By Rey E. Requejo
CHINA on Thursday slammed the latest trade mission sent by US President Joe Biden to the Philippines, likening it to a form of economic bullying "against China’s technological development."
The Chinese embassy in Manila said the US trade mission led by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo touched on national security issues and sounded "clarion calls for ganging up"
BERLIN—President Marcos said he will meet with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Manila on Tuesday (March 19) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation amid the ongoing incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea.
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THE House of Representatives said that its information technology team successfully blocked and managed a staggering 541.66 million attacks on its website on Wednesday, indicat-
PRAGUE—President Marcos on Thursday expressed hope that the Czech Republic would assist the Philippines in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid the country’s issues in the South China Sea. Mr. Marcos and Czech President Petr Pavel tackled issues in the South China Sea as the Philippine leader conveyed Manila’s position on the matter and the defense cooperation between the two countries.
ARRIVAL IN PRAGUE. President Marcos walks beside Czech Republic President Petr Pavel as honor guards stand in attention upon his arrival at Prague Castle on Thursday. Mr. Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos were welcomed by Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlová. PPA Pool
THE Social Weather Stations (SWS) reported Thursday that President Marcos gained +47 percent net satisfaction ratings among 65 percent of adult Filipinos, boosted by his continuing popularity in all areas in the country except in Mindanao.
SWS released its most recent quarterly survey held from Dec. 8 to 11 last year, which found that only 17 percent were undecided about thepresident’s performance, as opposed to 18 percent, who expressed outright dissatisfaction.
The survey firm reported that gross satisfaction with President Marcos
By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez
SPEAKER Martin Romualdez ordered an investigation into the construction and operation of a resort in Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, which the government has declared as a protected area and is in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo said Thursday that with the Speaker’s directive, the House leadership will launch a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation on the matter next week.
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THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday it would set up voting precincts at malls during the 2025 midterm elections.
The pilot run of mall voting during the 2023 Village and Youth Council polls was a success, noted Comelec Chairman George Garcia.
“We will have voting in all malls in the country, especially in Metro Manila. It’s more comfortable, a bit colder, there is no
MORE than 126,000 domestic workers in Central Luzon will get a P1,000 increase to their minimum monthly pay starting next month, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Thursday.
In a statement, the DOLE said the new P6,000 minimum monthly wage for household workers or “kasambahay” in the region takes effect on April 1.
It added that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board motu proprio issued Wage Order No. RBIIIDW-04 on March 4, increasing the monthly minimum wage rate of kasambahay by P1,000 in charteredcities and first-class municipalities and P1,500 in other municipalities.
The measure would benefit a total of 126,762 domestic workers, approximately 9 percent of which are on live-in arrangements.
Under existing laws and procedures, the wage order was submitted to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review and was affirmed on March 12.
The wage order will be published on March 16 and shall take effect after 15 days from its publication, DOLE said.
The increase considered the results of the survey conducted and public hearing held, as well as the needs of domestic workers and their families, the employer’s capacity to pay, and the existing socio-economic conditions in the region.
Vito BarceloSOME 3,000 former members of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)are expected to avail of the amnesty granted by Malacanang, said Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Thursday.
Voting 23-0, the upper chamber adopted House Concurrent ResoluTion No. 20, giving the green light to the grant of amnesty to former CPP-NPANDF members who have committed crimes to further their political beliefs.
Citing data from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Estrada said additional applicants may be expected from over 17,000 surrenderers and over 22,000 who withdrew support for the rebel group.
The Senate's concurrence to President Marcos' proclamations granting amnesty to the former rebels would expedite their normalization and reintegration into mainstream society, national peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez said. Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez
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“We are set to file on Monday a motu proprio inquiry regarding that matter. The House leadership also shares its displeasure on the matter," Tulfo said.
"I’ve been communicating with the Speaker, we have talked about it,and I suggested we will file [a resolution to call for an inquiry regarding this matter],” he added.
Tulfo scored the manager of the Captain’s Peak Resort, Julieta Sablas,for saying they were allowed to operate despite lacking an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC). Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Sablas said that prior to acquiring business permits, the local government directed them to the Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB).
vote buying, no violence, no dirt, no litter,” Garcia said. This does not mean, however, that voting in schools will no longertake place, he added.
Meanwhile, Comelec will ask Congress for additional funds to pay for utili-
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The President also shrugged off Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent order to his troops to prepare for conflicts in the East and South China Seas, saying Beijing is already doing this.
"Well, frankly I don’t think there is anything new there. That’s whatthey’ve been doing already. They have defined the ten-dash line and they continue –they’re there to defend it, and on our part wecontinue to defend what we, and the international community, has recognized —our maritime territory," he said.
“That really has been the policy since, I think, years already, for the last two, three years," the President added.
Mr. Marcos said he is looking forward to trilateral discussions withthe US and Japan next week, as Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is also expected to arrive in Manila.
"Well, of course we’ll hope the intention is to continue the plan to strengthen the cooperation between the three countries—the United States, Japan, and the
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“Czech is always an important part of that evolution,” Mr. Marcos said in a press conference with Pavel at the Prague Castle upon his arrival on the second leg of his Central European tour.
“I briefed President Pavel on the situation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and I underscored that the Philippine position onthe South China Sea remains consistent, clear, and firmly anchored in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Mr. Marcos added.
He also told Pavel that while the persistent incidents of aggressionand harassment in the South China Sea are “unfortunate,” the Philippines continue to engage all its neighbors and stakeholders through diplomacy and dialogue.
Mr. Marcos also thanked the Czech Republic’s support “as a like-minded partner” in upholding peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.
The state visit reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to further cultivate its bonds
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stayed at 65 percent, undecided rose from 14 percent, and gross dissatisfaction slightly fell from 21 percent. The resulting net satisfaction rating is +47 or plus three points from the +44 he received the previous quarter.
SWS noted that while Mr. Marcos' satisfaction ratings have generally increased across different demographics and regions, there is a notable exception in Mindanao. In this region, his net satisfaction fell by 12 points compared to September 2023, registering at a still respectable +38.
The breakdown of satisfaction ratings by region shows that Mr. Marcos enjoys the highest net satisfaction in Balance Luzon (+52), followedclosely by Visayas (+51), and Metro Manila (+44). Satisfaction levels in rural areas were described as ‘very good’ (+56) and ‘good’ at urban areas (+39).
President Marcos remained popular among men (+53) compared to women (+41). In terms of age groups, his satisfaction ratings have risen significantly among 25-44-year-olds, while remaining relatively stable among other age demographics.
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He also called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology to probe the attacks “and ascertain where they are reallycoming from, if they are local or foreign hackers or a collaboration of both.”
ties and repair of damaged equipment during elections.
Garcia made the request after Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte asked the Comelec to shoulder the operating expenses of public schools during the electoral exercises.
The Vice President earlier expressed hope that school expenses duringelections will no longer be charged to the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Duterte said she wished that the DepEd would no longer pay for the use of electricity and water in schools during
Philippines," he said. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Blinken is set to arrive in Manila on the eve of March 18 before paying a courtesy call on Mr. Marcos on Tuesday.
Manalo said his Japanese counterpart has yet to confirm his arrival.
Sources earlier said President Marcos will visit the United States from April 11 to 13, when he will have a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House before a trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Mr. Marcos will also meet top US security officials during his visit as well as attend a business forum organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council.
The United States and Japan are both critical of the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and have expressed their support to the Philippines amid China's recent provocations.
The Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty that commitsthe two allies to come to each other’s aid if one becomes the subject of an armed attack in the region.
and friendship with the Czech Republic and cementing the enduring ties between the two countries and its citizens, the President said.
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Thursday that thousands ofFilipinos would benefit from President Marcos’ visits to Germany andCzech Republic this week due to the number of job opportunities his diplomatic engagements were expected to generate.
Romualdez said that contrary to unfounded claims of leisurelypursuits, the President’s schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings and discussions aimed at advancing our national interest and the welfare of our people.
He cited as example Tuesday’s bilateral meeting between PresidentMarcos and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in which the latter invited Filipino workers to Germany as the country eased restrictions on the entry of foreign workers.
Following his three-day working visit in Germany, Mr. Marcos will also hold meetings with Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová, underscoring the importance of diplomatic relations be-
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"Many sober-headed Philippine individuals are questioning: Are theAmericans really here to help the Philippines advance development?" the embassy said in a statement.
The Chinese embassy statement came after the US delegation said Washington is constantly assessing the need to expand export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and manufacturing equipment.
The embassy said the US' imposition of restrictions on semiconductorsexport "goes against market principles, disrupts normal trade order,and interrupts the international production and supply chain."
It said the American action was “a clear case of economic bullying.”
"Such US restrictions on exports to China are under the pretext of 'national security.' However, these measures go far beyond their excuse and gravely hinder the normal trade of ordinary chips for civilian use," the embassy said. It called on the US government to cease "the wrong practice of politicizing, instrumentalizing, and weaponizing economic, trade, and sci-tech issues."
Raimondo, during the two-day visit
“We must know the reason for these attacks, is it for money or for political reasons as they may have been contracted to destabilize our institution for whatever purpose,” he added. Velasco said 53.72 million attacks were recorded between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday originating from Indonesia, the United States,Columbia, India, and the Russian Federation,
the elections, adding that repair and utilities were being charged to the DepEd’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) “despite not being part of our mandate.”
The Comelec uses public schools nationwide as voting centers during elections, while classrooms serve as polling precincts. Garcia said Comelec was not aware of the issue, and that the poll body would consider including these expenses in the proposed amendments to the Omnibus Election Code which they intend to submit this year.
Manila also has ongoing negotiations with Tokyo for a Reciprocal Access Agreement that will allow larger numbers of Japanese Self Defense forces to enter the Philippines for joint military training.
China has repeatedly denounced joint military exercises and patrols in the South China Sea, saying the US was militarizing the contested region and threatening regional stability.
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.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijingis hoping the possible expansion of a military agreement between thePhilippines and Germany would contribute to peace in the region.
"We hope that cooperation between relevant countries is conducive topeace, stability and development of the region," Wang said.
Germany has been providing training for the Armed Forces of thePhilippines since 1974, making it the Philippines' second oldest formal defense partner. With Rey Requejo
tween the two nations. Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation, the aircraft carrying the President landed at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday (12:43 a.m. Thursday Manila time).
His visit to Prague is the second half of his five-day official visitto the two Central European nations, Germany and the Czech Republic, in an effort to bolster cooperation with the two nations.
One of the significant highlights of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Joint Communiqué on the establishment of labor consultation mechanisms, the Presidential Communications Office said.
This pact aims to enhance cooperation between the Philippines and theCzech Republic, ensuring the safe migration of Filipino workers while safeguarding their rights and welfare.
As both nations prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their bilateral ties, forged since October 5, 1973, the President's state visit holds particular significance in bolstering the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz
of the trade delegation, announced that American firms are set to invest over $1 billion (P56 billion) in Philippine priority sectors.
“We estimate that these announcements will create training and career opportunities for about 30 million Filipinos,” Raimondo said.
“The areas where we are focused align perfectly with President Marcos’ vision, about his interest in higher paying jobs in telecommunications, digitalization, helping small and medium-sized companies to digitize. That’s a strong theme of investments that these companies hope to make.”
She said that US companies are eager to do business in the Philippines not only because of cultural ties or shared democratic values but alsobecause of flourishing economic and commercial bilateral relationships.
Tech providers Microsoft and Google, which have sent representativesto the trade mission, expressed commitment to upskill Filipinos for offshore digital jobs. Microsoft said it will train 100,000 Filipino women on artificial intelligence technology and cybersecurity. Microsoft's AI tools, including ones powered by OpenAI's large language models, will help Filipinos gain workplace skills and be able to recognize cybersecurity threats.
“which may not be accurate if they (attackers) are using a VPN (virtual privatenetwork).”
“And at 2:52 pm yesterday (Wednesday), a whopping 487.93 million attacks were also recorded, from sources in Tunisia, Thailand and Greece, which again may not be accurate, which brings the total amount of attacks to 541.66 million,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives showed to members of the media Thursday the detention center it is preparing for televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the facility, located atthe south gate of Batasan Complex in Quezon City, will haveair-conditioned rooms and are accessible to the relatives of the detained person.
"Hopefully they (future detainees) will enjoy their stay here. We promise them a pleasant experience," Velasco said.
He said the detention center was built not only for high-profilepersonalities like Quiboloy, “but for anyone else who would be cited in contempt and be arrested by our sergeant-at-arms."
"These rooms are air-conditioned, accessible to the relatives of theperson in detention and to the media, whenever necessary. You can monitor their stay," he added.
The detention center "will be ready by tomorrow (Friday)," he said.
Quiboloy's legal counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, earlier asked the House committee on legislative franchises, chaired by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, to defer the implementation of its arrest order against the pastor until today (Friday).
The committee cited Quiboloy in contempt during its hearing onmultimedia network SMNI's alleged franchise violations Tuesday afternoon. Quiboloy is the founder of SMNI. Maricel V. Cruz
FORMER First Lady Imelda Marcos is “getting better and better” and is set to be discharged from the hospital more than a week after being hospitalized for pneumonia and fever, President Marcos said.
"Pagaling na nang pagaling … she’s scheduled to come out. I think Thursday kasi matatapos [ang antibiotics]," Mr. Marcos said in an interview in Berlin on Wednesday.
"Pabawas na talaga ‘yung lagnat niya, by now, wala na," he added.
Mr. Marcos said his mother is eager to resume her regular activities, which he said indicates positive progress in her recovery.
"Alam niyo naman ‘yung mother ko. Pinakamahirap para sa kanya ‘yungwalang ginagawa. Kaya’t medyo nandoon na tayo ngayon. So, as I said, that’s a good sign," he said.
Last May, the 94-year-old widow of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. had a successful angioplasty. Charles Dantes
SWINDLERS falsely claiming to be connected with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and her family have been warned of grave repercussions after the arrest of three suspects who allegedly extorted P5 million from a businessman.
The arrested suspects were identified as 48-year-old Francisco Ouna,alias “Isko,” and two armed accomplices, Joselito Agtuca, 46, and German Reveza, 42.
The suspects reportedly threatened to close down the victim's establishment if he refused to cough up P5 million “to protect his emissions testing and medical business.”
According to Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., Director of the PhilippineNational Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group(PNPCIDG), Ouna claimed to have a direct connection with the First Lady.
“Alias Isko claimed to have a direct connection with First Lady LizaAraneta Marcos, that if the victim refused to give him the money, hewould cancel or hinder all his business transactions,” Caramat said in a statement.
The suspects were arrested in an entrapment operation in Pasay City.
PNP-CIDG personnel confiscated boodle money, a handgun with threemagazines, 32 rounds of live ammunition, a license to own and possess firearms, and a permit to carry firearms from suspect Agtuca.
The suspects will face a criminal complaint for violation of Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code or Robbery Extortion before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
PNP-CIDG National Capital Region head Lt. Col. Jose Joey Arandia urged the public to immediately report any scammer using the First Family’s name to extort money.
A FEMALE communist rebel leader and three of her followers have surrendered in what the military viewed as another milestone in the government’s quest for peace in Mindanao, specifically in Surigao del Norte province.
The Army identified the rebel returnees as Juanita Leyson alias Kikay who is the wife of deceased New People’s Army leader Rolando Leyson, Rajem Pertos alias Patrick, Jezalyn Platil alias Mocha, and Pegi Diaz alias Jeff.
The group reportedly gave themselves up at the 30th Infantry Battalion headquarters based in Gigaquit, Surigao del Note. They also turned in two high-powered firearms, magazines, thousands of ammunition, bulletproof vests, and various multiple war materials.
The Army viewed their surrender as an offshoot of the insurgent’s inability to pursue their extortion activities to continue financing their armed struggle.
“The surrender of the SRC Secretary and her comrades signifies a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity wherein these provinces can now focus on facilitating uninterrupted delivery of services in the countryside where the armed group had terrorized for the longest time,” the Army said.
As of now, let’s make a collective effort in totally ending the insurgency for these provinces,” Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901st Brigade said.
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THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed with finality its decision denying a petition filed by the NOW Telecom Company Inc. which seeks to be the country’s third major telecommunications service provider.
NOW Telecom was asking the CA to compel the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to comply with orders by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) allowing the petitioner to operate a cellular telephone service facility within specific frequency ranges.
In a four-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Tita Marilyn PayoyoVillordon, the CA’s Special Ninth Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed
by Now Telecom seeking reversal of the court’s September 21, 2023 resolution.
The ruling rejected Now Telecom’s petition for mandamun against the NTC and its former commissioner now Commission on Audit chairman Gamaliel Cordoba.
The appellate court found NOW Telecom’s motion for r consideration to be a “mere rehash” of its previous arguments which has already been addressed and ruled upon by the court.
“Clearly, NOW Telecom failed to raise new issues, interpose new compelling arguments or present new credible evidence in its MR which would warrant a reconsideration or reversal of our decision,” the CA ruling stated. This latest CA decision came after the Supreme Court upheld the denial of NOW Telecom’s petition to prevent the NTC from enforcing the provisions of its memorandum circular imposing certain qualifications and restrictions with respect to the entry of new participants in the domestic telecom industry. Consequently, NOW Telecom was defeated by Mislatel Consortium, a partnership between Udenna Corporation and China Telecom, in the 2018 bid for new major player in the telecommunications industry.
THE chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has denied accusations of graft and corruption and other alleged misdeeds aired against him by a suspended official of the agency.
CHED chairman Prospero de Vera III was reacting to graft and corruption charges, as well as alleged grave abuse of authority, harassment, and oppression hurled against him by suspended CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag.
Darilag accused De Vera if favoring a particular bidder in the aency’s bidding process, claiming that De Vera even instructed him to rig the bidding.
However, the CHED chief strongly refuted the accusations, saying he was never involved in the biddings.
“I would like to categorically state that I am not part of any Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) in CHED, or in any state university and college and I am not in a position to manipulate procurement activities,” De Vera said in a statement released late Wednesday evening.
He also noted that the proper venue to address and resolve complaints with respect to bidding procedures is before the en banc session of the CHED commission or the Board of Regents of individual state universities and colleges (SUCs) in question.
“He (Darilag) also accuses me of preventing his staff from doing any work and subjecting them to nee less inspection of their clothes or belongings. I do not know the specifics of the complaint, so it is difficult for me to respond in detail to his allegations,” De Vera said.
Darilag filed has graft complaints against De Vera before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with his 90-day suspension served last January.
De Vera pointed out ho ever, that he was simply following an order from the Office of the President.
THE last two Filipino seamen who were wounded in a who suffered serious Houthi missile attack on their tanker on March 6, are back in the country and have reunited with their families.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) the two Filipino crewmen of the M/V True Confidence landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard a chartered medical evacuation flight at 6:45 a.m. from Djibouti. DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said one of the seafarers suffered a serious leg injury and was amputated, while the second suffered major burns.
The duo was cleared “fit to travel” by medical doctors who treated them at a Djibouti hospital in East Africa.
A medical team met them at the airport and taken to a hospital where they would continue to recuperate from their injuries.
“They have also been reunited with their families in the hospital,” the DMW said in a statement.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) personnel were also at the airport to we come the injured Filipino seafarers to ensure their wellbeing.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted the M/V True Confidence with an antiship missile while navigating the Gulf of Aden on March 6 enroute to to Jeddah and Aqaba from China, carrying a cargo of steel products and trucks.
Three crewmembers died, consisting of two Filipinos and one Vietnamese, while three Filipinos suffered injuries.
By
Joel E. ZurbanoVISITORS who are denied entry into the country are “still, first and
care off.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Jose Ines issued this observation during a meeting with officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Airline Operators
Council, and the Philippine Airlines to discuss matters about plane passengers barred from entering the Philippines.
During the meeting, Ines reminded the airlines’ responsibility over these passengers, saying it was imperative to take them back to their country of origin as soon as possible after being handed over to them by the Bureau of Immigration “I call upon our airline operators to do their part of the responsibility over pas-
TRANSPORT group Manibela calls on the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the criminal complaint over the jeepney phaseout it filed against Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and other concerned ranking officials.
Manibela president Mar Valbuena, talong with some of his members, filed a letter of inquiry with the Ombudsman to make a follow-up on what actions were being taken on their graft complaint against Bautista, as well as Office of Transport Cooperative chairman Ferdinand Ortega, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, board members
and Mercy
executive director Robert
and So-
sengers who are denied entry into the country. We must remember that though nadmissible, they are still first and foremost, airline passengers. The responsibility of taking care of them does not end there,” Ines stressed. The AOC offered to submit to MIAA a proposal on how to address the handling of excluded passengers who inevitably may take time to be flown back to their country of origin.
The issue will be discussed with the Immigration to ensure that no provisions under the Immigration Act will be violated.
For its part, PAL said that it will tentatively house their excluded passengers in their lounge which is still under construction in NAIA Terminal 1.
Meanwhile, passengers of other airlines with existing lounges in Terminals 1 and 3 may be accomm dated inside their lounges.
THE Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday that the government is eyeing to give free breast cancer tests such as mammography and ultrasound by June this year.
The DOH, in a release that the staterun insurer PhilHealth approved, said the inclusion of mammography and ultrasound in its benefits package, which also helps detect other conditions such as abdominal problems.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had ordered PhilHealth to include ultrasound and mammograms in its Konsulta benefit package after several lawmakers called to expand the insurer’s coverage to primary care screening services.
The DOH agency added that PhilHealth’s Board of Directors had also approved an increase in the capitation rate of PhilHealth Konsulta to P1,700 per patient seen a year.
According to DOH, Konsulta is a primary care PhilHealth benefit package that provides payments for free annual check-ups and medicines.
The DOH said PhilHealth targets to implement the increased payments by June 2024 or earlier, “depending on the completion of operational details such as IT system enhancements.”
Earlier, PhilHealth added mammography and ultrasound screening services that will help detect breast cancer and other conditions such as abdominal problems.
“It is the pleasure of the Board to now bring up primary care benefits with mammogram and ultrasound services not just in sandbox sites, but nationwide,” he said.
PhilHealth Konsulta is a primary care benefit package that provides capitation payments for free annual check-ups, selected diagnostics and medicines.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s task force on El Niño response has put emergency measures in place should the country face a possible water shortage as a result of the El Niño phenomenon.
In a related development, the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday that the buffer stock of rice for the country is enough amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
The DA is part of the government’s task force on El Niño.
In a news release on Thursday, the Nat-
ural Water Resources Board (NWRB), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said deep wells across the country have been put on standby as a “lastrecourse mitigation measure”.
The NWRB, a member of President Marcos’ Task Force El Niño, said deep
wells being operated by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage (MWSS) can be temporarily activated for possible use in case of water shortage.
During the recent third meeting of the task force, NWRB officer-in-charge Ricky Arzadon also reported that they have been continuously encouraging and reminding all sectors, notably the general public, to conserve water as El Niño peaks.
On Feb. 12, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered all military camp commanders to conserve water
as the government ramps up its actions to mitigate and manage the impacts of El Niño.
The President also designated the following officials as task force members: Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of Agriculture Francis Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, and Secretary of National Economic and Development Authority Arsenio Balisacan. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa in an interview mean-
while said: “Our buffer stock is okay and right now, the harvest season has started this March, April, until May.”
De Mesa made the assurance to the public despite the alleged irregularities in the sale of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) buffer stocks to private traders which resulted in the suspension of more than a hundred NFA officials and employees.
De Mesa said the three separate investigations regarding the NFA controversy are ongoing, with the DA expecting the results to be out as soon as possible.
THREE government agencies have initiated public consultations regarding proposed revisions on discounts on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE) recently drafted a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) in response to discussions held in the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.
Among the proposed changes is an increase in the special discount on BNPCs from P65 to P125 per week (P500 per month), subject to review every five years.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the draft JAO’s aim to reinforce the rights of SCs and PWDs, including provisions allowing for discounts on online purchases, while also outlining circumstances under which discounts may be suspended. “However, the discounts will be suspended during automatic price control and price ceiling implementations, and registered Barangay Micro Business Establishments (BMBEs) are exempt from providing them,” Pascual added. To gather feedback on the proposed revisions, the DTI, through the Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), collaborated with the DA, DOE, and Bureau of Internal Revenue and conducted public consultations from March 11 to 12.
By Rey E. Requejoproposed bill would increase the assistance to P50,000.
The DOJ disclosed that the Board of Claims has already approved 52,234 claims from 1992 to 2023 and paid a total amount of P514,881,257.
Under the law, those qualified for compensation are: any person who was unjustly accused, convicted, and imprisoned but subsequently released by virtue of a judgment of acquittal; any person who was unjustly detained and released without being charged; any victim of arbitrary or illegal detention by the authorities as defined in the Re -
vised Penal Code under a final judgment of the court; and any person who is a victim of violent crimes.
“We will try to coordinate with the OP (Office of the President) so that this becomes a priority bill,” said Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez during signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DOJ-Board of Claims and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
“One law that should be enacted,” said Vasquez who also heads the DOJ
Human Rights Office.
Apart from seeking OP’s assistance, Vasquez said “we will talk to Congress to achieve this.”
He lamented that the P10,000 financial assistance has become unrealistic.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Jovyanne E. Santamaria, chief of operations of the BOC, said that under the current law, “victims of unjust imprisonment are entitled to P1,000 per month of imprisonment up to a maximum of P60,000 which is equivalent to five years.”
By Maricel V. CruzHOUSE Deputy Speaker Erwin Tulfo on Thursday appealed to his colleagues to support the enactment of a bill providing stiffer penalties such as jail term of up to 12 years imprisonment against individuals involved in road rage.
Tulfo, nominee of ACT-CIS partylist group, made the appeal after the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation created a technical working group (TWG) to consolidate several bills (House Bills 1511, 8991,
By Macon Ramos-AranetaSENATOR Cynthia A. Villar renewed her call for unity and cooperation to prevent fire during the 2024 Fire Prevention Month celebration at the Villar Foundation Hall in Las Piñas City on Saturday.
Villar said these traits are embodied in
9140, 9375 and 9559) filed which define and penalize acts of “road rage.” Tulfo, author of HB 8991 or the proposed “Anti-Road Rage Act” said, any person who engages in road rage, which result to death shall be imprisoned for six to 12 years and a fine not less than P250,000 but not more than P500,000 exclusive of all the damages incurred, at the discretion of the court.
“We will not condone road rage in our streets,” said Tulfo in his sponsorship speech during the committee hearing.
the celebration’s theme for this year, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa.”
“I believe that instead of depending on our firefighters to put off fires, everyone must be responsible to avoid causing fires,”
Villar said.
She said March was declared “Fire Prevention Month” in 1966 under Proclama-
tion No. 115-A since this is the start of the summer season in the Philippines. “And based on statistics, fire incidents in the country increase during March,”
By Joel E. ZurbanoTHE
from heat-related illnesses caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
The agency said Thursday it has installed drinking and health monitoring stations along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and two other main thoroughfares.
The stations are located along EDSA corners of Timog Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Oliveros; and along Commonwealth Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road) corner of Ortigas Avenue. These stations are open not only to MMDA traffic enforcers and street sweepers but also to motorists and riders who travel in the said areas.
On Wednesday, the MMDA led by General Manager Procopio Lipana received donations from water concessionaires and private companies such as Pocari Sweat Philippines, Maynilad, and Manila Water in support of the heatstroke break policy.
Pocari Sweat representatives also conducted lectures to educate the traffic enforcers, street sweepers, and road emergency responders on how to prevent heat stroke and the importance of regular water intake.
“The
The notice of assessment or
levy can be contested administratively or judicially to defer the auction sale
It is required that “the barangay treasurer is properly bonded for the purpose… [and that] the premium on the bond shall be paid by the city or municipal government concerned” (Section 247).
“The provincial, city or municipal assessor shall prepare and submit to the treasurer of the local government unit, on or before the 31st day of December each year, an assessment roll containing a list of all persons whose real properties have been newly assessed or reassessed and the values of such properties” (Section 248).
“The city or municipal treasurer shall, on or before the 31st day of January each year, in the case of the basic real property tax and the additional tax for the Special Education Fund … post the notice of the dates [for collection of tax]… at a conspicuous and publicly accessible place… [S]aid notice shall likewise be published
IN THE bustling metropolis of Metro Manila, where traffic jams are as common as enchanted spells, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the depths of the Philippine National Railways.
Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal, a wizard in his own right, has boldly proclaimed that the days of gridlock may soon be behind us.
Gathered at the prestigious Rotary Club of Makati, amidst the chandeliers and fine china of the New World Hotel, Macapagal cast his spellbinding announcement. With a wave of his hand, he declared that the North-South Commuter Railway project, with its hefty price tag of P873.62 billion, would soon whisk commuters away from the woes of traffic.
“My dear dream makers of the Rotary Club,” Macapagal proclaimed, “we are on the brink of a transportation revolution! The NSCR project, under the watchful eye of our esteemed Secretary Jaime Bautista, shall banish the traffic demons that plague our fair city.”
Echoing the promises of the great dream maker, President Marcos, Macapagal vowed to fulfill the prophecy of resolving the traffic conundrum once and for all. The construction, from Clark to Valenzuela, is nearing completion, and soon the magical trains will whisk commuters from Metro Manila to Alabang and beyond. But wait, dear readers, there’s more!
in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks” (Section 249).
When the real property tax becomes delinquent, “the provincial, city or municipal treasurer shall immediately cause a notice of the delinquency to be posted at the main entrance of the provincial capitol, or city or municipal hall and in a publicly accessible and conspicuous place in each barangay…” Such notice “shall also be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation in the province, city, or municipality” (Section 254).
The “notice shall specify the date upon which the tax became delinquent and shall state that personal property may be distrained to effect payment. It shall likewise state that at any time before the distraint of personal property, payment of the tax with surcharges, interests and penalties may be made…” (Section 254).
The tax, surcharges and penalties must be paid before the expiration of the year for which the tax is due, otherwise the delinquent real property will be sold at public auction.
The notice of assessment or special levy can be contested administratively or judicially to defer the auction sale (Section 254).
After the auction sale, the title to the property will be vested in the purchaser, subject to the right of the delinquent owner or any person having legal interest therein to redeem it within one year from the date of sale (see Section 254).
The redemption payment to the local treasurer shall include the interest and expenses of the sale (see Section 261).
The redemption payment shall invalidate the certificate of sale issued to the purchaser and a certificate of redemption shall be issued by the local treasurer or his deputy to the owner or the person having interest in the property (see Section 261).
From the date of sale of the property until the expiration of the period of redemption, the owner or person having legal interest therein shall continue to possess the same and be entitled to its income and other fruits thereof (see Section 261).
“The local treasurer or his deputy, upon receipt from the purchaser of the certificate of sale, shall forthwith return to the latter the entire amount paid by him plus interest of not more than two percent (2 percent) per month.
“Thereafter, the property shall be free from the lien of such delinquent tax, interest due thereon and expenses of sale.” (Section 261).
Not content with just one mystical railway, Macapagal revealed plans for the Metro Manila Subway, a companion to the NSCR that will dive deep beneath the city streets, transporting commuters with the speed of a firebolt.
“The NSCR and the Metro Manila Subway shall work in tandem,” Macapagal exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Together, they shall weave a tapestry of transportation, freeing our people
THE Department of Health is taking a big leap forward in ensuring quality healthcare to Filipinos, particularly those in the
margins of society and in the far-flung rural areas.
We’re referring to the recent opening of the first Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) center in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga.
The BUCAS facility, the first of its kind in the country, is an extension facility of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH), a regional hospital in San Fernando, the provincial capital.
The center was built as part of the national government’s efforts to bring healthcare closer to the people.
The ambulatory hospital would address the immediate medical requirements of the most underserved individuals and communities nationwide based on President Marcos’ health-care initiative for 28 million Filipinos across 28 priority areas by 2028.
The BUCAS center is a one-story facility spanning 500 square meters that once served as a COVID-19 facility. It seeks to address the ambulatory medi-
cal and surgical care needs of Filipinos in Central Luzon.
The facility stands ready to offer surgical services in general surgery, oral-maxillofacial surgery, otorhinolaryngologic surgery, and reproductive health.
—“—
The ambulatory hospital would address the immediate medical requirements of the most underserved individuals and communities nationwide
Later, it will provide additional services, including ambulatory surgery in ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and dentistry, as well as radiology and pharmacy services.
The newly opened medical center is expected to cater to 50,000 residents of seven barangays in the municipality as well as those in the adjacent town of Minalin and nearby areas.
Ernesto M. HilarioWE’RE glad the national government is pushing forward with its railway projects.
In fact, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced the temporary suspension of the services of the Philippine National Railways in two of its busiest sections in Metro Manila. According to DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino, the halt in train service operations will give way to the start of the construction of the North South Commuter Railways (NSCR) project.
Affected by the suspension are the PNR line’s Governor Pascual-Tutuban and Tutuban-Alabang operations. The planned date for the start of the suspension of PNR operations in these portions is the 28th of this month.
The NSCR is the much-awaited 147-kilometer urban rail system that will run from Calamba to the New Clark City, passing through some portions of Metro Manila along the existing PNR route. Once completed, it will have a total of 36 stations. The DOTr announcement will definitely be met with mixed reactions.
On one hand, we can expect protests from the commuting public, particularly from those who commute daily from north to south of Metro Manila to get to their places of work using the cheapest and fastest means of transportation available—the PNR train.
On the other hand, many of our countrymen would view the development as a signal that, at last, this long-delayed, almost-shelved project is finally entering the construction stage.
Here is clear evidence that, when the government exercises decisiveness, it can push projects that are game-changers that can push our antiquated transportation systems into the modern age—no matter what the cost.
from the clutches of traffic woes!”
Picture it: a fleet of 60 electric multiple unit trains, gleaming with the promise of safety and comfort, zooming across the countryside like enchanted carriages from a fairy tale.
No longer will weary travelers endure eight-hour journeys; with the NSCR, the trip from Clark to Calamba will be but a mere four hours, with stops along the way whisking passengers to their destinations in a matter of minutes.
But Macapagal’s vision doesn’t end there. Like a true master of the arcane
But it must be emphasized that the NSCR will entail major costs – financial and social. Metro Manilans will have to shoulder the social costs.
The immediate one is the cost that the project will entail is massive public inconvenience.
Both commuters and motorists will feel the impact of the closure of the PNR service and the start of civil works.
We understand that the government may also have to deal with owners of properties that will be affected by the expansion or widening of the present PNR alignment
Motorists will have their share of inconvenience. We are anticipating possible traffic rerouting as construction work progresses. We can look at it, however, from a different perspective.
Instead of looking at the inconvenience as the “cost” of progress, we can look at it as our share of the country’s “investment” in a better future where we will have options better than what we have to be contented with today—such as a modern, high-speed railway. DOTr Secretary Jimmy Bautista al-
arts, he has his sights set on even grander feats of transportation magic. The North Long Haul, the South Long Haul, the Panay Railway, North Mindanao Railway, and San Mateo Railway – all shimmering spectacles on the horizon, waiting to be conjured into reality. And lo, from the distant lands of the United States and Japan, mighty corporations have come forth, offering their gold in exchange for a stake in the grand adventure.
The Mindanao and Bicol railways, financed by these benevolent giants, shall traverse the countryside, connecting vil-
The ambulatory hospital would also address the long queues of outpatients in need of medical laboratory services from the JBLMGH.
What’s remarkable about this project is that it was put up less than three months from conceptualization.
The goal is to establish 28 primary care centers to serve the 28 million poorest Filipinos by the year 2028.
As part of the intensified healthcare programs of the national government, the Sto. Tomas BUCAS can cater to the health needs of people as far south as Bulacan, to Tarlac and Nueva Ecija in the north and Bataan and Zambales on the western side of Central Luzon.
The DOH has earmarked between P30 million and P50 million for the construction of a BUCAS facility.
Based on the original concept, a BUCAS center is intended to be put up beside or near a state college or university to also serve as a future medical school laboratory.
The Constitution provides that the government should “adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services to all the people at affordable cost.”
The Health department is doing just that with its planned extension health facilities in other rural areas.
ready showed us one possible “return on investment.”
He explained that with the suspension of PNR train services in the aforementioned portions and the immediate start of civil works for the NSCR, the timetable for its completion can be advanced by some eight months. The suspension and start of work will mean some P15.18 billion in savings from the project.
We surmise that the “savings” is the cost of money that the government will be able to avert if the project can proceed and finish on time.
This means the government may be already be complying with the terms of the loans it incurred to fund the NSCR project, and that delays would mean higher interest.
This could also mean that the government has already paid what is due to contractors for the initial period of the project, and that the contractors will continue to bill the government even if the latter may still be unable to deliver its part of the deal.
Part of what the government needs to deliver is Right-of-Way. This is legal authorization for construction or infrastructure projects which enable the implementing parties to access the sites and the corridors essential for the said projects to proceed.
Right now, this should be one of the government’s biggest challenges.
Many portions of the PNR line are still occupied by informal settlers.
We understand the government may also have to deal with owners of properties that will be affected by the expansion or widening of the present PNR alignment.
Again, this will be costly to the government, financially and socially.
But then, the returns on investment are huge. As Regino has pointed out, the NSCR will expand and disperse economic opportunities and growth.
It is set to create some 59,000 jobs during construction and close to 5,000 jobs once it begins operation.
So, while we count the cost in terms of inconvenience, we must also compute the huge opportunity losses the nation will incur if we allow obstacles to get in the way of major transportation projects such as the NSCR.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
lages and cities with threads of steel and steam. But heed my words, dear readers, for not all is as it seems in this tale of transportation triumph. As with any enchantment, there are risks and challenges lurking in the shadows. Will the magic of Macapagal’s vision withstand the tests of time and tide?
Only time will tell but, for now, let us revel in the promise of a future where traffic jams are but a distant memory, and the journey home is as swift and magical as a ride on the Hogwarts Express.
The return to the campaign trail came a day after incumbent Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, both won enough delegates to clinch their parties’ nominations for a rematch in November. AFP
Biden, Trump gird for marathon WH race 8 months ahead of polls
WASHINGTON, DC—Eight months ahead of the US presidential election, the campaign moves from the parties’ nominating contests to the trench warfare of what promises to be one of the longest, most brutal head-to-head showdowns in memory.
President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump—the oldest pair of nominees in history—emerged this week from a primary season that has inflicted battle scars on both, raising questions over their judgment and mental acuity.
The 81-year-old incumbent Democrat and his Republican foe, 77, see their rematch on November 5 as an existential moment for America and have spent months trading deeply personal insults in a bruising start to the campaign.
Both are unpopular with large sections of a populace wary of handing the keys to the most powerful office in the world to men born closer to the inauguration of Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant than to November’s election.
Trump -- who never left the political stage after defeat in 2020 and faces dozens of pending criminal charges -- is likely to be dividing his time between his signature rallies and court appearances. AFP
BEIJING—China on Thursday slammed the approval of a US bill that would ban TikTok unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, blasting Washington’s “bandit” mentality and vowing Beijing would “take all necessary measures” to protect the interests of its companies overseas.
The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing’s ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled concern in Western capitals.
On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that would force TikTok to divest from its parent company or face a nationwide ban.
The bill is yet to pass the Senate, where it is expected to face a tougher test in order to become law.
“The US should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies,” Beijing’s commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. AFP
the Korean People’s Army tank crews at an undisclosed location in North Korea. The nuclear-armed North has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion. It has carried out weapons tests in the past as a response to previous joint exercises of this nature. AFP
SEOUL—North Korea leader Kim Jong Un drove a “new-type main battle tank” while overseeing military training exercises, state media said Thursday, as Seoul and Washington wrap joint drills to improve deterrence.
Wearing a black leather jacket, Kim saluted ranks of camouflage-uniformed troops, and watched live-fire “training march” exercises from a field command post, flanked by top generals, images published by state media showed.
After he reviewed the tank crews, Kim “mounted a new-type main battle tank, seized the control lever and drove the tank himself,” the official Korean Central News Agency reported.
The KCNA report comes as Seoul and Washington hold the final day of their annual Freedom Shield exercises -- involving missile interception drills and air assault, among others.
The nuclear-armed North has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion. It has carried out weapons tests in the past as a response to previous joint exercises of this nature.
Kim “expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the new-type main battle tank successfully demonstrated its very excellent striking power”, the KCNA report said. AFP The North Korean leader also stressed the “importance of the role and duty of tankmen in modern warfare”, as well as the “need to organize intensive exercises simulating an actual war”.
Pyongyang last week warned that the South and the United States would pay a “dear price” over the Freedom Shield drills, and later announced that Kim had guided a large-scale artillery drill involving a unit that it said was capable of striking the South Korean capital.
On Wednesday, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited the headquarters of the army’s Special Warfare Command during the ongoing Washington-Seoul drills, which involved “mastering advanced combat skills.” AFP
PLDT Inc. said Thursday it is teaming up with ACEN Corp.’s supply retail unit ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions to switch 33 facilities in Greater Metro Manila to use 100-percent renewable energy (RE).
Under the partnership, PLDT will leverage on ACEN RES’ portfolio of solar and geothermal power solutions to strengthen operational efficiency and reduce dependency on electricity from fossil fuel and nonrenewable sources.
Among the facilities transitioning to RE is the PLDT-Smart Integrated Operations Center in Makati City, a 24/7 command center that oversees
-
cations Inc. (Smart) across the country.
“This supply agreement with ACEN RES expands and diversifies renewables in the energy mix of our
key facilities. Our continuous transition to RE supports the direction to make our PLDT facilities eco-efficient and future-ready,” PLDT vice president and sector head for property and facilities Leo Gonzales said. The agreement with ACEN RES is expected to generate savings in energy and operating costs for PLDT and support its continuing groupwide decarbonization roadmap with an estimated reduction of almost 21,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
“We are keen on supporting PLDT as it continues to transition to RE and use more renewable energy to power its operations that are vital to our country’s connectivity and digital infrastructure. ACEN is looking forward to this venture that will help foster an energy-secure future for our telecommunications industry,” ACEN senior vice president for market transformation Tony Valdez said. Darwin G. Amojelar
FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) said Thursday its net income fell 12 percent in 2023 to P12.8 billion from the 2022 figure which reflected a gain on land sale.
The company’s core net income went up by 6 percent to P12.6 billion, driven by operating income growth but tempered by higher interest rates. URC’s sales for 2023 reached P58.4
MPOWER Inc., the local retail electricity supplier of Manila Electric Co., and Pioneer Highlands South Condominium Corp. (PHSCC) renewed their retail supply agreement, marking the continued collaboration between the two entities.
PHSCC manages Pioneer Highlands South Condominium in Mandaluyong City, which houses around 445 residential and commercial occupants.
It was one of the first batches of customers that signed up with MPower under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) implemented in 2013.
“We have a very strong partnership with PHSCC for more than a decade now and remain committed to being part of their growth and success. We assure PHSCC and our partners that MPower will continue to deliver stable, reliable and costcompetitive supply that we believe is very crucial in ensuring continued operations of the business and in keeping the lights on,” Meralco first vice president and MPower head Redel Domingo said in a statement Thursday.
MPower and PHSCC’s retail supply contract renewal signifies a strong and lasting partnership built on trust, commitment and shared values, the companies said.
“Our partnership with MPower has gone deeper than our continuing business contracts. This does not only forge a decade’s worth of continued energy supply and professional assistance but is also a celebration of warm friendship and continued pursuit of lofty ideals to serve and be fruitful citizens,” PHSCC president Evangeline Ang said. MPower serves contestable customers, including top corporations within Meralco’s franchise area. It established itself as a preferred LRES, enjoying more than 25 percent share of the competitive retail electricity market within Meralco’s franchise area.
It is actively increasing its renewable energy capacity in its supply portfolio as part of its commitment to sustainability and as a response to the growing clamor of customers for renewable energy.
Alena Mae S. Flores
billion, up 6 percent against a high base last year.
“Both the branded consumer foods (BCF) and the agro-industrial and commodities (AIC) businesses
continued their momentum into the fourth quarter, growing sequentially versus the previous quarter,” the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.
URC’s operating income grew 14 percent in 2023, or more than double the topline growth, to close at P17.4 billion.
Operating margins hit 11 percent, driven by the company’s strategic pricing moves and continued operational savings.
URC said its financial position remained strong, with a healthy cash balance of P2.2 billion, net debt of P13.4 billion and a gearing ratio of 0.23. The URC board approved on March 14, 2024 the declaration of cash dividend amounting to P1.90 per share from the unrestricted retained earnings of the company as of Dec. 31, 2023 to all stockholders of record as of April 12, 2024 and payable on May 9, 2024.
SHERA expects 15% revenue growth after factoryBy Othel V. Campos
FIBER-CEMENT manufacturer SHERA expects a 15-percent increase in revenues to P1.75 billion in 2024 from P1.5 billion in 2023, as it maximizes its P2-billion investment in a Pampanga plant.
SHERA Philippines country head Thunnop Jumpasri said they have bigger plans following its 50th year of operating in the country.
“We’ve been here for 50 years. We’ve seen lots of market penetration and changes. The Philippine market is a big opportunity for us, considering that the Philippines is the fastest-growing construction market in ASEAN,” Jumpasri
said at the sidelines of the 4-day Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) at the World Trade Center Thursday.
He said SHERA was on track to completing its P2-billion plant in Mabalacat, Pampanga by end-2024
The facility will increase its footprint in the Philippines, making sustainable and eco-friendly products become more accessible to Filipinos, particularly those who are looking to integrate greener solutions into their establishments, buildings and homes.
Jumpasri said the plant would increase its output annually starting with 100,000 MT in the first year and
200,000 MT in the second year.
The company committed to hiring 120 to 150 full-time workers once the plant is completed.
Jumpasri said the company plans to expand capacities as need arises, given the potential for growth of the local construction industry.
The Philippines is SHERA’s first overseas plant outside Thailand. It bared plans to expand to other markets in the ASEAN. Its Philippine output is intended for export to Taiwan, Korea and some parts of China.
The company plans to register its facility with the Board of Investments (BOI) for tax incentives.
ACEN secures ‘B’ rating for climate change disclosures
By Alena Mae S. FloresA CEN Corp. said Thursday it secured a “B” rating for its climate change disclosure through CDP— a global non-profit that runs the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform.
ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the rating is two levels higher than last year’s, underscoring its dedication to decarbonization and adherence to the highest environmental standards.
ACEN said it actively participated in the Climate Change questionnaire since beginning its disclosures with CDP in 2022, contributing to the world’s most comprehensive inventory of selfreported environmental data. It said the company’s ongoing efforts align with the increasing demand for environmental transparency from financial institutions, customers and policymakers.
ACEN completed the world’s first Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) transaction in 2022 that enabled the full divestment of the 246-megawatt South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) coal plant. Under the ETM framework, the coal plant will be retired by 2040, reducing its operating life of up to 50 years by half and reducing up to 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
ACEN was also the first energy company in Southeast Asia to launch a robust net zero roadmap in 2023, which includes near-term emission reduction targets aligned with the GHG protocol and the latest climate-science.
“Our commitment to environmental transparency through CDP is a pivotal element of our sustainability strategy. It not only reaffirms our accountability to stakeholders but also enhances our capability to manage environmental risks as we expand our renewable energy portfolio globally,” ACEN vice president and head of corporate communications and sustainability Irene Maranan said.
UA&P study says for every P1 Grab spent, P3.42 is reinjected to economy
A STUDY conducted by the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Center for Research and Communications (CRC) shows that Grab Philippines plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating livelihood opportunities and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP). The study, titled “The Impact of Ride-Hailing and On-Demand Delivery Services on the Philippine Economy: A Focus on Grab Philippines”, says Grab’s economic influence is evident in its unique ability to amplify economic returns. It reveals that for every peso spent on the Grab platform, an astounding additional P3.42 is injected into the national economy. This multiplier effect surpasses industry benchmarks — positioning Grab as a leader
in economic contribution within the transportation sector. The fundamental idea is that with a hypothetical P100-GrabCar ride, an additional P342 is generated for the economy.
“Our study shows that Grab – with its strong foothold in the Philippines, its technology, portfolio of services, and robust ecosystem of partners and merchants, has a remarkable capacity to propel our economy forward. Having the unique position as a superapp has allowed Grab to fully realize a multiplier effect that reverberates throughout the economy and the Filipino household” said UA&P associate professor, senior economist and input-output analysis specialist Dr. Cid Terosa.
executive Ramon Ang said in a statement.
The group said it remains confident in its ability to efficiently manage its business and continue to deliver sustainable value amid continuing market uncertainties. It expressed optimism that the robust macroeconomic fundamentals and its strategy, anchored on sustainability agenda, would sustain growth momentum throughout 2024.
Philippines facility also manufactures a range of other cabin interior products, including galleys, galley inserts, oxygen equipment and lavatories.
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday it is set to sign the concession agreement with the San Miguel Group on March 18 for the long-awaited rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
It signifies the official start of the much-anticipated NAIA upgrade.
San Miguel Group emerged victorious during the bidding process, after it proposed an 82.16-percent revenue share to the government.
The DOTr said the signing of the concession agreement with SMCSAP Group would be held on March 18, 2024 at 8:30 a.m., at Kalayaan Hall in Malacanang, which was deferred from the original schedule of March 15 to accommodate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s schedule.
It said the awarding of the contract marks the beginning of a 25-year transformation for one of the country’s busiest airports which would generate P900 billion in revenues throughout the concession period.
The turnover of the NAIA facility to San Miguel Group is likely in September this year, it said.
San Miguel earlier said it proposed not only to elevate NAIA to worldclass standard, but also to ensure that the government benefits from the most advantageous revenue-sharing
agreement. “This aims to secure a favorable outcome for our shareholders while prioritizing fairness and long-term sustainability,” San Miguel said.
The project involves capital investment to improve the airport’s facilities to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other internationally accepted standards.
It means modernizing the terminals, optimizing and enhancing the capacity of the airport to 62 million passengers a year, enhancing asset quality and passenger experience, improving the information and technology systems infrastructure and ensuring reliable operations over the period of the concession.
The concessionaire will be responsible for both landside and airside operations of the NAIA.
THE Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) led by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cautioned about rising global economic uncertainties while emphasizing the Philippines’ economic strength.
FSCC Chairman and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. noted the fresh rounds of uncertainties in advanced economies since the end of 2023. He said developments in various countries were likely to affect the Philippines in different ways.
“While global markets have been very fluid, the Philippines has shown its resilience by expanding at a pace that exceeds that of most other economies in the world. The FSCC recognizes that expectations at the end of 2023 of early rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve have been tempered by recent US data,” Remolona said.
“That said, the council weighs the potential spillovers coming from abroad versus the resilience that the local market continues to exhibit,” he said.
THE Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday it engaged finance sector stakeholders to further refine the proposed bill on simplifying passive income tax and other financial instruments.
The DOF said it took note of the concerns raised by the stakeholders and underscored the need for close collaboration to enhance the proposed Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP).
A priority measure of the Marcos administration, Package 4 of the
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CTRP aims to make the taxation of passive income, financial intermediaries and financial transactions simpler, fairer and globally competitive.
The proposal will ensure a more efficient Philippine tax system, boost the competitiveness of the country’s capital markets and foster greater financial inclusion among Filipinos, the DOF said.
Under the guidance of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, the DOF refined its proposal with the goal of maintaining the
tel101-Madrid.
The 680-room Hotel101-Madrid project is set to become one of the top 5 largest hotels in Madrid. It is located on a 6,593 square-meter prime commercial property recently purchased by Hotel101 along Avenida Fuerzas Armadas, Valdebebas, Madrid.
By Othel V. CamposTHE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday it is taking steps to boost local milk production by encouraging more investments in the dairy industry.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco
Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the need to review Republic Act 7884, or The National Dairy Development Act of 1995, in a recent meeting with the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI).
“We will draft a measure to activate this provision of the dairy law,” he said, noting that the industry is among the “low hanging fruits” in the sector.
The DA said it would focus on the provision requiring agreement between commercial milk processors and domestic dairy cooperatives on
structure of some products and instruments while deferring the implementation of certain provisions by 2028.
Interest income tax will be harmonized at 20 percent in 2024, while royalties will be maintained according to the existing Tax Code until 2027, subsequently harmonized and decreased to 15 percent in 2028.
The DOF said the dividend income tax will remain unchanged until 2027, with a proposed harmonization of 10 percent in 2028.
the volume of locally-produced milk absorbed by the commercial sector.
The Dairy Act would have determined an increase in volume in 1998, three years after its passage. However, despite the legislation, domestic production remains low, hovering around 1 percent of annual demand, according to the department.
PCAFI said there is lack of agreement on minimum volume and suggested that the DA, through the National Dairy Authority (DA), implement a rule.
The rule would require “commercial milk processors and traders to secure their milk supply from local sources with definite volume, or at least 5 percent of their total requirement, within a full or staggered basis over a certain fixed period.”
The stock transaction tax will gradually be reduced annually by 0.1 percent, from 0.5 percent to 0.1 percent in 2028. Current taxes on financial transactions, including sales, agreements to sell, memoranda of sales, deliveries or transfer of shares or certificates of stocks, will be maintained until 2027 and subsequently removed in 2028. The same timeline applies to taxes on all bills of exchange or drafts.
Darwin G. Amojelar
in Spain and is set to commence construction of the project in April 2024.
It is surrounded
The council assessed during its 38th executive committee meeting the funding needs of the corporate sector. Estimates suggest that there is sizable portion of corporate bonds and loans maturing in 2024. Given the nature of these debts, the FSCC expects a significant amount to be refinanced.
The council said the banking sector has been able to provide much of the corporate funding through the years, but it also looks to a stronger capital market to complement the banking sector and to better manage various risks.
Darwin G. AmojelarALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR), the publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group, saw its net income rise 22 percent in 2023 to P2.285 billion from P1.875 billion in 2022.
ACR said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday revenues improved 3 percent to P12.4 billion last year, underscored by the growing demand for power in its core markets in Mindanao.
“ACR’s strong financial performance last year is attributed to the growing power demand in Mindanao. Aside from this, our participation in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao has opened additional revenue streams for the company, contributing to our financial growth,” said ACR deputy chief financial officer Philip Edward Sagun.
ACR said its board, in a meeting held on March 14, 2024, approved the program for the issuance of new short-term commercial paper worth up to P3 billion in one or more tranches. The company expressed optimism about its growth trajectory, considering the expected increase in power demand to support the Philippines’ projected annual economic growth of 6.5 percent through 2028.
ACR said it is poised for further business expansion and portfolio diversification this 2024. Alena Mae S. Flores
PARIS—This year’s Paris Olympics will use renewable energy, serve lots of vegetarian meals and heavily restrict plastic bottles, but can an event involving so much construction and international travel ever be environmentally sustainable?
After an extravagant FIFA football World Cup in Qatar in 2022 that featured air-conditioned stadiums, the Paris Games are hoping to present a more sober model for global sports events.
“I hope Paris 2024’s efforts to reduce its impacts can demonstrate that it is possible to do things differently,” Georgina Grenon, director of environmental excellence for the organising committee, told AFP in a recent interview.
One of the main differences will be in the overall carbon emissions, with organisers aiming for half of the amount generated by the 2012 Olympics in London and the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.
Paris 2024 initially set a target equivalent to 1.58 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, but that ambition has been lowered to around 1.75 million tonnes.
“Something we are uncertain of today is the (carbon impact of) spectators,” said Grenon when asked if the latest target can be met.
One of the key factors will be the number of heavily polluting plane journeys linked to the Games and “we haven’t yet sold all the tickets,” she added.
An outside consulting firm will be tasked with auditing the impact of the travel, the construction, catering and sports equipment, with final figures set to be published in October.
Diesel savings
The key to reducing Paris’ carbon footprint was contained in the city’s original bid.
Organizers promised to use either existing or temporary venues for 95 percent of the sports events,
meaning they could avoid building new stadiums from scratch. The only major new-build projects have been an aquatics centre, a mid-sized venue in Paris for the badminton and gymnastics, and the athletes’ village in the deprived Paris suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis.
Contractors for the village had to agree to reduce the emissions resulting from their buildings by 30 percent compared with standard constructions, meaning many of them experimented with low-carbon concrete and wood. Other changes i nclude connecting up all the sports venues to the electricity mains supply, meaning stadium operators don’t rely on diesel generators for power.
“To give you a n idea of the volume of diesel for the London Games, there were four million litres burned just for electricity purposes,” said Grenon.
Elsewhere, Coca-Cola—a top Olympics sponsor —has agreed to install 700 newly designed drink fountains at Olympic venues, meaning that around 50 percent of soft drinks will be served without a plastic bottle. AFP
WORLD Aquatics (WA) president Capt. Husain Al-Musallam lauded the Philippine Aquatics Inc. for its recent hosting of the 33-nation, two-week 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
“Before I came here, I was not thinking about the facility I will see, but what I saw was beautiful,” Al-Musallam said during his visit and ocular of the whole hosting near the end of competitions last week in Tarlac. “It’s not Asia, but you can also host world events.”
The AAGC organizers, led by Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) in partnership with the Local Organizing Committee, were present when the World Aquatics top exec shared his opinion of the Philippines’ hosting.
“The volunteers, the organizing committee, the Philippine Aquatics (Inc.), the city, the airport —all one team. It’s very rare to find everybody together, everybody working to create a very good environment for the athletes to compete,” he said.
For this year’s edition, the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. vigorously worked with partners—and with big support from Malacañang via Memorandum Circular 43 ordering help from various sectors of
the country—to accommodate some 1,400 athletes, coaches, and trainers from Asia.
“What I have said before, you deserved a 10,” said the WA chief.
The PAI, led by Michael “Miko” Var-
DAVAO—Kristoffer Arevalo came out on top after a third-round battle characterized by survival instincts at the challenging Apo course here, crafting a brave 71 to find himself the bewildered leader in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic Thursd ay.
Navigating through the intricate layout, Arevalo found himself atop the leaderboard filled with big names at two-over 218, one stroke ahead of reigning Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Jhonnel Ababa and another shot clear of three other contenders.
The unpredictable nature of the course has seen a new leader emerge every day since the start of the 2.5 million championship, the kickoff leg of this year’s 10leg circuit.
Despite the pressure of leading, the 24-year-old Arevalo remains remarkably composed, drawing on his extensive ex-
perience in tournament play.
“Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure,” said Arevalo confidently. “One thing I’ve learned from winning many tournaments while growing up is just to just play, literally play.”
“If pressure comes in, it will really affect me. But if I play my game, I won’t feel any (pressure),” he added.
However, Arevalo faces stiff competition from Ababa and a charging Guido van der Valk, necessitating careful planning and execution in the final 18 holes.
Ababa mounted a strong recovery from a challenging round, posting four birdies against a bogey in the last seven holes to stay firmly in contention at 219 despite a 76, while van der Valk pressed his bid with a 73 highlighted by a birdie on No. 18, tying Jay Bayron, who carded a 74, and Korean Minwook, who also shot a 76, at 220.
Van der Valk joins Ababa and Arevalo in the final round, while Bayron, Minwook and Keanu Jahns clash in the second-to-last group in what looms to be a wild final round test of will and character.
Jahns, who finished second to Tony Lascuña here in 2019, also battled back with a 72 to tie Lascuña, who floundered with a 76 after a 70, and Korean Hyun Ho Rho, who shot a second straight 73, at 221, while Zanieboy Gialon took solo ninth at 222, also after a four-over card. Mars Pucay, who forced a six-way logjam at the top at four-over total with three birdies in the first six holes, slowed down with three bogeys in the last 12, finishing with a 72 for joint 10th at 223 with Marvin Dumandan, who fired a 70. In the midst of intense competition, Arevalo emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition to sustain his performance on the demanding course.
THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is set to conduct tryouts to select young Filipina talents who will represent the country in the upcoming U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2024.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 24 to 26 in Thailand and the SBP is eager to assemble a formidable team for the competition. National women’s basketball coach Patrick Aquino announced this via his official Facebook page, extending an invitation to aspiring female basketball players born between 2007 and 2009.
Aquino emphasized that this is a golden opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the Under-18 national squad.
“Calling all aspiring Gilas Pilipinas Filipina Ballers born between 2007-2009, this is your chance to show what you’ve got,” said the multi-titled mentor.
The tryouts will be held in two sessions. The first tryout is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ronac Living Gallery in Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.
The second and final tryout will take place on March 23 at the Gameville Ballpark – Sheridan, located on Sheridan St., also in Mandaluyong.
Aquino advised the aspirants to bring their own water bottle, basketball shoes, and reversible jersey or light and dark tops.
Apart from his role as the head coach of the national women’s basketball team, Aquino is also entrusted with forming the squad that will represent the Philippines in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be held from July 13 to 29 in Shenzhen, China.
Aquino’s coaching expertise was instrumental in leading the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team to a historic victory in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where they clinched the gold medal in the 5v5 basketball event after defeating Thailand at the Mall of Asia Arena.
gas, humbly accepted the high rating from the WA. “We truly appreciate not only your presence but also the support and guidance you’ve been giving to aquatics in Asia, especially the Philippines. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”
For his part, PAI secretary general and Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain, shared the honor of the successful staging of the AAGC with the whole Philippine aquatics community, which pitched in with whatever help they can.
“We’re very grateful to the trust given by World Aquatics to Philippine Aquatics. It’s not something that we take lightly. In fact, we will use this trust to work harder and always keep our best foot forward in every step of the way. This success, this honor, is not just for PAI but for the Filipino nation,” Buhain said. Meanwhile, Farid Fatahian, Asia Aquatics liaison officer to the 11th Asian Age Group Championships local organizing committee, said that with the success of the AAGC in Capas, Tarlac, he is already looking forward to the Philippines hosting another Asian-level competition.
IN-FORM Shinichi Suzuki fueled another potential title charge at the Southwoods Invitational, teaming up with new partner Yoshikazu Hino to produce 90 points and tie Rolly Tolores and Faustito Caballero, Jr, after the completion of the first round in Carmona, Cavite yesterday (Thursday)
Suzuki, a key member of the Manila Southwoods squad that clinched its ninth championship in the recent PAL Interclub, and Hino flourished in the Best Ball format play at the Masters, matching the Tolores-Caballero tandem’s 90-point output under the Stableford Points scoring system. With Teruhisa Taguchi, Suzuki captured the overall gross team championship last year, showcasing his prowess on the course.
They led by two points over the pairs of Joseph Tambunting-Derek Ramsay and Raul Magpantay-Manny Rubio, who posted identical 88s in Division I in the last of two batches competing in the 36-hole tournament which boasted a record cast of 325 teams.
Meanwhile, Batch 1 resumes play today (Friday) in sequential tee times, also at 6 a.m. while the second batch will complete their 36-hole round on Saturday in a shotgun style format at 7 a.m.
Theody Pascual and Ferdie Barbosa scored 86 points for fifth in the premier category while Batch I top scorers Kazuo Murakami and Renie Floro slipped to joint sixth with 84 points alongside the pairs of Jaco Yupangco-Raffy Ocampo and Michael Chan-Tomas Pohang.
Meanwhile, three tandems shared the Division II lead, highlighting the competitiveness among the competing teams in the host club’s centerpiece tournament backed by Platinum sponsors CWC International Corp., Calamba Doctors Hospital and Calamba Doctors College.
Games Friday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
4 p.m. - Maverick vs Criss Cross 6 p.m. - Savouge vs VNS
CRISS Cross will make its muchawaited debut against fellow newcomer Maverick while Savouge Aesthetics will face off against VNS-Nasty in the second day of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference today (Friday) at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The King Crunchers, who will start their campaign without ace spiker Marck Espejo, will rely on veterans Ysay Marasigan, Kim Malabunga, and Vince Mangulabnan against the Hard Hitters led by Razzel Palisoc and Jerome Cordez at 4:00 p.m.
Tai Bundit, who is set to make his coaching return with Criss Cross, is very confident that his team has what it takes to compete after seeing positive results during their build up.
Bundit is also motivated to repay the trust given by the Rebisco franchise and vowed to help the King Crunchers reach their ultimate goal of winning the Spikers’ Turf championship.
“My players [are] very good, they concentrate to train in the training and I will support them to be better players,” said the decorated Thai coach.
“I have experience, I will do better in the men’s team [in] Rebisco. Now I feel happy because my boss [is] really kind to me. Boss Jonathan [Ng] is really kind to me,” added Bundit.
Meanwhile, Maverick head coach Erickson Ramos is optimistic that the Hard Hitters can pose a great threat to the King Crunchers in their debut.
“Lagi naman may chance e depende na lang po kung paano magpe-perform and papaano susunod sa sistema yung mga players,” said Ramos.
In the nightcap, the Griffins, bannered by Kennry Malinis and Wewe Medina, will take on the Spin Doctors, who will be leaning on Lorenz Senoron anew, at 6:00 p.m.
DAVAO—Sarah Ababa staged an amazing comeback, erasing a daunting four-stroke deficit in just one-hole and leveraging that pivotal moment to propel herself to victory in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic, ending a prolonged drought on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with a closing 73.
Ababa rebounded from a two-bogey setback after five holes with a chip-in birdie on the par-5 No. 6, capitalizing on Mafy Singson’s triple bogey on the same hole in a rare four-shot swing that dramatically shifted the momentum in a final round duel of local talents at the Apo Golf and Country Club here Thursday.
Trailing by two strokes after 36 holes and falling by four after No. 5, Ababa drew level at four-over total after six holes, seized the lead with another birdie on the seventh, and extended her advantage to two strokes as Singson faltered with a bogey on No. 8. She kept her composure thereafter, opting for conservative play and reaping the rewards with a string of pars, hiking her lead to four as Singson struggled with bogeys on Nos. 12 and
15 and ended up with a 77. Despite Singson’s birdie on No. 16 coupled with Ababa’s three-putt mishap, the latter remained steadfast, matching her opponent’s last two pars to nail the victory by two strokes with a four-over 220 total.
“I didn’t expect to win after falling behind by four early on,” said Ababa in Pilipino. “But my father (Edgar) always says, if it’s meant for me, it’s meant for me.”
Indeed, it was her day to shine.
Ababa expressed her gratitude for her timely birdies on Nos. 6 and 7, acknowledging the key role they played in her victory.
“Those birdies were incredibly lucky. I chipped in on No. 6 and made a long putt (30 feet) on the seventh,” said Ababa. “I played steady the rest of the way.”
Despite a moment of anxiety when she three-putted from 24 feet on No. 16, Ababa held her nerve to pound out the win, marking her first victory since her triumph at Sherwood Hills in 2015 and snapping her long winless streak on the premier ladies golf circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Ababa credited her father, who sacrificed the chance to play in the men’s tournament to caddie for her, for his invaluable support. “It’s an important win for me,” said Ababa, fighting back tears. “Aside from winning on my home course, my father sacrificed playing his own round just to help me.”
“He actually wanted to play (in the PGT) but decided to caddie for me because he was confident in my abilities. I’m truly grateful, both to him and to the Lord,” she added. It was, however, a disappointing finish for Singson, who had hoped to launch her professional career with a victory on her home turf. Winner of two LPGT events as an amateur, Singson settled for second place with a 222 after a 76, earning P85,000 as a full-pledged professional.
LEAGUE-leading University of Santo Tomas returned to its winning ways, turning back Adamson University, 11-9, in the UAAP Season 86 Baseball tournament on Thursday at the UP Baseball Field.
The Golden Sox made amends for their previous 8-1 4 defeat against the Soaring Falcons in the first round to move into a provisional solo lead at 4-2, and they needed a huge sixth-inning explosion to secure the win this time.
UST, though, needed to produce a gutsy two-out rally in the said inning to overhaul a slim 2-3 deficit.
“HIndi nakakatuwa ‘eh, kasi pumasok kng dalawang out, pumasok ng lima tapos hindi masyado nagkokonekta. Error lang ng kalaban, bakit nakakapasok? So, a lot of things to improve, ‘yung mental toughness, ‘yun ang importante,” said head coach Jeff Santiago. After John Mark Bersales and Timothy Caldo were sent back to the dugout, Steven Dominguez was given first base on four balls. Three more walks and singles from Mark Joseph Cabase and Harry Geronimo capitalized on the Adamson errors to produce seven runs for a 9-3 advantage.
Another base hit, this time from Dominguez, closed the rousing offensive inning for the Golden Sox, scoring Barsales as the batting order went full circle.
Adamson had an immediate response in the very same inning, but the five runs produced were not enough as both defenses went to work until the end of the game.
“Still ‘yung opensa. Opensa kasi tignan mo, nakapasok kami ng walo because of the offense, ‘yung palo pinagtutuunan talaga namin kaso minsan nakokontrol kami ng depensa ng kalaban,” Santiago shared on what is working so far with the Golden Sox.
John Reymond Vargas paced the offense with two hits on five at-bats, scoring twice as well, but it was the pitching of Ivan Llave that steered them in the closing innings.
The 20-year-old pitcher silenced Adamson, limiting them to one run in just two hits in the next three frames, en route to the win.
PHILIPPINE sports rode on the exploits of world-class billiards ace Carlo Biado and pole vault superstar EJ Obiena to get the ball rolling in 2024.
Biado ruled the Chinese Taipei Open to start off a promising year not only for the cuemasters but also for Philippine sportsmen and sportswomen.
The 40-year-old Biado defeated Bernie Regalario in an all-Filipino finale, 13-7, to hoist the trophy in the first ranking event of the World Nine-ball Tour (WNT) and lead the Philippine Sports-
writers Association’s achievers for the month of January.
Joining Biado in the honor roll were youngsters Alex Eala and Rianne Malixi, who sparkled in international tennis and golf, respectively.
Eala, 18, clinched her first pro doubles title in the W50 Pune India, where she and Latvian partner Darja Semenistaja upset top seeds Naiktha Baius of Great Britain and Fannin Stellar of Hungary, 7-6 (8), 6-3, in the championship. The sixteen-year-old Malixi, for her
as Gerritt Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Sebastian Rasmussen and others, some say “availability” is one of the reasons why they won’t be in Iraq and Manila during the third week of March. What does “availability” mean? Is it because of injury? Is it because of club commitments? Is it because of personal reasons? Or is it because of the same old pabebe Azkal wannabe syndrome?
have the old reliable OGs, some returning and several new faces including a collegiate player from a school where a key official of the Philippine Football Federation also occupies a very important position. He must be mighty proud that his ward has made it to the squad set to leave tomorrow for the Dubai camp before the team faces Iraq on the 21st in Basra. The Designated Kit Man is hoping that this kid will make the best of his debut with the national team. Going back to the absence of notable names such
A source at the PFF, when asked about the exclusion of these players in the list, aptly summed it up when he responded: “I wish I knew.” I wish I knew, too. But rather than harping on those who are not present, again, I would rather wish those who always heed the country’s call, the returning players and the rookies flying to Dubai, all the best. The games against the 59th FIFA-ranked Iraq will not be easy. The team is also coming from the Asian Cup so the odds are pretty stacked up against the Philippines. And for those who had so many things to say about the Azkals, players, coaches and management and know even more than your ordinary keyboard warriors and Monday morning strikers, make sure to be present on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The team needs your presence. ‘Wag lang sa social media kayo pabibo at maingay! Speaking of odds, what are the chances that so many job openings are available at the PFF? People who love football, have the necessary qualifications and would love to relocate to Carmona, Cavite now have several job opportunities to work with the PFF. From what I read, these openings include legal officer, marketing
part, flew the flag in the Australian Master of the Amateurs in Melbourne, where she reigned supreme with a seven-under 285, beating India’s Avani Prashanth by one shot.
Come February, Obiena, the 2023 PSA Athlete of the Year, took his turn to shine. The world No. 2 pole vaulter opened the season with a smashing triumph in the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Croatia behind a new meet record of 5.8 meters. He followed it up with gold in the ISTAF
officer, program officer, accounting assistant, club licensing officer, international relations officer, production unit officer, media officer and multimedia designer. Is the PFF expanding its manpower to further boost football all over the country? The next logical question is: has so many people resigned from the PFF in such a short time since the new bosses took over? Perhaps the biggest question is ‘anyare’?
Speaking of moving on, two friends will officially end their stints at the PFF after several years. Cedelf Tupas and Icko De Guzman have tendered their resignations with the NSA and by April 1 will either be jobless or going on a much-deserved vacation. Whatever they intend to do, good hunting my friends! Cedelf and Icko have done so much for the PFF and football in general during their stay. Much of these do not show on any statline or the usual stories about the national teams. They have worked mostly on the sidelines and even more behind the scenes.
But there are three things I would like to thank them for: for helping and enabling the PFF to broadcast games of our national teams no matter where they play regardless of the time zones and circumstances. Especially when no mainstream media do not have the interest, the air-time and the nationalistic pride to air the games live. These two, including the many silent workers in the PFF, moved heaven and earth to ensure local fans have the opportunity to see the national teams – the Azkals, the Malditas and the youth teams – in action live.
The second thing: Making the football press closer, updated, accessible and a beat apart from the usual sports press. Being part of the Philippine Football Press Corps GC has made life easier and bearable even when
Indoor Meet in Berlin, Germany on a season’s best 5.93m effort.
Obiena’s twin conquests served as highlight for a success-filled February for Filipinos in many fronts.
Multi-titled cuemaster Lee Van Corteza and reigning world 10-ball queen Chezka Centeno made it a clean sweep for the country in the Las Vegas Open.
Corteza edged Biado for the men’s crown, 4-2, 4-3, while Centeno outclassed Chinese Chen Siming, 4-2, 4-2, for the title in the distaff side.
results are too depressing.
The third thing is: Thank you for being real friends. That no matter how we argue, bash each other and have petty misunderstandings the whole time, at the end of the day, we are still friends. Go get them, Cedelf and Icko! On wishing goodluck, it is good to know that upcoming boxer Jesus Magdayo has received a tremendous boost in his corner. The 19-year-old prospect will make his second professional fight on March 23, 2024 after scoring a sensational first round TKO in his debut.
Cong. Butch Pichay will now back his career moving forward and things could never have been better for Magdayo for this wonderful development sealed with a simple handshake last weekend. In another interesting event, things are moving toward the right direction for the basketball and volleyball competitions of the 1st ever Manila Women’s Cup 2024 organized by the Manila Sports Council in celebration of the National Women’s Month. Tentatively set to unfold on March 22, hostilities will be held at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo, with the support of the city council, made the volleyball and basketball tournaments possible. Ten teams coming from colleges and universities located in the capital are seeing action in the basketball tournament while nine squads, representing nine educational institutions, are competing in the volleyball competitions. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
VIVAMAX’S newest film, Mapanukso , promises a unique perspective on the familiar theme of male dancers and their wealthy patrons. While the core story might echo films like Macho Dancer and Midnight Dancers , director Abdel Langit emphasizes a fresh approach.
Langit highlights the film’s distinction in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment. He acknowledges the familiar narrative structure but reveals his focus on delivering a new viewpoint.
“I told the screenwriter that the story itself isn’t new, but the perspective is entirely different. When you watch the movie, you can’t help but remember the films made by Lino Brocka, Mel Chionglo, and even Joel Lamangan , Anak ng Macho Dancer Structurally, that’s how the story goes. When I read the script, I realized that we need to offer
something different,” Langoit stated, Mapanukso delves into the lives of five male dancers who navigate the world of seduction and temptation.
Sean de Guzman portrays Carlo, a kindhearted dancer with aspirations of becoming a
SHARING the limelight in the ongoing Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant are two new faces. Baguio’s Justine Tarah Marie Valencia and Pangasinan’s Grace Jineah Lumague gaining a strong following and may spring a surprise at coronation night.
Valencia, a stunning Cordilleran beauty, emerges as a dark horse in this year’s competition. A graduate with a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Baguio, Valencia took on a part-time job while studying to help provide for her family after her father’s passing when she was 19 years old. She won Miss Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio 2023 and Miss Beautéderm-Miss Baguio Turismo 2023, which allowed her to introduce the passion for promoting Baguio’s tourism industry. Valencia aims to showcase her province’s rich and unique traditions on the international stage while advocating for preserving Baguio’s delicate ecosystem and sustainable tourism practices.
Lumague, 22, was recently appointed as representative of Pangasinan by an accredited partner and organizer of Mutya ng Pozorrubio. She is currently pursuing a Nursing degree at the University of Baguio following in the footsteps of her parents who are both working in the medical field.
Joining the Mutya ng Pozorrubio 2024 and Miss University of Baguio, Lumague said she was able to use them as a platform to lay out her advocacies on women’s rights and the welfare of the sick and less fortunate. She is a member of the Philippine Red Cross Youth - University of Baguio doing health-related activities and also joined the Leknaan Ya Pozorrubio, Inc., an NGO doing outreach programs and giving medical assistance to Pozorrubio. * * *
Clothing line taps Rabiya Mateo as endorser Beauty queen turned actress Rabiya Mateo has added MAGS Clothing to her multiple endorsement deals.
“I was actually Miss MAGS before I joined the Miss Universe Philippines search,” Mateo said during a contract signing event with the brand. “I believe in MAGS’ goal to empower women to choose comfort for their style.”
“Rabiya embodies the ideal customer for the clothing brand: a beautiful, down-to-earth, and empowered modern Filipina,” said MAGS owner and CEO Mags Cue.
MAGS, with stores nationwide, has established itself as one of the Philippines’ favorite ladies’ fashion brands.
chef and migrating abroad. He mentors a troubled youngster, Angelo (played by Itan Rosales), who gets drawn into the world of dance at “The Den,” a private club catering to wealthy women.
Marco Gomez essays Primo, a dancer masking his insecurities with a tough exterior. He faces a challenge when his sugar mommy, Tanya ( Ataska), shows interest in Angelo.
Mon Mendoza portrays Benjie, a commitment-phobic dancer involved with
Abby ( Thia Ledesma ), a sugar baby to a powerful politician.
Calvin Reyes takes on the role of Jason, a married man with children who hides his true profession from his family.
While the dancers benefit financially, their relationships with powerful women come with hidden complexities. They soon find
SMART Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), recently teamed up with Samsung to treat valued members and media guests to a red carpet Infinity Exclusives screening of the muchanticipated film Madame Web at the VIP Theatre of Power Plant Cinemas.
Smart Infinity members graced the event, which is just one of the many perks that the brand offers, aside from providing world-class connectivity, supercharged roaming abroad, worldwide concierge services, and an array of lifestyle privileges to its customers.
themselves caught in a web of manipulation, not just from the women they entertain but also from the allure of the city itself.
Langit concludes by highlighting a key theme: “What separates this film from the previous titles I mentioned is that, in this story, women are the ones manipulating men. They are powerful in this movie.”
He emphasizes the film’s deeper message, portraying the city’s dazzling exterior masking a constant state of internal transformation.
“Another metaphor I used was the city itself, the setting of the story. It’s beautiful and vibrant from afar but it’s aching and goes through a continuous process of reconstruction from the inside,” Langit said.
Mapanukso premieres today exclusively on Vivamax.
we
so there are
premium offers to look forward to,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business. “This Infinity Exclusives screening is just one of the many ways we can show our gratitude to our members for their continued support,” added Kristine A. Go, SVP for Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.
Smart
“Aside from exclusive events like this, our members can rely on Smart Infinity for priority customer service, rewarding mobile experiences, and unparalleled connectivity even while they travel and roam anywhere in the world,” said Shing Dimagiba, VP and Head of Smart Postpaid.
Smart Infinity is powered by Smart’s world-class mobile network, which covers 97% of the population with 4G/LTE and 5G. This mobile network is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, which is over 1.1 kilometers, including international and domestic fiber. For more updates visit https://smart.com.ph/ Postpaid/infinity.
GMA Regional TV celebrates the 87th Araw ng Dabaw with star-studded shows in Davao City this weekend. Popular Kapuso artists from hit shows like Love. Die. Repeat., Asawa ng Asawa Ko, Black Rider, and Abot Kamay na Pangarap will be performing live.
Spreading joy and love this Saturday (March 16) through a Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall in Buhangin, Davao City at 4:00 p.m. is Jennylyn Mercado from Love. Die. Repeat. Making the afternoon even hotter and livelier are Sparkle artists Liezel Lopez and Martin del Rosario from Asawa ng Asawa Ko The fun and excitement continue the next day (March 17) as Black Rider star Ruru Madrid and Abot Kamay na Pangarap actress Jillian Ward banner the Kapuso Fiesta at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City at 4:00 p.m. Joining them in spreading positive and youthful vibes are their co-stars Kim Perez and Raheel Bhyria
Today, March 15, Sparkle artist and Makiling star Kristoffer Martin will perform at Mutya ng Dabaw 2024 at USEP Gymnasium and Cultural Center. Hosting the event is GMA Synergy sportscaster and 24 Oras Game
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
IN THE middle of the ceremony of our dear friends Patrick and Nathalie’s wedding in 2012, I saw a fellow part of the entourage, clad in her blush pink dress, get up from her seat and move to the side of the pew. Jamie Lihan, armed with her camera, couldn’t help but capture special moments.
For a second time, I witnessed Jamie’s prowess firsthand during the engagement shoot of my college best friend Kristine and her then-fiancé Jaryd in Singapore in 2013. Despite the couple unexpectedly getting drenched in rainwater, Jamie’s creativity shone through. She transformed what could have been a setback into a series of stunning photos, each soaked in the raw emotions of the moment.
At this time, Jamie has already carved her place in the Philippine photography scene as part of the sought-after Mayad Studios. She modestly prefers to be known for her work behind the lens. An alumna of Ateneo de Manila University, Jamie’s academic journey is marked by excellence, from being a dean’s lister in her undergraduate degree in Management Engineering minor in Economics to becoming a gold medalist in the MBA program at Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
It’s been 17 years since Jamie ventured into wedding photography, a journey that has since expanded to include corporate, family, and even animal photography. Her foray into the art form began serendipitously in her final term at university, prompted by a professor in a drawing and painting elective who saw her potential and recommended a photography workshop at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.
“It was a six-day thing, but it redirected my life to where it is now,” she happily shared.
For Jamie, photography is more than a job, it’s a calling. She enthused, “I enjoy it. People see my works’ worth and I feel appreciated so somehow it affirms my purpose. Projects are nonstop. Plus, it was more fun to shoot and travel than to be stuck in the office or the classroom--that’s why I gave up--or should I say, put on a long hold--teaching Applied Mathematics and Managerial Statistics in Ateneo Graduate School of Business.”
Her journey has taken her to breathtaking locales, from the intimate settings of weddings to the wild expanses of a safari – a dream that came true for her in August 2023. It was a beautiful manifestation for someone who once aspired to be a National Geographic photographer.
“I love that my subjects trust me to see the beauty in them and immortalize those splitsecond moments somehow. Also, I love that I get to travel and see God’s beautiful creation in person. I get to capture a perspective that I deem beautiful,” Jamie heartfully shared. “I also love that the attention isn’t on me because I am behind the camera. And yet, I get to show people my perspective of them in the hopes of moving them to appreciate the moment, and be grateful.”
Asked how she would describe her style, Jamie responded, “Grateful. It’s a weird way of describing it.”
She views her style as one of gratitude, seeing it as a discipline that allows her to express and share the beauty of the moment.
“The beauty that I capture is not of vanity, but of gratitude--because it moves me to be grateful
EXPOSURE to sunlight and blue light poses
for the moment--with the hopes of moving the “audience” to be grateful as well,” Jamie added.
Jamie’s favorite part of a wedding is the moment she finds herself crying with the couple, their families, or their friends. “While still shooting of course,” she laughingly said. “It is in these moments that I, too, am overwhelmed by the love they have for each other.”
Yet, the path of a photographer is not without its challenges, from dealing with uncooperative weather to navigating the complexities of human emotions and wedding day timelines.
Despite these obstacles, Jamie’s advice to aspiring photographers is simple, “Go for it if it’s truly in your heart to photograph. It doesn’t matter what camera you use. Just shoot! Talent
MADISKARTE Moms PH (MMPH)’s
Gawad Madiskarte, an award that honors Filipina entrepreneurs, is back with a focus on sustainability. This year, they recognize not only successful “mompreneurs” but also businesses that champion ecofriendly practices. Powered by PLDT Home, Gawad Madiskarte seeks mompreneurs leading by example, proving sustainable practices are profitable. By supporting these visionary women, it aims to inspire a brighter, sustainable future for all.
This year’s major awards are Diskarteng Eco-Friendly, for the mompreneur who is leading the charge in environmental responsibility and pioneering green solutions with vision and progress; Diskarteng Angat, for the mompreneur who achieves exceptional sales growth in her business while leading the way
will find its way beyond your gear. You develop a heart yearning for more, to be excellent, to be passionate. It builds that character in you. Plus, that seed of passion isn’t in your heart for nothing.” Navigating a male-dominated industry, Jamie has not only found her place but has thrived, using her unique perspective to her advantage.
“I do not feel the discrimination. I even feel it is an advantage to be a girl because my shy brides express that they are more comfortable with a girl photographer,” Jamie explained. “They are more relaxed and therefore less stiff when photographed. Also, it’s a plus for me that I can joke with the dads of the brides to smile more naturally. Brides love to see their dads smile and not be too stiff.”
Reflecting on her career, Jamie’s story is not just about the photographs she takes, but the journeys she embarks on, the lives she touches, and the moments of pure, unadulterated joy she captures. Hers is a story of a woman who chose to follow her heart and celebrate her wins, leading her to a life of purpose through her lens.
For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.
in sustainability; and Diskarteng May Puso, for the mompreneur who creates
In the midst of capturing lovely moments, Jamie still finds herself tearing up along with the couples sharing their genuine love
Jamie makes it a point to capture a sense of gratitude within every photo