knott is now the holder of two official Philippine national records, which included the outdoor marks in the women’s 100 meters and women’s 200 meters races. The Orlando, Florida-based Knott distinguished herself when her 11.27 seconds broke the 33-year-old Philippine national record of 11.28 in the women’s 100 meters, set by Lydia de Vega at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games. Knott also surpassed De Vega’s record by .01 second during the 2020 Drake Blue Oval Showcase in Des Moines, Iowa. Peter Atencio

Cua seeks to sustain PPS run in Digos City DHEA Cua is poised to extend her impressive performance in the PPS-PEPP circuit as junior tennis shifts to Digos City for the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Championships starting Thursday (Feb. 22) in Davao del Sur. The Kidapawan City native is eyeing a third consecutive MVP crown in this week’s Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop at the Digos City Tennis Club after clinching top honors in the two-leg Gov. Edwin Jubahib Cup in Davao del Norte over the past two weeks. Confident in her abilities, Cua is upbeat about her chances in both the 16- and 18-and-under categories of the tournament, which is part of the country’s longest talent-search sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro. However, she faces stiff competition from formidable opponents like Aika Salahuddin, Camille Clar and Keena Villaraiz in 16-and-U division, and Kyle Sonza, Chelsea Bernaldez and siblings Althea and Aika Salahuddin in the premier category. In the boys’ division, Stephen Fuertes and Marcus Go are eager to secure another two-title feat. The former aims to shine on home turf in both the boys’ 16- and 18-and-U classes, where he previously dominated in Leg 1 of the Jubahib Cup. Meanwhile, Go, coming off title victories in the 12- and 14-and-U divisions, faces a challenging field in his quest for success in the week-long tournament sanctioned by Philta and supported by Rep. John Tracy Cagas. Fuertes also gears up against strong contenders like Randy Pausanos, Maersk Labandero and Kurt Alcantara in the premier category. In the 16-andU class, he anticipates tough competition from Jan Gecosala, Wallaen Cabigas, Labandero and Alcantara.

Ernest John Obiena delivered a record-breaking performance with a remarkable leap of 5.83 meters, establishing a new meet standard in the elite category. AFP

Record-breaking golden feat kicks off Obiena’s ‘24 season By Randy Caluag

ILIPINO pole vault sensation EJ Obiena kicked off the year with a stellar performance on the global stage, clinching the gold at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze - Memorial Josip Gašparac held on Wednesday in Osijek, Croatia. Shaking off the rust from an extended holiday break, Obiena still delivered a record-breaking performance with a remarkable leap of 5.83 meters, establishing a new meet standard in the elite category.

In his official Facebook page, Obiena expressed gratitude, saying, “Indoor season finally kicked off. Thank you for having us and putting on a great performance.” Portugal’s Pedro Buaro took the silver medal with a jump of 5.73 meters, and the bronze went to Olan Tray Oates of the United States, who cleared 5.61 meters. While celebrating the victory, Obiena also highlighted a humorous comment from his training partner and stablemate, Saudi Arabia’s Hussain Al-Hizam. Quoting Al-Hizam, Obiena added, “Quote of the day from @hussain_pv: there were a lot of rust there.” Hussain did 5.51 meters, securing a position between 4th to 6th places, alongside two other athletes. His score, however, was below his performance of 5.65 meters in the Asian Games last

year when he took the bronze medal, the same output by China’s Huang Bokai and only losing the silver via countback. Both Hussain and Obiena are under the guidance of Ukrainian pole vault coach Vitaly Petrov. Obiena, who is bound for the Paris Olympics, is gearing up for the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled from March 1 to March 3 in Glasgow, Scotland. The meet will bring together elite athletes from around the globe, including Obiena’s formidable rival and world champion, Mondo Duplantis of Sweden. Before the World Championships, Obiena faces another challenging competition as he participates in the Istaf Indoor, an elite tournament within the World Athletics Indoor Tour, set in Berlin Germany on Feb. 23.

Paris 2024: A ‘new era’ of corruption-free Olympics? PARIS—Ahead of the Paris Olympics in July and August, French prosecutors are working on four enquiries into possible wrongdoing, but are the investigations a sign of problems or of genuine efforts to tackle graft? Andy Spalding, an academic and author who studies corruption in sporting “mega-events” such as the Olympics or the football World Cup, believes French authorities are showing they are serious about delivering a clean Games. Three preliminary investigations are into possible favouritism in the awarding of around 20 contracts worth tens of millions of euros, while a fourth—revealed on February 6 by AFP—is scrutinising the pay of chief organiser Tony Estanguet. In an interview with AFP, Spalding, a professor at the US-based University of Richmond School of Law, explained the troubled history of Olympic corruption and why he believes the Paris Games might spell the start of a “new era” of cleaner international sport.

Question: When did corruption in the Olympics first come to wide public attention? “The Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 was the first time in which there was hard evidence of corruption that went public. Pre-2002, we know there’s corruption. But we can’t prove it and the world is largely resigned to corruption. Then in the late 1990s, there’s something sometimes called the “corruption eruption”—a period of time in which all of a sudden the world starts paying a lot of attention to corruption issues. There are new international conventions; there’s an explosion of scholarship. There are scandals and resignations, new enforcement initiatives. What we saw in the ensuing Games was not just incidents of corruption, but systemic corruption. Russia with the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics was probably the most egregious example of this, where billions of dollars are estimated to have been embezzled in the course of the event.”

Question: What has been the effect on the Olympics movement? “The corruption scandals have damaged the International Olympic Committee brand enormously. That was most obvious in 2015 at the time of the awarding of the 2022 Winter Games, when the only credible candidate, China, was a country that had almost no winter sports tradition.

Other countries just didn’t want them because of the systemic corruption and the cost overruns. The IOC needs a sustainable business model, so they adopted reforms, attacking the two different components of corruption: one is the corruption at the IOC level, particularly with the executive committee, meaning they needed to reform the bidding process. Then the second step was addressing corruption at the host level: the organizing committee, the municipality, the National Olympic Committee.” Question: Part of that approach is a new “anti-corruption clause” in the contract with the Olympics host city. What is this? “France is the first country to be under an enforceable contractual obligation to adopt anti-corruption compliance programs. Nobody knows what it means yet, but starting with Paris, moving forward to the 2026 Winter Games and Los Angeles in 2028, we will have these contractual obligations each time. AFP

Eala rises to career-high no. 184 in world rankings By Peter Atencio

Alex Eala

ALEX Eala, who has earned around $36,392 in her young professional career over the first two months of the year 2024, continued to move up in the world rankings and rose to a new high. The 18-year-old Eala went up by a point, to another career-high of 184, going into her campaign in the $75,000 International Tennis Federation world tour in Porto, Portugal. With her new windfall that’s worth around P2.033 million in Philippine currency, Eala now has a total earnings of $197,630, or more than P11.043 million since she started her professional career back in 2020.

Eala, who is set to face Raluca Serban of Cyprus in the first round, is getting more points following her stints in Abu Dhabi and Indore over the last two weeks. In the Mubadala Open last week in Abu Dhabi, Eala bowed out of contention in the f irst round, taking a 6-7 (4), 1-6 setback to Magda Linetter of Poland. The other week, Eala reached the semifinals of the $50,000 Indore leg of the ITF World Tour after beating Romania’s Anca Todoni, 7-5, 6-2. Eala then lost to Russia’s Polina Kudermetova, 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, in the semifinals. In reaching the semis, Eala availed of a purse of $1,538.52.

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Cardinals, Altas score impressive NCAA wins

FEU’s Jelord Talisayan smashes one in.

Games Friday (Filoil EcoOil Arena)

8 a.m.- Mapua vs Letran 10 a.m.- CSB vs San Beda 12 p.m.- LPU vs EAC 2:30 p.m.- UPHSD vs AU 4:30 p.m.- SSC-R vs JRU

FEU Tamaraw tossers clobber Green Spikers, stay unbeaten F AR Eastern University fended off the challenge of De La Salle University, 25-18, 20-25, 2522, 25-17, in a rematch of last year’s stepladder duel to stay undefeated in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

The Tamaraws moved to 2-0 while handing the Green Spikers their first loss of the tournament for a 1-1 record. “Nu’ng second set ready kami na kukunin talaga ng La Salle ‘yung set na ‘yun eh, ang adjustment namin ay tinanggap lang ‘yung error na nang-

yayari, ang kailangan lang matono ulit ‘yung mind ng bawat isa, maibalik ‘yung composure,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. The Green Spikers were just within one late in the third, 22-23, but Vince Maglinao committed a costly service error before Martin Bugaoan gave the

Tamaraws the set with a powerful quick kill, 25-22. Then in the fourth, FEU used a telling blitz through the efforts of Bugaoan, Jayjay Javelona, Lirick Mendoza, and Dryx Saavedra that turned a 10-8 close lead to a 1710 advantage en route to the 25-17 clincher. “Magandang simula po sa amin ito kasi dalawang panalo kaagad kaya mas magkakakumpyansa ‘yung team, sana mas gumanda pa ‘yung performance namin sa mga susunod na games,” said Ariel Cacao who tossed 24 excellent sets with five digs in the match.

Saavedra top-scored for the Tamaraws with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, while Bugaoan and Andrei Delicana added 16 and 13 points, respectively. On the other hand, Vince Maglinao posted 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and five digs for the Green Spikers, who also got 19 points from JM Ronquillo and 14 points and 21 receptions from Noel Kampton. Up next for FEU will be University of the East on Sunday, 9 a.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Arena while De La Salle will follow at 11 a.m. against University of Santo Tomas.

Luisita looms as underdog as PAL Senior Interclub kicks off CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Marty Ilagan of Luisita nearly aced the signature par-3 13th hole at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, the ball bouncing off the pin during the final practice round in the 75th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships on Wednesday. Instead of lining up for his short birdie putt, Ilagan practiced from a different spot. “The greens at Pueblo have a lot of undulations. It is important to know where to place your approach,” said Ilagan who was among seven Luisita players who played the course. Luisita is defending the title it won last year in Cebu City. With only five holdovers from last year’s championship squad, the Tarlacbased squad is facing a tough title defense against the souped-up Canlubang and Manila Southwoods and a dangerous crew from Del Monte. “Will be tough to retain the championship but players are ready and excited for the tournament to start,” said Luisita nonplaying captain Jeric Hechanova. “Luisita will be the underdog this year.” Canlubang looms as the biggest threat to Luisita’s title-retention bid.

With the addition of John Paul Reyes and Jess Hernandez, Canlubang skipper Tony Olives said they have a good chance of regaining the crown. “We have two scorers coming in to replace our two stoppers,” Olives said. “We can say we have a deep bench.” Manila Southwoods added many-time Alabang Country Club champion Jorge Gallent to its lineup, making a serious bid to end the Luisita-Canlubang stranglehold of the championship division. With Gallent teaming up with Junjun Plana, the Carmona-based squad and Del Monte are expected to make the event a four-horse race. The first round in the championship division will be held at the Pueblo Golf and Country Club. The next two rounds will be played at Del Monte before it returns to Pueblo for the finale. Hostilities also kick off in the Founders, Aviator, Sportswriters, and Friendship divisions. The event is celebrating its diamond anniversary at Cagayan de Oro which last hosted the tournament in 2011. The 75th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by diamond sponsors Mastercard and Asian Journal.

Daniel Nuevo of Zamboanga Team makes his approach as a curious dog watches during a practice round at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City, one of two golf courses to be used for the 75th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships.

Smileys, Solar Boys take contrasting wins in PSA Cup opener

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann makes the ceremonial toss to open the game between the Capital1 Solar Boys and the Strong Group Athletics kicking off the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday.

THE Say Chiz Smileys had the last laugh after surviving a close one against the Smart Sports Scribes while Capital1 Solar Boys delivered a wire-to-wire victory over the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros in the opening of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. An eventual game-winning floater from Jeric Lopez with 39 seconds left, a big offensive rebound by Aivan Episcope, and crucial stops in the last 8.4 seconds helped the Smileys of Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Francis Ochoa escape the Smartbacked side of Spin.PH’s Dodo Catacutan, 66-64, in the tournament, which is one of the projects of PSA President Nelson Beltran of Philippine Star. In the first game, Christian Jacinto and birthday boy Aldo Aviñante were all business for Capital1 of Manila Bulletin’s Ramon Bonilla, leading the squad to an 86-74 victory against SGA. Jonas Terrado of the Inquirer finished

with game-highs 21 points and 14 rebounds, along with four steals, two assists, and a block. Lopez followed with 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists while Cedelf Tupas added 15 points, four assists, and four steals. For Smart Sports it was AJ Bolando who topscored with 19 points, but was limited to two points in the fourth quarter. He also grabbed eight rebounds and two steals. Julio Sampedro drained six triples for his 18-point outing, but he fouled out in the last minute of the game. An opening ceremony ushered in the return of the basketball eveny, with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Dr. Ian Laurel of Shakey’s Super League and Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. serving as special guests. Jacinto logged 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks while Aviñante, who turned 35, tallied 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds.

MAPUA and University of Perpetual Help pulled off impressive victories on Wednesday to remain unshakeable at the helm in NCAA Season 99 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena. The Red Robins relied on their rock-solid, nearly impenetrable defense in smashing the Jose Rizal U Light Bombers, 72-57, while the Junior Altas went to defense when their offense turned sour and blasted the San Beda Red Cubs, 78-56, in claiming their fourth win in a row. Jan Pagulayan sizzled for 19 points while Mark Gojo Cruz pulled off a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds in sustaining UPHSD’s Cinderella run and putting it into good position at earning a crack at its historic NCAA championship. Lebron Jhames Daep wreaked his own havoc in finishing with 10 points, six boards, three steals and a block. San Beda, which shocked Letran in its previous outing, stumbled to a 2-2 record. Mapua, eyeing its 21st crown, drew a 25-point explosion from Lawrence Mangubat while continuing to rely on its league’s best defense in claiming another win and staying unbeaten. JRU dropped to 1-2. The Junior Blazers, mentored by Ren Ren Ritualo, edged the Arellano U Braves, 85-81, for their first win after suffering three straight defeats to start the season.

South Pacific to host PH Golf Tour Q-School THE Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School is venturing south for the first time, promising a spirited battle for spots in this year’s circuit, which includes 10 legs and a coveted berth in the season-ending Match Play Championship. The 72-hole eliminations will be played March 5-8 at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao City, which hosted the ninth leg of both the PGT and Ladies PGT last year. Leading the charge in this year’s batch of hopefuls are many-time national team spearhead and multi-titled Aidric Chan, Lanz Uy, Luigi Wong and Ryan Monsalve. They are all eager to demonstrate their readiness to step up and compete for substantial prize money in the upcoming Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit, set to kick off on March 12 at the Apo Golf and Country Club, also in Davao. Chan, who had previously partnered with pro Rey Pagunsan to win the Delimondo National Pro-Am Splendido Taal Golf Club in 2019, and his fellow amateurs, including Enzo Fregil, Marc Lu, Vince Lusterio, Jr., Tom Marcelo, Francis Mendez, Edmar Salvador, Jr., Niño Soberano, Airon Sorino, Sean Ty and Michael Uy, will be vying for the Top 30 slots against seasoned pros aiming to re-claim their Tour cards after falling short in the 2023 PGT season. Among the experienced pros participating in the qualifiers are Rufino Bayron, Anthony Fernando, Enrico Gallardo, Johvanie Abaño, John Kier Abdon, Magno Arancon, Jr. Kristoffer Arevalo, Leandro Bagtas, Ramil Bisera, Paul Echavez, Jelbert Gamolo, Josh Jorge, Mario Labajo, Joseph Labajo, Leonard Lofranco, Jonas Magcalayo, Ivan Monsalve, Carlos Packing and Elmer Saban. The field also includes returning players like Mhark Fernando, Edward Reyes and Paul Minoza. The country’s premier tour put up by ICTSI is poised for another exciting season following a successful offering last year after the pandemic. After the Apo inaugurals, the circuit moves to the Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, also in Davao, for the March 19-22 event.

SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

Sold-out fest welcomes Japanese girl group for PH debut

Atarashii Gakko! graces the upcoming Bobapalooza Music and Arts Festival

JAPANESE girl group Atarashii Gakko! completes the lineup of the grandest music festival Bobapalooza Music and Arts Festival to be held on Filinvest City Events Ground on Feb. 24 and 25. Members Mizyu, Rin, Suzuka, and Kanon are set to rock the Philippine scene with their hit songs like “Pineapple Kryptonite,” “Sukie Lie,” “Woo Go,” and “Tokyo Calling,” promising an unforgettable performance. “Choosing the headliner wasn’t easy,” said Gayle Oblea, CEO of Rolling Gum, the production behind Bobapalooza. “We wanted a lineup

Flagship AM radio station strengthens primetime lineup

Blanco, Juan Karlos, The Itchyworms, and many more. Day 2 sees Atarashii Gakko! and The Band Camino share the stage with Urbandub, December Avenue, Sandwich, Sandwich, Chicosci, Faspitch, Tanya Markova, Bita and the Botflies, CHNDTR, Criminal Cinema, Nemic, Sub Projekt, The Mox, and Inside City. There will also be a live art session featuring Egg Fiasco, Blic, Distort Monsters, SYN.TOO, Mimaaaaaaw, CHNO, and Isad Diwa. The festival also boasts Arcadia Lounge, Friend Zone Lounge, and The Art Market.

Skarlet Brown’s need for singing

GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz delivers more breaking and up-to-the-minute news reports and critical commentaries with its new line-up of radio news programs on “DZBB Primetime,” airing on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. At 5:00 am, Kapuso listeners can tune in to the early morning news program, Buena Manong Balita. Host Orly Trinidad delivers news that matters to the everyday life of Filipinos, plus on-the-ground reporting by a team of Super Radyo DZBB reporters. Buena Manong Balita is also simulcast on Dobol B TV from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Coming at 6:00 a.m is Melo del Prado Sa Super Radyo. Radio anchor Melo del Prado delivers the top stories of the day along with razor-sharp commentaries. Listeners should also look forward to insightful analysis of the most pressing issues. Listeners don’t have to worry about missing the headlines, thanks to the multi-awarded Super Balita Sa Umaga, Nationwide at 7:00 a.m. The nationwide newscast is delivered by the no-nonsense tandem of Melo del Prado and Joel Reyes Zobel. At 8:00 a.m. is Saksi sa Dobol B. Listeners tuning in at the later hour can catch up on the news, and be informed further with forthright discussions, interviews, and commentaries from anchors Joel Reyes Zobel and Rowena Salvacion. Completing the new DZBB Primetime is One on One: Walang Personalan at 9:00 a.m. Anchored by seasoned hosts Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison, the program is well-known for its casual and candid yet uncompromising news presentation. “The new DZBB Primetime line-up strengthens our commitment to keep our Kapuso listeners informed. With news always fast-developing, we have the responsibility to keep the information up to date,” says GMA First Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona. “Our radio anchors’ commentaries provide facts and additional context for listeners. As a result, they don’t just hear or listen; they also understand.” Tune in to Super Radyo DZBB 594kHz for DZBB Primetime Monday to Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Viewers can also catch this new line-up from 5:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on Dobol B TV on GTV. Online listeners can tune in to the live audio streaming of Super Radyo DZBB programs at https://www.gmanetwork.com/radio/streaming/dzbb. Watch and subscribe to its official YouTube channel @dzbb594. Follow Super Radyo DZBB 594 on Facebook, and @dzbb on X and TikTok. Connie Sison (left) anchors ‘One on One: Walang Personalan’ alongside Arnold Clavio (right)

that resonated with our community’s values and personality. When Atarashii Gakko! became available, it was a nobrainer. They adore their Filipino fans and remember their amazing 2022 visit fondly. Expect a long, full setlist this February – their only Asian stop!” American rock band Bad Suns, known for hits like “Cardiac Arrest” and “Baby Blue Shades,” joins the starstudded lineup. This year also marks the Philippine debut of The Band Camino, alongside international favorites Pale Waves. Day 1 features Bad Suns and Pale Waves, along with local acts like Rico

Touchbass

Yugel Losorata

GOING SOLO. After being the face of two OPM bands, Scarlet Brown embarks on a solo career with four new songs in the pipeline

OME singers need not do something unfamiliar to deal with the challenges life is throwing at them. They just need to do that thing they do: sing. Skarlet Brown, a stirring voice you surely have heard if you have encountered the wittily named band Put3ska, is finding a sort of rebirth in her long run as a full-time singer. Thanks to a new record contract she signed with Polyeast Records. She’s set to sing more in the studio while gigging around. What makes her recent break sweeter is the fact that she had been to some hell before finding her way back. “I’ve been through a difficult time and I thought I lost myself,” Skarlet expressed as she recalled how the pandemic affected her routine and emotional state. Like many musicians, she struggled with the lack of income

brought by the zero gig economy when the global health crisis hit. Big personal challenges came and she even lost one of her insurance policies. The return of gig life surely brought back some sense to Skarlet’s psyche but like many of us, it takes a while to bounce back. Referring to her current schedule of “reaching out to new audiences” and “doing songs I normally don’t sing,” she said, “I need a regular woodshedding place. I need to sing. It’s an exercise of my voice.” At present, Skarlet jams with Rockitwell Band every Thursday at Red Rhino in The Hub Greenfield District, EDSA Central Avenue. Put3ska, best known for the songs “Manila Girl” and “Sirang Romantiko,” had a fun-filled reunion show at the Music Museum a year before the pandemic, with Skarlet at the forefront. After that high point, she could happily say “We’re good and had patched things up.” But with some of the other members no longer based in Metro Manila, it will take some time to do that again, much less a return to active band duty. That makes Skarlet’s solo journey to record new singles extra interesting, especially for someone who can lay claim to being, pun intended, a Manila girl who dares to follow her. Based on Skarlet’s view on the current band scene, her upcoming releases should be something to look forward to. Her return process to form makes her more understanding about how things have become, as she acknowledges the undeniable strength of what was then. She noted, “We were more gritty back then. We were heavier. Millennial and Gen Z rockers are more eclectic but with a softer edge. But they’re doing well and I’m happy for them; social media is working for them.” More than her musical approach to things, it’s Skarlet’s rekindled spirituality that’s giving her some extra grit in facing the future. “I’m looking forward to singing records,” she said, “I’m happy I’m back gigging actively. I’m setting new goals and focusing more on my daughter (Maru). I’m being strong for myself and I love being in love.” Skarlet had updated that so far she already submitted four songs ready for recording and release. The Manila girl’s feet are definitely “movin’ steady.”

Kathryn, Andrea, Kim top nominees for Push Awards 2023 FILIPINO personalities and digital stars who continue to use their platform to entertain, inspire, and inform audiences are once again recognized at the Push Awards 2023, which is now in its ninth year. Voting for the 12 categories is now open until March 15 on push.abs-cbn. com/vote and winners will be announced on March 22. Spreading ‘kilig’ with their palpable on-screen chemistry are those nominated for the Popular Love Team of 2023 category - DonBelle (Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano), FranSeth (Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin), BarDa (Barbie Forteza and David Licauco), KDLex (KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad), and KaoMiah (Jeremiah Lisbo and Kaori Oinuma). Real-life couples who made hearts skip a beat are competing in the Power Couple of 2023 category such as Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, Vice Ganda and Ion Perez, Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli, Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte, and Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey. Artists who wowed viewers with their

remarkable performances are nominated for Favorite Onscreen Performance of 2023 for Television such as Kim Chiu (Linlang), Kaila Estrada (Linlang), Maris Racal (Can’t Buy Me Love), Zaijian Jaranilla (Senior High), and Jennica Garcia (Dirty Linen). For Favorite Onscreen Performance of 2023 for Film, the nominees are Piolo Pascual (Mallari), Kathryn Bernardo (A Very Good Girl), Dingdong Dantes (Rewind), Charlie Dizon (Third World Romance), and Elijiah Canlas (About Us But Not About Us). Those with a strong social media presence who continue to spread good vibes are nominated in the Social Media Personality of 2023 category such as Andrea Brillantes, Kathryn Bernardo, Heart Evangelista, KC Concepcion, and Bretman Rock. Personalities who captured the hearts of fans with their fun and viral social media posts are competing in the Content Creator of 2023 category such as Ivana Alawi, Kristel Fulgar, Melason, Slater Young and Kryz Uy (SkyFam), and Ninong Ry. Trending TikToker of 2023 recognizes

Kathryn Bernardo vies for the ‘Favorite Onscreen Performance of 2023 for Film’ and ‘Social Media Personality of 2023’ awards

Andrea Brillantes is nominated for the ‘Social Media Personality of 2023’ and ‘Trending TikToker of 2023’ categories

Kim Chiu’s performance in ‘Linlang’ earns her a nomination for the ‘Favorite Onscreen Performance of 2023 for Television’ category

the artist who brought their A game with their creative and entertaining TikTok posts. Competing in the category are Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Sassa Gurl, Kyline Alcantara, and Niana Guerrero. Push Awards not only recognizes celebrities who are flourishing in their career but also those who are slaying parenthood for the Celebrity Parent/s of 2023. The nominees are Angelica Panganiban and Gregg Homan, Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano, Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo, and Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon. Music lovers, meanwhile, can also

vote for their favorite artists who continue to deliver inspiring messages through their songs. Nominated for Music Artist of 2023 are juan karlos, Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, SB19, and Flow G. On the other hand, artists whose music instantly captivated listeners are vying for the Breakthrough Music Artist of 2023 award such as Lola Amour, Dilaw, Josh Cullen, Felip, and Imogen. P-pop stans also have the chance to vote for their favorite group among BINI, BGYO, Alamat, G22, and HORI7ON for the P-pop Group of 2023 category. Loyal fans can also show their love and support for their favorite artists by voting

for the Fandom of 2023 award among contenders A’Tin (SB19), Bubblies (DonBelle), KDLex (KDLex), ACES (BGYO), and Anchors (HORI7ON). The Push Inspiration of 2023 special category, the only award that is not fan-voted, will once again recognize remarkable personalities who continue to inspire Filipinos by using their platform for a good cause. It is one of the digital initiatives of ABS-CBN as it rapidly transitions into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties. Vote for your favorites on push.abscbn.com/vote

LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

LOVE CAN WAIT.

Individuals born in the year of the Snake and Pig might experience a flourishing love life this Year of the Wood Dragon, while others are advised to focus on their careers and venture into business

ONSIDERING your interest in entering a romantic relationship this year, it’s wise to take a moment to reconsider your approach to finding that special someone, especially with insights from Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui consultant and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Jean Yu Chua, the dynamics of relationships can be influenced by the changing vibrations each year. “While we don’t interfere in personal matters, we do offer guidance based on individual preferences. This year’s Feng Shui forecast suggests a focus on trust and loyalty. While there may be opportunities for networking and professional relationships to flourish, the same might not hold true for romantic endeavors,” Chua told

Manila Standard Life during a special Pandesal Forum held recently at the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City. However, certain signs, like the Snake and Pig, might experience an uplift in their romantic lives, potentially leading to deeper connections or the start of new relationships. “Since this year is a Wood Dragon Year, certain animal signs have a special power which we call Sky Happiness, and this year it is for those born in the year of the Snake. They may find a

Love and relationships in the Year of Wood Dragon

Jean Yu Chua goes on a deep dive about how animal signs will fare this Year of the Wood Dragon

From left: FFCCCII officer Eduardo Cobankiat, Jean Yu Chua, and ‘Pandesal Forum’ moderator Wilson Lee Flores

level up in terms of their romantic relationship; they can plan to have a family or enter into a new relationship for singles. The same can be said for those born in the Year of the Pig,” Chua announced. On the flip side, some may encounter challenges in romantic relationships due to factors like the “Infidelity Star,” which could stem from emotional imbalance caused by a

lack of water energy. Despite these potential hurdles, there are avenues for growth and fulfillment, particularly in areas outside of romance. “For others, because of the Infidelity Star, relationships may not be good romantically, but in other aspects, they may be good. The Infidelity Star is due to the lack of water energy or the water element, so people might be emotionally imbalanced,” she pointed out. Chua said that as we navigate the year ahead, it’s essential to remain open to opportunities for personal and professional development. While the focus may often be on financial matters or career prospects, it’s equally important to nurture relationships and prioritize emotional well-being. “While the year may bring prosperity in various aspects, including business ventures, don’t overlook the importance of fostering meaningful connections and finding balance in your romantic pursuits,” she stated. Chua expressed optimism about the generally positive and auspicious nature of the Year of the Wood Dragon, especially in fostering positive relations among individuals. For those facing less fortunate prospects this Wood Dragon Year, Chua recommended counteracting challenges with hard work, emphasizing extra care for health and financial mindfulness, and engaging in acts of kindness while remaining loyal to spiritual beliefs. Chua also underscored that the

Dragon Year is particularly favorable for starting a family, as babies born during this time are believed to inherit auspicious qualities associated with the Year of the Dragon, thus many hope for “Dragon Babies” this year. The “Loong” or Chinese Dragon symbolizes honor, strength, good luck, benevolence, and prestige. Unlike its Western counterpart, the Chinese Dragon is associated with water, bringing rain to assist farmers, in stark contrast to the fire-breathing and menacing Western dragon. “In general forecast in Peach Blossom Star, it will enhance every animal sign’s relationship specifically in the field of networking. Probably you can find a new mentor or someone who will guide you, but relationships entering into business will be stronger. The same thing cannot be said in terms of romantic relationships,” the Feng Shui consultant said. “What is mainly sought now is the trust factor, especially with those around you, that they remain loyal to achieve your targets and goals,” she added. The event was held in anticipation of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 70th Anniversary on March 9. Representing FFCCCII were officers Eduardo “Eddy” Cobankiat and Pandesal Forum moderator Wilson Lee Flores.

Age-related decline in speech clarity? Sunshine Place program can help

The Body Shop’s Vitamin E range features a new infusion of natural-origin hyaluronic acid in an eco-friendly packaging

Enhanced hydration formula in eco-friendly packaging IN A nod to its iconic status since the ‘70s, The Body Shop’s renowned Vitamin E range is undergoing a major upgrade, now featuring a potent infusion of naturalorigin hyaluronic acid. This revolutionary addition boasts the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, promising a surge of hydration suitable for all skin types. Not only does this revamped line prioritize your skin’s well-being, but it also champions environmental sustainability. Embracing more eco-friendly packaging, the products are now housed in materials like aluminum, recycled glass, and recycled plastic. Making waves as the latest gem in the collection is the Vitamin E Bi-Phase Moisture Serum.

Laura Keane, The Body Shop’s Global Director of Product Development, expresses enthusiasm for this groundbreaking innovation, stating, “This unique Bi-Phase Serum is an exciting innovation that uses powerful naturalorigin ingredients to help deliver happy, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin day and night.” Harnessing the potency of natural-origin hyaluronic acid, this serum operates in two phases, delivering intense hydration for up to 30 hours. The oil phase, enriched with Vitamin E and raspberry seed oil, ensures skin remains plump and moisturized throughout the day. Vitamin E Bi-Phase Moisture Serum is now available at The Body Shop stores and online at www.thebodyshop.com.ph.

WITH age, our bodies undergo changes that can impact our ability to communicate, eat, and swallow. Speech clarity may become challenging, making pronunciation of certain sounds and words difficult. Additionally, changes in cognitive function can affect our ability to understand and use language. To help individuals cope with these communication challenges, Sunshine Place offers Speech Therapy for Adults, available every Tuesday by appointment. The program consists of 12 personalized sessions led by Carl Leann Lora, RSLP, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in BS Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. Recognizing the critical importance of SLPs in this important phase for older adults, Lora dedicates his practice to helping seniors with communication, cognitive, or swallowing impairments following illness, trauma, or disease, ultimately improving their quality of life. Speech therapy, a specialized field

Sunshine Place’s Speech Therapy for Adults features personalized sessions for individuals facing communication challenges

serving individuals of all ages, including older adults, addresses communication and swallowing disorders. Its goal is to enhance communication skills and overall quality of life. Tailored to individual needs, the therapy for older adults typically utilizes a blend of exercises, activities, and compensatory strategies. Speech and language therapy typically involves both assessment

Innovation in small packet P&G’s ‘Purifier of Water’ gives Filipino kids a chance at life

MILLIONS in the Philippines lack clean water due to poverty and frequent typhoons, causing sickness and jeopardizing dreams. To help, P&G and World Vision distribute their Purifier of Water, a simple powder packet. As of 2023, they had provided over 200 million liters of clean water to 50,000 children and families. This innovative technology, similar to systems in developed countries, removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses, offering a quick and effective solution.

P&G’s Purifier of Water seeks to solve the problem of dirty and unsafe water one packet at a time

and therapy sessions. Therapy options address various concerns, including acquired language disorders (e.g., aphasia), motor speech disorders (e.g., apraxia of speech, dysarthria), cognitive-communication disorders, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), and fluency disorders (stuttering). For more details, contact: (632) 8564144 / 856-4162, (+63917) 515-5656 or email hello@sunshineplaceph.com.

P&G’s Purifier of Water was developed by P&G scientists in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a quick and innovative way to purify dirty and unsafe water. This powdered mixture was developed utilizing technology similar to that found in municipal water systems in developed countries. One four-gram Purifier of Water packet contains ferric sulfate, serving as a coagulant, and calcium hypochlorite, acting as a disinfectant. These ingredients can remove dirt, common waterborne bacteria and viruses, and other pollutants from 10 liters of potentially unsafe water in just 30 minutes. Since 2012, World Vision has been distributing P&G Purifier of Water packets to households in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Beneficiaries from these areas mostly live along the Agusan Marsh which also serves as their primary water source, aside from rainwater. These areas are susceptible to heavy flooding during strong typhoons, resulting in the contamination of unimproved sources of drinking water. The CSDW Program is currently in its 12th year of providing clean drinking water to impoverished communities. P&G allocated 3.4 million Purifier of Water packets to World Vision for distribution to Manobo families living along the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur and North Cotabato. Agusan Marsh covers 15 percent of the country’s freshwater resources. Manobo families mostly live in floating houses, and they rely on rain or a nearby spring for water they use for drinking, bathing, and other activities. However, many children and adults experience stomach problems due to the dirty water they consume. As one of their primary beneficiaries, P&G and World Vision continuously support the residents of Agusan Marsh through the regular distribution of P&G Purifier of Water. This is especially important during disasters, such as the recent flooding and landslides, which placed Agusan del Sur in a state of calamity.