Manila Standard - 2024 February 27 - Tuesday

will “operate with” Mr. Marcos fo “as long as [Charter change] would not be intended to benefit the incumbent [president].”

House adopting RBH 6 ‘in toto’

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE House of Representatives would adopt the

said Monday.

“To

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AFP to support

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due to

Small biz might go bankrupt with P350 wage hike—PCCI PBBM inks 2 laws, keeps

PRESIDENT Marcos signed two new laws on Monday focusing on the welfare of Filipino elders and boosting local products. In a ceremony held at the Palace, President Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 11981 or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino)

expose Beijing’s intrusive and coercive actions in the WPS. AFP spokesman Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is eager to extend support to

House Speaker Martin Romualdez chats up Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri after joining President Marcos and a scrum of lawmakers (inset) during the signing of the bills granting benefits to Filipino octogenarians and nonagenarians or Republic Act No. 11982 and the Tatak Pinoy bill on Monday at Malacañang. PPA Photo

Libre mangarap: Remulla laughs off rumors he will be out as DOJ chief

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has this to say amid persistent rumors he will be replaced: “Hindi naman bawal mangarap.”

Remulla hinted there are some people who are keeping their eyes peeled for his position.

“Alam mo naman society natin... maraming nangangarap, kasama sa

Spotted together: Catriona Gray, Sam Milby bond amid breakup rumor

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and her fiancé, actor Sam Milby, were seen together at an event amid rumors that they have broken up.

AFTER initially laughing off his wife’s IV drip session inside his Senate office last week, Senator Robin Padilla on Monday apologized to his colleagues and Upper Chamber officials over the issue.

said that Interpol had already issued a “blue notice” against Teves last Feb. 19. This requests countries “to locate, identify or obtain information on a person of interest in a criminal investigation.” “It will be converted into a red notice because he is undocumented already,” he said. Remulla made the statement even as he considered the Feb. 8 order of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte said he is “okay” with amending economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution but not those that will extend the term and favor the current administration. In a prayer rally in Cebu on Sunday night, Duterte said he

Dental

Padilla sorry for wife’s IV drip session but Binay says investigation to continue

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NINO

Farmer Raymond dela Cruz, 33, checks a portion of his dry rice field along the Pulilan-Baliuag Bypass Road in Bulacan on Monday. Dela Cruz said they harvested rice from the field last December and should have planted anew last January, but the water from irrigation just arrived this month – indicating a water shortage

Call calamity state, Mindoro urged

By Othel V. Campos

T‘Compromised’: Coast Guard FB page hacked

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday mobilized a rapid response team to deliver urgent aid to Mindoro farmers and fisherfolk affected by the dry spell. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. instructed the National Food Authority (NFA) to ensure distribution of rice stocks to affected populations in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensure food security and support the livelihood of those impacted by the drought.

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“This means, Marcos, will only have one term – six years,” he said in the vernacular.

“And he will amend the Constitution, join him and I will operate with him but it should not be applicable to him,” Duterte added.

He said Filipinos are already “comfortable” with a six-year term for presidents with a one-term limit.

“One term, let us stick to that,” he said.

“Mr. President, you were elected under a Constitution for one term of six years, be happy with that. Just be happy with that, you are already there. God has written that you have been given a blessing to serve your land of birth,” Duterte added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, said only economic matters and not political provisions shall be covered by the Congress deliberations (see banner story – Editors).

“Our mission is clear to all of us today: Change some economic provisions that prevent the entry of businesses from other countries. Businesses that will create jobs and stimulate our economy. This is our only goal. Economy, not politics,” Romualdez told his colleagues as he opened the plenarylike Committee of the Whole House deliberations on economic amendment proposals contained in Resolution of Both Houses No. 7. Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Bureau and Roberto Ancan, the Senate sergeant-at-arms, days after his wife, actress Mariel Padilla, flaunted her IV drip session at the Senate in a now-deleted Instagram post.

“I would never think of violating the Senate’s security protocols, much less disrespecting our institution,” the senator said in his letter to Ancan.

“I wish to emphasize that my wife had no intention of disregarding the rules and regulations of the Senate Medical Bureau...Rest assured this will not happen again ,” he said in his letter to Sison.

But Senator Nancy Binay, chairperson of the Senate ethics committee, said she will push through with the probe even as Senators Francis Tolentino and Bong Revilla said Padilla’s apology should be sufficient.

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the Philippine Coast Guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies in their operations in the disputed waters.

“The AFP supports the maritime law enforcement operation of the PCG and other maritime law enforcement agencies. For our part, any challenges faced from foreign forces are addressed with utmost professionalism and we will practice maximum tolerance,” Padilla told reporters.

The AFP issued these statements on the heels of the latest incident between Philippine and Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

Philippine authorities accused the China Coast Guard of attempting to block a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ vessel, the BRP Datu Sanday, which was delivering supplies to fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc. The incident happened on February 22, the PCG reported.

Due to the worsening situation, Tiu Laurel appealed to local government units (LGUs) across Mindoro to officially declare a state of calamity, if warranted.

A calamity declaration would enable DA to extend comprehensive assistance to affected communities, including financial aid, agricultural inputs like crop seeds, and livestock.

The DA’s Survival and Recovery (SURE) aid program offers up to

P25,000 of interest-free loan for three years to eligible farmers and fisherfolk, while the Quick Response Fund (QRF) provides essential farm inputs.

Moreover, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) is prepared to issue insurance claims of up to P25,000 for registered agricultural workers.

The DA may also deploy solarpowered irrigation systems to irrigate agricultural lands and help farmers recover quickly.

Looc Mayor Marlon dela Torre reported significant losses in agriculture, with rice, corn, and other crops completely devastated by severe water shortages attributable to El Niño.

The local fishing community is also

in need of governmental intervention, he added.

The DA received reports from its regional office in MIMAROPA that other towns in both Occidental and Oriental Mindoro are also suffering from El Niño-induced drought.

The DA has called on all levels of local government to help the government identify the most critically-affected areas to expedite the delivery of essential services and support.

“I urge our mayors, governors, and other local government officials to engage with national government agencies promptly to alleviate the hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the vulnerable farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Kerosene leads rollbacks at P1.10 less per liter today

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LOCAL oil firms announced a price rollback of P1.10 per liter for kerosene, P0.95 per liter for diesel, and P0.70 per liter for gasoline effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Cleanfuel, PetroGazz, Seaoil Philippines and Chevron Philippines separately announced the price cuts as a

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They are both entitled “A Resolution of Both Houses of Congress proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, particularly on Articles 12, 14 and 16” which cover public services, education, and the advertising industry.

RBH 6, however, is pushing for a separate vote of both chambers of Congress in approving the amendments while RBH 7 is seeking a joint vote.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed it was President Marcos, during yesterday’s signing of new laws at the Palace, who told Congress leaders to adopt the “output” of the Upper Chamber as he aired his desire to have the plebiscite on the Charter amendments held simultaneously with the 2025 elections.

“[The President] said and reiterated that let the Senate take the lead. He asked the House leaders to wait for our output and that they should just adopt... He [Marcos] wants the House to adopt our version. It was a very good meet-

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Act, and RA 11982, granting benefits to senior citizens in their 80s and 90s.

But he delayed signing the Magna Carta for Seafarers law at the last minute, as Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the bill would be “under further review.”

The Magna Carta will define the rights and guarantee the well-being of Filipino seafarers, encompassing the reintegration program, complaint mechanism, and social welfare perks.

In signing the two other laws, the

Padilla stressed that the military will remain committed to protecting the country’s people and territory.

Meanwhile, PCG spokesperson for the WPS affairs Commodore Jay Tarriela said China was utilizing various social media platforms to undermine the Philippines’ assertive initiatives in the WPS.

“The approach now of China to counter the transparency strategy of the PH government, particularly the NTF-WPS, is to carry out information operations to have more trolls and proChina mouthpieces to sow disinformation among Filipinos and for them to divide our country and not be united against China,” Tarriela said in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo.

“Also, with the narrative, observe how some of our known influencers— I won’t be giving names—how they align with the unidentified trolls. They have the same story and arguments, and they are amplifying these kinds of disinformation,” he added

result of concerns over a slowdown in oil demand. Other oil companies are expected to follow.

“This adjustment is attributed to the worries about global demand and the expectations that cuts to US interest rates will take longer,” Department of Energy (DOE) director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero said. Romero said Friday’s final trading

ing, very cordial,” he said.

“And then he [Marcos] told us, and it was very clear – made very clear as actually Senator Loren [Legarda] double checked this – that there should be no political amendments,” Zubiri added.

Zubiri said the President also asked Senator Sonny Angara to look at the legal possibilities to convince the Commission on Elections to add that rider question on the back page of the ballot for the plebiscite.

With the President’s directive for the House to adopt RBH No. 6, Zubiri said there is no need to rush the deliberations on the amendments.

“If this is the case, then there is no need to rush with the hearings on amending the economic provisions. We can take this up after the [Holy Week] break, and complete the resolution, and approve the resolution before the sine die break, our target date – or as the may say – promised date,” he said.

Romualdez said the commitment of the House “should assure the public that the Congress is only touching on the economic provisions that need to adapt to the changing times.”

“There is absolutely nothing in RBH 7 that hovers on any political provision

President said: “Each of these laws encapsulates the merits that the Bagong Pilipinas upholds toward building a strong nation… [T]he Tatak Pinoy Act is about investing in Filipino competence and talent. That genius and gift must be supported, not by exhortation alone but by true, tangible support.”

“It is about creating products and services of the highest quality, because Tatak Pinoy is also about excellence, and as a seal of great workmanship, it must only be applied to those that meet this high standard. As such, we shall give preference and priority to our products,” Mr. Marcos added.

The Tatak Pinoy Act aims to pave the way for a stronger Philippine economy

DOJ:...

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Branch 51 mandating for the cancellation of Teves’ passport as “final and executory.”

Teves, who has yet to return to the Philippines, faces murder charges in court for the March 4, 2023 shooting in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that led to deaths of 10 persons including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo as well as

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PCCI president Enunina Mangio said the proposed P100 hike by the Senate and the even higher proposal of the House of a P350 wage increase would be detrimental to the cost of doing business in the Philippines.

at the world oil market would change the price movement estimates, which were higher.

On Feb. 20, oil companies implemented a per liter increase in the price of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by P1.60, P1.10 and P1.05 per liter, respectively. Year-to-date adjustment of gasoline, diesel and kerosene stands at a net increase of P6.15, P5.40, and P1.50 per liter, respectively.

of the Constitution,” the Speaker added.

Members of the economic team led by National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan articulated their support to the Charter change push during the House hearing. Balisacan pointed out that globally, evidence suggests a significant connection between the extent of the country’s statutory and equity restrictiveness to the country’s realized foreign direct investment flows.

He said the Philippines “has missed several chances to attract FDI, technological know-how, and managerial talent that our economy needs to raise its productivity and competitiveness in the global arena.”

“We must catch up, not be held back by uncompetitive markets dominated by a few players, expensive inputs that result in higher prices for end- consumers, and incomplete value chains that prevent us from producing more technologically complex goods and services,” Balisacan said.

Monetary Board Member Romeo Bernardo said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas “supports efforts that will promote inclusive economic growth of the country including, among others, easing restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.”

by encouraging, supporting, and promoting the creation and sale of highquality, diverse, and sophisticated local goods and services. Senator Sonny Angara, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that “Tatak Pinoy” aligns with the administration’s goal of achieving structural transformation as well as the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028, which focuses on enhancing the global competitiveness of locallymade goods and expanding exports.

On the other hand, RA 11982 provides the country’s senior citizens, regardless of their residency status, a cash gift of P10,000 upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years, thereafter, until they turn 95.

injuries to eight other individuals.

The expelled congressman has also been charged with multiple murder in the deaths of three persons in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Citing information he received, Remulla said Teves remains in TimorLeste where he is seeking asylum.

However, the DOJ chief declined to give a time as to when Teves will be brought back to the Philippines.

“We have to take it a step at a time. It’s difficult to give a timeline,” he said.

“Just think about this – is the business sector even ready to absorb the effect of another round of wage increase, especially this big? A lot of them can not afford it which might endanger closure if not reduction of workforce. Some SMEs might be excused from this minimum wage increase but after a month or two, the effect on them is even worse due to the effect of inflation,” she said.

By Vince Lopez

THE Facebook page of the Philippine Coast Guard was “compromised” on Monday night by hackers who posted photos not related to the agency’s responsibility, it said in a statement.

“At around 6PM today, 26 February 2024, an unknown entity has gained access on the official Facebook page of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” it said.

This developed as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday said it designated a legal and technical team to probe the alleged cyanide fishing at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

“What we are initially doing is to gather official statements from fishers, sworn statements that we can use as a basis,” BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Based on the initial diagnostic of the Coast Guard Public Affairs group, the hacker did not leave any digital traces on the official email address and the mobile phone used by the group to establish a security key as an additional layer of online security protection.

During that, the CGPAS was conducting a strategic communication plan workshop.

According to the PCG, its last access and posting on the page was at around 10 a.m. covering the Atimonan maritime incident of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog.

PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the CGPAS monitored two malicious short videos posted on the official Facebook page.

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buhay yan eh,” he said.

Remulla said he has been working from home for the past month as he recovers from his heart bypass operation last year.

“I’m actually okay. Alam niyo naman nagka-bypass ako dati. I just had complications that I am going through up to now with my immune system, but I’m okay,” he said.

“I am on the way to complete recovery which will take some time, I am 62 years old and may depreciation na rin ang katawan natin, but I am able to work from home effectively,” Remulla said.

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The couple was seen seated together along with actress Isabel Oli and NicePrint founder Charisse Tinio during an event of Cornerstone Entertainment.

Rumors of Catriona and Sam’s breakup began after showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz said in a YouTube video that he had spoken to two different sources who told him about the split.

However, Ogie clarified he would only believe such claims if they are confirmed by the couple.

“We are working on it because the court’s decision is already there so there is no way that he can travel unless he is granted asylum in another country which is far from our imagination,” he added.

In the meantime, Remulla assured that the Philippine and Timor-Leste governments continue to have talks about Teves.

“It is not even a political matter but a criminal justice matter,” the Justice Secretary stressed. Rey E. Requejo

“Increase in inflation is bad to business and to our daily life. The employers will be hurt badly not only by the chain reaction of the wage increase but also by inflation,” Mangio added. Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Francis Tolentino also warned small businesses might go bankrupt with the P350 legislated minimum wage hike proposal at the House.

Courts direct vape firm to pay P1.24b penalty

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) appeared to have won Round 1 of its legal battle against a big vape dealer when the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and the Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) issued arrest warrants against the respondents.

Respondent Tap Fog and its executives were also ordered to pay a fine of over P1.24 billion.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) approved earlier the filing of the charges against Tap Fog and its corporate executives.

The cases were filed following a raid last November on Tap Fog by a BIR team headed by then Deputy Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.

“This is a testament to our promise that after the execution of raids, cases will be filed. In the case of Tap Fog, a big-fish vape seller, the courts have already ordered the issuance of warrants of arrests. The BIR is closely monitoring the vape industry. Comply with the registration and taxation requirements under our laws. The vape industry is already a regulated industry, the BIR has already established a system for the proper registration and payment for this purpose”, Lumagui said.

The civil liability of the respondents involved in the criminal complaint was estimated at more than P1.2 billion, including fines and penalties. Tap Fog and its alleged cohorts were accused of unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without paying the taxes due, sale of heated tobacco products and vape products at a price lower than the combined excise and value-added taxes, selling or offering for sale any box or package containing articles subject to excise tax with false, spurious or counterfeit stamps or labels, wilful attempt to evade or defeat taxes, and failure to pay lawful taxes as provided by the National Internal Revenue Code.

BI rounds up

The

Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. gains the upperhand in its legal battle against vape firm Tap Fog, with the Court of Tax Appeal and the Metropolitan Trial Court ordering the arrests of the respondents who are also directed to pay over P1.24 billion in penalty. BOC photo

PH stand on ICC drug war probe remains unchanged—Remulla

By Rey E. Requejo

PRESIDENT Marcos’ stance against the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the bloody drug war during the previous administration has remained unchanged, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“It’s a policy that will not be changed just like that. We owe it to our people to be forthcoming about everything that we do and what we say,” Remulla told reporters on Monday.

There has been an apparent rift between Marcos and former President Rodrigo Duterte, with the latter hurling verbal attacks against his successor.

Duterte even charged that moves

16 undocumented Indians engaged in ‘5-6’ lending rackets in Iloilo

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives have arrested 16 undocumented Indian nationals for working in the Philippines without the required government permits.

Meanwhile, the BI reminded foreign nationals in the country that the deadline for their annual reporting is on Friday, Mar. 1. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the Indians were rounded up in a series of raids conducted by operatives from the BI intelligence division based in Western Visayas.

Tansingco said he issued the mission orders authorizing the agents to conduct the operations following reports about the alleged increasing presence of il-

CAAP

legal Indian nationals in Iloilo where many residents were allegedly being victimized by the aliens’ usurious 5-6 lending racket.

The BI chief said the operations signalled the start of an intensified drive against illegal aliens outside Metro Manila.

“We are intensifying our crackdown against illegal aliens throughout the country, including those who live in the far-flung areas and engaging in illegal lending activities that prey on our poor countrymen,” Tansingco said.

BI-Region 6 intelligence chief Jude Hinolan, who led the arresting teams, said 10 of the Indians were apprehended in the towns of Arevalo and Savana in Iloilo, while the six others were arrested in San Jose, Antique.

amend the 1987 Constitution were meant for Mr. Marcos to perpetuate himself in power.

Remulla pointed out however that the ICC cannot conduct any investigation in the country and the government cannot offer its cooperation because the Philippines is no longer a member of the international body. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV had earlier claimed that the ICC

may issue arrest warrants after concluding its probe against those accused of crimes against humanity, including Duterte.

The ICC alleged that abuses during the controversial drug war including extra judicial killings were committed under the Duterte administration.

On claims that ICC investigators have been in the country, Remulla maintained that “they (ICC probers) have not made contact with the DOJ.”

On orders by then President Duterte in 2018, the Philippines withdrew as a signatory to the Rome Statute that created the ICC, in effect also giving up its membership in the ICC.

Early on, pro-administration lawmakers said Duterte should not be afraid to face the ICC for alleged human rights violations during his watch.

joins HK counterpart to enhance NAIA operations

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority Philippines (CAAP) has partnered with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to increase the number of airplane movements at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This came after the operations and management of the Philippines’ premier airport were awarded to a private company.

CAAP director general Manuel Tamayo and his deputy for administration Danjun Lucas met with

DOJ aims to pursue criminal charges on missing ‘sabungeros’

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday vowed to pursue the cases involving the missing “sabungeros” or cockfighting enthusiasts, saying it will exhaust all possible legal remedies to deliver justice for them.

“We will not stop. We will try to obtain justice. This matter cannot be settled out of court. The state has taken interest in this mass murder of people,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview with reporters.

“We consider it a mass murder because of these missing people, we should actually look at them as we don’t need to wait for seven years under the Civil Code. We might as well consider them as gone unless there really has a hope to cling on, that there are sightings of these people,” Remulla added.

He said the DOJ will do everything legally possible to reverse the decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), allowing six accused in the case—Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnny Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano, Jr.—to post bail.

(“We will exhaust all possible legal remedies. We will go to a higher court on this matter because we believe that the (trial) court may have misapprehended the gravity of the situation for these missing sabungeros for a long time,” Remulla said.

Rey E. Requejo

implement several measures, from proposing water-saving facilities for infrastructure to forging partnerships with the private sector,” Belmonte said.

“We must take this recurring climate change phenomenon seriously as it poses great risks to the health and livelihood of our QCitizens,” she added.

In 2023, Quezon City became the first local government in the country to pioneer the use of treated wastewater as a water-saving initiative. Under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, the city government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Maynilad Water Services Inc. for the utilization of treated wastewater for various purposes such as cleaning of the city’s parks, public spaces, and gardening. Said tasks are currently being administered by the city’s Parks Development and Administration Department.Maricel V. Cruz

Taguig observes National Arts Month

TAGUIG City has marked National Arts Month by organizing the Arts Festival 2024 over the weekend, meant to provide a platform for residents to share their artistry and reinforce community relations. The festival’s theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain,” was aligned with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) policy. Mayor Laarni Cayetano and other city officials opened the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Cayetano emphasized the importance of such initiatives, which would enable Taguig artists to showcase their talents regardless of age or life stage.

“This will encourage Taguigeños to share their talents and not keep them to themselves,” she said. The participants took part in a variety of workshops, including photography, comics making, and live painting. An Art Wall was also unveiled, allowing attendees to showcase their creativity. In the afternoon, sessions on digital and traditional art were held, including basic cartoon animation, acrylic painting, and brush script calligraphy.Joel E,. Zurbano

AFTERMATH OF OIL SPILL. Pola Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. talk to the fishermen who were affected by a massive oil spill following the sinking of a tanker on Feb. 26, 2023. (See story on A2) Norman Cruz

PETA SHOW. Teachers and their pupils at the Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School in Quezon City, are treated to an on-site performance by members of the Philippine Educational Theater Association under the auspices of Smashed Philippines and Diageo Philippines. Manny Palmero

PREPARING

Group warns vs. untested poll machines from Korean firm

By Vito Barcelo

A POLL watchdog warned that untested election machines to be used by the lone winning bidder—Miru Systems—could put the May 2025 national and local elections in danger, given the company’s track record in other countries.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has awarded the nearly P18 billion poll automation contract to the South Korean firm.

The Democracy Watch warned that Miru’s proposed technology is a critical cause for concern, as everything indicates that their Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) have never been used in any elections before.

“Since the post-qualification evaluations began, Democracy Watch has repeatedly asked whether the exact same ACM has ever been deployed in an election, as required by law,” Democracy Watch Philippines Convenor Lloyd Zaragoza explained.

To recall, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo recently admitted that the ACM presented during the post-qualification evaluation is a prototype that has never been used in an official election before.

“This machine is ours; it really belongs to the Comelec. We made the (terms of reference) and our wish list. Miru just followed. So, if you noticed, this is a customized machine which has not yet been produced,” Casquejo earlier said.

For Zaragoza, “this admission raises significant compliance questions with the provisions of the Automated Elections Law of 2007, which explicitly requires that ‘the system procured must have demonstrated capability and been successfully used in a prior electoral exercise here or abroad.’”

Marcos names new water admin head

By Charles Dantes

Speaker lauds lawmakers in ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ fair

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez thanked nearly 50 members of the House of Representatives from Mindanao who participated Sunday in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Sultan Kudarat.

This was the biggest such event so far since the service flagship program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was launched last year.

Romualdez, whom the President is sending to the fair to represent him, said the presence of a large number of House colleagues in the event “demonstrates our unity and determination to serve our people, bring government service directly to them and make life

easier and better for them.”

“Today, we stand together in our commitment to uplift every Filipino. Despite our political divergence, our collective aim remains resolute—to construct a Bagong Pilipinas that leaves no one behind,” Romualdez said.

“Our substantial presence here at the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair underscores the broad-based support for President Marcos’s decisive leadership in ad-

dressing the country’s most pressing challenges,” he said. Romualdez was referring to the 45 House members—majority of whom are from Mindanao, calling their presence and support to the administrarion BPSF as testament to a united Philippines under the leadership of President Marcos. “This remarkable turnout serves as a resounding testament to the unity and solidarity of Mindanao lawmakers to a united Philippines under the visionary leadership of President Marcos. It sends a powerful message that despite our diverse backgrounds and regional differences, we stand together as one nation, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said

PNP, military deny ‘torture’ in recent Visayas forays

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) - Visayas Command on Monday denied allegations of “massacre” and “torture” in their campaigns in Bilar, Bohol.

Authorities said the operations neutralized five alleged communist rebels last Friday.

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the incident was a “legitimate encounter” by the police force in the area.

“In fact, it was very unfortunate that one of our police personnel died, and one was wounded. Maybe that seems too much if it will sacrifice one life or one personnel and wounding another one just to draw an encounter as what they are claiming,” the PNP chief said.

“Nevertheless, if there are complaints, we are open for investigation. But based on the report from our lower units, it’s a legitimate encounter,” Acorda added.

A statement from AFP Visayas Command (Viscom) chief, Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo said that the accusations are all but “propaganda.”

“We will not dignify their propaganda anymore, they can say what they want,” Arevalo told reporters.

“Nothing new, they are not saying anything new. They say that to all the things that are happening. We are not hearing anything new from what they are saying. They’ve been saying that in all the operations,” he added.

The Army official also said that the military is open to any investigation regarding the matter.

“That’s their right to call for an investigation they can say anything,” Arevalo said.

The AFP has yet to release an official statement regarding the alleged incident of torture and massacre by the military which is being claimed by the militant groups.

PNP chief orders intensified e orts vs. illegal mining, logging

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP)

chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered PNP regional offices to intensify efforts against illegal and mining and logging.

Acorda, in a press conference, said: “Because of what we have seen in Davao, including landslides, I am directing our regional offices to intensify their efforts against irresponsible mining and those without papers.”

The police chief added that this was discussed with the Director for Operations, “about running after this kind of operation especially on illegal logging.” Reports said in the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, 98 bodies and body parts were recovered while eight people have been reported as missing.

In Mindanao, a total of 14,851 people or 4,007 families were still staying in 63 evacuation centers as of Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. A total of 22 people died due to flooding and landslide incidents. Damage to infrastructure worth P2,627,027,756 and to agriculture worth P558,254,553 was reported. A total of 4,822 houses were damaged —4,035 partially and 787 in total. Authorities earlier declared a state of calamity in the following areas: Maco, Davao de Oro; Agusan del Sur Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Butuan City; and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte Government assistance worth P267,321,100 meanwhile has been provided to the victims.

Honasan joins group calling for national inter-faith prayer gathering

FORMER Senator Gringo Honasan has joined the Covenant for the Nation’s call for a national inter-faith prayer gathering.

Earlier, the Covenant for the Nation, a broad and inclusive alliance comprising various religious organizations, former government officials, and concerned citizens, wrote to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte, urging them to lead an in-

terfaith prayer rally.

This is amid the continuing political crisis and several pressing national issues that the country is facing, the group said.

During this time, former Honasan was among those who called for “sobriety” between the two camps as an example of political unity.

Former President Duterte confirmed, through Senator Bong Go, that he is open

Solon hails DOTr order against Grab

AN administration legislator has welcomed the Department of Transportation - Technical Working Group’s decision to exclude Grab in the pilot study on motorcycle transport services.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, vice chair of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, said Grab appeared to have committed various violations, thus the DOTR-TWG’s ruling was only fair.

“During the committee hearing, we discovered several violations on the part of Grab so it’s a welcome development [that it is excluded]. It was the right decision, a fair decision on the part of the DOTR-TWG,” Chua said. The decision to exclude Grab emanated from the MC taxi technical working group (TWG). LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz

III heads the DOTR-TWG. Asked if the Metro Manila Development panel will pursue further accountability from Grab regarding its violations, Chua said: “Will abide by the decision of the committee.”

Chua had earlier castigated Grab for its supposed attempt to bypass government regulations and gain dominance in the appbased transportation sector.

He said this began in August 2022 when Grab acquired Move It, an MC taxi company. This, despite, the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) rejection of the partnership. It was during the House panel investigation last year that the lawmakers found “multiple instances of non-compliance with proper procedures and the circumvention of government regulations” from Grab. Maricel V. Cruz

to the suggestion of leading the inter-faith prayer gathering with President Marcos. The group in a statement said it is calling for political and religious leaders to gather for the sake of the country and peace. “Walang ibang interes maliban sa interes ng bayan at kapakanan ng Pilipino at kinabukasan ng ating mga anak,” it added.

The statement was signed by former

Honasan, Bishop Dr. Grepor Butch Belgica, M.Div., D.Min.; Bishop Reuben Abante; DG Atty. Jeremiah Belgica; Atty.

DDG Eduardo Bringas, CDS; BGen.

DDG Carlos Quita, Ret.; Sec. Cong. Mike Defensor; Jireh Bringas; Andy Gonzaga; Dir. Glendol Badon; Dir. Liezel Vizorde; Baby Nebrida; Jodi Nebrida; Cesar Ola; Cliff Mendoza; and Chairman Greco Belgica, MNSA.

ROMUALDEZ BUILDING. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu with other o cials led the unveiling of the

Why SMC Group won the award

ON SEPT. 15, this year, the San MIguel Corporation-led group, SMC SAP & Co. Consortium, that won the bid to rehabilitate, operate and manage the main gateway international airport to the Philippines, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, will start rehabilitating NAIA, admittedly a heavily congested international airport, which to me, has become an international embarrassment, having been judged as the worst airport in the region, and lately as the most depressing for international passengers.

The concession period was given to the SMC-led group, together with the operator of the Incheon International Airport in South Korea. The 15-year concession period is renewable for another 10 years.

—“—

When will we Filipinos have a truly modern international airport we can be truly proud of?

According to reports, the main consideration for the award is the whopping revenue the SMC-led group would give to the government: 82.16 percent of all revenue that the concessionaire would earn. Santa Banana, that would mean P831 billion for the government! The second and third placers in the bidding offered much less.

According to inside reports, there were other considerations why the SMC-led group was chosen, particularly the fact that San Miguel’s New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, costing P575 billion, would also be finished by 2028, which gives to the Philippines two international airports that we Filipinos can be truly proud of.

With the New Manila International Airport with its four runways and an aeropolis, the SMC-led group is truly a game changer.

My gulay, with two international airports in the country, nothing could beat

Defiant Romualdez:

IN THE dimly lit corridors of power, where shadows dance with secrets and whispers echo like distant screams, a battle rages unseen, fought not with swords but with words that cut to the bone.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, a general in the war for truth, stands resolute against the onslaught of deception and manipulation.

In a recent skirmish, Romualdez faced off against the enigmatic figure of Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Like a cunning adversary on the battlefield, Quiboloy sought to cast doubt upon the integrity of the Philippine government, weaving a web of conspiracy with foreign entities.

But Romualdez, a stalwart defender of righteousness, stood firm against the tide of falsehoods, his words a shield against the arrows of deceit.

With the weight of accusations bearing down upon him, Romualdez declared with unwavering conviction that he and his compatriots operate within the sacred confines of the constitution and laws. His voice, steady as a mountain in the face of a tempest, resonated with the solemnity of a warrior’s oath.

“We are committed to upholding the rule of law,” he declared, his words a clarion call to arms, “and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, without exception.”

In Romualdez’s eyes, the government’s mission is clear: to serve the people with unwavering dedication, to stand as guardians of justice in a world besieged by chaos and corruption. His vision, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, guides the Filipi-

that except perhaps Japan with Haneda and Narita airports, but not as compared with the New Manila International Airports in Manila and in Bulacan.

Earlier, I predicted that with two international airports being operated and managed by San Miguel, that would energize the Department of Transportation and the country as a whole.

I must say, as a journalist who has traveled around the world, that every time I would go through NAIA and compare it with other airports, like Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul and Jakarta, my heart would sink.

When will we Filipinos have a truly modern international airport we can be truly proud of? I ask myself. Now, we will have not only one, but two.

For the first six years of the concession, the group would be required to spend a minimum of P88 billion for upgrading the services of the airport.

With the prospects of a modernized NAIA, I would see all other airports in the country also upgraded not only because it’s for the best of the country, but Filipinos to be truly proud of their country to foreign tourists, foreign investors and returning balikbayans.

Then I would say, you will love the Philippines, Santa Banana!

More recently, NAIA has again been considered the fourth worst international airport in the region, including the Middle East!

But this will soon change with the rehabilitation and modernization of NAIA.

BBM intervenes

With all the fuss created as regards the toxic remarks from the Senate and the House of Representatives in connection with the proposed amendments of the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, President Marcos Jr. had to intervene and tell Congress the Senate had to do it alone.

BBM knew that at the rate both chambers of Congress were going, nothing would come out of it.

I have said in an earlier column that at the rate both the Senate and the House were going at it, nothing would happen to the proposed Cha-cha.

And I believe it’s the best argument for a Parliamentary System of government for the country.

And why not do it for the good of the country?

Amend the charter and adopt a Parliamentary System of government, Santa Banana!

no people towards a brighter tomorrow.

But Quiboloy, like a serpent in the garden, seeks to sow discord and confusion among the faithful.

With his wild accusations and baseless claims, he seeks to undermine the very foundations of truth and justice.

Yet Romualdez, undeterred by the cacophony of lies, calls upon Quiboloy to face his legal challenges with dignity and honor.

“The claims of connivance with foreign entities for illicit activities are unfounded,” Romualdez proclaimed, his words ringing out like a clarion call, “and divert attention from the serious legal matters at hand.”

In the swirling maelstrom of uncertainty, Romualdez stands as a gleaming beacon for the Filipino people, a shining example of courage and integrity in a world consumed by darkness. His leadership, a guiding light in the storm, inspires all who hear his words to stand firm against the forces of evil and

EDITORIAL

The Scarborough Shoal — again

RATHER queasy indeed, to have to read again that a regular rotational deployment by a Philippine vessel of fuel to Filipino fishermen and patrol operations in Bajo de Masinloc has been blocked and “blinded” by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Bajo de Masinloc, 150 miles west of Luzon and nearly 559 miles from the nearest major Chinese island mass of Hainan, has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal after a British ship grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago, is clearly within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, even while China claims “historic right” in that it was discovered during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It is one of Asia’s most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights.

Interestingly, the Philippines has been exercising effective occupation and jurisdiction over the area, with maps produced in the Philippines, Europe and the United States identifying it as part of Philippine territory.

THIS week marks the 38th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution, a peaceful uprising that overthrew the oppressive Marcos dictatorship on Feb. 25, 1986. The events at EDSA were marked by spontaneity, as people from various walks of life—friends, families, colleagues, and classmates—united in response to Jaime Cardinal Sin’s impassioned plea broadcast over Radio Veritas.

However, the bravery exhibited in the face of military opposition was not merely impromptu but also rooted in a long-standing process of education and activism within schools, organizations, communities, and grassroots movements during the 1970s and 1980s.

As Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, observed, EDSA was a manifestation of individual “disclosure stories,” wherein people responded to the calls of both faith and nation, inspiring others to do the same.

But over the years, the understanding of EDSA People Power Revolution has suffered from oversimplification, tainted with misconceptions, or saddled with biases and worse outright lies that further muddy the real picture of what really happened on those fateful days of February 1986.

Understanding EDSA People Power necessitates recognizing the diverse struggles endured by various opposition factions in the nation, whether armed or unarmed.

Oversimplifying these struggles into a singular event and labeling the revolution as “peaceful and bloodless” would egregiously overlook their contributions and disrespect their sacrifices.

Ongoing political shifts and enduring social challenges have also consistently shaped and reshaped how people perceive EDSA.

Other factors, also affect how we see EDSA as an historical event, like ineffective political and socioeconomic structures, pervasive poverty, and systemic persistent injustice, stoking discontent and resuscitating the allure of authoritarianism.

The EDSA People Power movement,

corruption. As the battle rages on, Romualdez’s triumph is not merely his own, but a victory for the Filipino people. For in his victory

The Philippines exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc, and sovereign rights over the waters and continental shelf where the rock features where the shoal is.

Bajo de Masinloc is in the middle of the South China Sea, claimed nearly in its entirety by China’s unilateral and mythical ‘nine-dash line’ and near shipping lanes carrying an estimated $3.4 trillion of annual ship commerce.

—“—

The sovereign rights and jurisdiction asserted by the Philippines over the maritime entitlements of the features in Bajo de Masinloc are founded on principles of international law

That position, according to diplomats, is strategic for Beijing, whose claims overlap with those of the Manila, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Brunei Darussalam.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision

Beijing rejected. The sovereign rights and jurisdiction asserted by the Philippines over the maritime entitlements of the features in Bajo de Masinloc are founded on principles of international law and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which both the Philippines and China have signed and ratified.

A lighthouse or watchtower was also established there in 1965 and renovated in 1992, without any protestation from China.

Last week, the Chinese Coast Guard said it drove away a vessel of the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and accused them of “illegally intruding” into its waters near Scarborough Shoal.

We agree with Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard’s spokesperson on South China Sea issues, who said: “This statement is inaccurate. The BFAR vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, continues to patrol the waters of Bajo De Masinloc. Currently, the BFAR vessel is actively ensuring the security of Filipino fishermen in that area.”

Tarriela said it was not the first time the Chinese Coast Guard blocked a Philippine vessel’s Automatic Identification System, a short-range coastal tracking system used on ships to provide identification and positioning information to both vessels and shore stations.

In the meantime, the browbeater continues its nauseous act. And the world appears helpless.

EDSA, a century from now

often seen as a watershed moment in our nation’s history, has faced significant challenges and critiques. Despite its initial promise, many argue that it fell short of its objectives, and, as a nation, we continue to grapple with the complexities of safeguarding democracy. Many are now saying EDSA was a disastrous failure; that nothing has changed for the systemic ills that plagued the nation in 1986 continue to exist.

Disastrous politics, social disunity and systemic poverty, corruption are some perennial problems that continue to pester Philippine society.

Yet a century from now, when the active participants of EDSA have come and gone, historians will judge EDSA in a better light, seeing the historic event with more objective eyes, devoid of biases, and political prejudices.

EDSA to this generation will be the shining moment of the Filipino people that took on a transformative shape, captivating and igniting inspiration for numerous regime shifts worldwide that signaled the end of Ferdinand Marcos’ autocratic rule, showcasing the enduring struggle spanning generations, beckoning Filipinos to seek justice for history’s wrongs and strive for a brighter tomor-

lies the triumph of righteousness over deceit, of truth over falsehood, of light over darkness. And so, as House Speaker Ferdinand

row. The 1986 People Power revolution to this generation will stand as a testament to the nation’s contribution to global culture and civilization, chiefly for its ability to dismantle a deeply entrenched and oppressive regime without sacrificing the life or dignity of any individual, regardless of allegiance. It served as a beacon of nonviolent political transformation, setting a precedent for peaceful change on a global scale.

EDSA was a momentous day when Filipinos united with unwavering courage and faith to reclaim democracy in their nation.

The collective strength of the people, converging at EDSA, led to the restoration of democracy in the Philippines, bringing an end to the oppressive Marcos regime.

(Editor’s Note: By official count, there were two million who participated in EDSA in 1986, when the Philippines had 56.11 million people, 7.09 million of whom were in the metropolis.)

During EDSA anniversaries, we like to chant “Never again! Never forget!”

The truth is that the terrible things that happened during the Marcos dictatorship has happened again, especially during the Duterte years, and continue today.

This is especially true about human rights violations which have persisted no matter who has been president of our country.

But while never again can sometimes ring hollow, never forget is something we must continue to chant with feelings.

And I am not talking about not forgetting the bad things even if that is important for accountability.

But let’s not forget the heroism of many Filipinos before, during, and after EDSA.

We must never forget that people took risks, sacrificed comforts and their lives to overthrow the dictatorship.

And in EDSA, millions did that not knowing that it will end peacefully, giving this country another chance.

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Martin Romualdez stands tall against the tide of deception, let us stand with him, shoulder to shoulder, as we march onward towards a brighter tomorrow.

Haley soldiers on despite growing inevitability of Trump getting nod

CHARLESTON – Is it political strategy?

Donor pressure?

Or perhaps hubris?

Nikki Haley is vowing “the fight goes on” against Donald Trump, positioning herself as a viable option for the Republican presidential nomination in case the scandal-plagued front-runner’s campaign implodes.

Haley has gone zero for four in early contests, including an embarrassing 20-point defeat Saturday in her home state of South Carolina where she served as governor.

With her path to victory shrinking to the width of a needle’s eye, her decision not to bow out is raising questions about her endgame in a party ruled by Trump, and whether prolonging the nomination battle sets Haley up for a 2028 presidential bid.

Sandie Ellis, a 66-year-old from South Carolina’s capital Columbia, said she voted for Trump but will “absolutely” keep Haley in mind for the future.

“She is very young, and is so qualified, very brilliant,” Ellis told AFP, adding that at 52, Haley’s “got several good years” left.

Haley insists a majority of voters are opposed to a rematch between “chaos” candidate Trump and President Joe Biden, two aging men aged 77 and 81 respectively who she says are past their prime.

But analysts see Haley deciding to remain in the hunt largely in the event Trump gets laid low by his legal woes or other circumstances such as ill health.

“Haley is staying in the race because of the possibility of a conviction, not a victory,” Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, told AFP.

Trump — who made no mention of Haley in his victory speech in South Carolina — and his high-profile backers have made it clear that the battle is now against Biden in the general election. AFP

READY FOR INVASION. Pro-Palestinian

Pieter

Attack on Rafah would be ‘nail in coffin’ of Gaza aid—UN chief

GENEVA, Switzerland – A full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah would deliver a death blow to aid programmes in Gaza, where humanitarian assistance remains “completely insufficient,” the UN chief warned Monday.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Antonio Guterres said that Gaza’s southernmost city, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are crowded together in tent cities, was “the core of the humanitarian aid operation” in the Palestinian territory.

“An all-out Israeli offensive on the city would not only be terrifying for more than a million Palestinian civilians sheltering there; it would put the final nail in the coffin of our aid programs,” he said. His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

on Sunday reiterated that his country was intent on a ground invasion in Rafah, in its bid for “total victory” over Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attack triggered the war.

He said that once a ground invasion happens, victory would be just “weeks away”, and that a potential ceasefire, being discussed in Doha, would only delay the operation.

The war that has been raging for more than four months broke out after Hamas’s unprecedented Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of

official figures.

Hamas militants also took about 250 Israeli and foreign hostages, 130 of whom remain in Gaza, including 31 presumed dead, according to Israel.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 29,692 people, mostly women and children, according to the latest tally issued Sunday by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.illing, injuring, torturing and kidnapping of civilians, the use of sexual violence or the indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israel”.

“And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” he said.

Amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis, UNRWA, the main UN aid agency for Palestinians, has urged political action to avert famine in Gaza.

But Guterres stressed that “humanitarian aid is still completely insufficient.”

“I repeat my call for a humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” he said. He lamented that despite his urgent calls for the UN Security Council to take all measures to “end the bloodshed in Gaza and prevent escalation”, it had failed to act.

As one of five permanent members of the 15-member council, the United States Israel’s biggest ally has a veto that it has wielded three times so far to bar the body from calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Guterres warned of the consequences of the council’s lack of action on Gaza, and its failure, due to a Russian veto, to act on the war in Ukraine.

This inaction “has severely perhaps fatally undermined its authority”, he cautioned. “The council needs serious reform to its composition and working methods.” AFP

191 drug users escape from Vietnam rehab, 94 re-arrested

HANOI – Authorities in Vietnam are searching for nearly 100 drug users who escaped from an overcrowded state-owned rehabilitation center in the Mekong Delta, state media said Monday.

Vietnam has more than 30,000 drug addicts undergoing compulsory treatment at government facilities, some forced by law to spend up to two years inside.

Most detainees undergo cold-turkey treatment in overloaded centers and have in the past been subjected to solitary confinement if they break the rules.

Following an “internal dispute” on Saturday night, 191 addicts broke out of a rehab center in the southern city of Soc Trang, reported Cong An Nhan Dan newspaper, the official police mouthpiece.

By Monday morning, 94 had been found and brought back. Police and families were searching for nearly 100 others still on the run, the paper said.

VOCAL CRITIC.

People lay flowers for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at the monument to the victims of political repressions in Saint Petersburg on Feb. 24, 2024, nine days after his death in an Arctic prison.

Navalny, President Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critic, died eight days earlier in one of Russia’s toughest prisons in northern Siberia, where he was serving a 19-year sentence on charges widely seen as political retribution for his opposition. AFP

The addicts reportedly broke down the doors of their dormitory and escaped the centre via the main entrance and by jumping over the building’s iron fences.

Some detainees fled through a hole they had bored in one of the facility’s walls.

Several security guards were wounded after being attacked by the fugitives, the report added.

The center’s infrastructure was poor, state media said, citing local officials.

It was also overcrowded, with just 60 guards in charge of the more than 460 drug addicts, mostly men. Local officials refused to provide further details of the escape when contacted by AFP. AFP

Once a ‘nobody’, Jokowi’s son Gibran set to become Indonesia’s youngest-ever vice president at 36

JAKARTA – By his own admission, Gibran Rakabuming Raka was a “nobody” a few months before Indonesia’s elections.

Now, the 36-year-old eldest son of President Joko Widodo looks set to become the country’s youngestever vice president.

•

•

•

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• Good communication skills and can comprehend both English and Korean writings.

• Must know how to interpolate plans written in Korean.

• Leadership and human resources management skills

• Familiarity with construction management software packages

Interested Applicants may send your updated CV/Resume to HR: marvingomez@hdec.co.kr alcantarabav@hdec.co.kr

Walk-in: Unit 803, 8th Floor, The Bonifacio Prime Bldg., Lot 14 Block 2, Mckinley Business Park, BGC Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Gibran’s meteoric rise to running mate of president-in-waiting Prabowo Subianto, who declared victory last week, was fueled by his father’s wild popularity. “Three months ago I was a nobody. I thank Sir Prabowo who has given room for young people like me,” Gibran, 36, told a packed are-

na in the capital Jakarta after polls closed on February 14.

“I believe these high figures were because of the young people.”

Official results show Defense Minister Prabowo’s ticket winning a majority with more than two-thirds of votes counted. The final result is due next month.

Gibran’s success in the polls has raised questions over the influence of Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, with critics accusing him of seeking to install a political dynasty before he leaves office.

Growing up Gibran was set to follow in his father’s furniture

salesman footsteps after studying in Singapore and Australia, but he moved into catering and created a business selling traditional Indonesian dishes. He first stepped into politics while his father was serving as president in 2021, winning the mayorship of Central Java’s Surakarta city — Jokowi’s old job.

Gibran ran on behalf of his father’s ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) but later turned his back on it to run with Prabowo, an ex-general accused of atrocities under the rule of dictator Suharto in the late 1990s. AFP

Ukraine needs Western aid to win war, says Zelensky

KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country’s victory “depends” on support from the West and expressed hope the United States would approve a critical package of military aid. In a rare acknowledgement of setbacks, Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war and that plans for last summer’s failed counteroffensive had been leaked to Russia.

He appealed to the West to boost Ukraine’s war chances, at a forum marking the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

“Whether Ukraine will lose, whether it will be very difficult for us, and whether there will be a large number of casualties depends on you, on our partners, on the Western world,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine has in recent weeks been weakened by an ammunition short-

age, with a vital $60-billion US aid package blocked by political wrangling in the US Congress. The Ukrainian president said that “there is hope for Congress, and I am sure that it is going to be positive.” Ukraine has for months said that Western aid is too slow coming and that the hold-ups have real consequences as the war against Russia enters its third year. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

protesters shout slogans at a Pro-Israeli protester (center) praying at the

Roos Park during demonstration organized by the South African Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Coalition and another organized by Pro-Israeli protestors on the same day which led to a show off in Johannesburg on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated his country was intent on a ground invasion in Rafah, in its bid for ‘total victory’ over Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attack triggered the war. AFP

Gov’t finalizing P55.7-b Japan loan for Metro Manila subway

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department Finance said Monday it expects to finalize a P55.7-billion (150 billion yen) loan agreement with Japan for the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project by March 2024.

“The DOF is fully committed to securing the funding for this project. We aim to finalize the loan agreement for the third tranche of financing by March 2024,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

The fourth and fifth tranches worth

PNB’s net profit increased 55% to P18b in 2023

income grew 55 percent in 2023 to P18 billion from a year ago, driven by robust net interest income and lower credit provisions.

The bank’s net core banking income, which excludes gains on sale of acquired properties, surged by a record 156 percent year-on-year.

This translated into an improved return-on-equity of 10 percent from 7 percent posted in 2022.

Net interest margin widened to 4.2 percent in 2023 from 3.6 percent in the previous year as it continued its focus on the efficient deployment of funds.

Gross loans went up by 5 percent year-on-year to P642 million as the bank expanded its lending to the commercial sector and small and mediumsized firms.

It also continued to build up its current and savings accounts (CASA) deposits, as it registered a 4- percent year-on-year growth and accounted for 83 percent of the bank’s total deposits as of end-2023.

“Our performance for 2023 is a testament to the Bank’s efforts in upholding our vision of being among the top banks in terms of customer growth and satisfaction as well as return on equity,” said PNB president Florido Casuela.

“We have made it our mission to promote financial prosperity for all Filipinos and their businesses, locally and internationally. Apart from providing financial solutions to our customers, we have made it our purpose to empower them by helping build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy,” he said.

The bank also booked trading and foreign exchange gains of P1.8 billion, or more than four times higher than a year ago as it capitalized on market opportunities despite the limited market liquidity and rising interest rate environment in 2023.

The bank also offloaded certain high-value foreclosed properties as part of its strategy to dispose of nonperforming assets.

The healthier performance in 2023 was augmented by lower provisions on distressed loans and other credit assets as the market continued to rebound during the year from the lingering effects of the pandemic and other adverse market conditions in recent years.

Operating expenses remained flat at P28.4 billion in 2023 due to prudent spending despite the continued business growth. Jenniffer B. Austria

a combined 406.6 billion yen (about P151.1 billion) are still under discussion. The DOF said the MMSP is supported by two active loan agreements, with the first tranche worth 104.5 billion yen (about P38.8 billion) and sec-

ond tranche worth 253.3 billion yen (about P94.1 billion).

Dubbed as the “project of the century,” the underground rail line is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of full operations.

Once completed and fully operational, the Metro Manila Subway Project will have 17 stations, including a terminal station at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The construction of the section from Valenzuela to North Ave. is in full swing, and the DOTr expects the partial operability of the subway project between 2025 and 2026.

The project is expected to reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes.

It is expected to serve around 370,000 passengers a day in its first year, with capacity to serve up to 1 million passengers a day in later years.

The MMSP is physically interconnected and inter-operable with the North-South Commuter Railway System’s (NSCR) south segment, enabling passengers to board the subway train, for example, in North Ave. Station of MMSP and get off at the Calamba Station of NSCR.

PH-SWEDISH RELATIONS. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto (rights) engages in a bilateral meeting with Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg to strengthen the Philippines and Sweden’s partnership and discuss potential areas for strategic investments. Sweden expressed strong interest in collaborating with the Philippines on sustainable

PH stocks down on profit-taking, lack of catalyst

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE main composite index of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) opened the week in the red on profit-taking.

The PSE index shed 21.72 points, or 0.31 percent, to close at 6,891.49 Monday, while the broader allshares index lost 7.63 points, or 0.21 percent, to settle at 3,600.49. Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Mikhail Plopenio said the market fell below the 6,900 level as investors secured gains after last week’s market rally.

Plopenio said investors were also waiting for fresh catalysts to break the 7,000 psychological level.

“The local bourse joined most regional peers in the red territory as profit-taking prevailed as well,” Plopenio said. Net market value was weak at P3.8 billion, even as foreign investors were net buyers by P39.51 million.

Asian markets were also mostly lower Monday, although Tokyo’s key Nikkei index closed at a fresh all-time high after two of the three main US indices also hit records. Investors are turning to profittaking as last week’s mega market rally -- fueled by stellar results from US technology titan Nvidia -- loses steam, analysts say.

On Wall Street Friday, the Dow and the S&P ended higher than ever, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq index slipped following a three-percent surge a day earlier. With AFP

Meralco declares failed bidding for 260-MW interim peaking power supply

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer Manila Electric

Co.

declared a failure of bidding for the 260-megawatt interim peaking power supply requirement in preparation for an expected increase in demand during the dry months.

“The two supposedly bidders have withdrawn their expressions of interest and therefore resulted in failed bidding,” Meralco first vice president Jose Ronald Valles said.

The two interested bidders―1590 Energy Corp. of Vivant Energy Corp.

and San Roque Hydro Power Inc. (SRHI) of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP)--decided to withdraw from the submission of bids for the interim power supply scheduled on Monday.

Valles said Meralco would inform the Department of Energy of the failure of bidding and ask for approval to conduct a second round.

Meralco documents showed 1590 Energy decided to withdraw its participation in the bidding, citing “excessive and unreasonable bid security required.”

ICTSI’s Mexico subsidiary handles record 20,400 TEUs of rail cargo

CONTECON Manzanillo (CMSA), a key player in Mexico’s port industry and a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), set a record in January by handling 20,400 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalents) of rail cargo, up by 68 percent from the same month in 2023 and the highest rail throughput in Manzanillo.

“The increased use of rail to receive and dispatch cargo is key for us. We started a growth plan together with customers and FERROMEX in 2021, which allowed us to gradually increase service volumes and reliability. Last January, we were able to move 23 percent of import cargo by rail and set a record for CMSA and the Port of Manzanillo,” said CMSA chief executive José Antonio Contreras.

CMSA and CMA CGM launched the first block train service from the

Second Specialized Container Terminal (TEC-II) at the Port of Manzanillo to Valle de Mexico last year.

The service subsequently included Monterrey to the rotation, linking the terminal to the two main consumption and production hubs in the country.

CMSA will commence the expansion of its 2.2-kilometer rail tracks and acquire new loading and unloading equipment to increase its rail capacity by more than 100 percent this year.

“In addition to the investment we are currently making in our container yards and docks, we are going to start the expansion of our railways in the coming months. Our goal is to double our rail volume by 2025 and take advantage of the resulting logistical and environment benefits,” said Contreras.

SRHI decided to withdraw after “further evaluation of the terms of references and the pertinent circumstances.”

Meralco executive vice president Ronnie Aperocho said the company was working closely with the government and industry partners to push for demand-side management efforts and energy efficient practices that would help ensure stable and reliable supply in the coming months.

“As we approach the dry season, we continue to be proactive in securing sufficient and competitive-priced power through our CSPs, while re-

maining vigilant on the possible impact of the lingering El Niño phenomenon,” Aperocho said.

Meralco asked power suppliers of the 260-MW peaking capacity to ensure 100-percent availability of the contract capacity for 12 hours daily covering the peak hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, Meralco set the bid submission for its 400-MW baseload requirement on Tuesday.

Interested bidders are First NatGas Power Corp. of First Gen Corp., Limay Power Inc. with SHPI and Masinloc Power Co. Ltd.

First Gen saves costs by acquiring operational Casecnan facility

FIRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group said Monday it saved on costs and time from building a new power plant by acquiring the 165-megawatt Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

First Gen, through Fresh River Lakes Corp., won the bid for the Casecnan power plant with its $526-million offer, above the government’s minimum bid price.

“From the perspective of First Gen, building a similar hydro plant from scratch would have been more expensive and would have required a lengthy preparation time of up

to seven—if not more years for planning, designing, permitting and construction,” said First Gen senior vice president and head of hydro group Dennis Gonzales.

“Our winning offer, therefore, helped the company save on cost and precious time to construct a similar hydro project,” Gonzales said. The government, through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.(PSALM) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), turned over the ownership and operation of the Casecnan power plant to FRLC. Alena Mae S. Flores

KFC

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust

Co. is returning to the international bond market with the proposed issuance of at least $500 million worth of senior unsecured notes, with an option to upside.

“An offering may follow subject to market conditions,” Metrobank said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday.

Metrobank said the offering was rated Baa2 (Stable)/BBB- (Stable) by Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings.

Metrobank president Fabian Dee approved the plan on Feb. 23, 2024 as part of the bank’s $2-billion medium-term note program cleared by its board of directors in March 2017.

The bank said it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to diversify its funding sources while supporting its operations.

It tapped BofA Securities and UBS as joint global coordinators and bookrunners and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and First Metro Investments Corp. as joint bookrunners.

Metrobank, the country’s secondlargest private bank in terms of assets, booked a record earnings of P42.2 billion in 2023, up 28.9 percent year-on-year.

This translated into a return on equity (ROE) of 12.5 percent last year, higher than 10.3 percent in 2022.

Meanwhile, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), the thrift-banking unit of Metrobank, said in a separate disclosure to the stock exchange it also posted a record-high net income in 2023.

PSBank said 2023 net income reached P4.53 billion, up 23 percent from P3.68 billion in 2022. This translated into a return on equity of 11.7 percent.

The bank said the strong financial performance came from the doubledigit growth in loans, higher investment revenues and muted costs brought by operational efficiencies.

Jenniffer B. Austria

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE joint venture of the country’s two largest toll road operators may list at the Philippine Stock Exchange this year, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Monday.

MPTC signed a memorandum of agreement with San Miguel Corp. (SMC) last year to jointly undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway worth a combined P72 billion.

Pangilinan said they were looking

at the joint venture company having earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of around P50 billion.

“We are at the stage that we are exchanging information about our tollways. Looking good. On combination, it will be a significant company in the Philippines with starting EBITDA of around P50 billion. It is a significant company if you are to put two together,” Pangilinan said.

He said the agreement “assumes it includes at least our Indonesian assets”, but will still be discussed with the San Miguel Group.

“With the commitment of both

parties, I don’t see why we can’t do it [listing] within the year. We look forward to what regulatory approvals may be needed from Indonesia and the Philippines. We are simply exchanging information now so we will have an idea of the tollways. It is good to have a significant companies for listing,” Pangilinan said.

The agreement last year encompasses the planned 27.06-kilometer CBEX that will establish a crucial link connecting CALAX Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Nasugbu and the 60.90-kilometer NBEX that will provide seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), the country’s largest lender controlled by the Sy family, logged a record net income of P73.4 billion in 2023, up 28.5 percent from P57.1 billion in 2022 on broadbased growth across core businesses.

This translated into a return on common equity (ROCE) of 15.2 percent, up from 13 percent in the previous year. Net interest income grew to P186.4 billion as gross customer loans rose 9 percent to P2.85 trillion, with growth across all market segments.

Total deposits increased 11 percent to P3.57 trillion, with current account and savings account (CASA) ratio at 72 percent. Non-interest income reached P84 billion, supported by fee-based and treasury/foreign exchange businesses.

Pre-provision operating profit recorded a 27-percent growth to P113.6 billion, with sustained positive operating leverage.

Revenues expanded at a slightly faster pace than operating expenses growth mostly from volume-related costs, continued network expansion and IT investments.

Non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 1.85 percent as NPL coverage increased to 185 percent with the bank’s conservative provisioning policy.

Common equity increased to P509.7 billion, with capital adequacy ratio (CAR) at 14.9 percent and common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 13.8 percent, ahead of minimum regulatory levels.

BDO continued its sustainability initiatives, with the recent issuance of its second ASEAN sustainability bonds in January, where it raised a record P63.3 billion to fund eligible projects.

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) said

Monday its consolidated core net income (CCNI) grew 37 percent in 2023 to P37.1 billion from P27.1 billion in 2022, led by significant contributions from its power generation and retail electricity businesses and higher energy sales. The power retailer’s consolidated reported net income also improved by 34 percent to P38 billion from P28.4 billion. This led to Meralco’s board declaring a final cash dividend amounting to P11.235 per share to all shareholders of record as of

March 27, 2024, payable on April 24, 2024.

Total cash dividend paid and to be paid out of 2023 CCNI would total P22.3 billion.

“I daresay that Meralco’s 2023 performance has exceeded expectations. This year, we expect to move forward with our long-term goal of achieving sustainable energy security through our investments in utility scale power generation projects, including exploring the possible adoption of nuclear energy in the country,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said. Alena Mae S. Flores

WTO DELEGATES. Acknowledging the need for a collaborative approach in addressing global challenges, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual underscores the critical role of the Philippines in shaping a transparent, sustainable and inclusive global trade environment on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. With him is DTI Undersecretary for international trade Allan Gepty.

MONITORING TEAM. Greenstone Resources Corp. (GRC) mines manager Engr. Dave Catulay explains the need to widen the company’s settling ponds as the organization vigorously prepares for its upcoming commercial operations. GRC, a wholly-owned affiliate of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), passed the multipartite monitoring team (MMT) validation for the fourth quarter of 2023. The on-site inspection was conducted at the company’s Siana Gold Project in Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

Giant Lanterns, Warriors clash for 2024 MPBL preseason title

PAMPANGA and South Cotabato will dispute the 2024 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational title on Tuesday at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns drubbed the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, 78-59, late Sunday in the crossover semifinal round of the eight-team tournament being held in conjunction with Gensan’s Kalinangan Festival.

The South Cotabato Warriors, on the other hand, subdued Quezon City TODA Aksyon, 84-79, in the other semifinal encounter to forge the sudden-death against the Giant Lanterns, the defending MPBL national champions.

Exploiting their height advantage, the Giant Lanterns routed the Athletics off the boards and frolicked inside the paint to tally their fourth straight win, including a three-game sweep of Group B in the elimination round.

With reigning MVP Justine Baltazar at the helm, Pampanga posted a 55-42 edge in rebounds and poured 38 points against the Athletics’ 20 down low.

Baltazar tallied 17 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists for Pampanga, which also dreew 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists from MJ Garcia, and 10 points plus 11 rebounds from Kevin Santos.

Other Giant Lanterns who delivered were En cho Serrano, Rence Alcoriza and Jeff Viernes with 9, 8 and 7 points, in that order.

Batangas, which trailed by as far as 55-78, got 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists from Cedric Ablaza, 13 points from Kevi Hernandez and 11 points from RJ Ramirez.

While Pampanga took the easy route, South Cotabato endured a bumpy ride against Quezon City and banked on the hot hands of John Wilson in the fourth quarter to prevail.

Wilson fired 23 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to lift South Cotabato. He was supported by Christian Fajarito with 14 points and 9 rebounds, Jammer Jamito with 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Kyle Tolentino with 9 points.

Quezon City got 20 points and 5 rebounds from Rafael Are, 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals from Rhinwill Yaming and 10 points plus 5 rebounds from Jonas Tibayan.

OLYMPIC SWIMMING IN MURKY SEINE?

French President Emmanuel Macron looks towards a crowd of spectators as he leaves on a security boat on the River Seine in Paris. The organizers of the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games are in a cold sweat over this commitment: the success of the swimming events in the Seine depends on the quality of its water, which, although it has improved, will still not be satisfactory in the summer of 2023. AFP

Azkals’ coach Saintfiet likes what he sees in PH football

By Peter Atencio

NEW coach Tom Saintfi et has seen a glimpse of Philippine football in the 10 days that he’s been in Manila.

After visiting two game days of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s football tournament on Thursday and last Sunday at the University of the Philippines Diliman turf, Saintfiet now has an idea of what to expect when he reassembles the Azkals in the coming days.

“There are good players. Let’s see what we can bring to the team,” said Saintfiet, who is from Belgium as he took over from Hans Michael Weiss mid-February, after quitting as the head coach of the Gambian national squad last January.

Last month, the 50-year-old Saintfiet stepped down as Gambia’s coach after his team’s dramatic exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Saintfiet quit after the Gambian Scorpions sustained a late 3-2 loss to Cameroon in their final game in Group C, with the loss leaving his team in the bottom of the group. His departure came after handling the squad since 2018, coaching Gambia to its first-ever Africa Cup quarterfinals’ qualification in 2021, and then in 2023.

“I was not in need of a new job. I was in need of a project. I’m happy and proud of this project, and hopeful that we can achieve,” said Saintfet, who was introduced during a press conference on Monday at the Studio 300 in Makati by Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez and national training director Freddy Gonzalez.

Gutierrez brought Saintfet to the games of the UP Fighting Maroons against the Far Eastern University booters and the match between FEU and La Salle, as well. What he saw impressed Saintfet, who

chose a job with the Philippine Azkals and declined a chance to stay put with Gambia until 2028. Saintfett, who also turned down offers to handle the programs of Ghana, Cameroon and Algeria, said he was interested in the Philippines following his communications with former team manager Dan Palami, whom he’s been in touch with in the last 11 years.

Brownlee, Sotto power Gilas past Taipei

JUSTIN Brownlee and Kai Sotto delighted a big home crowd that saw them come up with big numbers during their 106-53 demolition of Chinese Taipei. Fans were so happy when Brownlee showed the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks for Gilas in their Window 1 campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Sunday night at the Philsports Arena. Sotto was also impressive with his double-double outing of 18 points and 10 rebounds, together with 5 assists and 3 blocks.

Coach Tim Cone was pleased at the outcome, which put Gilas (2-0) on top of the Group B standings with New Zealand.

“I really liked the way we worked tonight. Just really worked hard on both sides of the floor,” said Cone. The crowd cheered for Gilas as they took charge early, with Brownlee’s two charities in the last 2:16 of

the first period touching off a 13-0 run, widening a 16-13 lead to a 26-13 spread at the end of the quarter.

Dwight Ramos added 13 points, while Carl Tamayo shot seven of 11 points in the second canto as Gilas moved away by 29 points, 52-23, with 1:06 left.

“They worked hard on both ends of the floor. And they did all throughout the whole game, for 40 minutes,” said Cone.

Last Thursday, the Taiwanese side came off a 86-69 loss to the New Zealand Kiwis in Taipei, and Cone took note of this. The Kiwis now share the lead with Gilas after their 88-49 triumph over Hong Kong in Auckland, also last Sunday.

“I think we have to remember that this team (Taipei) played a top 20 team, New Zealand a few days ago. And they (New Zealand) played them all the way to the end,” added Cone. Peter Atencio

PSA Forum to discuss Go for Gold series, NCRAA

THE new season of the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) and the Go For Gold Race Series will be talked about in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex this Tuesday (Feb. 27).

NCRAA General Manager Buddy Encarnado will accompany Mary Grace Demetillo of SDCA-St. Dominique College of Asia in the weekly session to discuss the coming 30th season of the collegiate league.

Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go and coach Ednalyn Hualda, on the other hand, are going to promote the opening series of the country’s newest bike race in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines.

The session starts at 10:30 a.m.

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

SEEKING the next generation of cycling heroes, the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 1 kicks off March 3 on Iconic Sacobia Bridge in Clark, Pampanga. Riders from the nation’s top teams and budding cyclists are bracing themselves in the high-velocity, oneday race on the iconic orange-painted bridge as a rare opportunity to prove their worth.

Aside from the seasoned riders in the men’s and women’s under-23 and elite, the closed road course of 1.6 kilometers can be the launch pad of future talents in both men and women youth and junior categories.

`We want to organize safe and well run races in order to elevate the sport of cycling in the Philippines and use it as a talent identification,’’ said Go For Gold

founder Jeremy Go. The race is supported by Go For Gold, Scratchit, Magene, SPN Cycle, Booster C Energy Shot, Hytera and NLEX-SCTEX with the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling), the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) as partners. Also raring to pedal in blinding speed on the out and back racecourse, entries in the men’s 30-39 and 40-up are expected to balloon prior to race day along with the manager category. The men under-23 and elite will race for 45 minutes plus three laps while the women’s side will ride for 40 minutes before sprinting in the final three laps. Riders in the women youth will race for 15 minutes plus two laps, women

and men junior in 30 minutes plus three laps, men youth in 25 minutes plus three laps, men 30-39 and 40-up in 30 minutes plus three laps and manager category in 20 minutes plus two laps.

``This race is not just for us, but for all teams, so we can lift up the sport of cycling in the Philippines together,’’ said Go.

According to Go For Gold project director Ednalyn Hualda, professional squads have begun enlisting for the race where the 21-man Go For Gold cycling team will be one of the teams to watch.

``The Go For Gold Criterium Race Series is actually a three-leg race with the succeeding races being penciled in Cebu hopefully in July and in Mindanao either in September or October,’’ said Hualda.

MJ Garcia delivers for Pampanga

Tom Saint et (center) is joined by PFF president John Gutierrez (right) and national training director Freddy Gonzalez. PFF

Kai Sotto shares a laugh with Justin Brownlee fiba.basketball

Del Monte to take same approach in defending Seniors’ title next year

Flying Titans, Angels clash in marquee PVL matchup

Games Tuesday (Philsports Arena) 4 p.m. – Nxled vs PLDT 6 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Choco Mucho

THE Premier Volleyball League marks its second week of elims with an exciting duel between title contenders Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz, both aiming to secure a share of the lead with idle Chery Tiggo in the All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.

In their initial outings, the Flying Titans dominated the Nxled Chameleons, 25-12, 25-22, 25-18, and the Angels comfortably defeated the Strong Group Athletics, 25-12, 25-20, 25-12, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash of firepower and distinct playing styles at 6 p.m. Choco Mucho, looking to build on its runner-up finish in the last AFC, relied on its seasoned players in the win over Nxled. But coach Dante Alinsunurin is expected to provide extended playing time to new recruits to maximize their potential.

Despite the absence of injured Deanna Wong, playmaker Mars Alba excelled with 18 excellent sets. New recruits Mean Mendrez and Royse Tubino had limited stints, finishing with just a point each but Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino and Isa Molde dished out stellar plays, scoring 17, 12 and 10 points, respectively. Chery Nunag also shone in defense, producing five blocks for a 10-point performance.

The team, however, faced a setback with an injury to Aduke Ogunsanya but Maddie Madayag is likely to step up after a modest five-point output. “Medyo malungkot dahil sa hanggang ngayon ‘di namin alam kung ano yung nangyari kay Aduke. Basta importante samin ngayon, kailangan lang talaga i-check kung ano yung gagawin,” said Alinsunurin.

On the other hand, the Angels, led by Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle and Nicole Tiamzon, are eager for another victory. Tiamzon scored 15 points while Van Sickle added seven markers and the team expects strong performances from other key players such as Marian Buitre, Myla Pablo, Michelle Morente, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma and Joy Dacoron in anticipation of a challenging matchup against the Flying Titans. Meanwhile, PLDT also looks to join Chery Tiggo in the lead as the High Speed Hitters go for a follow-up to their 25-22, 25-6, 25-9 romp over the Galeries Tower Highrisers against the Chameleons at 4 p.m.

CAGAYAN DE ORO—Del Monte broke through as a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Championship division titlist in the Seniors division on Sunday, and Yoyong Velez, the lawyer-turned-team builder, vowed that they will stick to the formula that gave them glory.

And that is that no one from this champion team will have a sure slot for next year. Not even Velez himself.

“We’ve always done that and don’t intend to veer away from that formula,”

Velez said after the celebrations had died down at Pueblo de Oro. “All those who represent Del Monte (in the Interclub) will have to go through qualifying. There will be no exceptions.”

Romeo Jaraula scored a 36-hole threeunder-par 141 total playing at Del Monte in the middle two rounds. Being the best scorer of the team--and the tournament for all intents and purposes--he naturally deserves to be seeded.

“No,” was Velez’ curt reply when asked if Jaraula will be a cinch next year.

“We will all go through that process so we can see who the best players for the tournament are.”

Velez also talked with much pride after the Bukidnon-based squad finally won the big one. It took them six years, or since he and Ondoy Mondilla turned 55 and became eligible.

“While we also hold a four-round qualifying, I am very proud of the fact that we at Del Monte have never recruited any player coming from the outside,” he said.

“All of our players are homegrown. I don’t know how many teams do that.”

The Del Monte win took the spotlight

away from the Luisita-Canlubang rivalry, much in the same way in 2004 when, in the Regular Men’s Championship, Velez spearheaded a team that broke the stranglehold of the Sugar Barons. Del Monte has three Championship division titles, counting the 2011 edition in the Men’s—which Velez was also a part of. Velez knows that all of those titles have come on home soil, and that, he said, will be the mission of those who will qualify to the team next year.

“Of course, the target would be to repeat,” he said. “Wherever the Interclub will be held next year. We also want to shed that label that we are only good when the event is held (in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon).”

The 75th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by diamond sponsors Mastercard and Asian Journal. Platinum sponsors include Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Araw Hospitality while gold sponsors are Tanduay and Asia Brewery.

Nakajima targets top finish in PGT Q-School

A CLUSTER of international contenders is gearing up for a fourday showdown with the local hopefuls, all vying for Philippine Golf Tour cards in the Qualifying School slated March 5-8 at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao City.

Toru Nakajima steps up his preparations at Manila Southwoods, aiming to peak in performance in time for the elims. He is seeking for another top finish as the leader of a sizeable foreign contingent participating in the eliminations held in the southern region for the first time.

Nakajima previously asserted his dominance in the PGT Q-School at Eagle Ridge in Gen. Trias in Cavite in 2015 and topped the 2016 elims at Royal Northwoods in San Rafael, Bulacan. Despite winning a PGT leg at Wack Wack in 2013 and competing in the Philippine Masters at Villamor last year, where he finished tied for 25th, Nakajima lost his card after skipping the subsequent tournaments.

Nevertheless, he is ready and eager to make a comeback, leading 37 other players from Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and the US.

The foreign lineup includes American Riley Keagle and Kolin Wheeler, as well as amateurs Drew Proctor and Ryan Ku. Also in the mix are Australians Nathan Park and Peter Stojanovski, Koreans Minwoo Kim and Tae Soo Kim, Malaysians Dhakshin Manirajan and Kiishan Tharmalingam, and Japanese Ueda Daiki and Kei Matsuoka.

Artistic swimming in spotlight at Asian age-group tourney

ARTISTIC swimming, anyone?

Compared to traditional swimming event, artistic swimming sounds foreign among Filipino sports fans.

Here’s a crash course from swimmer and now artistic swimming coach Giella G. Sanchez (Maria Graciella Jasmina Sanchez).

She started by pointing out that at least, in her own turf in Bacolod City, the sport is quite popular and doing fine.

Coach Giella said that the 11th Asian Age Group Championship, which the country is hosting is a good opportunity to introduce the sports to many Filipinos. Artistic swimming is one of sports in the competition, aside water polo, diving and traditional swimming.

“Mahirap po talagang maipakilala ang artistic swimming dahil hindi ito regular na nakikita ng ating mga kababayan.

“Artistic swimming is an Olympic sport, yes, and very popular sa international sports scene, pero dito sa atin, talagang medyo alien pa,” said coach Giella.

Artistic swimming is a combination of gymnastics, swimming and dancing, according to coach Giella.

Out to help stir interest in Artistic Swimming in the AAGC are 12 and un-

“Zoe is from St. John’s Institute - Bacolod and Antonia is from St. Scholastica’s Academy- Bacolod. They both started with me, when they were three years old in our learn to swim program, WeSwim Aquatics. And they started competing in swimming three years

Bulldogs want to reign supreme in UAAP baseball

THE National University Bulldogs sent a strong message in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as they overpowered powerhouse Adamson Falcons via an abbreviated 16-3 victory during the elimination round’s opening game of the baseball tournament at the UP Baseball Field in Quezon City over the weekend.

The Bulldogs took control of the game in the early goings up to the 6th inning with a 9-3 advantage and blazed hot bats in the 7th frame with 7 runs en route to a maiden victory of the season via the mercy rule.

NU’s ace pitchers MJ Carolino (starter), Cyril Antipolo, Amiel de Guzman and star rookie Jherick Timban lorded it over the mound, allowing only 3 runs for the topseeded Adamson batters, who were upset by

later. Their serious artistic swimming training started when they were 9 (Zoe) and (Antonia).

“Antonia has joined the Singapore Invitational Artistic Swimming Championships back in 2019.... And with Zoe, they did several Online / Virtual Artistic Swim competitions during the pandemic (2021 - 2022). They competed in the Australian Artistic Swimming Age Group Championships, South African King Fisher Artistic Swimming Invitational and New Zealand Artistic Swimming Age Group Nationals.”

“Artistic Swimming started in Bacolod City in 2018, when Coach Reina Suarez did a workshop with us. Together with my sister (Giselle Tan), we joined the program that Coach Reina started in Bacolod. Our first two swimmers Carmina Tan (the one who competed in the last Asian Age Group Champs in India in 2019) is now based in California, USA since last year, and is training there for Artistic swimming. She helped us in preparing Zoe and Antonia for AAGC by helping us make their hybrids for the routines, and updating us with all the new rules for the sport,” said coach Giella.

showed their stern stuff at the playing field and sent a big message to the field in their mission to reign supreme in the ongoing UAAP baseball season.

Team manager Wopsy Zamora started the NU Bulldogs’ team buildup four months ago by putting new names in the field of coaching, replacing the old school of team stewardship at the diamond.

“The experiment paid off. We saw the real strength of our team and I’m optimistic it will bear fruitful dividends as the season progresses. I give credit to our boys and coaching staff in this very convincing victory as we prepare to rule the league, one game at a time,” team manager Zamora said.

Aside from team’s prized pitchers, the other Bulldogs’ frontliners are Nigel Paule, Kent Altarejos, Jude and Joven Maulit, Herald Tenorio, Gio Gorpido and multi-awarded high school player Kiel Olazo.

Members of the Del Monte team receive their trophy.

The NU Bulldogs’ baseball team with officials and coaches

der category (events: Figures and Solo Free Routine - song is Mambo Italiano)

Zoe Lim and Antonia Lucia Raffaele, who is 13. Lim is 12 years old, and in the youth 13-15 years old (events: Figures and Solo Free Routine - song is New York New York)

Toru Nakajima

Philippine artistic swimmers (left) Zoe Lim and Antonia Lucia.

the newly found strength of the Bulldogs at the diamond and in the bullpen. With head coach Romar Landicho, deputy coach Robin Go, pitching coach Jun-

mar Diarao and conditioning coach Fil-Am Mon Espino (San Diego Padres) combining forces with the great motivation from assistant team manager Rey Sol, the Bulldogs

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

BEAUTY Gonzalez expresses delight at the success of her current projects airing on GMA-7, specifically The Stolen Life and Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis (Season 2), citing their positive ratings.

This time, the 32-year-old actress acknowledges the viewers’ appreciation for the edgy nature of The Stolen Life, describing it as reminiscent of a classic soap opera. Her portrayal of a double role in the series presents a significant challenge that she embraces. She extends commendations to her co-stars Carla Abellana and Gabby Concepcion, emphasizing their collective effort in delivering a job well done.

However, Gonzalez notes the inevitable limitations of extending the show’s run due to the upcoming commitments of the cast members. Abellana has started taping for Widows’ War with Bea Alonzo, while Concepcion will be occupied with My Guardian Alien opposite Marian Rivera

Despite these constraints, Gonzalez remains optimistic about the future of the series.

“But I’m game to continue playing the role. I love Farrah. Playing the psychotic character on screen is definitely fun,” she said adding that breathing life to the role of Farrah in the program is not easy.

Meanwhile, in Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis where she portrays the wife of Senator Bong Revilla, Jr., she plays another interesting character. In the show’s first season, she was just Gloria, the plain housewife, but here in its latest installment, she will transform into a policewoman herself.

“I also like my role in the story. I never dreamt of being one even during my childhood days. I also didn’t envision myself portraying a policewoman in a TV series. At first, I thought that I would just do comedy but now, action is added,” she said.

“For me, it’s a welcome thing. I haven’t tried doing action before and I realized that it’s not easy. Imagine, you’ll fire a gun or blow an area. There’s a lot of physical movements required. Action scenes are hard to mount but after you’ve done it, it’s fulfillin,” she went on.

Beauty is one of the busiest stars in GMA. In fact, after transferring to the Kapuso in 2021, she hasn’t really stopped working, one thing that she’s very grateful for.

“I’m so thankful to GMA because they are giving me a variety of roles. I’m not just stuck in one genre. From drama to comedy to action to suspense thriller. It’s amazing. They are taking good care of me, even though I don’t have a contract with them. I’m on a per-project basis. Yet, they’ve given me beautiful programs. My heart is grateful,” she said. * * *

In a recent interview, Xyriel Manabat admitted that her personal state is doing very well at present. Her two-year relationship with non-showbiz boyfriend Nathaniel Toledo continues to go strong.

“Now I truly believe that when you’re treated right, you will glow! And when you’re with the right person, you won’t forget to take care and improve yourself. It adds confidence when people praise your beauty because you are inspired,” she states.

From the very start, the former child star didn’t plan to enter a relationship with a fellow actor.

romantically

“Yes! I promised myself not to get romantically involved with someone from showbiz.”

Why is that so?

“I want peace. I don’t want to always hug the limelight because of my romantic state. I won’t be able to achieve this if my boyfriend is from the same industry,” Xyriel explains.

Very Wang Nickie Wang

SENATOR Ramon “Bong”

Revilla Jr. added to the vibrant atmosphere of the Panagbenga 2024 Grand Parade in Baguio over the weekend, joining the festivities alongside the cast of his hit sitcom Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis.

Riding a grand float adorned with flowers, the Senator and his leading lady, Beauty Gonzalez, exuded joy and energy, even engaging the crowd with a popular TikTok dance.

The following day, Monday, the actorpolitician participated in a historic meeting at Malacañang Palace where President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law the bill proposed by the senator. This law grants benefits to Filipino octogenarians and nonagenarians, in addition to centenarians. Revilla authored the bill, the first he introduced during the current congress.

“This day is both joyful and historic as we attend the ceremonial signing by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. of our first proposal submitted at the opening of the 19th Congress - the Centenarian Act amendment,” Revilla said in the vernacular.

They no longer need to reach 100 years old just to receive a cash gift from our government. At 80, we will already give it to them. At 85, 90, and 95, we will give it to them again. And if the Lord allows them to reach a hundred years, we will give them a larger amount as recognition of their achievement,” he said.

“This was my promise to the Filipino elders, and I’m proud to say that I have fulfilled it. Finally, others among them will also benefit, not just those reaching a hundred years old,” he said. Under what is now dubbed the “Revilla Law” in honor of Senator Revilla, Jr., all Filipinos reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95 will receive a cash gift amounting to

“As the saying goes, ‘Why wait until the horse is dead before cutting the grass.’ So as long as they are still alive, let us make them feel the appreciation and love of this government. And that is through the early provision of the financial gift they desire. That is a big thing for them, especially since they also have needs and expenses for medicine, vitamins, supplements, food, and more,” the senator added.

“The signed Republic Act No. 11982, which we first introduced during the 18th Congress, is a wonderful gift for our grandparents who will now receive additional cash gifts upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95,” he added.

Senator Bong hailed PBBM for enacting his primary proposal to amend the Centenarians Law.

PARAMOUNT biopic Bob Marley: One Love led the North American box office for a second straight weekend, taking in an estimated $13.5 million, as Love prevailed over films about demons and angels.

The global take for the film, which stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae singer, has now surpassed $120 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday, showing exceptional strength for a music biopic.

Sony and Crunchyroll’s latest in the Demon Slayer manga series, Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training, placed second for the weekend, earning an estimated $11.6 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period.

THE Korean disaster thriller movie Concrete Utopia, which grossed over $28 million, is now streaming on Viu Philippines.

Korea’s fourth highest-grossing film of 2023, is set in Seoul after a devastating earthquake.

In the story, everything is in shambles except for the Hwang Gung Apartments, which remains intact. As outsiders flock to Hwang Gung Apartments to escape the cold, young couple Min-sung (played by Park Seo-joon) and Myung-hwa (played by Park Boo-young) must decide on the best course of action

P10,000, while those reaching the age of 100 will continue to receive P100,000.

Revilla explained that the aim of the new law is to provide cash benefits to Filipino elders at an earlier age so they can enjoy it more.

“The purpose of this law is to expedite the provision of benefits to our grandparents.

In third was Lionsgate’s new inspirational drama Ordinary Angels, at $6.5 million. Hilary Swank stars in the fact-based story of a Kentucky hairdresser who rallies her town to help a widower with a gravely ill young daughter. The film “pulls your heartstrings with the expertise of Jascha Heifetz,” said Hollywood Reporter, and critics’ reviews and audience scores have been “excellent.”

Sony/Marvel superhero thriller Madame Web dropped two spots from last weekend to place fourth, with ticket sales of $6 million. The film has managed to spin only a 13 percent positive rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website. Dakota Johnson stars.

while the mysterious Yeong-tak (Lee Byung-Hun) emerges to lead the fate of the community. In no time, the apartment is filled beyond capacity, driving the residents to enact harsh measures for their survival.

Since its theatrical release in South Korea in August 2023, Concrete Utopia has captured the hearts and imagination of audiences across the globe with its riveting story, suspenseful drama, and powerful performances.

To effectively implement the provisions of the Act, an Elderly Data Management System will be maintained by the National Commission on Senior Citizens to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to.

“Included in our law is the establishment of a database to ensure that no one is forgotten in receiving benefits. With all the things our elders have done for our country, we should ensure that they receive all the honor and benefits they deserve,” he explained.

Revilla first filed the measure at the start of the 18th Congress in 2019 but failed to become law despite the senator’s efforts.

“This is not where our efforts end to give more value, recognition, and love to our grandpas and grandmas. We have many proposals to push for passage. This is just the beginning of a new fight - a fight for the continuous upliftment of their

International Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, and Kolkata International Film Festival. In South Korea, the movie gained numerous recognitions including six awards at the Grand Bell Awards where it won Best Film, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Director, Best Sound Editing and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun, and Best Support Supporting Actress for Kim Sun-young Moreover, the Korean Film Council unanimously selected Concrete Utopia as the official

Revilla

Law that

Revilla

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

By Nickie Wang

AT FIRST glance, one might mistake Co-Lab for a studio catering to content creators and social media personalities for their online works, but no, it’s actually a coffee shop.

Co-Lab is a hotspot for busy professionals. It has an interesting name but the kind of service and ambiance it provides deserve more than just a second look, they call you to experience them firsthand.

Co-Lab by Coffee Project is the latest coffee venture by the Villar Group of Companies.

Unique space for coffee breaks for students and busy professionals

and

Located at

Taft, a condominium development along Taft Avenue, CoLab was envisioned to be a haven for all manner of coffee enthusiasts who could use a safe and cozy space conducive to both productivity and leisure.

Co-Lab also attracts students from nearby schools like De La Salle University, College of Saint Benilde, St. Scholastica’s College, Arellano University, University of the Philippines-Manila, and St. Paul’s College-Manila, as well as professionals from nearby offices. It aims to welcome these students and offer them a cozy environment to tackle their school tasks, whether it’s studying, writing a thesis,

or problem-solving. With this studentfocused approach, Co-Lab aims to become the go-to spot for productive studying.

What sets Co-Lab apart are its specialized rooms designed for both co-working and events. “The Quiet Space” provides a peaceful environment for focused work or intense studying. Meanwhile, the “Podcast Area” caters specifically to podcasting enthusiasts and professionals, equipped with topnotch audio recording facilities for highquality podcast production.

Co-Lab’s exceptional features make for a novel customer experience,” says Margarita D. Romero, Vista Land Division Head, “Through Coffee Project Co-Lab Vista Taft, we affirm our steadfast commitment to creating innovative spaces that serve our

customers’ evolving needs. We now invite Manila’s café society to come and get their caffeine here where they can also work, play, relax, and decompress.”

While Gen Z and the district’s young workforce are Co-Lab’s primary target audiences, people of all ages, including families, artists, and other professionals involved in creative production, are encouraged to visit and enjoy quality time over their favorite brew.

True to its name, Co-Lab is a collaboration between the Villar Group brands Coffee Project and Paper&Co. The latter specializes in providing and selling a variety of school and unique art products that students and young professionals need in their daily lives.

Additionally, Co-Lab’s proximity to AllDay provides convenient access to the convenience store at any time of day.

FOLLOWING its win as the “Fastest Growing Auto Finance Company” in the International Finance Awards, Global Dominion Financing, has been conferred the “Most Innovative Auto Financing Company” by the same awardgiving body in Bangkok, Thailand for 2023.

The award was given in recognition of Global Dominion’s exceptional and innovative car loan services, which cater to the needs of its customers. Global Dominion provides straightforward and cost-effective loan products that empower customers to attain their goals.

The company has consistently led the way in pioneering innovative loan facilities, adeptly addressing the evolving needs of customers through easily manageable interest rates and practical payment options. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Dominion Financing has strategically implemented digitalization as a key innovation.

and past accomplishments.

For the finance category, the International Finance Awards rewards and recognizes the contribution of financial companies, which include pathbreaking initiatives in corporate social responsibility, innovation, corporate governance, and activities that benefit the global finance community, in addition to outstanding performance in their respective fields.

According to Global Dominion President and Managing Director Patricia Poco-Palacios, “We have been in the financing and refinancing industry in the Philippines for more than 20 years, recognitions like this inspire our team to continue living by our purpose which is to ignite and accelerate growth in people and organizations to transform lives for the better.” Global Dominion caters to a diverse clientele including professionals, business proprietors, and executives. With a wide network of over 80 branches nationwide.

“It’s just a matter of time before technology becomes fully integrated into financial products and services here in the Philippines.

Conquering the ever-changing environment of finance is never going to be easy, this award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and reshaping the future of finance,” said Global Dominion Chairman of the Board, Ruben Y. Lugtu II International Finance Awards is an organization that recognizes industry talent, leadership skills, industry net worth, and capability on an international platform. After careful consideration of nominations by a qualified research team, International Finance Awards the winners on the strength of their application

Every Filipino’s ultimate guide to smart home living

of the current season is the premiere episode, wherein Bea and Jaime answer frequently asked questions about smart home devices and setups. They go into concerns such as the price of upgrading to smart devices and whether they contribute to a higher electric bill. It’s informative for those who are considering but haven’t taken

EVERY new year almost always marks a change — or better yet, an upgrade. When it comes to the Filipinos’ way of living, trends point to more homes adopting smart technology in and out of the house for a more convenient, more fun, and ultimately a better-lived life.

In a study conducted in November last year, Statista projects 1.1 million smart homes in the Philippines in 2024 based on how fast the country is moving forward. As more Filipinos continue to live smarter with more smart tech devices around,

the plunge just yet.

On episode three, Bea joins Chef Gerick Manalo as they explore the possibilities of generative AI when it comes to homemaking. They browse ChatGPT for promising recipes for healthy home-cooked meals, which they then cook using a digital air fryer. It’s got to be seen to be believed!

On the 2023 year-ender episode, all three main hosts come together to wrap up all the smart tech in 2023 and look forward to the innovations 2024 will bring. They go into their favorite smart device picks, such as the Steam Deck OLED, the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and the eufyCam 3, to name a few.

Watch full episodes of the new season and the previous two seasons of Next Upgrade on its official YouTube channel. For more updates, bite-sized bits of all the tech talk, and even more exclusive smart home content, follow Next Upgrade on TikTok (@ nextupgrade) and Instagram (@nextupgradeph).

Cosplayer Een Mercado joins Bea Chu in one episode of the latest season of ‘Next Upgrade’

From left: Jaime Bunag, Bea Chu, and Justin Quirino

Bea Chu and chef Gerick Manalo use ChatGPT to look for healthy homemade recipes