Manila Standard - 2024 March 7 - Thursday

Marcos resolute amid ‘David-Goliath’ dispute

Raises ‘great alarm’ over China’s dangerous sea maneuvers

By Charles Dantes, Rey Requejo, Vince Lopez, Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday likened the country's maritime dispute with China to the Biblical account of David and Goliath —and one where David eventually emerged victorious.

‘JoeCon,’ patriot and industrialist, passes away at

92

By Othel Campos

FORMER Trade secretary Jose Concepcion Jr., who epitomized the patriot-industrialist for a generation of Filipinos, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92, his family confirmed.

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IN SENATE

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE House of Representatives, acting as a Committee of the Whole House, on Wednesday approved on first reading the resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions. The committee voted to endorse the amendment proposals contained in Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 after six days of hearings.

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PBBM hits ‘clear intrusions’ into Benham Rise

By Charles Dantes and Rey Requejo

PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednes -

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day slammed the presence of Chinese research vessels within Benham Rise, saying it was a "clear intrusion of the country's territory."

Speaking from the ASEANAustralia Special Summit in Melbourne, Mr. Marcos also expressed concern that the Chinese vessels may be doing something other than research, noting their presence in the area was ''absolutely unnecessary.'' He said it was an "escalation" of tensions between Manila and Beijing over the latter's intrusions as well in the West Philippine Sea.

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THE administration does not play politics with jurisdiction and sovereignty, President Marcos said Wednesday, as he reiterated his position of not inviting the International Criminal Court to investigate his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, "more fully."

Mr. Marcos said this on an Australian television program in response to the query of ABC's Sarah Ferguson, who said it was "clear from the outside that there's been some breakdown in the relationship."

''No. That would be a political move

and what we are, we do not play politics with jurisdiction and sovereignty,'' Mr. Marcos said. He said the ICC was "formed to conduct, to provide justice to areas where there is no judiciary."

"Where there is no court system,

where there is no police, where there is no peace and order—and that's not the Philippines,'' the President said.

"Therefore, I don't think that their investigations or their concerns apply to the Philippines,'' he added.

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By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday invited Australia to partner with the Philippines in terms of climate change efforts and the renewable energy industry, as he laid out the country’s comprehensive plans to boost the said sectors.

This developed as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the effects of the El Niño phenomenon have caused more than P1 billion in agricultural damage

across the country.

Last week, a reinsurance firm said the Philippines is the country suffering the highest annual economic losses from the impact of four major weather perils studied—floods, tropical cyclones, winter storms, and severe thunderstorms— at three percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) or about $12 billion (P673 billion).

The country is also “exposed to hazard intensification in the future,” according to reinsurance giant Swiss Re, a Zurich-based group, which acts as an insurer for insurers.

Cannes honors late actress Jaclyn Jose

Jose Concepcion Jr.

WATER CANNON DAMAGE. This photo shows the damaged windshield of the Philippine military chartered Unaizah May 4, docked at a port in Palawan on Wednesday, after a water canon incident with China Coast Guard vessels during a supply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on Tuesday. The incident also left four crew injured. AFP

PH signs AANZFTA free trade pact

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos announced the Philippines' signing of the second protocol to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) during the ASEANAustralia Special Summit in Melbourne on Wednesday.

This move is expected to unlock greater opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

“We are pleased to inform you, Excellencies, that the Philippines has just

House to probe rice sale as DA names NFA OIC

By Maricel V. Cruz and Othel Campos

A COMMITTEE in the House of Representatives will conduct a congressional investigation into the alleged anomalous and highly irregular sale of 75,000 bags of rice by the National Food Authority (NFA) to certain traders.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, chair of the panel, said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has directed that there will be no sacred cows in Thursday's investigation by his panel.

“The Speaker has always tasked the Committee to probe anything," Enverga told reporters. “There will be no sacred cows. That's why it's automatic, as he instructed, make this a priority.”

"I am here also to appraise everyone on the developments in the Committee on Agriculture and Food. Just for everyone’s information, May I invite everyone tomorrow that we will be conducting our moto proprio inquiry in aid of legislation particular to the issue on NFA.

So, I hope that we see you also tomorrow,” he said.

This developed as Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel appointed NFA assistant administrator for finance and administration Piolito C. Santos as acting officer-in-charge of the agency effective Wednesday.

The Department of Agriculture, in a statement, said it cannot leave the country’s food agency unmanned even for the short time, as people are depending on the NFA to secure rice supply for the lean season and as buffer stocking for calamities.

“The NFA is a very important government agency, especially during calamities and other disasters as well as in the lives of millions of poor Filipinos. We cannot lose heart during this challenging time for the NFA and DA family,” Tiu Laurel said.

On ICC,...

From A1

Mr. Marcos said the Philippines has a working police and justice system.

''We have a functioning police force. We have a functioning judiciary, and it is their responsibility to take care of that,'' Marcos said.

''We have made a great deal of progress in that regard where many policemen have already been removed from service because they've been found to be liable, cases have been filed. Many are already in jail,'' he added.

Duterte earlier backtracked on his statements against President Marcos as well as in his push for the secession of Mindanao.

After challenging Marcos to take a drug test, Duterte denied accusing his successor of using illegal drugs.

“I did not say that. Even if you kill me a thousand times, I did not say that he is a drug addict. Make it ‘taking a drug'... Antibiotic, aspirin—they’re all drugs," Duterte said.

Duterte also toned down with his proposal for Mindanao to secede from the Philippines, saying he does not want the country to be "dismembered."

A recent OCTA Research Survey showed at least 59 percent of Filipinossupport the Philippines rejoining the ICC, with 55 percent also in favor of investigating allegations of crimes against humanity during the previous administration.

In 2019, the Philippines, under thenPresident Duterte, withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, after the tribunal began a probe into his bloody drug war, followed by a formal inquiry in September 2021.

But the Hague-based tribunal said it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member from November 2011. Charles Dantes

recently signed the second protocol to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA),” President Marcos said during the leaders’ plenary.

Marcos...

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"We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability in the region," read a joint declaration hammered out between ASEAN members and Australia (see full story in World, page B2 – Editors).

Mr. Marcos noted countries “cannot decide to change their territorial area unilaterally” as he said the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China's provocative actions.

“That is an idea we had rejected a long time ago, but we are seeing (it again),” he said.

"We continue to view with great alarm these continuing dangerous maneuvers and dangerous actions that are being done against our seamen, our Coast Guard. And this time, they damaged the cargo ship and caused some injury to some of our seamen, and I think that we cannot view this in any way but in the most serious way,” the President said in a separate video message.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, who accompanied Mr. Marcos in Australia, said: “At a time of escalating tensions and provocative actions by China, President Marcos's call for adherence to a rulesbased order and peaceful resolution of disputes is both timely and crucial. It re-

PBBM...

From A1

Benham Rise, officially known as Philippine Rise, is on the northeastern side of Luzon. It is not a disputed area and has been declared by the United Nations as well within the 200-nautical mile EEZ and continental shelf of the Philippines.

"Once again, this is a clear intrusion into our Philippine maritime territory and it is, as usual, of great concern. And I see this as absolutely unnecessary because if it is truly a research vessel then we could have come to a very simple agreement that the research vessel will ply the waters and do the research that they need to do,'' Mr. Marcos said in a video message.

''There is a suspicion that they are not only research vessels so, again, this is a bit of an escalation of the tension that is present in the West Philippines Sea,'' he added.

Australia...

From A1

“We thus invite Australia to partner with the Philippines in our clean, green, and renewable energy industry and other emerging technologies, and introduce energy efficiency and conservation measures,” President Marcos said during the leaders’ plenary session at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Mr. Marcos also reiterated the offer to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund in the Philippines before the assembled leaders,emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that the voicesand experiences of the most affected countries are central in shaping urgent global climate policies.

The President emphasized the Philippine government's proactive stance, both domestically and internationally, on climate change, recognizing the nation’s vulnerability.

He outlined the Philippines’ comprehensive plans to bolster these critical areas. President Marcos underscored the concrete measures taken by the Philippines to reduce emissions through policies and initiatives that catalyze investments in the country’s abundant renewable energy sources.

‘JoeCon,’...

From A1

Known as “Joecon,” he was also the founder of the election watchdog NAMFREL (National Citizens Movement for Free Elections) and former chairman of the board of RFM Corp.

Concepcion believed in the Philippines' potential for inclusive and pro-Filipino economic development. Under his

The President said the protocol will boost MSMEs by making it easier for them to engage in international trade.

He said the protocol will help MSMEs access new markets, join global value chains, and adopt e-commerce, citing the protocol as a milestone for regional cooperation and development.

"With the momentum from the CEO Forum yesterday, and AANZFTA together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, we are confident that we will usher in even more robust economic coopera-

affirms our nation's commitment to promoting stability and security in the region through dialogue and cooperation."

“President Marcos can count on the unwavering commitment of the House of Representatives in support of his initiatives to preserve peace and stability in the region and his courageous stance in defense of our country’s territory and sovereignty,” Romualdez added.

In the diplomatic note served to Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs demanded all Chinese vessels to immediately leave the shoal's vicinity.

Ayungin is 105.77 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine province of Palawan and constitutes part of the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf as provided under a United Nations convention.

"Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’exclusive economic zone and continental shelf," the DFA told the summoned Chinese diplomat.

Beijing, on the other hand, accused the United States of using the Philippines as a "pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea" as hostilities between the Asian nations escalated.

China said it only "took control measures" against Philippine ships' "illegal intrusion" into waters it claims, as well as accusing a Philippine ship of "inten-

US maritime security analyst Ray Powell last week said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that at least two Chinese vessels were seen loitering around Benham Rise, which the Philippine government declared as a “protected food supply exclusive zone" in 2017.

The Philippine Coast Guard said BRP Gabriela Silang will patrol the waters to conduct maritime domain awareness, intensify its presence in the northern portion of Luzon Island and monitor local fishermen.

Aside from the PCG vessel, air assets of the Coast Guard AviationForce are on standby for possible augmentation, specifically in performing aerial surveillance.

The Philippine Navy said the two Chinese vessels have so far departed the country's EEZ.

As this developed, China objected the passage in the Philippine Senate of the Maritime Zones Act which will set archipelagic boundaries in compliance

House...

From A1

The House is poised to approve RBH 7 on second reading next week, Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said.

“Based on the timeline shared with me, [March] 11, 12, 13 will be thesecond reading…I guess it will be approved on second reading by Wednesday next week,” Gonzales told reporters.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel yesterday described as a "big challenge" the passing of Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 – identicalto the House’s RBH 7 except for the manner of voting by Congress—which seeks to amend three restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Reacting to the statements of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Cynthia Villar that there are seven or eight senatorsagainst Charter change, Zubiri admitted it's a challenge, as the votes would be enough to junk the measure in the upper chamber.

Zubiri noted that the bickering between House members and senators is one factor that triggered “trust issues” in the Senate.

"I told the President about it (challenge)," Zubiri told reporters in a media

leadership, RFM diversified into animal feed milling, poultry and livestock, securing a license from the American company Swift to produce processed meats in the Philippines.

These propelled RFM to become one of the leading food and beverageconglomerates in the country, aligning with its vision to provide mass-based, highquality, and affordable products for every Filipino table. As a delegate to the Constitutional

tion within our region and provide a legal framework for a more prosperous future,” he said.

Furthermore, the President welcomed Australia's "Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040," which outlines a comprehensive plan for strengthening and widening economic ties between ASEAN and Australia. President Marcos expressed the Philippines' eagerness to expand collaboration in key sectors like agriculture, food security, the digital economy, infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare.

tionally" ramming a Chinese one.

"China urges the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters when asked about the United States' condemnation of China's actions as "provocative."

"The Philippines should not let itself be at the mercy of the United States," she added.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its own, ignoring legal precedents and competing claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations.

The festering dispute posed one of the region's most vexing security challenges, looming large during a three-day summit between Australia and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc.

Close United States ally Australia has proven increasingly willing to speak out against China.

"I am very concerned, and Australia is concerned about any unsafe and destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on the summit's sidelines.

"We need to make sure that activity in the South China Sea alleviates any tensions and doesn't add to it," he added.

In Manila, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. slammed China's "propaganda mechanism" to justify their illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea.

with UNCLOS and the 2016 The Hague arbitral ruling.

Beijing said the measure will only advance the enforcement of what it claimed as illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning lamented the Philippines was attempting "to put a legal veneer on its illegal claims and actions in the South China Sea" under the pretext ofUNCLOS.

According to Mao, such a measure "goes against the provisions of international law, including the UN Charter and UNCLOS, and againstthe spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea."

However, she did not cite which particular provision of the UNCLOS will be violated by the Philippines.

"This completely horrendous act will inevitably make the situation in the South China Sea more complex," Mao said. With AFP

briefing, but stressed he wasn't saying it's impossible.

Also, the number of senators who signed a statement of support for Zubiri rose to 17 after Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, and Ramon Revilla Jr. inked the resolution.

Rumors had swirled that Estrada, being the most senior senator, would replace Zubiri in a supposed coup, which he later denied.

At the House, lawmakers heard the testimonies of several resourcepersons and experts, including former Cabinet members, formerlawmakers, academics, Filipino educators, professionals based abroad, former Supreme Court justices, economists, and framers of the 1987 Constitution.

House members exchanged views with the experts and resource persons during the Committee of the Whole House deliberations.

Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II, who was designated majority leader of the committee, moved for terminating the hearings. He then presented a motion to approve RBH 7, which embodies the proposed amendments.

Shortly after, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, who was presiding over the hearing, declared the resolution approved.

Convention of 1971, he advocated for constitutional principles aimed at democratizing the nation's capital base to bolster Filipino manufacturers.

Concepcion was adept at inspiring ordinary citizens to action, often employing aphorisms and leading by example.

During the 1986 snap presidential elections, he mobilized thousands of Filipinos to join NAMFREL, stressing, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

‘Gluta drip’ issue: From Manila to West Africa

THE “gluta drip” issue started unwittingly by a senator’s wife has made it to foreign shores.

Health risks and scam complaints associated with glutathione-based skincare products from Manila have reached parts of West Africa.

An Ivorian trader promoting a brand named Glutax told Agence France Presse (AFP) a wholesaler in Manila was behind the products.

Manila is home to a dizzying number of retailers supplying the African market with skin-whitening products.

Further online searches showed the existence of a Manila-based firm called Glutax.

Contacted by AFP, the company confirmed it was headquartered in the capital and was a global distributor of bleaching treatments.

Glutathione-based injectables are banned for use in the Philippines because of their "potential danger or harm to health."

The Department of Health earlier warned “there are no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening.” With AFP

‘Bardagulan’ in Bangkok! Pinoys fight Thai ladyboys

YOU don’t want to pick a fight with these ladyboys.

Four Filipino men were injured after reportedly engaging in a brawl with Thai ladyboys or “kathoeys" in Bangkok, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Three of the four Filipino victims sustained scratches and bruises, DFA Usec. Eduardo Jose de Vega said.

The fourth Filipino was not part of the group and was a mere bystander at the hotel where the other three were staying. De Vega said he sustained head and facial injuries.

Thai local media reported the brawl began after several transgender Filipinos, including the three who sustained injuries, "taunted" the Thai locals on Monday morning.

Based on the report of local media Khaosod, the Thai ladyboysretaliated the next day by mobbing the Filipinos outside their hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 in Bangkok.

"[The Filipino travelers] signified that they want to depart Thailand ASAP (as soon as possible). Three will go to their next destination (Mumbai), another to Japan," De Vega said.

"They requested assistance to secure medical certificate... action will be taken," he added.

No cases have been filed against the four Filipino travelers.

Thai authorities were still verifying through closed-circuit television (CCTV) videos, the DFA said. Rey Requejo

Cannes honors late actress Jaclyn Jose

THE great Jaclyn Jose is still getting her flowers, as kids say these days.

Festival de Cannes paid tribute to the late award-winning actress, who made history as the first Filipino to win the Best Actress at the French film festival.

Jose, Mary Jane Guck in real life, was recognized in 2016 for her powerful performance in "Ma'Rosa" that was directed by Brillante Mendoza.

In an Instagram post, the festival honored the renowned actress’ contribution to Philippine cinema.

"On learning of the death of Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose, the Festival de Cannes remembers her face beaming with emotion when she received the Award for Best Actress in 2016 in Brillante Mendoza's ‘Ma'Rosa’,” the post read.

“As with so many of her roles, she illuminated this beautiful portrait of a woman, embodying it with grace and humanity," it added.

The veteran actress began her acting journey in the 1980s and was actively working until her death.

She last played the role of prison warden Dolores Espinas in the television series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo."

Throughout her career, Jose received numerous accolades, including awards from Gawad Urian, Famas, and Luna Awards. She was found lifeless in her home on March 2 due to a heart attack, her daughter Andi Eigenmann confirmed.

Batangas company retrieves agrarian lots from farmers

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has called on the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to retrieve land ownership from a corporation and return it to the Batangas farmers who were recipients of the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Hontiveros was reacting to complaints by the farmers who said the Roxas and Company Inc., through “legal manuevering, ”repossessed the farm lands already awarded to them by DAR under the CARP.

In her privilege speech, Hontiveros cited land ownership reversals in Batangas, where Roxas and Company, had been paid decades ago for the subdivided estate that was awarded to the farmers.

The farmers charged that the corporation was evicting them from the lands given to them by DAR.

“We owe a historical debt to our farmers. The President said he will seek permanent solutions to the issues that hound agrarian reform and its implementation. Let us start by addressing these patterns of injustice,” Hontiveros said

In the Roxas and Company case, she noted that DAR granted the certificates of land ownership to the farmers in 1988, as soon as the CARP was passed into law. She noted that DAR has continued to cover the land, but its proper procedure of acquisition was not followed,” she said.

However, the farmers continued to live on the land granted to them through the agrarian reform.

“Because

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP’S

SIDE. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. presents the certificate of completion to S/Sgt. Jhoanna Joy of the Manila Police Department who finishes the Public Safety Junior Leadership Course during commencement exercises at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. Also in photo is PNP National Capital Region director Maj. Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. Joseph Muego

Ease of gun ownership may trigger rise of criminality, senators warn

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Francis Tolentino has appealed to the government particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go slow in the issuance of highpowered firearms that may contribute to increase in crimes.

“You should choose the right people who can possess and carry this kind of gun,” Tolentino said in a media briefing.

“Slow down as to peace and order,” Tolentino added as he urged a review of the legitimacy of the new PNP policy on gun ownership.

“We should have stricter norms on those who can possess semi-automatic rifles.” he said.

BI denies entry for five sex offenders, shipped back on next available flight

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred five visitors from entering the country for allegedly being registered sex offenders.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said all five passengers, consisting of four Americans and a New Zealander who are registered sex offenders (RSOs), were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

They were turned back and loaded on the next flight to their port origin, Tansingco said.

The group was subsequently placed in the BI blacklist of undesirable aliens to make sure they can never return to the Philippines.

RSOs were foreigners who have been previously convicted of sex offenses

Taguig gov’t rolls out 1st livelihood caravan for women

THE Taguig City government has rolled out its first Livelihood Caravan for women in celebration of Women’s Month 2024.

The initiative, called “SheGotIT: Livelihood Caravan Skills Demo and Orientation,” was organized by the Taguig Manpower Training Center in collaboration with the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The project aimed to encourage women to participate in livelihood training programs that provide equal opportunities and enhance their potential.

At least 300 members of the Progressive Ladies League of the Philippines participated in skills demonstrations and orientations in various crafts and professional skills at the Dalupang Multi-Purpose Hall in Barangay Central Signal Village.

“We are empowering the women of Taguig to challenge themselves that they have more to do besides taking care of their families,” said Mayor Laarni Cayetano. Joel E. Zurbano

and whose entry into the Philippines is prohibited under the country’s immigration act as the crimes they committed involve moral turpitude.

Those intercepted were identified as Daniel Lee Downey, who was convicted by a California court for engaging in lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; New Zealander Richard Neil Smith, 73, who arrived via a Scoot Airways flight from Singapore and was reported to be a convicted child sex offender in his country.

Shannon Barlow, an American was intercepted at the NAIA terminal 3 upon arrival aboard an Air Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo. Barlow was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree by a Chicago court in 1996 was sentenced to a prison term of more than three years.

Senators Imee Marcos and Risa Hontiveros also warned against the rise in criminality, terrorism, arms smuggling, and violence in the 2025 elections amid the ease on civilian ownership of semi-automatic rifles.

The PNP recently announced amendments in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

The changes allowed issuance of civilian licenses for M-14 rifles and other semi-automatic weapons with a caliber of 7.62mm and below.

Marcos noted that the PNP was “shooting itself in the foot” and compromising law enforcement efficiency and, above all, public safety.

“Do we want a proliferation of shooting violence like in the U.S.? Who is lobbying for firearms manufacture and imports?” she asked.

The senator added that the PNP’s recent changes to the IRR of the firearms and ammunition law will complicate the government’s task of decommissioning rebel firearms.

The “glacial pace” of accomplishing the task led Marcos to call for an ongoing investigation through Senate Resolution 321 filed in November last year.

Vermin running loose at NAIA, passenger says

By Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

ANOTHER rat has been spotted, this time at the ground floor of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. A passenger witnessed the rodent scurrying across the floor near one of the terminal’s boarding gates.

He recorded the incident and uploaded it to TikTok, where it immediately went viral, gaining some 500,000 views and more than 4,000 likes.

The video shows the vermin passing through several passengers on its way to a wall before crossing another walkway. One airport staff member was seen walking over a bench as the rat approached.

The passenger called for NAIA management to take action, saying he was aware of the rat problem that surfaced recently, but was not expecting to see it for himself.

Passengers have also uploaded videos of bedbugs and a cockroaches at terminal seats over the past week.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) met with the pest control and housekeeping service contractors on Monday to address the issue.

MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines gave them an ultimatum to perform according to their contract terms or get banned from future biddings on services.

DPWH allocates P4.4b for Caraga Region’s Daang Maharlika rehabilitation

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has set aside some P4.4-billion for the rehabilitation of the Surigao-Agusan and AgusanDavao Sections of Daang Maharlika in the Caraga Region in Mindanao.

DPWH Region13 director Pol Delos Santos said 45 projects included in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) aimed to improve the condition of the Daang Maharlika Road that starts from Barangay Lipata in

Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and ends in Barangay Langkilaan in Trento, Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Sur receives a significant portion of the budget for 29 projects costing P3.19 billion after careful study and identification of priority sections of Daang Maharlika needing improvements.

The DPWH Agusan del Sur First and Second District Engineering Offices (DEOs) will oversee the implementation

of the 13 and 16 projects, respectively. Meanwhile, the rest of the projects will cover the provinces of Agusan del Norte with six projects worth P456.78 million; Surigao del Norte with seven projects worth P519.91 million; and, in Butuan City with three projects worth P275.34 million.

Delos Santos said the projects to be implemented by DPWH along the Daang Maharlika in Caraga ranged

from preventive maintenance or asphalt overlaying; major repair and widening of roads and bridges; concrete reblocking; to installations of road safety measures such as pavement markings and signage.

DPWH gave assurance of swift and close monitoring of the projects, which were prioritized by the government due to its prominence of Daang Maharlika as a major trunkline in the Philippines. Vito Barcelo

Three cops, six civilian cohorts tagged in Feb. 13 heist on two homes in Kawit

By

Roy Tomandao

CAMP GEN. VICENTE LIM—The Region 4-A police has dismantled an armed robbery band that included at least three policemen who allegedly broke into two houses in a subdivision in Kawit, Cavite last Feb. 13. Police regional director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, in a press briefing here, said the breakthrough came after investigators established ownership of a van used by the suspects who wore black jackets with long sleeves, caps, and face masks in pulling off the robbery on the two houses at the Grand Centennial Homes in

Brgy. Magdalo-Potol in Kawit. The thieves took off with still undetermined amount of cash, cellphones, a pistol, and some valuables, police said. The owner of the vehicle, whose name was not disclosed, claimed that his van was rented on Feb. 13 by police SM/Sgt. John Paolo Maigue Mellona, an investigator of the Cavite Provincial and Detective Management Unit. This lead to the identification of the other suspects in the case—SM/ Sgt. Reynaldo Andrada Quilit Jr. and Cpl. Lynard Pastrana Pareja, both of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Laguna, two civilians and four others identified only as John Does.

FIREMEN’S OLYMPICS. Senator Lito Lapid graces the conduct of the ‘Urban Fire Olympics’ in Calamba City, Laguna highlighting observance of the Fire Prevention Month. The event showcases skills and capabilities of the country’s firefighters organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection. Lino Santos

WONDER WOMEN OF TABACO CITY. Mayor Krisel Lagman- Luistro leads the opening of the Women of Wonder and Worth WOW” Center of Tabaco City. The facility offers opportunities for advancement to the womenfolk of the city. Norman Cruz

Thousands

House leader backs moves on liberalized education

By Maricel V. Cruz

DEPUTY Speaker David Suarez allayed fears that a liberalized educational system will lead to a decline in nationalism and patriotism, saying that these fears are unfounded.

Suarez made the statement during the discussions of the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, particularly on the proposed amendments to the education provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

The Quezon province representative said the status quo, which disallows Filipinos from accessing better education, deprives the entire nation of the chance for better lives, prosperity and gainful employment.

Department of Education (DepEd)

Undersecretary Omar Alexander Romero admitted that a gap exists in basic education and that the country is behind its other ASEAN neighbors.

Romero, nonetheless, aired DepEd’s concern that the provision “control and

Padilla gathering support, seeking to overturn warrant against Quiboloy

SENATOR Robin Padilla is gathering support from fellow senators to oppose the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader (KOJC) Apollo Quiboloy.

Specifically, Padilla is said to be soliciting the support of other members of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to oppose the move against Quiboloy.

Senator Francis Tolentino, in a press conference earlier said that there are moves to overturn the ruling of panel chairperson, Senator Risa Hontiveros, over Quibiloy’s refusal to attend the

Senate investigation into the alleged sexual abuses and human trafficking within the KOJC.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed that it was Padilla who discussed this move with him on Tuesday.

Zubiri said Padilla told him that Padilla can get the majority of the committee members to overrule the order of the chairperson by gathering enough signatures.

SC junks petitions to keep Pagcor from implementing rules on POGOs

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has junked the

seeking a temporary restraining order against the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation from implementing the rules and regulations for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (RRPOGO) approved by its board in 2016. In a 15-page en banc decision, the SC through Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez ruled that the petitioners—Union for National Development and Good Governance Philippines (Unilad), Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines, Inc. and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista—failed to observe the doctrine of hierarchy of courts and to establish the transcendental importance of the issues raised in the

case to warrant judicial review.

The SC noted that the petitioners have no legal standing to file the petition since they have not shown any direct and personal interests in the enforcement of the RR-POGO.

The RR-POGO outlines the procedure for the licensing, accreditation, and registration of offshore gaming operators, offshore gaming agents, and other auxiliary service providers.

The petitioners also failed to show that they have sustained or are in danger of sustaining direct injury as a result of its implementation.

The tribunal stressed that the parties with a more direct and personal interest in the issue are the offshore gaming operators and other auxiliaries. However, none of them joined as petitioners in the petitions.

“So let’s respect that,” Zubiri said in a separate press conference. Being the Senate president who will sign the order, Zubiri said he will wait for the Senate committee to settle the matter before giving further comments on the possible issuance of arrest warrant against Quiboloy.

“I don’t want to comment at this point in time. I shall wait for that, he has seven days, it’s a committee matter, so I respect the committee on this... Right now, it’s a committee matter, it’s a committee issue, I will no longer-- I cannot preempt the decision of the committee,” Zubiri, quoted by GMA News, said. Senator Imee Marcos also confirmed

Padilla’s moves and added that she will be among the signatories.

In an interview, she said she will help secure the approval of the majority members of the said Senate committee, which has 14 members. As chairperson of the said committee, Hontiveros cited in contempt Quiboloy and requested Zubiri to issue an arrest order against the religious leader who was being investigated for human trafficking. sez-related offenses and violence.

Based on the Rules of the Senate, the ruling of the committee chairperson can be reversed by a majority of the members. Macon Ramos-Araneta

es: the cheap prices, low electricity, and free treatment,” he said. The vice chair of the House Committee on Health said easing the cost of living will enable Filipinos to save and invest in other areas of their lives.

“We

to the increase in the price of goods and fees,” Rep. Ray T. Reyes of AnaKalugan party-list group said.

“Here in Congress, apart from the increase in wages, we can offer the public an additional value: we will also fight for the decrease in the price of expens-

“We will not only look at the wage hike here. It’s not just how much the salary is but how much we save after paying our bills. We are monitoring all aspects in Congress,” he added.

“This is the beauty of having a Congress that encompasses all aspects of the lives of the Filipinos,

we could do it better. Having a responsive and quick to the results Congress assures the public that the Congressmen here not only address just one aspect but the whole dimension of what it means to live in a sustainable society.”

According to Reyes, the House of Representatives is currently looking at a P150 - P350 daily minimum wage increase for all private sector workers which is higher than the P100 proposed by the Senate. He said that while the House of

Representatives recognizes the need to support workers, it also must ensure sustainability for businesses. “I believe the initial proposal is 100 pesos. Sa amin po and based on street opinion, most of the MSMEs can tolerate a certain amount. However, we have to test where the balance point is para sa wage hike,” he said. (In our opinion and based on street opinion, most of the MSMEs can tolerate a certain amount. However, we have to test where the balance point is for the wage hike) Maricel V. Cruz

Another reported theft at NAIA

By Joel E. Zurbano

ANOTHER alleged theft has been reported at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, months after the controversial dollar-swallowing case involving security personnel. A British national and his Filipina wife lost a sling bag containing valuable items while undergoing an X-ray machine for luggage at the departure area.

The couple immediately reported the loss to the airport police department and requested a review of the CCTV footage. The footage showed the British national inserting his sling bag into the X-ray machine, but the security officer could not find the bag inside the machine.

The couple expressed disappointment but were still “thankful” because they did not

lose their passports and they were still able to board their flight bound for London. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has yet to release a statement on this latest controversy.

In September, some personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) were investigated and suspended due to a series of thefts involving security screening officers at the airport, including one who swallowed three $100 bills from a Chinese traveler departing Manila.

The incident also resulted in the resignation of then-OTS chief Ma. O Aplasca.

The case also prompted House Speaker Martin Romualdez to recommend a complete reorganization and suggested that the Department of Transportation replace the entire OTS workforce, and re-hire only those who would pass a strict vetting process based on their honesty, efficiency, and integrity.

administration” will be removed from the Philippines once the proposed education reform is approved.

Meanwhile, Constitutional Reform and Rectification for Economic Competitiveness and Transformation (CoRRECT) Movement co-founder Orion Perez Dumdum said that there is no basis at all on the issue of nationalism and patriotism once the country’s education system is liberalized.

Dumdum countered that, historically, people naturally become more patriotic the moment their economy actually becomes a better performing one. He cited Japan as an example when they became a powerful country in terms of its econ my and its defense capabilities.

“I believe that if we focus on becoming a successful country economically and in many other things—technologically, in terms of education—we will naturally become very patriotic and nationalistic,” Dumdum said.

Solon seeks audit of P10.3B CHED fund for tertiary students

NORTHERN Samar Rep. Paul Daza on Wednesday sought an audit of the P10.3 billion fund for the free tuition and living allowance of thousands of poor tertiary-level students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and in private higher educational institutions (HEIs).

This was in response to complaints by the Association of Higher Education Institution (AHEI) in Region 12, against the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for non-payment of scholarships under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education or UniFAST, which is in charge of implementing Republic Act 10931 to ensure that all eligible Filipinos get access to adequate and equitable education.

The P10.3 billion is part of the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) allocated to CHED. The fund came from the earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and travel tax.

“Those are earmarked funds by law and cannot be used outside of its specified purpose,” Daza said. He added if the said amount is not used it would just stay idle at the National Treasury.

At the same time, Daza called on President Marcos to order a review of the performance of CHED pertaining to education standard, enrolment and graduation rates and drop rates, among others.

“I am really disappointed with CHEd. The President probably should order an internal review of the CHEd’s performance, the attrition rate, dropout rate of Filipino students,” Daza said as he expressed dismay on reports that dropout rate is at 30 to 40 percent a year or only 60 students were able to graduate out of 100 who enrolled. Maricel V. Cruz

SSS members urged to apply for loan plan

By

Rio N. Araja

THE Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday urged members with unpaid loans to avail of the loan penalty condonation program to help them regain their good standing and be able to avail of loans.

SSS executive vice president for Investments Sector Rizaldy Capulong echoed the statement of SSS president and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet about the condonation of penalties for members with past-due loans.

“We listen to the clamor of our members and one of which is to offer a condonation program for those who have past-due loans,” he said.

The state pension fund shall combine the principal and interest of a member’s past-due short-term member loans into one consolidated loan, while all unpaid penalties would be consolidated and condoned or waived upon full payment of the consolidated loan. Members with outstanding loan obligations in their salary, calamity, emergency and restructured loans, including the salary loan early renewal program, are qualified to avail of the program.

‘SUMAYAW 2.0.’ Participants take a breather after participating in a zumba dance dubbed ‘Sumayaw at Umindak

2.0’ held at Visayas Ave. in Quezon City during the kicko celebration of Women’s Month on Wednesday.

participated in the activity, organizers said. Manny Palmero

Eagle Eyes

Tony La Viña

Jhed and Jonila, environmental defenders

ONE of the biggest national news stories in 2023 was the abduction and surfacing of Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano. My colleague Bernardine De Belen wrote about their case and victory in the Supreme Court recently.

The two are young environmental activists who fight against the reclamation of Manila Bay. The projects in the area are known to have already displaced families, disturbed the ecosystems, and polluted living spaces as well as various fishes’ habitats.

The two disappeared on Sept. 2, 2023 with only a shoe and slipper left behind.

A couple of weeks after their disappearance, the police confirmed that Jhed and Jonila were in a safe house.

According to them, the news about their abduction was inaccurate as the two approached the authorities for help.

After this news broke out, on Sept. 19, 2023, the NTF-ELCAC held a press conference with Jhed and Jonila to convey the two actually surrendered.

However, in the same presscon, Jhed and Jonila bravely confirmed they were, instead, abducted by military forces. They were forced to surrender and sign their sworn affidavits because their lives were threatened. Because of the clamor of human rights organizations after this conference, the two got reunited with their families.

Despite their safe return though, a constant threat is dangling over their heads.

For one, environmental activists and human rights defenders are already at risk in the Philippines; there are still 12 recorded enforced disappearance cases as of now under Bongbong Marcos.

Another thing is they defied the state force’s demand for them to cooperate, their defiance broadcast to the public at that. The task force even said in a statement that they felt ‘betrayed.’

The danger their circumstances pose led the two young activists to seek help from the Supreme Court. They filed a petition against Lt. Col. Ronnel Dela Cruz and members of the 70th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army; Police Capt. Carlito Buco and members of the Philippine National Police Bataan; National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, and the NTF-ELCAC.

In the petition, they requested writs of amparo and habeas data; it also included temporary protection order, permanent protection order, and production order. In the petition, they recalled threats said to them during interrogation as well such as, “Pagtatabihin namin kayo sa isang hukay.”

Fortunately, the Supreme Court made the right decision by granting the two activists a temporary protection order, writs

So I See

Lito Banayo

of amparo and habeas data.

In the Supreme Court’s decision, they stated that, “elements of enforced disappearance were present, specifically that petitioners were forcibly taken on Sept. 2, 2023” proved by statements in the petition. The Court also concluded “there was an established violation or threat to the life, liberty, or security of petitioners by respondents.

The writs are called to be issued for reasons so obvious on the mere face of the Petition.”

While this is a great development in their case as it should provide protection and validate their enforced disappearance, a mere week later, they are served with a warrant of arrest from a municipal trial court in Bulacan.

The warrant was for charges of oral defamation filed by the Department of Justice.

—“—

We hope that someday the victories are the rule and not the exception

How ironic is it that while the Supreme Court recognizes the violence done to these activists by the state forces, they get a warrant for telling the truth?

Thankfully, the two activists were able to post bail and acquired their release order.

Amidst these tiny mercies though, we must ask how the justice system in the Philippines can reconcile issuing protection to these young activists while also charging them with oral defamation in the same breath?

How can the same system that demands for the truth crucify defenders who are bravely telling the truth?

Why are victims of human rights violations being bombarded with even more attacks?

The victories–such as the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Jhed and Jonila’s petition–in the world of enforced disappearance victims are few and far between.

And so, we celebrate when we can, and we continue to fight and struggle, always.

We hope that someday the victories are the rule and not the exception.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

EDITORIAL

Rising ripples at WPS

WE HAVE our hand for European Union ambassador Luc Veron who has expressed serious concern over China’s latest menacing maneuvers against Philippine resupply vessels that resulted in a collision in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

At the same time, we applaud Speaker Martin Romualdez who reaffirmed the other day the full support of the House of Representatives for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to continuously enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid rising tension in the WPS.

European Union’s top diplomat Veron, in a statement on X, said, and we quote: “Troubled by today’s pattern of dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Maritime Militia targeting Philippine vessels engaged in crucial resupply missions.”

A Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting the rotation and reprovisioning operation of the Armed Forces collided with a bigger Chinese Coast Guard ship

Duty Calls

Tuesday morning – the first serious incident reported since diplomats from both sides held talks in Shanghai on Jan. 17 to deescalate tensions in the waters.

Philippine vessels were on their way to the grounded ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal to deliver supplies to Navy personnel stationed in the area when the incident happened.

—“—

We raise our hopes the level-headed policy makers will see the wisdom in peacefully resolving disputes instead of using bully tactics

China was of course quick to defend its actions, saying Philippine vessels trespassed into Chinese territory, which is not legally correct since an arbitral ruling by the The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the

Philippines.

It determined that major elements of China’s claim – including its nine-dash line, recent land reclamation activities, and other activities in Philippine waters – has no legal basis. .

World War II-era vessel BRP Sierra Madre has been at the Scarborough shoal, very near Philippine shores, since 1999 and serves as a Philippine military outpost at the tiny South China Sea feature, also known by its international name, Second Thomas Shoal.

Also known as Ayungin shoal, it is 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan and constitutes part of the country’s 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf as provided under a United Nations convention.

Manila decided in 1999 to deploy a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef, also known as Mischief Reef, a Philippine territory, in 1995.

We quote again the European Union diplomat Veron, who said: “The EU reiterates the call for all parties to abide by the legally binding 2016 Arbitration Award and international law to peacefully resolve disputes, guaranteeing safety in maritime waters.”

We raise our hopes the level-headed policy makers will see the wisdom in peacefully resolving disputes instead of using bully tactics.

Florencio Fianza

WE HAVE to take seriously what the Chinese are doing at the Philippine Rise.

The Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, is an extinct volcanic ridge in the Philippine Sea approximately 250 kilometers east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela.

The reported presence of the two Chinese research vessels there was not the first time.

Chinese vessels have been visiting the place on several occasions in the past in the guise of conducting research. Why they keep on going back, we do not know but they may be up to something.

Who knows, we might just wake up one morning to find China making another historical declaration about ancient Chinese mariners having been there in antiquity and start claiming the place as they did with the Scarborough Shoal.

We must not forget that China is claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea and wants every country to accept it.

Prudence, therefore, dictates that we should not take anything for granted.

Getting our act together

the DFA with all the necessary information about an incident and let the DFA be the one to do the talking. The other area is that we do not seem to be paying much attention to what is going on in the home front. This is because our focus is what to do with the encroachments being done in our EEZ in the WPS. But what if the people we want to keep out are already embedded among us?

—“—

We cannot simply allow those people to surrender the country before any fighting could even start From

GSIS to SSS

EXCEPT for his provincemates in Zamboanga and Tarlac and perhaps the big business community, the name of Rolando L. Macasaet does not ring a bell.

But this does not detract from the ability of this government functionary who accomplishes much wherever he is appointed to.

Rolly, as friends call him, is the first Filipino to head both GSIS, the government pension system, and the SSS, the privately funded but government-helmed pension system.

That he was appointed to the GSIS by then President Duterte, and then named to be SSS CEO by incumbent President Marcos Jr. is testament to the guy’s competence and reliability.

He also served under both President GMA and President Estrada, and rose up in the Philippine National Bank hierarchy from the time he finished his studies at the state university, with magna cum laude honors.

At the GSIS, Macasaet offered cheaper loans to members, particularly teachers who were paying enormous interest to loan sharks.

He bought out their liabilities by paying off the private lenders, and then converted these to GSIS loans with much lower interest rates.

Those private lenders had 320 billion worth of loans from our public school teachers, for whom they were gouged from 30 to 60 percent interest annually, until Macasaet converted these to GSIS loans at a meager 7 percent per annum, earning the ire of the loan sharks yet endearing him for the relief he gave our teachers. Moreover, he released 12 billion for the teachers to be able to buy computers during the pandemic, at 30,000 pesos apiece, without conniving with any bulk supplier of computers.

GSIS old-timers told me they just re-

leased the loans, with the teachers choosing whichever brand to buy.

No Sunwest Corp. in the picture, unlike the PS-DBM maneuvered purchase for DepEd teachers which was allegedly overpriced by 1 billion pesos. How’s that for integrity and compassion?

Rolly must have taken to heart what presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte kept saying during the 2016 campaign about loan sharks, whom he called “Turkos,” the Visayan malaprop for the Tagalog-identified “Bombay” who went around plying their 5-6 trade.

Rolly must have taken to heart what Rodrigo Duterte kept saying during the 2016 campaign about loan sharks, whom he called ‘Turkos,’...who went around plying their 5-6 trade

At GSIS, he strung the loan sharks up their asses.

It is simple “malasakit,” or compassion.

In his first year at its helm, SSS chalked up a bottom line of 83.13 billion pesos, surpassing the target of 51.06 billion by a whopping 62.8 percent.

In 2022, net income was 52.6 billion, and in one year (Rolly became SSS Presi-

And with respect to the WPS situation which continues to simmer, there appears no single agency designated to issue statements on what is going on.

The DFA, PCG, and the DND apparently can issue statements without any restrictions.

Even embassies can.

Common sense will tell us that this is not a good policy. This gives the appearance of a shotgun approach which could further complicate an already volatile situation.

The Palace should designate just one agency to speak for the government on all WPS issues and this should be the Department of Foreign Affairs.

All other agencies should just provide

activities, including registration of new paying members and improved collection from delinquent employers on top of the 2023 contributed rate hike, while being prudent on overhead expenses, made up for the banner revenue performance.

Macasaet has lined up other programs to increase membership, as well as benefits for SSS members, but that will be another story.

Would that government functionar-

Unbeknownst to the public, there is this disturbing report that out of 3,900,000 Chinese nationals who have entered the country as tourists in the past few years, almost 900,000 of them cannot be accounted to have returned to China. What this means if this report is true is that there are now hundreds of thousands of overstaying Chinese nationals among us, most of whom are maybe of military age.

It is a staggering number and we have to ask the question how this could have been allowed to happen. And who are the officials responsible? Since the problem is about overstaying

ies could be as over-achieving while remaining low profile, happy at the psychic income of doing a job well and properly serving one’s constituents.

***

Meanwhile, inflation continues to be the economy’s continuing nightmare, with little solution in sight.

PSA announced the other day that February inflation rose by 3.4 percent, up from January’s 2.8 percent and a twomonth declining trend. The cause of the uptick? Food prices, particularly rice. With El Nino now affecting half of the country, and threatening more provinces, there is no escaping higher prices due to constricted domestic production. This space has written about this problem since the middle of last year. Pray it

foreigners, the finger would normally point to the Bureau of Immigration and rightly so.

A few weeks back, corruption allegations were labeled against the BI regarding the issuance of visas to hundreds if not thousands of fake corporations but after a day or two, the news suddenly disappeared.

But not before the Secretary of Justice issued a statement about how deep rooted the problem is within the BI.

The Secretary admitted this kind of cases are no longer simple cases of corruption but already deeply engrained in the culture of the agency.

It is scary what is going on because it involves national security and could mean the very existence of the Republic considering the number involved.

Why do we even bother modernizing our Armed Forces so we can defend our country when the people we want to keep out are already in our midst with the help of corrupt officials?

There seems to be limit to what corrupt officials are willing to do.

Just look at what the NFA just did to our rice stock.

But an entire agency willing to sell the country for 30 pieces of silver? It makes one wonder what else these corrupt officials are capable of.

Here we are with a President fighting hard for our territorial integrity and recently authorized about $34 billion to modernize our military which is the largest budget ever allocated for military modernization. All these, however, will be for naught if we do not get our act together or do something to those corrupt officials willing to do the country grievous harm.

We cannot simply allow those people to surrender the country before any fighting could even start.

does not get worse.

*** Karl Marx once labelled religion as “the opium of the people.”

He theorized that religion encourages people to accept their social conditions because rewards await them in the afterlife. Listening to “victims” of the “Appointed Son,” Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, recount their forced tithing, offerings and other forms of exploitation as members of the sect, one cannot but agree with Marx. How could so many be fooled to part away with hard-earned money for the promise of being in the Kingdom Nation forever and ever? Beats me.

Will the “appointed son” see his comeuppance soon from the long arms of the DOJ or the FBI?

MORE OPINION ONLINE

(www.manilastandard.net)

Citizen Barok By Louis Biraogo

‘Tycoonic’ power consortium: Promises and perils

Trump hails Super Tuesday wins while nearing GOP nod

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump celebrated an “amazing night” as he closed in on the Republican presidential nomination with easy wins in the Super Tuesday primaries, setting up an all-butcertain rematch with President Joe Biden in November.

Fifteen states and a US territory staged nominating contests on the biggest day of the 2024 race so far, with both candidates coveting a second term in the White House.

Texas and California were among the major victories for Trump over Nikki Haley as he picked up support in every demographic, taking conservative southern states and more liberal battlegrounds such as Virginia, one of his longshot challenger’s best chances.

He was denied a clean sweep, with Haley edging a tight contest in the northeastern state of Vermont, but the former president told supporters they had witnessed “an amazing night and an amazing day.”

“They call it ‘Super Tuesday’ for a reason,” Trump told a cheering crowd at his Mar-a-Lago beach club in Florida.

“This is a big one. They tell me, the pundits and otherwise, that there has never been one like this, never been anything so conclusive.”

This year’s Super Tuesday was sapped of much of its suspense as Biden and Trump had effectively secured their parties’ nominations before a ballot was cast Tuesday.

Haley, a former UN ambassador, has failed to throw any significant obstacles in Trump’s path to the nomination since finishing a distant third in the opening contest in Iowa in January.

Impeached twice, beaten by seven million votes in 2020 and facing 91 felony charges in four trials, Trump has a profile unlike any US presidential election candidate in history.

Yet his appeal among working-class, rural and white voters has propelled him toward the nomination in one of the most lopsided primary seasons in modern history. AFP

FESTERING ISSUE.

This handout photo taken and released on Wednesday by the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2024 shows Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (right) meeting a koala as he arrives at Government House for the Leaders’ Retreat at the summit site. The bloc is set to discuss among other concerns the festering dispute in the South China Sea which poses one of the region’s most vexing security challenges, looming large during the threeday summit between Australia and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc. Close United States ally Australia has proven increasingly willing to speak out against China. AFP

ASEAN, Australia decry actions that ‘endanger peace’ in region

MELBOURNE, Australia

– Southeast Asian and Australian leaders on Wednesday warned against actions that “endanger peace” in the South China Sea, following fresh confrontations between Beijing and the Philippines in contested waters.

Simmering tensions in the trade corridor threatened to boil over this week, when Chinese boats in the Spratly Islands were accused of hounding Philippines vessels. Beijing on Wednesday accused the United States of using the Philippines as a “pawn to stir up trouble in the

South China Sea” as hostilities between the Asian nations escalate over their territorial dispute.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea as its own, ignoring legal precedents and competing claims from a host of Southeast Asian nations.

The festering dispute poses one of the region’s most vexing security challenges, looming large during a three-day summit between Australia and the 10-nation ASEAN bloc.

“We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region,” read a joint declaration hammered out between ASEAN members and Australia.

“We recognize the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement added.

As the summit kicked off on Monday morning, Phil-

Buried clothes, bones, DNA help identify Colombia’s missing

SAN ONOFRE, Colombia – Two decades after her son went missing, Soledad Ruiz was handed a small coffin containing his remains, identified using DNA and the sweater he was wearing when he disappeared. Her face worn by grief and time, Ruiz wipes away tears as she clutches a composite sketch of her son, Apolinar, who was 25 when he left for work on a farm in San Onofre in northern Colombia in 1999, never to be seen again.

The Caribbean region of Sucre was then a hotspot for paramilitary groups, brutal far-right squads that formed to combat leftist guerrilla groups but also became involved in drug trafficking, extortion and atrocities.

Ruiz long thought her son had been killed by a paramilitary leader who was known for throwing the bodies of his victims in a caiman-infested river.

However, his remains were found buried elsewhere in San Onofre with the fragments of his old sweater, and his identity confirmed by comparing his DNA to his mother’s. AFP

MOSCOW – Ukrainian drones attacked a fuel depot at an iron processing plant in the Russian border region of Kursk Wednesday, triggering a fire in a fuel tank, the regional governor said.

“The Kursk region was attacked by Ukraine. A drone attacked a fuel and lubricants depot,” Kursk governor Roman Starovoyt said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel.

Two hours later he said a second drone had struck the depot on the site of

the Mikhailovsky Mining and Processing Plant in the city of Zheleznogorsk, some 90 kilometres (55 miles) from the border with Ukraine. The attack made a fuel tank catch fire but did not result in any casualties, he added.

Kyiv has launched a wave of drone attacks at Russian energy facilities in recent months, trying to target the country’s vital energy and gas sector that it says Russia uses to fuel its military offensive.

ippine foreign minister Enrique Manalo delivered a simple request to Beijing: “Stop harassing us”.

The following day, Chinese coast guard boats were accused of harassing a flotilla of Philippine ships sailing a resupply mission.

The Chinese vessels were involved in two separate collisions, the Philippines coast guard said, and blasted one of the resupply boats with a water cannon.

Images taken in the aftermath showed the water cannon had shattered windows on the control bridge of one of the Philippine vessels.

Bound to act by consensus, the ASEAN forum has long struggled to make inroads on the overlapping claims staked throughout the South China Sea.

But the fraught atmosphere hanging over the region has some nations now pushing for the bloc to take a firmer stance. AFP

Gaza truce talks enter fourth day after US urges speedy resolution

PALESTINIAN Territories – International mediators were set for a fourth day of talks with Hamas in Cairo on Wednesday after US President Joe Biden called on the militant group to agree to a truce deal with Israel by the start of Ramadan. Envoys have discussed plans to halt the fighting that has raged since Hamas’s October 7 attack before the Muslim fasting month starts on Sunday or Monday, depending on the sighting of the full moon. As famine threatens the besieged Gaza Strip, US and Jordanian planes again airdropped food aid into the territory of 2.4 million people in a joint operation with Egypt and France on Tuesday. In Melbourne, Australia, Southeast Asian and Australian leaders called for a quick and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory as “dire.”

In a message published at 10:45 am local time, governor Starovoyt warned Zheleznogorsk residents of possible future incoming attacks and ordered people to “take shelter in rooms without windows and with solid walls.”

“If you are on the street, go to the nearest building, underpass or parking lot,” he said. The Russian governor of the neighboring Belgorod region also said Ukraine had fired artillery and drones

“We urge for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire,” said the leaders of 11 nations -- including Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia -- after days of diplomatic wrangling over the text.

The deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip was a topic of fierce debate as leaders from the 10-nation ASEAN bloc convened in Melbourne for a three-day summit with their Australian counterparts. With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan around the corner, the United States and a growing list of nations have been stepping up efforts to secure some kind of pause in fighting.

“We condemn attacks against all civilians and civilian infrastructure, leading to further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza including restricted access to food, water, and other basic needs,” ASEAN and Australia said. AFP

overnight. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said there was some damage, but no casualties from the attacks. Russia’s defense ministry said it had downed Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod and Voronezh regions.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said Wednesday its air defense systems had intercepted dozens of Iran-designed attack drones launched by Russian forces in an overnight barrage that left seven people injured. AFP

45-year-old man charged with tying up indigenous Australian kids with cable

SYDNEY – Australian police have charged a 45-year-old man with “aggravated assault” for allegedly binding three young Indigenous children with cable ties after they swam in a pool without permission.

Social media images appeared to show the tearful children -- a six-yearold girl and two boys aged seven and eight -- with their hands tied together outside a home in Broome, Western Australia, during the incident on Tuesday. One video on social media, widely broadcast by Australian media, showed locals shouting at a white man on the property, demanding in vain that he release the two youngest children after the eight-year-old had already fled.

“That was a very distressing piece of video that we all saw yesterday,” Western Australia Premier Roger Cook told a news conference on Wednesday.

“I understand that raises very strong emotions in everyone but just please, everyone, let the police get on and do their job,” he said.

“Obviously the police will monitor the situation in terms of the community emotions up there and deploy resources appropriately.”

The treatment of Indigenous children is particularly sensitive in Australia. Thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and put into foster care with white families or institutions under assimilation policies that continued into the early 1970s. AFP

CLOSING IN. A supporter of former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump watches a broadcast of his Super Tuesday victory speech during watch party at Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia, Colorado on Wednesday (Manila time). Trump celebrated an ‘amazing night’ as he closed in on the Republican presidential nomination with big wins in the Super Tuesday primaries, setting up an all-but-certain rematch with President Joe Biden in November. AFP

SANCTION. Christy Cain, National Secretary of the

Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, speaks during a press

PH stocks fell for third day on high interest rate concerns

By Jenniffer B. Austria

San Miguel’s food and beverage unit achieves record net income of P38.1b

SAN Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) said Wednesday its net income jumped 10 percent to P38.1 billion, the highest achieved by the group since its consolidation in 2018.

The benchmark Philippine Stock

index dropped 26.92 points, or 0.39 percent, to

at 6,878.54,

while the sell-off in some technology stocks hit many markets around the world.

Wall Street’s three main indexes declined, with the tech-rich Nasdaq ending the day 1.7 percent lower, pulled down by Apple and Tesla. Apple’s shares fell after news that iPhone sales in China were lower early this year, serving as “a stark reminder of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.

While US stock indices are up sharply on the year, the recent rallies have relied heavily on a few megacap stocks.With AFP

SMFB said in a statement it ended 2023 with outstanding financial results, despite the challenges of an unpredictable macroeconomic landscape.

Consolidated sales reached P379.8 billion, or 6 percent higher than in the previous year, with all business units reporting sales growth compared to 2022 on improved volumes and pricing strategies.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

(EBITDA) was also up 7 percent at P66.8 billion.

“Our success in 2023 reflects our team’s dedication and drive for excellence. We’re determined to build on our gains, and continue finding ways to excite and delight our markets, while delivering the same high quality, best value products that have been trusted and enjoyed by generations,” SMFB president and chief executive Ramon Ang said.

SMFB’s beer division reported an

8-percent increase in consolidated sales to P147.3 billion, fueled by higher demand in both local and international markets. Domestic sales volumes, however, were still 25 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Domestic sales rose 8 percent to P131.7 billion, boosted by effective marketing strategies and expanded sales efforts. International revenue grew by 7 percent, propelled by strong demand for San Miguel’s global brands, such as Red Horse, leading to significant growth in regions like South China, Thailand and through exports. EBITDA and net income increased by 9 percent and 16 percent respectively, with net income reaching P25.3 billion.

BEST BUDDIES. Participants attend the first three sessions of the Best Buddies

employment program in the

of securing employment through established partnerships with both local and international firms. Participants have an opportunity to have exposure to different industries, secure internship placement and a fair chance at different jobs. The 12 biweekly sessions are ongoing until June 29, 2024. Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit organization established in 2020, dedicated to uplifting the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities in the Philippines.

Globe expands, upgrades cell sites to 4G technology

GLOBE Telecom Inc. expanded its network in 2023 with 1,217 new cell sites and upgraded 6,975 mobile sites to 4G LTE technology to ensure greater access to life-enabling connectivity nationwide.

Globe said it also advanced its 5G network rollout, activating 894 new 5G sites in 2023 in line with market dynamics to offer improved browsing experience for customers.

The company also deployed over 199,000 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines as it continues to maximize the use of its existing fiber inventory and ensure the delivery of the right product to the underserved prepaid fiber market.

“Our priorities remain consistent and focused on delivering network builds and optimizing network services across all regions and territories to expand and strengthen our coverage across the country. These days, connectivity is lifeenabling, and Globe consistently builds up its network to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Globe senior vice president and network, planning and engineering head Joel Agustin.

The company said its ongoing efforts to improve its network infrastructure would offer customers enhanced connectivity, paving the way for a more connected and innovative future in the Philippines.

Globe spent $1.3 billion in capex in 2023 following peak spending during the pandemic, when demand for connectivity surged amid the accelerated digital shift.

Shell set to launch more EV charging stations, seeks government incentives

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SHELL Pilipinas Corp. launched three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in three malls last month as it remains bullish of the emerging EV industry, an executive said Wednesday.

“Just this February, we launched Shell Recharge stations at three mall locations in partnership with Ortigas Land, and we are looking at introducing more chargers this 2024 with more industry partners,” Shell Pilipinas country business manager for e-mobility, vehicle servicing, convenience retail and business alliance

Josemarie Lorenzo Valdez said.

The company ended 2023 with over 25 charge points across eight locations. “Shell Pilipinas will have a demand and partnership approach to growing our charging station footprint. We will grow where there is strong customer demand at pace with society,” Valdez said. The company received approval from its shareholders to directly engage in the EV charging station business and to sell various services related to electric charging apart from the traditional fuels business.

SMFB’s spirits division also reported higher growth, with revenues up 13 percent to P53.6 billion driven by efforts to enhance brand equity through consistent advertising, consumer promotions, and expanding market reach.

Both EBITDA and net income saw substantial increases of 41 percent and 55 percent, amounting to P9.4 billion and P7.0 billion, respectively.

Meanwhile, its food division reported revenues of P178.8 billion, a 2-percent increase from the previous year, which was achieved through strategic pricing adjustments across segments, complemented by aggressive marketing to stimulate demand.

DMCI’s net profit declined by 20% to P24.9b in 2023

CONGLOMERATE DMCI Holdings Inc. on Wednesday reported a 20-percent decline in 2023 net income on lower contributions from energy, nickel and construction subsidiaries.

DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its 2023 net income reached P24.9 billion, down from P31.1 billion in 2022, which was the second-highest ever for the company.

The company said the higher net income contributions from the real estate, off-grid energy and water utility businesses helped compensate for the decline contribution from energy, mining and construction units.

“We saw sharp corrections in commodity and energy prices in 2023, but because our businesses did very well in terms of production and sales volume, we managed to prevent a severe decline in our profitability,” said DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji.

Consolidated revenues in 2023 also dropped 14 percent to P122.8 billion from P142.6 billion the prior year due to normalizing coal, nickel and electricity prices, alongside a slowdown in construction and real estate activities, and an increase in revenue reversals stemming from the cancellation of real estate sales.

Average Newcastle and Indonesian coal prices dropped 64 percent and 26 percent, respectively, while the Philippine freight-on-board nickel price (for 1.30 percent nickel) fell by 30 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

Clean energy must also provide timely and stable power

Out in the Open Ray S. Eñano

THE transition from fossil-based fuels to clean and sustainable energy sources should not be a complex process.

The economic benefits and the positive environmental impacts are crystal clear. Policymakers and regulators should easily recognize the pluses of renewable energy (RE) sources—they generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels and directly address the climate crisis.

The government, thus, must be discerning in extending incentives to proponents of clean energy and dispatch its rules and policies with urgency. There is a timeline that regulators should strictly follow in reaching the objectives of renewable sources of electricity and a fine line that they must distinguish between clean energy and grid stability.

The push for RE is moving ahead with the planned green energy auctions (GEA) by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in August this year that will significantly open the electricity grid for renewables. But are the parameters of the bidding clear to the participants?

The Department of Energy and the ERC, for one, have not laid down the regulatory framework for the transition to green energy, nor finalized the feed-in tariff—or the renewable energy policy that offers guaranteed payments on a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour.

Another policy issue bugging the auction is power stability pending the awards and delivery of the RE technologies. This interim period implies continued reliance on dirty coal.

supply

—“—

(Hydro-power) is immune to the erratic price fluctuations of energy commodities such as crude oil and coal...

The Philippines has been trying to create an attractive investment climate primarily by way of reducing electricity rates. The only meaningful route to cheap power rates is through clean energy and stable supply at reasonable costs.

Renewable energy from natural resources such as solar and wind abound in the Philippines. Their potential to lower energy cost is apparent because they can easily be replenished. The costs of solar panels as well as wind turbines are also declining.

Hydro-power, meanwhile, is one of the most economical energy sources overall. It is immune to the erratic price fluctuations of energy commodities such as crude oil and coal, since it harnesses the self-renewing force of rivers.

Hydro-electricity is generated through the construction of dams that use the natural flow of water to spin the turbines, as well as through pumped storage and run-of-the-river set-ups. It is not vulnerable to the threats posed by weather disturbances to solar and wind.

Hydro-power dams, in addition, provide drinking water and irrigation to farms, serve as flood and drought control, and depend on stable rainfall patterns.

Would the power grid be equipped to handle the added load once these renewables are fully developed? As if this wasn’t enough, red tape appears to be making the ERC and the DOE complacent in setting the rates for RE proponents.

The DOE is pushing the third green energy auction later in the year to boost the nation’s power generating capacity. It has projected a 28,000-megawatt demand by 2030 and 50,000 megawatts by 2040, with a increasing share from RE.

It wants to raise RE share in total energy supply to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 but is silent on the question of grid stability.

For instance, supply from impounding hydro and pumped-storage hydro are set to be available from 2028 to 2030, per the DOE data. But pumped storage facilities will take five to six years to build before they become operational. Geothermal power plants will begin in 2024 until 2030, while run-of-the-river hydroelectricity is targeted from 2026 to 2028.

DOE’s power demand and supply forecast appears faulty. The night time peak demand during the dry seasons will likely suffer a 21,655-megawatt deficiency from solar and wind, which would push base-load (those in operation already) to ramp up generation. Solar and wind also will likely not be available during storms for safety reasons. The DOE and ERC can address these deficiencies through an enabling mechanism―the next RE auction. The ERC, foremost, should act fast in determining a clear RE pricing and policy to fully open the doors to proponents.

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

Philippines pre

hopes

PAG-IBIG AWARDEE. Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. (fourth from left) receives a plaque of recognition from Pag-IBIG Fund executives at the Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman’s Report 2024. Also in photo are Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta (third from left), senior vice president for legal Marcial Pimentel Jr. and other officials.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Metro

Pacific’s income surged 90% to record P19.9b in 2023

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the local unit of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., reported on Wednesday a record net income of P19.9 billion in 2023, up 90 percent from P10.5 billion in

as

businesses benefitted

and volume. MPIC said in statement core net income went up 38 percent to P19.5 billion from P14.2 billion in 2022 as con-

revenues climbed 4 percent to an all-time high of P443.6 billion. Income contribution from operations rose 29 percent to P24.5 billion, driven by the strong performance of the power generation business and

higher tariffs at its water concession.

Among the company’s core businesses, power posted the largest contribution of P15.2 billion or 62 percent of net operating income, while toll roads and water businesses contributed 5.8 billion and P4.4 billion, respectively.

“All of our core business segments performed consistently well in 2023. Meralco’s power generation business is becoming a steady contributor to its growth with promising expansion opportunities in the pipeline. Traffic on our toll roads under MPTC [Metro Pacific Tollwasy Corp.], rising by double digits and Maynilad is benefiting from the catch-up of delayed tariff increases,” said MPIC chairman, president and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.

BSP rules out interest rate reduction soon

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is not likely to cut interest rates soon because of the persisiting upside inflations risks.

Eli

a news briefing Wednesday, also ruled out further tightening of interest rates.

“The models and the data seem to suggest that it’s still too soon to declare victory [over inflation]. We seem to be on our way, but there’s not enough data to assure us that we will settle comfortably within our target range of between 2 and 4 percent,” Remolona said.

“The main thing is still whether there are upside risks, supply side shocks, whether there’s going to be more of them, and whether they will cause second-round effects,” he said.

Inflation rate in February picked up to 3.4 percent from 2.8 percent in January on higher food, beverage and transport prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Tuesday.

Business groups support nuclear energy option to cut power rates

BUSINESS groups and energy stakeholders expressed support for exploring nuclear technology as an alternative energy source to address the country’s high power rates.

Business leaders offered positive feedback on the proposed use of nuclear power during a forum hosted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)

Tuesday.

“With our administration’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ banner, our attention is very much open for advanced innovations, such as this [nuclear technology], that would help boost our country’s economic growth and the lives of the Filipino people,” said ARTA secretary Ernesto Perez. He said energy stakeholders were looking forward to the potential benefits of nuclear technology for both

the industrial and commercial sectors.

Representatives from major energy companies, including Aboitiz Power Corp., San Miguel Global Power, Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. and Kepco KPS Carabao Corp., participated in the forum alongside other power groups and government agencies.

ARTA proposed developing a joint memorandum circular (JMC) or an executive order (EO) to streamline the permitting process for nuclear projects.

ARTA sought recommendations from the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Board of Investments (BOI) and Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent (DREAM) at the next energy sector meeting scheduled in late March 2024. Othel

V. Campos

Average inflation from January to February 2024 reached 3.1 percent, higher than the government’s full year target of range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

“It’s on the edge, so I can’t say that we’re gonna ease soon. I think it’s unlikely that we will tighten some more.

But we’ll see what the data says,” said Remolona.

The PSA traced the uptrend in the overall inflation in February to the higher year-on-year increase in the heavilyweighted food and non-alcoholic beverages at 4.6 percent during the month from 3.5 percent in January.

Food inflation at the national level rose to 4.8 percent in February from 3.3

percent in January, caused by higher prices of rice and meat, the agency said. Data showed that on a month-onmonth seasonally adjusted basis, headline inflation increased to 0.9 percent in February from -0.1 percent in the previous month. Core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy items and measures underlying demand-side price pressures, decelerated further to 3.6 percent year-on-year in February from 3.8 percent in January. Analysts earlier predicted the BSP would start cutting rates in the second half of the year on the back of falling inflation.

Palawan tourism expected to sustain growth this year—business chamber

By Julie Ann Lope

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan—Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Palawan Chapter chairman

Pan Ming Yuan expects tourism in this province to sustain its growth this year as the economy continuously recovers from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

International visitor arrivals in the Philippines reached 5.45 million in

2023, which surpassed the target of 4.8 million set by the Department of Tourism.

“Hotels and beach resorts are very good investments in the province,” said Pan, who is also the chairman of Filipino-Chinese Amity Club in Palawan. Pan expressed hope the government would provide more assistance for the promotion of tourism such as the construction of roads and bridges to reach the remote tourism sites and providing

lower water and electricity rates. Palawan is becoming a popular tourism destination because of its pristine beaches, islands and clear water.

Pan said while the Palawan FilipinoChinese community is small, they do their best to contribute to the mainstream society especially during the pandemic period when they donated medical supplies. The group also distributed relief goods to the people who were affected by typhoons in the past.

CIC accredits JuanScore as special entity providing credit reports, ratings

BPO industry announces $40-b revenue target

By Othel V. Campos

THE IT-business process management (IT-BPM) industry announced a $40-billion revenue target for 2024.

IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines president Jack Madrid said the continued skills development and investments would drive the sector’s growth.

“Of headcount, we hope to project 1.84 million employees and with a little bit of luck for the first time in history, we will touch $40 billion in revenue. It’s an ambitious number that is really quite a pivotal time in our history,” Madrid said.

Instrumental to the industry’s continuing growth is its new campaign on rebranding that seeks to put the Philippines as the top of the global IT-BPM industry.

The country remains the top 2 destination on voice services, next to India. Madrid said amid the global challenges, the industry association would be happy to keep its ranking, but efforts to improve this segment of the ITBPM may give India a run for its money.

He said the industry seeks to greatly improve talents to raise the level of excellence in providing niche services.

Meralco sees lower generation cost for March

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. forecasts lower power generation charges for March on softer spot market prices and the availability of the 500-megawatt San Buenaventura coal plant in Mauban, Quezon.

“While we have yet to receive all the billings from our suppliers, initial indications show lower generation charge this March. This due to resumption of operations of the San Buenaventura power plant after undergoing maintenance, and lower WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) prices given the improved supply situation in the Luzon grid,” Meralco vice president and spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.

Preliminary data from WESM operator Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) showed that the average electricity prices declined by around P0.67 per kilowatt-hour from Jan. 26 to Feb. 19 due to lower power demand and full energization of the Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP).

Average supply was at 18,931 megawatts, higher than the January average supply of 18,197 MW. Demand was slightly lower at 12,196 MW from 12,282 MW in January.

PALENG-QR IN BACOOR. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (left) pays the jeepney fare using QR code during the launch of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program on March 5, 2024 in Bacoor City. Joining her is Vice Mayor Rowena Bautista-Mendiola.

BSP Governor

Remolona, in

Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Palawan Chapter chairman Pan Ming Yuan

Holt gives Dyip great start, gains PBA Player of Week

STEPHEN Holt is showing signs of the billing that made him the top overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft.

And his performance to begin the PBA Philippine Cup has bode well for the Terrafirma Dyip, who are off to their best start since claiming their only playoff appearance in the league.

“I’ve always said that stats don’t matter, it’s all about winning, lifting and elevating the group and being a positive influence both offensively and defensively,” said Holt, who was adjudged as the All-Filipino tournament’s first PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week.

While he doesn’t care about the numbers, Holt’s 22.0-point, 8.5-rebound, 4.0-assist and 4.5-steal production has elevated a Terrafirma side that defeated Converge and NLEX in the first week of the season-ending conference.

He opened the Philippine Cup by resetting his season-high with 27 points while contributing 10 rebounds, four assists and five steals and the Dyip rolled past the FiberXers, 107-99, on March 1.

Two days later saw Holt go for 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals in a hard-fought 99-95 win over the Road Warriors that put the Dyip at 2-0, tying another perennial bottom feeder in the Blackwater Bossing.

Terrafirma hasn’t been to the playoffs since the 2016 Governors’ Cup, holding the league’s longest active drought. At that time, the franchise won four in a row on its way to making the top eight.

It’s a destination Holt and the Dyip, who are also led by the likes of firsttime All-Star Juami Tiongson, Javi Gomez de Liano and Isaac Go, are looking to reach this time.

“it’s really difficult for a group like us that hasn’t tasted too much success,” said Holt. “We just have to stay positive, keep working like we had in the lead-up to this conference.“Again, we can only control what we can control.”

Holt was the unanimous choice for the award given weekly by the men and women covering the beat, defeating Tiongson and Blackwater’s Troy Rosario.

Obiena vows to be better prepared in future tourneys

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO

pole vault star

Ernest John Obiena vowed to be better prepared the next time he joins an indoor competition.

The 28-year-old Obiena said this after he cleared 5.65 meters to settle for ninth place in the men’s pole vault meet of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday (Monday in Manila).

The Tondo, Manila-born Obiena did not hide his disappointment on what he believes was a bad

CAPAS, TARLAC—Uzbekistan bagged the gold medal in the Junior 15-19 Duet event of the 11th Asian Age Group Championships artistic swimming competition at the New Clark City Aquatic Center here Tuesday night.

Ziyodakhon Toshkhujaeva, the bronze medalist in free solo last Monday, teamed up with Anna Vaschenko to claim victory after scoring 347.4850 points.

Kazakhstan’s Yasmin Tuyakova and Arina Pushkina (340.1650) settled for the silver medal while Hong Kong’s Katherine Ka Wing Chu and Chi Yin Lee (290.4529) bagged the bronze medal.

In the Youth 13-15 category, Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Ichshenko and Dayana Jamanchalova registered the highest score of 233.5413 points to beat China’s Ji Xuan Ye and Zhiyun Qui (229.6568) and Uzbekistan’s Jasmina Kodirova and Sabina Makhmudova (194.8469).

China’s Sichan Zhou and Siya Zhou were crowned champions in the 12 and under category with an impressive 208.9966 points.

Kazakhstan’s Valeriya Kostrub and Nazym Saim scored 182.8092 to secure the silver medal while Uzbekistan’s Elizaveta Kazatkina and Darya Kochneva took the bronze medal with 171.6023 points.

In water polo, Japan defeated Uzbekistan, 32-13, to remain unbeaten after four games in the men’s division. Iran downed Kazakhstan, 12-10, for its third win in four games, while China clobbered Thailand, 32-2, to post its second win against one loss. Malaysia notched its first win at the expense of Sri Lanka, 23-5.

In the women’s division, China bounced back from its 8-9 loss to Thailand last Monday, prevailing over Sri Lanka, 48-3, for its second win.

showing over the weekend as he gets ready for the outdoor season next and his eventual participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I need to be more prepared. If there was whole season of indoor tournaments for me, it was a gamble. This was a gamble. My indoor season last year ended quietly,” said Obiena in a Zoom huddle on Tuesday.

Obiena talked about his experience in Glasgow in a Zoom meeting with scribes, after he was chosen as the newest Filipino athlete supported by Visa Master Card in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Next to gymnast Carlos Yulo and women’s football player Inna Palacios in the past, Obiena was selected as the latest Filipino athlete that Visa is backing for his dedication and perseverance.

His performance in Glasgow was one of Obi-

ena’s three lowest jumps in more than a year, the first being his gold-clinching 5.65 meters at the 5-6 National Indoor Meeting, Palaindoor in Padova, Italy on Jan. 21, 2023.

Obiena then had a 5.64-meter leap at the Indoor meeting in Calais, France for 10th place on Feb. 15 against a competitive field that included world no. 1 Armand Duplantis. That same competitive group of athletes, who were in France last year, were also around in Glasgow over the weekend, with Swedish bet Duplantis getting out of difficult moments to retain his indoor mark with a 6.05 meter clearance.

Despite his setbacks, Obiena said he remains on target in his preparations for the Paris Olympics, which is an outdoor event.

“So far so good. Things are going the way we planned,” said Obiena, who is coached by

LAPU-LAPU CITY—The East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four gets a Philippine touch as Rhenz Abando suits up for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang in the three-day event at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu, Cebu.

The 25-year-old former Gilas Pilipinas standout already saw action for the Korean Basketball League (KBL) side last Sunday against Goyang Sono three months following his harrowing fall in which he sustained multiple injuries.

Abando finished with 17 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists in a 92-87 win.

Unfortunately, another Filipino in

Uzbekistan wins artistic swim gold Abando suits up for Anyang in EASL Final 4 Cebu battles

Juan Gomez de Liano won’t be playing for the other KBL team Seoul SK Knights as the guard out of University of the Philippines underwent seasonending surgery on his finger.

The Red Boosters and the Knights are set to clash in the ‘March Madness’ version of the EASL, which has the Philippine Airlines, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, and TikTok as official partners and Anta, McDonald’s, and Spalding as product partners.

The two Korean sides battle each other at 5 p.m. this Friday, followed by the collision between the undefeated Chiba Jets of B. League and the Jeremy Lin-

Samanodi surges ahead by 1 after 70

DAVAO—Kuresh Samanodi took control with a bogeyfree 70 as erstwhile co-leader Ozeki Kakeru faltered with a 77 even as local amateur standout Aidric Chan made a strong push for one of the 30 spots up for grabs in the Philippine Golf Tour Q-School here Wednesday. In a topsy-turvy second round, Samanodi displayed composure and precision, carding birdies on Nos. 2 and 10 to produce a pair of 35s at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates course. Despite falling short of the eagle-boosted 69 from the first round, the 30-year-old shotmaker from Cotabato claimed a one-stroke lead with a five-under 139, surpassing amateur Drew Proctor of the US.

“Mas maganda ang palo ko today (Wednesday) pero mahirap kasi basahin ang greens dito,” said Samanodi, acknowledging the difficulty of reading the greens, despite missing a few birdie opportunities, including a four-footer on No. 17

“Pero kahit na-missed ang mga birdies, par pa din,” he added. “I am so confident with my game plan and I’ll just keep on doing that. Just hope to play much better in the last two rounds.”

Proctor, who narrowly missed the first-round honors due to a double bogey on No. 18, endured a roller-coaster round that featured six birdies against four bogeys but ended up with a second straight 70 for solo second at 140.

Chan, meanwhile, mounted a late charge, gaining strokes on Nos. 16 and 17 to turn a one-over card into a one-under 71, propelling the former Junior World champion to solo third at 143.

In contrast, American Collin Wheeler surrendered a two-under card with bogeys on Nos. 13 and 16, finishing with consecutive 72s for fourth at 144, while Korean amateur Min Hyeok Yu fought back from a 74 with a 71 spiked by three birdies in the first seven holes for a 145. Kakeru, who also gunned down an eagle to match Samanodi’s 69 Tuesday, settled for a two-birdie round but faltered with a double bogey and five bogeys,

Q-School topnotcher Toru Nakajima of Japan. Minwook struggled with a 76 while Nakajima shot a 73.

bannered New Taipei Kings of the P. League+ at 8 p.m. Winners of the two semis pairings will meet in the Finals set Sunday where the winner takes home a cool $1 million prize money. Except for the Jets, all three teams already arrived in the Queen City of the South on Wednesday.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega attended the game of Abando along with embassy officials and members of the local Filipino community to send off the former NCAA Rookie-MVP from Letran and the rest of the Red Boosters in their EASL title bid.

Terrafirma’s Stephen Holt (right) is finally living up to his lofty billing.

Ernest John Obiena

Vitaly Petrov. Obiena said he won’t be competing in any more indoor meets and will soon start his outdoor season by May. Outdoor meets are set to begin by April.

Rhenz Abando welcomed back.

Smart hands Capital1 1st loss; Say Chiz bounces back

THE Smart Sports Scribes denied the Capital1 Solar Boys a perfect opening round campaign while the Say Chiz Smileys scored a bounce back victory over the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros in the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday.

The Sports Scribes relied on Jan Ballesteros and Julio Sampedro down the stretch to complete a nailbiting 67-66 triumph over the Solar Boys, while the Smileys used a big fourth quarter run to keep the Press Row Bros winless, 89-77, in the third week of the tournament headed by PSA President Nelson Beltran of The Philippine Star and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

With Smart down by two points, 6466, Sampedro showed nerves of steel and drilled the go-ahead three-pointer off an assist from Ballesteros to put the Sports Scribes up by one with 6.9 seconds remaining in the game.

After setting the stage for Sampedro’s clutch basket, Ballesteros, who scored six of the team’s last 11 points, came up big on the defensive end as well and stripped the ball away from Aldo Aviñante in the final play to seal Smart’s second consecutive victory and hand Capital1 its first loss in the tournament.

Backed by Danny Espiritu and Headstart Sports Academy, Ballesteros finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals for the Sports Scribes, while AJ Bolando ended up with 17 markers as well to go along with 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Sampedro added nine points, five rebounds, and three assists.

On the other hand, Aviñante paced the Solar Boys with 20 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and three steals while John Bryan Ulanday, who scored six points in Capital1’s 16-2 run to open the fourth, tallied 19 points, four steals, and two assists in the defeat.

Despite the loss, Capital1, which is supported by Mandy and Milka Romero, Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel, still ended the first round as the top-ranked squad despite sharing identical 2-1 records with Smart and Say Chiz due to superior quotient.

In the opening game, Niel Masoy scored six of his nine fourth quarter points in Say Chiz’s significant 14-4 run to start the period, which gave them a commanding 75-62 advantage over SGA.

Japan’s Inoue to battle Nery for

super-bantam world titles

TOKYO—Japan’s undisputed super-bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue on Wednesday promised a “white-hot fight” as he announced a title defense against Mexico’s Luis Nery at the Tokyo Dome on May 6.

The unbeaten Inoue, nicknamed “Monster”, will be back in action for the first time since beating Marlon Tapales of the Philippines in December to add the WBA and IBF titles to his own WBC and WBO belts.

The win made Inoue, the former undisputed bantamweight world champion, only the second man to unify all four world titles in two different weight classes, following American Terence Crawford.

His fight against Nery will be the first boxing match held at the Tokyo Dome since James “Buster” Douglas stunned undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in 1990.

The 30-year-old Inoue, who has a 26-0 record with 23 knockouts, said he was “highly motivated” to compete at the venue, which has a capacity of over 45,000. “Luis Nery is a very strong fighter, so I will have to be at the top of my game,” Inoue told reporters at a To-

kyo press conference, where he sat alongside Nery. “It will be a white-hot fight.”

The 29-year-old Nery has a 35-1 record, with 27 KOs.

Nery was stripped of his bantamweight world title in 2018 after failing to make weight and also tested positive for a banned substance the previous year. He was subsequently banned from fighting in Japan, but the country’s boxing commission last week gave him the green light to compete.

Nery apologized to Japanese boxing authorities and said he was “happy to be back” in the country. “I am very concentrated on my training,” he said. “I want to put on a great match.”

AFP

Green Spikers notch 3rd straight UAAP victory

DE

86

after

UAAP

Tournament but

a marathon third set against University of the East, 25-14, 2520, 31-29 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Green Spikers zoomed to a 4-1 record for momentary solo second while the Red Warriors remained winless

“Based

However, errors doomed UE as JP

Reyes, and Brent

Maralit committed three consecutive errors to give La Salle the win in just 79 minutes.

The “triangle arsenal” of the Green Spikers was in full effect today with Vince Maglinao leading the way with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.

The other two sides of the triangle Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo posted 13 points apiece with the former getting eight excellent receptions and the latter making six digs.

Joshua Pozas was the lone Red Warrior in double digits with 14 points along with five digs.

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday at the same bayside Pasay arena.

UE will open the day against the defending champion National University at 10 a.m. while La Salle will face the still-winless University of the Philippines at 12 p.m.

Alicia hosts first Isabela Provincial Athletic Meet

By Jessica M. Bacud

ALICIA, Isabela—Mayor Joel Amos

P. Alejandro led the official opening of the Isabela Provincial Athletic Meet, the first-ever held at the Alicia Athletic Oval from February 28 to March 2.

In his speech, Mayor Alejandro highlighted his dedication to sports and fostering grassroots’ sports growth, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized how important sports are in helping young people develop discipline, sportsmanship, and togetherness.

“It provides a stage for exhibiting skill, encouraging healthy rivalry, and developing the next generation of outstanding athletes,” said Alejandro.

The mayor reiterated his commitment to continue advocating for more robust sports-related programs. This commitment is consistent with his long-standing support

of promoting healthy habits among young people. He underscored the importance of sports for the development and wellbeing of young Filipinos as well as their place in the sports sector.

Six teams from six different province-wide districts gathered for the athletic meet, each bringing their own competitive attitude and skill set to the table.

Also, the event highlighted the crowning of Isabela’s 2024 Sports King and Queen from among the different districts at the Alicia Community Center.

The event was also attended by the Department of Education Regional Director Benjamin D. Paragas, Aida P. Alejandro, Chairman of the Mu-

nicipal Cultural and Tourism Council of Alicia, local chief executives, members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Alicia led by Vice Mayor Andy Bonn Velasco, and representatives of the district’s representatives and teachers.

First-place winners in District 3 took 140 golds, 120 silvers, and 102 bronze medals particularly in taekwondo, dance sports and individual events. With 108 golds, 95 silvers and 86 bronze medals, District 1 placed second, followed by District 5, which came in third with 64 golds, 50 silvers and 55 bronze medals.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth places were occupied by Districts 4, 2, and 6, respectively.

Cool Smashers, HD Spikers eye share of lead in Premier volley

CREAMLINE and Cignal hope to exploit their advantage in manpower in pursuit of a third straight victory and a share of the with idle Choco Mucho, facing Galeries Tower and Nxled, respectively, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Thursday).

Ranged against a pair of winless rivals, the Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers set out in their respective 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. matches the prohibitive favorites although the unpredictable nature of each team leaves room for potential reversals.

Despite dropping their first two matches, the Highrisers and the Chameleons are determined to turn things around. Galeries faces the formidable Creamline side, requiring a significant boost to halt the defending champions’ early surge in the seasonopening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Meanwhile, the Chameleons, coming off a week-long rest, aim to present a tough challenge for the HD Spikers.

Between Galeries and Nxled, however, the Chameleons are seen as having a favorable chance to surprise the HD Spikers. Coach Taka Minowa and his team are expected to have made the necessary adjustments against their rivals, who previously drubbed the Akari Chargers in four and swept the Highrisers.

Ivy Lacsina, a key player for Nxled, seeks improvement following her 12-point performance against the PLDT High Speed Hitters. She will be supported by players such as Camille Victoria, Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon and Kamille Cal.

Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, on the other hand, expresses confidence in his team’s ability to extend their win run behind Ces Molina, Vanie Gandler, Roselyn Doria, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses and Chin Basas, alongside top playmaker Gel Cayuna and defense specialist Dawn Catindig.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, anticipates another strong performance from his team, anchored on Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and middle Bea de Leon and setter Kyle Negrito.

Carlos, inspired by her recent career-high 31-point game against the Chargers last week, is poised for another impactful contribution against the Highrisers, who are yet to post a set win in two games.

Games can be viewed live on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel – RPTV.

Japan’s super-bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue (left) and Mexico’s Luis Nery pose for a photo during a press conference in Tokyo. Inoue promised a ‘white-hot ght’ as he announced a title defence against the Mexican at the Tokyo Dome on May 6. AFP

The La Salle Green Spikers celebrate after scoring a point. Mayor

LANY announces PH leg for ‘a beautiful blur’ world tour

By Abigail Adriatico

MULTI-PLATINUM pop rock band LANY announces the Asian leg of its a beautiful blur world tour, kicking off in Singapore and continuing through Asia in September and October.

According to concert organizer Live Nation Philippines, the band will hold two concerts in the country: one at the Philippine Arena on Oct. 12 and another at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on Oct. 13.

Ticket sales will begin with an artist presale starting on March 11 at 10:00 a.m. and running until March 12 at 11:59 p.m. This will be followed by the Live Nation Philippines presale from March 13 at 11:00 AM to March 14 at 11:59 p.m. The general sale will commence on March 15 at 10:00 a.m. at SM Tickets.

Live Nation also announced limited VIP packages will be available, with further details to be revealed.

The announcement coincides with the release of the band’s fifth studio album, a beautiful blur. The album features hit singles “XXL,” “Alonica,” “Love at First Fight,”

Benjie Paras wears new hat in GTV’s ‘Negosyo Goals’

By Nickie Wang

Benjie Paras was officially introduced as the new cohost of businesswoman Anna Magkawas in the new season of the business talk show Negosyo Goals, which now airs on GTV.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Paras said that it was easy “yes” for him to accept the offer because of two things: Negosyo Goals is now on GTV, the sister company of his home studio; and he wanted to develop his skills in hosting.

“I think they didn’t have a choice,” Paras said in jest when he and Magkawas faced members of the media at a restaurant in Malabon City. “I’m at home, this is GTV. This is also where I work.”

Paras is known as a basketball player, comedian, and sports analyst, so it’s a big challenge for him to be a co-host of a business talk show.

“When I started in basketball, which is very different from showbiz, basketball is about self-discipline. Sleeping early, proper diet. In showbiz, our work is always late at night,

and meal times are irregular. Learning through experience. I am so very happy and very privileged to have worked with many veteran artists; that’s where I learned,” Paras stated.

“I had a business, a food chain, but it stopped. For me, I’m not the one who can help. I’m the one who will be helped by hosting Negosyo Goals, just in case I also want to have a stable business,” he went on.

For Magkawas, she stated that it was not difficult for them to convince paras to join the show.

“I am super happy because he opened his door to be part of Negosyo Goals,” she said.

As for the new season, the entrepreneur shared that the program promises to have an engaging lineup of participants, featuring successful business owners, seasoned corporate leaders, and subject matter experts from diverse fields.

and “Cause You Have To.”

In August, the band premiered the third single off a beautiful blur, “XXL,” which has garnered over 10 million Spotify streams and 2 million views on the music video on YouTube.

“XXL” followed the fan favorite “Alonica,” which has amassed 20 million Spotify streams and counting. Earning critical acclaim, Variance praised it as “emotional and much more confessional.”

Meanwhile, the single “Cause You Have To” has over 17 million streams on the platform.

LANY last performed in the Philippines in 2022 during its A November to Remember tour, where the group held five sold-out shows at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16.

LANY launched its a beautiful blur world tour following the release of its fifth studio album of the same name. Notable tracks from the album include “Love at First Fight,” “Alonica,” “XXL,” and “Home Is Where The Hurt Is.” Contact reservations@fridayspuertogalera.com to book a trip or visit fridayspuertogalera.com to know more.

Oscar moments to remember

THIS year’s Oscars happens this Sunday (Monday morning in Manila) as film buffs and Hollywood fans are once again on the lookout for special moments, may it be because of a remarkable acceptance speech, a stellar sing or dance number, a great joke from the host, or a sequence straight from, well, a cinematic scene.

The nearly 100 years of Academy Awards ceremonies are not lacking in truly unforgettable ones, whether for right or wrong reasons. Here are ten of them in random order, purely personal picks, and nothing personal.

1. Slap shock - Will Smith hits Chris Rock (2022)

Not that it was recent, but this incident should top the list for its sheer unlikeliness. It was unthinkable to see a man expected to win the Best Actor trophy laugh over a comedian’s joke about his wife, and then stand up, walk toward the stage, and do what is now dubbed “The Slap Heard Around The World.” Granted that the punchline was out of line, you still can’t slap someone in front of global TV. A dagger look would have been enough to send the message that you’re not cool with it.

2. Moonlight over La la land (2017) Hollywood legend Warren Beatty held the envelope for Actress in a Leading Role when his Bonnie and Clyde costar Faye Dunaway announced “La La Land” as Best Picture winner. Producer Jordan Horowitz corrected the mistake.

In hindsight, Moonlight beating La La Land was considered an upset as the latter received a record-tying 14 nods that evening.

3. Shortcoming (1974)

Photographer, art gallery owner, and activist Robert Opel ran naked on stage and flashed a peace sign while host David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor. Niven wittily reacted that “probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings.” Two years later, Opel announced he was running for president and his slogan was “Nothing to Hide.”

4. The award Don Corleone can refuse (1973)

American Indian Sacheen Littlefeather informed everyone that Best Actor winner Marlon Brando, for his titular role on “The Godfather,” “very regretfully cannot accept this award” in protest over how Native Americans are being portrayed in films. Brando’s action may have been partly triggered by George C. Scott declining his award a couple of years before, because of his “belief that performances

can’t be compared to others.”

5. Charlie’s applause (1972)

Comic actor Charlie Chaplin, at age 82, was given an honorary award and a 12-minute long standing ovation. His 1940 sound film The Great Dictator is now hailed as a daring satire on Adolf Hitler who at the time had already invaded Poland to kick start the Second World War and eventually The Holocaust.

6. Kiss of a pianist (2003)

Adrien Brody became the youngest Best Actor winner at age 29 when he won it for The Pianist. He sealed his triumph with a somewhat passionate kiss with Halle Berry who presented the award. The latter later said she didn’t know what was going on. It was inappropriate to say the least.

7. About the Bush (2003)

Filmmaker Michael Moore took his time accepting his Best Documentary Feature award for Bowling for Columbine by ranting against former President George W. Bush and the invasion of Iraq, stating that “we are fighting a war for fictitious reasons.” He was booed. There is always a classier way to deliver one’s political comments.

8. Frozen Adele Dazeem (2014) Actor John Travolta called Idina Menzel by that name when he introduced her performance of the nowclassic Frozen original song Let It Go at the 86th Academy Awards. To mark the 10th anniversary of that gaffe, Menzel jokingly greeted Travolta’s version of her a happy birthday.

9. Cameron’s claim (1998)

James Cameron was expected to win Best Director for Titanic. But nobody wanted to hear him exclaim, “I”m the King of the World,” given his bossy reputation on the set. If he instead said he won his award “in a lucky hand of poker, a very lucky hand,” as Jack Dawson in the movie noted when asked how he got his ticket to sail on the big ship, it would have been cute.

10. Cheerful Cuba (1997)

Some Oscar winners embrace their winning moment sounding more excited than others. But then there was Cuba Gooding Jr, thanking everyone, jumping jubilantly, screaming, “Tom Cruise, I love you, brother, I love you, man!” as the orchestra served him good background music.

Cignal remains undisputed king of family entertainment

CIGNAL, the leading pay TV provider in the country, continues to strengthen its position as the “awesome choice” for households that look for family entertainment. With its unparalleled reach extending to even the remotest islands in the Philippines, Cignal has become the go-to choice for millions of households nationwide. Whether you are in a bustling city or on a secluded island, rest assured that you will not miss out on your favorite shows.

As a pay TV provider that understands the ever-evolving entertainment needs of Filipino households, Cignal offers a wide range of content. Whether you want the complete HBO line-up, Cinema One, and PBO for blockbuster movies, family-friendly shows offered by BuKo, Sari Sari, Cartoon Network HD, and Dreamworks HD, comprehensive local and international news coverage with One PH, One News HD, BBC News, and CNN HD, or an unrivaled selection of local and international sports offered by NBA TV Philippines HD, One Sports+ HD, UAAP Varsity Channel HD, PBA Rush HD, and more, Cignal has got you covered.

Cignal now also offers curated packs that cater to subscribers’ specific passions and interests, with its Awesome Packs – Sports Action, Family Time, Asian & Pinoy, and Ultimate Entertainment.

More subscribers are making the jump as they realize the best value for their money with Cignal’s service. New subscribers can conveniently avail of a Postpaid Plan through the Switcher Promo, which offers free three months and no cash-out for Plans 520 and up.

With years of stability and reliability, Cignal is confident that the promise of awesome viewing yesterday, today, and tomorrow is delivered without compromise to its growing number of subscribers nationwide.

For more information, visit www.cignal.tv/switch.

LANY

Benjie Paras (right) joins businesswoman Anna Magkawas (left) as a co-host for the business talk show

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

C4 LIFE

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

NGO, hotel chain team up for marine conservation, sustainable tourism

BLUE Alliance Philippines, a nongovernment organization that comanages marine protected areas (MPAs) with the government, communities, and private sector to protect marine biodiversity and promote the improvement of local livelihoods, recently established a collaborative partnership with Fridays Puerto Galera located in Boquete Island, Mindoro.

This strategic alliance seeks to enhance marine conservation and strengthen programs safeguarding the marine ecosystems surrounding the resort while simultaneously fostering sustainable tourism initiatives. Located inside the lagoons of the UNESCO-protected Muelle Bay, this eco-friendly resort in Puerto Galera boasts one of the best beaches in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.

Unlocking youthful radiance

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR centuries, the desire for eternal youth has sparked myths and legends, seeking elixirs and fountains to turn back time. Today, science offers a potential answer in collagen, the protein vital for youthful skin, strong bones, and flexible joints.

Collagen makes up a whopping one-third of your body’s protein, forming the foundation of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s not just about structure; collagen is crucial for healthy, resilient skin, flexible joints, and even bone strength.

As we age, our natural collagen production slows, leading to wrinkled skin, less flexible joints, and other familiar signs of aging. This has fueled the rise of collagen supplements, especially hydrolyzed collagen drinks, promising to replenish declining levels and support overall health.

The search for a truly enjoyable collagen drink is now over. Understanding the connection between inner health and outer beauty, Bambi Del Rosario-Young presents Smarter Dose Collagen 5, a blend of wellness and modern lifestyle.

Launched in February, Smarter Dose Collagen 5 reflects Young’s vision, featuring five meticulously chosen ingredients, including marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, rice ceramide, and prebiotics.

Marine Collagen provides the scaffolding for healthier skin, nails, and hair, supporting structural integrity and encouraging a youthful appearance. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is the quintessential hydrator, retaining moisture to keep the skin supple and joints welllubricated.

On the other hand, vitamin C not only stimulates collagen production but also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Rice ceramide works to strengthen the skin’s barrier, enhancing its natural moisture retention capabilities and resilience against external stressors. Lastly, prebiotics ensure a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for optimal nutrient absorption and a strong immune system, reflecting healthier skin.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelie Therese Chua also shared her insights into the benefits of each ingredient in Collagen 5, enriching the audience’s understanding of the product.

The product’s development, backed by scientific research and manufactured in Korea—a country renowned for its innovation in skincare and wellness—ensures quality and efficacy. Moreover, with FDA approval, consumers can trust in the safety and reliability of Smarter Dose Collagen 5.

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for products that offer comprehensive benefits without complicating daily routines is higher than ever.

Smarter Dose Collagen 5 meets this need by providing a versatile, easy-to-integrate powder that seamlessly fits into any beverage, ensuring that users can enjoy its benefits without significant lifestyle adjustments. This convenience factor, coupled with the product’s focus on foundational health, makes it a standout in the wellness market.

Reconfirmed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), Muelle Bay is listed as one of the world’s most beautiful bays and is considered a national heritage site.

In an activity held on Feb. 29, all local resident employees and scuba diver instructors of Fridays Puerto Galera attended a seminar with Blue Alliance Philippines tackling the safeguarding of marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about preserving marine life.

“This collaboration is a testament to our group’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Fridays Puerto Galera continues to embrace sustainable measures to protect surroundings and enhance the island’s health and coastal community nearby,” says Fridays Hotel & Resorts Chief Operations Officer Samantha Panlilio in a statement.

The eco-friendly resort is found inside the lagoons of Muelle Bay

just a destination. It’s a beacon for the future of sustainable hospitality. As this becomes a benchmark, we’re paving the same path for our upcoming properties, Fridays Siargao and Fridays Boracay A Radisson Collection, opening in 2025 and 2026 respectively. As we strive for exceptional guest experiences and steadfast environmental responsibility, we are already setting the tone for what guests both local and international can expect from the Fridays brand.”

Fridays Puerto Galera can be accessed through Berberabe Port in Batangas City some two hours away from Metro Manila and another 30 minutes by boat to the island of Boquete, otherwise known as Paniquian Island. The modern villa resort is surrounded by powdery white and pink sands ideal for a weekend getaway.

Contact reservations@ fridayspuertogalera.com to book a trip or visit fridayspuertogalera.com to know more.

ILIKE the word “ethos,” meaning a ‘distinguishing character, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization.’ Living a life with guiding principles gives more meaning to our existence, and enriches our life.

CrossFit ETHOS:

Born out of love and passion for fitness

Job Well Done

Now, before I go on a philosophical gab, allow me to introduce to you the newest CrossFit gym in the metro, ETHOS. Located at the G/F of The Pebble inside Acqua Private Residences in Coronado St., Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong, ETHOS is one of the biggest CrossFit boxes in Manila, and the only CrossFit affiliate in Mandaluyong and closest to Rockwell and the Makati Central Business District.

According to its website, CrossFit ETHOS offers its definition of “the best CrossFit experience,” by identifying the important elements and bringing them all in one place, such as: friendly and professional staff; credible, skilled, and empathetic coaches; stepby-step onboarding process; professional programming; convenient location; parking; and world-class facilities; as well as fin and inclusive community.

One thing that has caught my attention since ETHOS opened on Oct. 29, 2023, is the café situated at the corner by its entrance. After trying their coffee once, I have consistently found myself getting my morning coffee from this spot inside the gym. However, don’t just take my word for it; step inside and experience it for yourself

I recently had the opportunity to chat with one of ETHOS’’ three owners, Jaris Villanueva, who shared with me the story behind

the inception of ETHOS. Jaris co-owns ETHOS with his partner in both life and business, Polly Tinio alongside friend, Kelvin Uy. What unites them, besides their entrepreneurial flair, is their shared passion for CrossFit. All three of them have been dedicated to CrossFit for nearly a decade. Polly and Kelvin previously owned a CrossFit gym in Legazpi Village called CrossFit 1229, along with other partners. When the pandemic hit, and stringent government regulations confined many of us indoors, causing numerous businesses to either shut down or suspend operations, CrossFit 1229 was no exception.

“When the pandemic crisis finally subsided, and after almost two years of being away from CrossFit, we decided to reopen a new gym, both for ourselves and the community we dearly missed,” Jaris shares.

“We wanted to reignite the passion within the CrossFit Community. Word spread within the community, and before we knew it, along with our partner, Kelvin, we discovered the perfect location here at Acqua Private Residences. Most of our current friends and clients originated from the old CrossFit gym. In fact, we all met there. So, you can imagine how important CrossFit is to us,” Jaris adds.

The team found their home on the ground floor of The Pebble at Acqua Private Residences. They were seeking a space with high ceilings that also fell within their budget in terms of rental fees. What appealed to them about their new location is the resort-like atmosphere within the development. It’s secluded yet conveniently close to the Makati CBD.

“This is a place you have to experience firsthand to truly appreciate. It’s a destination. Our location is accessible via two bridges. And upon arrival, you’re greeted with a resort vibe. Many of our members tell us they eagerly anticipate coming to ETHOS because it’s a special part of their day; they feel at home here—this is their sanctuary,” he says.

ETHOS is an affiliate of CrossFit, enabling them to legally utilize the CrossFit trademark and provide CrossFit training at a physical location. As an affiliate, ETHOS is listed on CrossFit Headquarters’ Affiliate Finder Map, where thousands of people search for CrossFit gyms in their area. Additionally, the HQ provides workout formats for each day as part of their Affiliate Toolkit, among other support services.

ETHOS serves as one of the biggest CrossFit boxes in Manila

From left: CrossFit ETHOS owners Jaris Villanueva, Polly Tinio, and Kelvin Uy