T“The
By Rey
E. Requejo and Maricel CruzTHE Chinese Embassy in the Philippines lashed out at US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his “thinly veiled threat” to invoke the US Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philip -
pines amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
VOTING
strictive economic provisions.
The amendment proposals are con-
tained in Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7 authored principally by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader
and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and other House leaders. Romualdez reiterated that the proposed economic amendments to the Constitution are the “last piece in the puzzle of investment measures” the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday revealed there are 19,000 “ghost” or undocumented students in private schools supposedly enrolled through a state voucher program that so far, the lawmaker says, has cost the government P7 billion.
Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said this incident should be investigated because the government has been allocating billions of pesos for the vouchers intended for senior high school students. Last year, the government spent P52 billion for the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teach-
By Maricel Cruz and Vince Lopez
PRESIDENT Marcos expressed confidence the country will achieve an eight percent gross domestic product growth rate under his term even as he admitted that inflation remains the “biggest problem.”
“You know, we always plan for the idea. We don’t plan for a mediocre result. We plan for a very good result,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview with Bloomberg Television yesterday.
“We just have to adjust along the way as we continue to transform the econo -
my. I think it is doable,” he added. The President, however, admitted the country is still battling inflation. ‘’Inflation is still our biggest problem. And when you, when you separate core inflation to inflation that involves agri products, for example, you can see that the core inflation, we’re doing rather well in terms of controlling it. But again, these shocks keep coming in,’’ Marcos said.
Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan earlier said the country needs to grow beyond its current
“We firmly oppose the groundless accusations made by Secretary Blinken about China’s legitimate and lawful actions in the South China Sea and his thinly veiled threat to invoke NEWS / A3 NEWS / A4
19,000 ghost students in private schools costing gov’t P7b senator
ers in Private Education (E-GASTPE) program. For this year, it has allocated P40.5 billion, the senator noted. Just last month, the Department of Education reported a 97-percent utilization rate of its 2024 budget for E-GASTPE, the government’s largest private school scholarship program, especially on the expansion of the ex-
isting Educational Service Contracting (ESC) scheme. But Gatchalian stressed that ghost or undocumented “literally means no students at all” as they were enrolled under the E-GASTPE senior high school voucher program.
During the hearing of Gatchalian’s
TAIPEI—China has built “enormous” military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan’s main claim in the South China Sea, Taiwan’s foreign minister said Wednesday, as the communist giant also jousts with the Philippines, escalating tensions in the vital waterway.
Taiwan claims an islet in the contested Spratly Islands deep in the southern part of the sea called Itu Aba, which the democratic island state refers to as Taiping.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told reporters there was no doubt the island belonged to Taiwan and the government would defend their sovereignty over it. But China “has already created very
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been taking “to sustain our economic growth, create more job and income opportunities, and in general, make life better for Filipinos.”
“These changes, if ratified by our people in a plebiscite, will greatly boost these measures, including our President’s investment missions abroad which have generated actual investments and pledges in the billions of dollars and created thousands of jobs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez declared that the House has accomplished its task of helping President Marcos and Filipinos in general in remarks before the chamber adjourned its session for its Holy Week recess.
The leader of the 309-strong larger chamber took pride in reporting to his colleagues 100-percent approval ahead of time of priority bills identified by the President in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July last year and by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), aside from doing oversight function.
“We have done our homework. Our accomplishments reflect our proactive stance in catering to the needs of the people by passing these much-needed legislation that are attuned to the Philippine Development Plan and the 8-point socio-economic agenda under the medium-term fiscal framework of His Excellency, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.,” he said.
“We don’t have a backlog at work. We finish the legislative priority agenda of the administration before the deadline. Our grade in LEDAC: 100 percent. We have accomplished it all, because of our unity, the hard work of the entire House members, and the concern you showed for work and the people,” he said.
19,000 ghost...
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committee, Rodrick Edsel Malonzo, DepEd Monitoring and Processing Officer of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), agreed with the number of ghost students stated by the senator.
Malonzo noted that the government has been trying to recover P239 million from various private schools. He cited St. Joseph School of Candaba in Pampanga where there were 4,600 voucher program beneficiaries (VPBs).
Since they have no records like attendance in classes, they were considered “undocumented students,” he added.
According to Malonzo, the school said they would explain their undocumented students, but they were pressed to return P80 million.
Noticing a pattern or “modus of very enterprising people,” Gatchalian raised the possibility that private schools were just making money from the voucher program.
The senator also mentioned a school in Metro Manila, which was found with 3,111 undocumented students. The private high school, which he did not name, was asked by the government to refund P82.9 million.
Gatchalian said this could be the reason for the increasing number of private high schools aggressively inviting students, as they have sure earnings with the enrollment of voucher beneficiaries.
enormous South China Sea military bases on the three islands surrounding Taiping - Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef - and these are all quite close to our Taiping,” Wu said. “As the dispute continues to intensify, we in Taiwan must consider how to use peaceful means to resolve the South China Sea issue, and not let others think we are creating difficulties,” he added.
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time we will be going beyond our 12 nautical mile limitation. In previous exercises, we’ve been limited to just 12 nautical miles, now we are encouraging, or we are venturing outwards beyond that,” he added.
Logico said the area beyond 12 nautical miles is already considered international waters.
“The message that we want to send is that we are serious about defending
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the so-called MDT obligations,” Chinese embassy counselor Ji Lingpeng said in a statement.
Ji described the MDT between Manila and Washington as “a vestige of the Cold War.”
“The military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not undermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” Ji added.
During his Manila visit, Blinken emphasized the importance of further accelerating the alliance with the Philippines in the face of regional and global challenges.
“These waterways are critical to the Philippines, to its security, to its economy. But they’re also critical to the interests of the region, the United States and
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tagging, and committing significant corporate offenses by its officials and television program hosts.
HB 9710 was authored by Reps. Rodge Gutierrez (1-RIDER Party-List), Jude Acidre (TINGOG Party-List), Yevgeny Vicente Emano (Misamis Oriental, 2nd District), Emerson Pascual (Nueva Ecija, 4th District), and Eulogio Rodriguez (Catanduanes, Lone District).
The bill was sponsored by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, who chairs the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
A member of the Makabayan Bloc, Deputy Minority Leader and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, voted for the revocation of the legislative franchises of SMNI, which is commonly known to be owned by Kingdom of Jesus Christ church founder Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy also faces contempt charges from both houses of Congress for his refusal to appear in hearings to answer questions on his role in SMNI (see re -
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growth trajectory of 6 percent to catch up with its neighbors.
On Tuesday, President Marcos highlighted the ease of doing business in the Philippines as a key reform he instituted during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Roundtable at the Palace.
“Our economic liberalization measures signal the dawn of a new era of investments here in the Philippines,” he said.
The Philippines also has claimed the reefs, which it has named Zamora (for Subi), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), and Panganiban (Mischief) – but China has claimed them and built modern facilities on all three features.
Taiwanese lawmakers from both sides of the aisle previously called on President Tsai Ing-wen to visit Itu Aba before she steps down in May to assert their nation’s sovereignty and see a newly renovated harbor that can take larger ships.
Both of Tsai’s predecessors visited the island, but she has yet to do so while in office. But Wu said if there is an opportunity, Taiwan will use the “best way” to demonstrate its sover-
our territory and we have allies. That’s basically it and the alliance is still going strong,” he added. This year’s Balikatan will involve 16,000 troops, including around 11,000 US and 5,000 Philippine personnel.
Last year’s Balikatan was the largest to date, with over 17,500 combined troops from the AFP and the US military.
Despite China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, Mr. Marcos said invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US would not serve any purpose unless the threat has become “existential.”
the world. It’s why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defense commitments, including under the MDT,” Blinken said.
At the House of Representatives, lawmakers hailed the strong partnership between the US and the Philippines, particularly in terms of security and economy.
“We see that the partnership and the relationship of the US and the country is at an all-time high when it comes to security and when it comes to the economy,” Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez said.
“It’s a great thing that we have sealed such a strong commitment because it proves the Philippines is not alone,” Assistant Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega of La Union said.
But the Chinese Embassy insisted the US should not instigate trouble or take sides because it “has no right to in-
lated story on A3 – Editors).
Brosas said the move of Congress to revoke its franchise “serves as evidence of their unwillingness to take responsibility for the widespread dissemination of fake news and disinformation by SMNI.”
“While freedom of the press is a fundamental right that should be protected, it does not extend to the spread of misinformation and lies. SMNI does not have the right to claim that the revocation of their franchise is an issue of press freedom when they are actively spreading misinformation,” she explained.
“Press freedom comes with responsibilities, including adhering to journalistic ethics and standards of accuracy. When media outlets fail to uphold these principles and engage in the dissemination of false information, they undermine the public’s trust and contribute to the erosion of democratic discourse,” Brosas added.
After conducting six hearings over five months since November 2023, the Tambunting panel concluded that SMNI committed “multiple grave infractions in violation of its franchise grant.”
“Clearly, the Philippines is in a prime position to enter into a sustained period of robust economic expansion over the next couple of years. I extend an invitation to our guests and partners here today to join us in this exciting new phase. The members of the economic team are here today ready to discuss those opportunities that I speak of in greater depth,” the President added. The event -- the first high-level WEF meeting to be convened in the AsiaPacific region since the end of the pandemic -- was attended by members of the President’s economic team, WEF
eignty over Itu Aba, he added without elaborating.
Earlier, Taiwan’s marines performed on Saturday at a northern port where the public was given a rare chance to board three warships before the navy embarks on a “friendship” tour in the Pacific.
The self-ruled island currently has diplomatic relations with just 12 countries worldwide, three of them in the Pacific -- Tuvalu, Republic of Palau, and Marshall Islands.
The three warships known as the Dunmu Goodwill Fleet will travel there after circling Taiwan, stopping at various ports to showcase the soldiers’ athletic talents. AFP
“It does not serve any purpose to heighten tensions, to say I am invoking now the Mutual Defense Treaty. I don’t think anyone wants that unless... the effects are such that it will become an existential threat to the country,” the President said.
“It is dangerous for one to think in terms of when something goes wrong, we’ll run to Big Brother. That’s not the way we treat it at all. We do this for ourselves. we do this because we feel that we have to do it and it’s not at the behest of the United States,” Mr. Marcos added. Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez
terfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines.”
“The recent tension in the South China Sea would not have occurred without the US egging on the Philippines. Indeed, the US admits to banding together a small number of countries to offer verbal support to the Philippines,” it said.
China has insisted on its massive claims over most of the South China Sea through a “nine-dash-line” which eventually evolved into a “ten-dashline” that loops as far as 1,500 km south of its mainland, cutting into the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
It has likewise rejected a 2016 ruling rendered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration which invalidated its massive claim and upheld the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
The congressional inquiry stemmed from allegations made by SMNI hosts on the “Laban Kasama ng Bayan” program, claiming that Speaker Martin Romualdez spent P1.8 billion on travel within a year. House officials refuted the allegation, citing official records showing that the entire chamber incurred P39.6 million in travel expenses from January to October 2023, with the Office of the Speaker disbursing only P4.3 million.
SMNI also drew criticism when former President Rodrigo Duterte rebuked the House leadership for redirecting P650 million in confidential funds from the office of Vice President Sara Duterte and the Department of Education to government agencies responsible for securing the West Philippine Sea amid China’s persistent harassment.
In light of its investigation, the franchise committee found SMNI culpable of failing to deliver truthful and balanced reporting, citing multiple cases filed against it for red-tagging, disseminating fake news, and making baseless accusations against House members, a former vice president, and private individuals. Maricel V. Cruz
President Børge Brende and several international business leaders.
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday expressed optimism the WEF meeting would drive more direct foreign investments into the country. “The WEF Country Roundtable amplifies our message of progress and prosperity, resonating with potential investors both at home and abroad. It reinforces the narrative of the Philippines as a dynamic and resilient economy, ripe with opportunities for those willing to partner with us in our journey towards shared prosperity,” Romualdez said.
THE Philippines is the second happiest country in the Southeast Asian region. Ranking 53rd overall in the annual UN sponsored World Happiness Report – a significant leap from its 76th spot last year – the Philippines was only edged out by Singapore for the top spot for the Southeast Asian region.
The happiness ranking is based on individuals’ self-assessed evaluations of life satisfaction, as well as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption.
Finland remained the world’s happiest country for a seventh straight year, and Nordic countries kept their places among the 10 most cheerful, with Denmark, Iceland and Sweden trailing Finland.
Afghanistan, plagued by a humanitarian catastrophe since the Taliban regained control in 2020, stayed at the bottom of the 143 countries surveyed.
For the first time since the report was published more than a decade ago, the United States and Germany were not among the 20 happiest nations, coming in 23rd and 24th respectively.
The report noted the happiest countries no longer included any of the world’s largest countries.
“In the top 10 countries only the Netherlands and Australia have populations over 15 million. In the whole of the top 20, only Canada and the UK have populations over 30 million.”
Happiness inequality increased in every region except Europe, which authors described as a “worrying trend.”
FUR babies are joining their humans online in expressing their rage over the killing of Killua, a pet Golden Retriever in Camarines Sur.
The hashtag #JusticeForKillua, which was started Sunday (March 17) by Killua’s human, Vina Rachelle, on Facebook, is still the number one trending topic on social network X for two days now. It was trending alongside the name Anthony Solares, the main suspect who admitted to killing the dog.
Pet owners were posting photos of their fur babies online in solidarity with Killua, while lawmakers reminded the public that there are laws that prohibit and punish cruelty against animals.
“I am heart-broken and enraged to hear of the mauling of Killua, a Golden Retriever,” said Senator Grace Poe. She said Solares’ actions which were captured in a CCTV video showed excessive violence.
“If we are to create a kinder society where animals and humans can co-exist in harmony, we must raise awareness on the proper, responsible, and humane manner of treating animals,” Poe said.
At the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez condemned the killing of Killua, as he vowed to support any move to investigate the matter and craft legislation to enhance animal welfare laws.
TAGUIG residents can now taste the widely popular Ugbo street food in Tondo with the opening of Ugbo 24/7 at One World Square in Upper McKinley Hill.
The menu may be sparse, but the dishes are all certified hits in Tondo’s trending food hub.
There’s Lechon Kawali, Beef Camto (beef shank soup), Tumbong Soup (pig’s intestines) and Pork Dila Asado.
The “Solb” set meals – with prices ranging from P185 to P200 – come with a hefty serving of soy-flavored rice and free soup.
Go-to seasonings or dips such as toyomansi or chilimansi are also available.
“I’m very happy that we are able to show that Tondo food can also be food here in BGC,” said former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Ugbo 24/7 owner.
A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take over management of the National Food Authority (NFA) amid charges of anomalous sale of the government’s rice buffer stocks by the agency.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said 79 warehouses managed by the NFA remained padlocked in light of the ongoing Ombudsman investigation on the alleged irregular sale of rice to selected traders Rep. Wilbert T. Lee of AGRI partylist cited the need for the President to take over the NFA to speed up the purge of erring officials of the agency.
“There is no need for prolonged investigation. Very obvious, these involved senior NFA officials should be fired once-and-for all, these sloppy, corrupt and unthinking people who have led to this huge anomaly and suffering of our farmers,” Lee said in Filipino.
He added that the unscrupulous businessmen in cahoots with the corrupt NFA officials should also be prosecuted.
Lee earlier stressed the importance of a speedy resolution on the matter to protect farmers’ livelihood and the welfare of NFA employees who were suspended but are clearly innocent of any wrongdoing.
Lee filed House Resolution 1625 which aims to identify any gaps or loopholes in the existing policies of the NFA and determine what legislation is necessary to ensure the agency’s optimal utilization of goods and proper disposal methods.
The DA said 20 of the warehouses were scheduled to open following the Ombudsman’s move to lift the suspension of more than 20 NFA personnel.
EMBATTLED televangelist Apollo Quiboloy may challenge before the Supreme Court the arrest order issued by the Senate against him, according to one of his lawyers.
Pro-Quiboloy Senator Robinhood
Padilla also said a petition before the Supreme Court could be a legal alternative for the beleaguered Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed that the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated preliminary investigations against Quiboloy and some of his associates on charges of sexual and child abuse.
Senator Francis Escudero ex-
First Lady leads rollout of LAB for All Caravan in Ilagan, IsabelaBy Jessica M. Bacud
ILAGAN City, Isabela—First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the rollout of the LAB for All Caravan at the Community Center here under the auspices of the provincial government in a bid to bring government services closer to the people.
Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III thanked the First Lady and the LAB team for introducing the project to his province, saying it was “genuinely very beneficial” to his constituents.
The First Lady conveyed the message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the people of Isabela.
“My husband, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, asked me to give his best respects to his fellow Ilocanos here in Isabela before I went for
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against undue increases in power rates.
Once enacted, Castro said HB 8079 would prevent the mega deal of Meralco with San Miguel Corp and Aboitiz that would turn Meralco as a co-owner of generation companies on top of its principal mandate as a power distributor.
“If House Bill 8079—Prohibiting ownership by electricity distribution utilities in electricity generation companies and retail electricity suppliers had been enacted, the super merger created by MVP/Meralco-RSA/ SMC-Aboitiz would not have happened,” Castro said. Maricel V. Cruz
Isabela this morning. I just want to express my gratitude to them for everything,” she said. She also said the province’s LAB for ALL initiative offers more than just free medical care but rather extends beyond providing free medical services as it involves bringing multiple government services from other agencies.
Isabeleños were also given access to other services made possible by participating national government organizations like the Public Attorneys Office’s (PAO) free legal counsel and representation, the Department of Social Welfare and Administration’s (DSWD) financial assistance, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) distribution of “Charitimba” or charity packs.
plained that the issuance of arrest order against Quiboloy was merely ministerial, adding that the KOJC leader could be discharged upon appearance at the Senate hearing, either personally or virtually.
For his part, Senator Ronald dela Rosa offered protection for Quiboloy who has claimed there was a death threat against him.
“The judiciary could interpret the constitutional limitations on the pow-
er of Congress to conduct investigations,” counsel Elvis Balayan said. He said filing a motion over Quiboloy’s arrest “was part of the process allowed under existing laws and that is a very big possibility that we will elevate the matter before the appropriate courts.”
“It could be before the Supreme Court,” Balayan said. The lawyer added however, that it would be up to his client how to deal with the detention order issued by the Senate.
The Senate on Tuesday ordered the arrest and detention of the Quiboloy for his continued snub of the chamber’s hearings into alleged human trafficking and sexual abuse crimes, some of which have been filed before the courts.
‘P91.28b released since 2021 to pay health workers’
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has disclosed that a total of P91.28 billion has been released for the public health emergency benefits and allowances (PHEBA) of health workers across the country since 2021.
In a statement, the DBM said it has released to the Department of Health (DOH) P12.1 billion for 2021; P28 billion for 2022; P31.1 billion for 2023; and P19.96 billion for 2024.
The P91.28 billion was broken down as follows; of P73.26 billion for health emergency allowance (HEA)/One Coronavirus disease 2019, P12.90 billion for special risk allowance, P3.65 billion for COVID-19 sickness and death compensation, and P1.4 billion for other benefits, such as meal, accommodation, and transportation allowance.
The DBM and the DOH agreed there was a need to urgently finalize the computation of the HEA claims in arrears to enable the DBM to determine if additional funding requirements were necessary despite the cumulatively released PHEBA allocations for health care and non-health-care workers.
The DBM urged the DOH to develop a comprehensive HEA mapping that would capture and present all PHEBA claims and payments by region/health facilities for the period covered by the benefit.
Group deplores PH’s ‘lack of energy resilience, heavy reliance on coal’By Rio N. Araja
AN energy think tank on Wednesday deplored the country’s lack of energy resilience due to its heavy reliance on coal.
The Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), at a media launch in Quezon City presented its study entitled “Advancing Energy Security in the Philippines.
The research paper showed that
59.57 percent of the country’s power generation capacity are sourced “almost exclusively” from Indonesia.
“We depend too much on coal to generate electricity. What will happen to us if Indonesia’s coal supply gets depleted?” CERP convenor Noel Baga remarked.
Apart from the unaffordable prices of power, he said “a significant portion of the population in the Philip-
pines still lacks access to electricity.”
“Nine million or eight percent of the total population live in darkness,” he said.
He said CERP, composed of economists, professors, scientists and the academe, would “comprehensively dissect the challenges facing the Philippine energy landscape, recognizing their far-reaching implications on economic stability, social welfare and environmental sustainability.”
He said CERP is pushing for more renewable energy investments to lower the cost of power.
He also said the group will come up with a position paper on the disadvantages and advantages of the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. CERP would continue to conduct scientifically-backed researches, and foster partnership with policy-makers and stakeholders, according to Baga.
WWII vintage mortar shell unearthed in exclusive Antipolo City subdivisionBy Manolo del Rio
A WORLD War II vintage 81mm mortar shell was unearthed Tuesday in a posh subdivision in Antipolo City, but was defused shortly thereafter by a responding bomb squad from the provincial police office. The dud was reportedly dug up by a backhoe operator who told the security guards of Victoria Valley Subdivision about his scary discovery. The security guards hastily cordoned off the area as they waited for police response.
Lt. Daniel Cruz, headed of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team that responded to the scene, said
the mortar shell seemed to be intact with a high probability of detonating if mishandled.
He explained that traces of corrosion that had formed around the shell from being buried underground for several years suggested that its builtin safety features may have already been compromised.
“The mortar shell appears to have been produced in the United States… but we won’t know for sure until it is examined more closely. What is readily apparent is that it looks to be in pretty good shape despite some corrosion. I am willing to bet that it would have gone off if the backhoe hit it in the wrong way,” Cruz said in Filipino.
MEMBERS of the newly formed Journalist Against Corruption (JAC) have committed to boost reporting on corruption issues in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region.
Thirty-five journalists representing seven countries in the SEA region gathered in Manila this week to form a new network of anti-corruption journalists that is dedicated to investigating and exposing corruption issues.
The JAC network—launched on Wednesday, March 20, at The Ba leaf Intramuros—aims to become a platform for national and regional collaborative investigations and training opportunities.
The journalists represented media organizations such as Tempo and Project Multatuli in Indonesia; The Nation and Green News in Thailand; Sinar Project in Malaysia; Camboja News in Cambodia; the National Radio and TV of Timor Leste; and Rappler, GMA News, and ABS-CBN in the Philippines.
The group includes Manila Standard managing editor Joyce Pangco-Panares.
“JAC is a network that unites media practitioners dedicated to investigating and exposing corruption issues. It is a platform for national and regional collaborative investigations and training opportunities,” said Carmela Fonbuena, executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).
PCIJ spearheaded the formation of the network in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with support from the Government of Sweden and the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
UNODC is the guardian of the UN Convention against Corruption or UNCAC, the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
Daniele Marchesi, head of the UNODC Office in the Philippines, in a welcome address he gave during the launch, said “the creation of the JAC networks marks a significant step forward in our shared mission.”
files LTFRB petition to stop order to consolidate
MEMBERS of the transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday to withdraw the consolidation of the franchises of public utility jeepneys (PUJ) under the government’s PUV modernization program.
PISTON Deputy Secretary General Bong Baylon led the group in filing their withdrawal petition asking the LTFRB to give back their franchises. Baylon, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said they discovered jeepney cooperatives or corporations that are not legitimate and not capable of managing the fleet.
“That’s what we don’t like, we will loose our rights as an operator, we will lose our rights as a stakeholder of the franchise,” Baylon said.
According to PISTON, 75 jeepney operators signed the withdrawal petition. Dexter Laurente, a jeepney operator who joined the petition, as one of those hoping to have his franchise back.
Like other single jeepney operators who consolidated their franchises in December 2023, Laurente said he was forced to consolidate his own franchise because of the previous deadline set by the government for fear of loosing his unit and livelihood.
The deadline had been moved several times before the Dec. 31, 2023 date was set. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave them until April 30, 2024 to apply for consolidation under the government’s PUVmodernization program.
HOUSE leaders on Wednesday expressed optimism that the issues that plagued the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) such as pest infestations and “tanim-bala” will be resolved once a private group takes over the airport’s operations and management.
At a news conference, Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon welcomed the new management in NAIA and said he believes this is a “blessing” for the country.
“It’s a welcome development para sa ating bansa (for our country), ito pong kontrata na nakuha ng San Miguel group (the San Miguel group bagged the contract) to
run and operate NAIA. I think it is a blessing for our country,” Suarez said. “Nakita naman natin na isa po sa mga pinagkakaguluhan na destination ngayon sa Asya at maging sa mundo ay Pilipinas (We have seen that Philippines is one of the must-see travel destinations in Asia and even in the world). And we want to
THE National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) has been ordered to probe the reported death of former Bureau of Corrections Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, a co-accused in the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a press release, said: “Unravel the truth, leave no stone unturned and don’t let anyone or anything prevent us from pursuing accountability and delivering justice.”
Remulla also directed the NBI to seek help from Dr. Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist, to determine Zulueta’s cause of death.
The DOJ, citing reports, said that Zulueta died shortly after he was brought to a hospital by his brother due to severe chest pains.
The DOJ however said Zulueta’s death certificate “showed that the cause of death was cerebrovascular disease in-
make sure that you know, when tourists, when Filipinos or wh ever comes to the Philippines, they are properly attended to with the best facilities,” he added. Unfortunately, he said, NAIA needs major improvement, with all the surrounding controversy involving pests and the “tanim-bala” controversy that need to be addressed. “I would like to congratulate, of course, Secretary Jaime Bautista on this initiative, together of course our President, President Bongbong Marcos. It will not only give better services to Filipinos but I think it’s a clear sign also for the rest of the country that the Philippines is moving toward the direction of being a firstclass, world-class country when it comes
to amenities and services,” Suarez said. Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario said airports are a “subconscious benchmark” of any country.
“Now this contract in place, I don’t think na iyong daga or ano-ano bang mga small creatures lang iyong tinitignan dito, but it is the last impression of any tourist that enters. Kasi (Because) before anybody gets to surf, before anybody gets to enjoy our cuisine, the first thing that they have to go through is to the airport,” Almario said.
Assistant Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega of La Union said that knowing the private corporation, it will do more than just address the pest infestation in NAIA.
curb illegal drug entry into the Philippines. The marijuana was in vacuum-sealed packages inside six balikbayan boxes from Thailand and consigned to a certain Mary Gail Quesada and Rainier Quesada via the Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders.
“Sending balikbayan boxes is the simple tradition of Filipinos of giving
tracranial hemorrhage which brings confusion as to the real cause of death.”
The Justice department also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to share with the DOJ its findings into the cause of Zulueta’s death.
According to the DOJ, Zulueta has a pending warrant of arrest along with former BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag over the alleged murder of Lapid and inmate Jun Villamor, an alleged middle-
METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Don Artes reiterated that the MMDA does not tolerate any form of wrongdoing by its personnel. He urged all victims of extortion and coercion, as well as those who provide payoffs, to report any illegal activities.
Artes stated that the MMDA is committed to keeping its agency corruption-free and taking action against those who engage in misconduct.
“Anyone who has been victimized by MMDA personnel is encouraged to file a complaint with the agency for investigation. If found guilty, the MMDA will not hesitate to impose appropriate punishments.”
The MMDA is currently investigating a traffic enforcer following a complaint posted on social media.
The complainant alleged that the enforcer flagged him down over the weekend while driv-
ing on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, accusing him of using his cell phone, not wearing a seat belt, and having an expired car registration. The traffic enforcer asked for his driver’s license and demanded a payment of P15,000 to avoid impounding his vehicle. After some negotiation, the payment was reduced to P5,000, which the complainant made using a mobile wallet app. The next day, the complainant received a call and the money was returned to him. The traffic enforcer also requested that the post on social media be deleted, but the complainant refused. The MMDA contacted the complainant to investigate the incident and identify the traffic enforcer. The complainant positively identified the traffic enforcer at the Traffic Discipline Office Commonwealth Special Traffic District Office with the assistance of MMDA officials. Joel E. Zurbano
man in the crime.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. lamented that Zulueta died before he could have been arrested and provided information on the Lapid case. His death should also serve as a challenge to the PNP, said Abalos, adding that the PNP should exert more efforts to resolve the case. Rey E. Requejo
gifts to their families and friends, but look how these criminal elements use them to smuggle illegal drugs into our country. No matter how many times they try, the full utilization of our personnel in shipment monitoring and available resources will foil any smuggling attempt,” Rubio said.
Customs chief intelligence and investigation officer Verne Enciso said the CIIS-MICP men requested issuance of an alert order last February 28, 2024, after receiving derogatory information that the shipment contained illegal drugs and other misdeclared and undeclared items.
“Originally, the shipment was declared as consolidated balikbayan boxes and personal effects from Thailand. But we’ve already seen this modus before, so after vetting the information that we received, we immediately went to work to thwart this smuggling activity,” he said.
MUSLIM lawmakers want the operations of the annual Hajj for Filipino-Muslim pilgrims to be taken away from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and instead be given to the private sector. This was the suggestion of Lana del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo as he revealed that both Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman and Lanao del Norte Rep. Sittie Aminah Dimaporo filed separate bills on the privatization of the hajj operations in the Philippines.
“Every year, may bagong Hajj. Every after Hajj, may bagong investigation. So, we had one for the 2022 Hajj. We had an investigation for the 2023 hajj. Now we are preparing for the 2024 Hajj,” said Dimaporo, also the chair of the Committee on Muslim Affairs, explaining how the Hajj is always plagued with irregularities and burdens for the pilgrims.
“... we were informed by the NCMF that there really is a danger that Hajj 2024 might not occur because of all of these problems that are happening within the NCMF,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz
So I See Lito Banayo
pray tell, will our oh so busy legislators finally act on the National Land Use law, re-filed in every Congress since the 1987 Constitution was ratified?
If we had that land use act legislated, would abominations like those unsightly structures in Bohol exist?
Would Mt. Apo in the Cotabato-Davao borders be defiled with structures?
Would land developers and quarry extractors poach on land reserved for environmental conservation?
Would rice fields and salt beds be turned into subdivisions? ***
And now we had to legislate a Salt Industry Development Act to save a dead industry, again because we need to convert land for the unchecked population growth which keeps increasing the demand for dwellings.
It may be a little late in the day, but thank heavens for small mercies. Our salt industry was killed ever so slowly through decades of negligence and disregard.
Hershey’s expense even.
But creative advertisements aside, why did DENR and its attached agencies, like the EMB and PAMB allow such structures to be started at all?
When, pray tell, will our oh so busy legislators finally act on the National Land Use law, re-filed in every Congress since the 1987 Constitution was ratified?
Why did the LGU give a building permit at all?
Why did the provincial government not even take notice?
What about the DOT and TIEZA, which have a marked presence in the republic of Bohol, its secretary a native of neighboring Cebu at that?
Now that netizens have made it viral, everyone and his mother jumps at the blame game, with agencies passing the buck from one to another.
The poor businessman who invested a few millions, likely hard-saved, is left with a white elephant, and goes bankrupt.
How in heavens did he or she get torrens title to the land, courtesy of the Land Registration Authority, when the area is a protected site?
The owner’s fault, which is not a crime, is having bad taste.
Plus, ignorance of the law, or rather, our regulatory layers intended to confuse, perhaps for corruption, and definitely, as built-in excuses for negligence and incompetence. Which brings me to another point: when,
Duty Calls
Florencio Fianza
Even in the president’s home province, traditional Pasuquin fine salt has been imported from Australia since many years ago.
But why do we need to put up another agency for salt industry development, when the DA has hundreds of regional directors beneath its wide, wide wing?
There is for instance, a dairy industry agency and a carabao center that has been around for decades, but we still import 99 percent of our milk requirements, while India milks its buffaloes to feed its billions.
Of course we know cows and buffaloes lactate better in cooler climes, but crossbreeding and technology has improved through the years.
Still, our DA maintains so many bureaus and agencies which serve little purpose except to collect personnel salaries but fail to produce even incrementally on their mandates.
***
Some relief will be provided to us citizens by the new modernized passport application and renewal system recently signed into law by the president.
It will allow the DFA to provide offsite and mobile facilities and streamline their procedures.
This follows a Duterte innovation where passports were given a 10-year life instead of the previous five years, and made Philippine passports in sync with worldwide formats.
Now if only NAIA could be improved quickly by the private sector, and its four terminals inter-linked for passenger convenience, as we await the completion of the Bulacan aero-city complex.
Ideally, NAIA, as I have always maintained in this space since 2016, should be eventually mothballed, with its 647 hectares converted into a 147 hectare park, seven times larger than Luneta, bigger than New York’s Central Park, and the 500-hectare remainder transformed into a modern business park.
Our newly-minted Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has thankfully proposed this as a way to increase revenues without further taxation.
Vision plus coordinated planning, please!
THE announcement from the PNP weeks back it is allowing civilian ownership of semi-automatic firearms understandably created very negative reactions from several legislators. It does seem inexplicable why the PNP would want more guns in the hands of the public instead of limiting them as a measure of crime prevention.
It is true some so-called safeguards were announced but those safeguards are actually already in force.
They are, therefore, nothing new. What could have been in the minds of the PNP leadership that instead of reducing the number of firearms in the hands of civilians, semi-automatic weapons can now be licensed by them?
We are now like the United States that allows ownership of semi-automatic firearms such as AR 15.
The PNP seems to be forgetting that, first and foremost, it is a law enforcement and crime prevention organization. With a communist insurgency still going on with the presence of other terrorist groups in the country, why would the PNP want to add to its problems?
It does not make any sense at all. One would think the PNP would be the first to prevent gun proliferation instead of promoting it. I would hate to think this move has anything to do with trust funds.
When I was still in the service, the amount collected from firearm licensing was already in the hundreds of millions.
That was about two decades ago.
So, one can imagine how much that collection must be today with increased fees and all.
The amount must have grown a lot.
And the fees the PNP collects from firearm licensing are not remitted to the national government but stays with the PNP to support various operational and administrative activities.
If this is the case, it speaks volumes about the priorities of the organization and some quarters might rightly question whether the PNP has its priorities right.
In a way this PNP move is similar to what happened a few years ago during the debate about the recreational use of marijuana. Instead of the PNP keeping quiet and
IN A span of just five days this month, the Philippines managed to strengthen bilateral ties with two countries in Europe: Germany and the Czech Republic.
In the process, President Marcos Jr. has brought home tangible benefits for the country in the form of trade and investments deals as well as pledges of assistance in our defense and security requirements.
In his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin as part of a three-day working visit, the President discussed ways to further enhance trade and investments between our two countries.
After all, Germany is our 11th trading partner in 2023 and has been a major source of foreign direct investments. Among the prominent German companies in the Philippines at present are Siemens, Lufthansa, Deutsche Bank, Bayer, and Bosch, among others.
The Philippines can benefit as well from expanded cooperation with Germany in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure, innovation and startups, as well as renewable energy and minerals processing.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the total investment com-
mitments made during the Germany visit amounted to $4 billion (about P220 billion) in key sectors like health care, manufacturing, innovation, agriculture, and renewable energy. This will no doubt create more jobs for Filipinos.
—“—
A very fruitful five-day visit to Europe by the President will help boost our economic growth and strengthen our defense capability within the framework of our independent foreign policy
The Chief Executive also sought expanded defense cooperation with Germany beyond training of the Philippine military to include cyber and maritime domains amid mounting tensions in the South China Sea.
Citizen Barok Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo
AS THE waves of uncertainty crash against the shorelines of the South China Sea, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a beacon of stability amidst the swirling tempest of geopolitical tensions.
In this maritime arena where power and sovereignty clash like titans in an ancient myth, the stakes are high, and the consequences dire.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands at the helm, steering his nation through treacherous waters with a measured hand and a steadfast resolve.
In the looming shadow of China’s assertive maneuvers, Marcos champions not only the cause of his own nation but also the broader imperative regional peace and security.
Amidst the looming clouds of uncertainty, the meeting Tuesday between President Marcos and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Manila held the promise of addressing the pressing issues that threaten to engulf the region in turmoil.
The South China Sea, a vital artery of global trade, demands unwavering attention and concerted efforts to ensure unimpeded navigation for the vessels of commerce that ply its waters.
Marcos rightly underscores the significance of safeguarding the South China Sea, not only for the nations that border its shores but also for the global community at large.
With close to 60 percent of international trade traversing these contested waters, any disruption threatens to send shock waves rippling through the interconnected web of global commerce.
While some may view the Philippine efforts to strengthen defense ties with allies such as the US and Japan as provocative, it is essential to recognize the underlying
The PNP should rethink this new move (of allowing gun ownership by the public) and stick to its core mission of law enforcement and crime prevention
just let those who were for or against debate the issue, the PNP joined those opposing the recreational use of marijuana.
In other words, the PNP wanted more
He emphasized in his talks with Scholz the importance of defending the rule of law and maintaining a rules-based international order.
In his two-day state visit to the Czech Republic, President Marcos’ meeting with President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala led to an agreement for an increase in the quota of Filipino workers that can be admitted to the country as well as agreements on trade, defense, agriculture and renewable energy.
The two sides also signed a deal to establish a labor consultations mechanism aimed at elevating the two countries’ cooperation on the safe and orderly migration and higher protection for overseas Filipino workers.
This mechanism is expected to benefit around 7,026 Filipinos working in the Czech Republic in various industries.
The Czech president expressed readiness to help the Philippines meet its defense and security measures by supplying equipment and technology transfers required in our military modernization program, which involves the acquisition of more ships, aircraft and radar systems to focus on improving the country’s archipelagic defense capabilities.
All told, a very fruitful five-day visit to Europe by the President will help boost our economic growth and strengthen our defense capability within the framework of our independent foreign policy.
Marcos and Blinken: Striving for peace in the SCS
motive behind such actions. President Marcos emphasizes these alliances are not intended to escalate tensions or provoke conflict but rather to assert the sovereignty and rights of the Philippines in the face of escalating encroachments.
Let us rally behind President Marcos and Secretary Blinken as they seek to navigate the treacherous currents of geopolitics and chart a course towards a brighter future for the region
China’s recent aggressive actions, including the brazen assault on a routine resupply mission for Filipino troops in Ayungin Shoal, serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of diplomatic niceties.
The injuries inflicted upon Filipino crew members by China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to deter further escalations.
The United States, in denouncing Chi-
work instead of less.
In this current case, however, it is a truism that more guns in the hand of people means more crimes using guns not less. Statistics have also shown that societies with less guns in the hands of the public have less violent crimes. Maybe the PNP planners are not reading the news about what is going on in the United States where gun violence is responsible thousands of civilian deaths every year. It is not true what some PNP officials are saying that deaths by the use of firearms here is negligible. We are not immune to gun violence if one reads the newspapers and watch TV. There is not a day that there is no reported death by the use of firearms. Yet, the PNP wants more firearms in the hands of the public. As an unsolicited advice, perhaps what the PNP should be doing instead is think of ways on how to modernize the organization so it can keep up with 21st century
na’s repeated provocations, reaffirms its commitment to the principles of international law and the preservation of peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Secretary Blinken’s visit to Manila signals Washington’s unwavering support for its allies in the region and its determination to confront any challenges to the rulesbased order that underpins global security.
As the Philippines and the United States deepen their cooperation on economic, security, and regional issues, they send a clear message to Beijing that their resolve remains unyielding in the face of coercion and intimidation.
The strengthening of bilateral ties between Manila and Washington serves as a bulwark against the encroaching tide of Chinese expansionism and a beacon of hope for a peaceful resolution to the simmering tensions in the South China Sea.
In contrast to China’s baseless and misleading claims of historic rights and sweeping sovereignty over the South China Sea, the Philippines stands firm in defense of its legitimate rights and jurisdiction in its maritime domain.
The Department of Foreign Affairs rightly condemns China’s irresponsible actions that violate Philippine sovereignty and undermine peace and stability in the region.
As we stand on the precipice of uncertainty, let us heed the call for peace and stability in the South China Sea. Let us rally behind President Marcos and Secretary Blinken as they seek to navigate the treacherous currents of geopolitics and chart a course towards a brighter future for the region.
In the face of adversity, let us not falter but instead stand united in our pursuit of a world where dialogue triumphs over discord and cooperation prevails over conflict.
crime fighting. As it is, there have been really very little changes in the organization as it continues to increase in personnel strength.
Much of what we read in the news are the constant reshuffling of key positions which, although announced as part of a reform process, is actually affecting negatively police efficiency.
Criminals nowadays are of different breed from a generation ago.
They are now a lot smarter especially white collar criminals.
Most of all, many crimes now have become transnational requiring new skills and training.
Add cybercrimes and the PNP will hardly have time to rest on its laurels. As I see it, the PNP should be constantly restructuring to meet new challenges with new doctrines and training for a truly professional police force.
The PNP should, therefore, rethink this new move and stick to its core mission of law enforcement and crime prevention.
CANBERRA – China and Australia claimed to have stabilized longstrained relations after talks in Canberra on Wednesday, despite tensions over a high-profile prisoner, trade and China’s crackdowns in Hong Kong and elsewhere remaining evident.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Australia for the first time since 2017, marking a diplomatic thaw between two trading partners who have sparred over everything from the origins of Covid-19 to military deployments.
Wang said recent efforts to mend relations had “broken the ice”, and that “mutual trust” and “good momentum” were slowly building in the relationship.
“The most crucial thing is to persist in seeking common ground while reserving differences,” he said.
China and Australia have been working to patch up ties after years of bickering and tit-for-tat trade reprisals.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it was crucial to recognize “how much progress we have made in a short period of time.”
Despite praising the renewed “stability” between Beijing and Canberra, Wong also hinted at several ongoing points of friction.
“We discussed the sentencing of Dr Yang Hengjun. I told the foreign minister Australians were shocked at the sentence imposed,” she said.
Jailed Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun -- also known as Yang Jun -- was in February handed a suspended death sentence after a Beijing court found him guilty of espionage.
He vehemently denies the charges.
“I raised Australia’s concerns about human rights, including in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong,” Wong added.
Hong Kong on Tuesday passed a new national security law, introducing harsh penalties for crimes related to treason and insurrection.
The United States, European Union, United Kingdom and United Nations have issued strong statements criticizing the Hong Kong authorities over the law, saying they were concerned about its impact on rights and freedoms in the city.
Protesters gathered on the lawns of Australia’s parliament as the foreign ministers met inside, drawing attention to alleged human rights abuses within China. AFP
‘SMEARS’ SLAMMED.
BEIJING – China on Wednesday slammed the “smears” of countries that have criticized Hong Kong’s new national security law, commonly referred to as Article 23.
“The Chinese government is unswervingly determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement the one country, two systems policy, and oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs. All attacks and smears will never succeed and are doomed to fail,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference.
China also accused the British government of having the “mindset of a colonizer” and condemning the EU’s “hypocritical” position.
Hong Kong, a former colony of Britain before the 1997 handover back to China, on Tuesday passed a security law commonly referred to as Article 23 to punish five crimes after a fasttracked legislative process.
British foreign minister David Cameron said it was a “rushed” process for a law that would “further damage the rights and freedoms enjoyed in the city.” AFP
SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a successful test of a solidfuel engine for a “newtype intermediate-range hypersonic missile,” Pyongyang’s state media said Wednesday.
The test was carried out on Tuesday by the North’s Missile Administration at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in the northwest of the country, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“A ground jet test of a solid-fuel engine for new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile, which is of another strategic value,” KCNA said.
The North Korean leader said the “military strategic value of this weapon system is appreciated as important as ICBM”, it added, referring to an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Kim also said that the test had helped “confirm the timetable for completing” the new missile system, without giving further details.
Pyongyang said late last year that it had conducted a series of ground tests for a new type of solid-fuel engine for its intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).
North Korea’s latest announcement came a day after North Korea said Kim oversaw drills involving “newlyequipped super-large” multiple rocket launchers, with emphasis on “perfect preparedness to collapse the capital of the enemy”. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds
No bids as lakeside house of Myanmar’s detained Aung San Suu Kyi auctioned
YANGON, Myanmar – The lakeside mansion where Myanmar’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi spent years under house arrest went under auction on Wednesday with a minimum price of $150 million -- but attracted no bids, officials said.
The two-story house and 1.9 acres of land was put up for sale following a decades-long dispute over the property between the Nobel laureate -who has been detained since the 2021 military coup -- and her brother.
Ahead of the auction, a small crowd -- mostly of journalists -- gathered outside the colonial-era house on leafy University Avenue, a few doors down from the US embassy.
Officials emerged from the locked gates and announced the opening of the auction by striking a small bell three times.
Above the gate, a portrait of Suu Kyi’s father, the independence hero Aung San, watched over the proceedings, while a notice advertised the price as 315 billion kyats, or $150 million based on the official exchange rate.
The auctioneer -- wearing a sarong-like longyi -- held his hand up for bids, but there was only silence.
“There is no one to bid,” he announced, striking the bell again to close the auction.
Plainclothes security officers took photos of journalists covering the event.
For around 15 years, Suu Kyi was confined within the house’s crumbling walls by the military after she shot to fame during huge demonstrations against the then-junta in 1988. AFP
SUPPORTING PALESTINIANS.
People climb the 120step Butte Sainte-Anne staircase in Nantes Tuesday to show their support for the Palestinian people. Nantes is at the head of the estuary of the Loire River, where it is joined by the Erdre and the Sèvre rivers, 56 km from the sea and southwest of Paris. AFP
of at least Mach 5 -- five times the speed of sound -- and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept. Depending on their design, they can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Russia, which has recently bolstered its ties with Pyongyang, is typically seen as the world leader in this technology, although the US and China have also tested hypersonic missiles.
North Korea appears to be leveraging its stronger ties with Russia to expedite crucial defence development goals, Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. “It is quite alarming as the (solid-fuel hypersonic missiles) can potentially neutralise the South Korea-US missile defense system,” Yang said. Testing a more technologically ad-
vanced solid-fuel missile has long been a key goal for Kim.
The North claimed last year it had successfully tested its first solidfuelled ICBM -- the largest, longestrange category of ballistic missile -- hailing it as a key breakthrough for the country’s nuclear counterattack capabilities.
Experts say solid-fuel missiles typically have a higher level of operational ease and safety, compared to liquidfuel weapons. Solid-fuel missiles do not need to be fuelled before launch, making them harder to find and destroy, as well as quicker to use.
“How this latest ground test relates to the system(s) tested in November and January is unconfirmed,” Joseph Dempsey, a research associate for defence analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told AFP. AFP
CRUMBLING BRIDGE. A picture taken near Kars on Feb. 28 shows Tigran Honents Church, part of the archaelogical site of Ani, which stands on one of the world’s most sensitive borders symbolizing the state of relations between Turkey and Armenia. Historians and officials believe restoring this archaeological site, a UNESCO world heritage site since 2016, could build bridges between Turkey and Armenia and
Australia defends its US ambassador after Trump’s open threat to expel him
SYDNEY – Australia insisted Wednesday that its ambassador to Washington was doing a “good job” after Donald Trump suggested he was “not the brightest bulb” and could be expelled from the United States. Trump lashed out during a TV
interview at former prime ministerturned-diplomat Kevin Rudd, who has been critical in the past of the bombastic former US president. When prompted to comment on Rudd, Trump said he had heard he was “a little bit nasty.”
“I hear he is not the brightest bulb,” Trump said, adding that “if he is at all hostile, he will not be there long”.
Trump is currently the front runner to win November’s US presidential election, although polls suggest the race against incumbent President Joe Biden could be very close. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Wednesday that Rudd would remain in the role and had the government’s confidence.
“Mr Rudd is a very effective ambassador. He is recogniZed across this parliament as doing an excellent job in advancing Australia’s interests in the United States,” she told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. AFP
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks rose Wednesday on positive cues from the US markets.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 8.34 points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 6,856.77, while the broader all-shares inched up by 5.62 points, or 0.16 percent, to finish at 3,572.10.
Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said many investors stayed on the sidelines as they awaited the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
“Though it is widely expected that the Fed will maintain its key policy rates, analysts will be taking into consideration any rhetoric from officials regarding the timing of the cutting of interest rates and their view controlling inflation pressures,” Limlingan said.
Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday as traders tracked an-
(CREIT),
CREIT said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday its cash dividend was 10 percent higher than the P0.049 it declared in the previous quarter.
It was also the largest dividend declaration since the company listed in 2022 and equated to an annualized yield of 7.8 percent, based on the yearend 2023 closing price of P2.56.
The declaration date is March 19, 2024 for stockholders of record as of April 18, 2024, while payment is on May 15, 2024.
This brought total dividends declared out of the 2023 net income to P0.199 per share, or 9 percent higher than 2022’s P0.183 per share.
CREIT said the lease contracts from
new parcels of land acquired from the proceeds of its ASEAN Green Bond issuance on Feb. 10, 2023 boosted its income.
“The accretive revenues stemming from 7 new parcels of land acquired in 2023 solidified CREIT’s position as the largest landlord for renewable energy real estate properties, with 7.1 million square meters in total leasable space,” it said.
The new parcels of land acquired are leased out to the new projects of parent firm Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) that are under construction.
CREC has over 5,000 MW of project pipeline in varying stages of development.
CREIT said its unique green asset portfolio backed by 100-percent occupancy all year-round allowed the company to consistently declare steady dividends since its listing in the stock market.
CREIT won the Best Investor Relations—Energy REIT for the Philippines during 11th International Finance Awards 2023 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
other record day on Wall Street ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, while the yen further weakened a day after Japan’s rare interest rate hike.
US monetary policymakers are widely expected to hold borrowing costs at a two-decade high, but traders will also be watching the “dot plot” of projections for how many cuts they see this year. At the turn of 2024, markets had factored in up to six cuts, but a spate of strong data -- particularly pointing to sticky inflation -- has forced investors
By Othel V. CamposPOWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) reported significant improvements in the deployment of power particularly for telecommunication infrastructure as advocated by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Meralco, in the third series of Telco Workshop for Telco Towers’ Energization, reported a significant reduction in telco infrastructure energization timeline from 300 and 255 days to just 59 days from the start of application.
“The acquisition of public rights of way [PROW] has been streamlined from 180 days to a mere 15 days average, with the elimination of adjacent lot owner [ALO] refusal, resulting in energization occurring within 10 to 15 days, provided all re-
quirements are fulfilled by the telco or ITC applicant,” Meralco enterprise commercial and conglomerates head Bernice Gretchel Garcia-Rama said.
The year 2023 also marked the highest number of energized projects by Meralco with 734 towers powered up. There has been a continued improvement on these numbers, making Meralco more optimistic to serve the needs of the telecommunication industry, it said.
ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez highlighted the significance of collaborations in the advancement of interconnectivity in the country.
“With the collaboration of these key stakeholders, we are poised to overcome barriers hindering the rapid deployment of telecommunication infrastructure across the nation,” Perez said.
to revise that down to three. That is in line with the Fed’s December projection, but there are worries policymakers could be spooked into lowering their outlook to just two -- or 50 basis points. Some market participants are also concerned that the first reduction -- anticipated by many to come in June -could be pushed back.
“It would only take two participants to move their dots to move the median to 50 basis points of cuts for this year,” warned Citigroup’s Veronica Clark.
“We are thinking the Fed is OK with
where they are now. But it is definitely the risk.”
Still, Wall Street investors remained upbeat, pushing all three main indexes higher on the back of a tech rally, with the S&P 500 chalking up another record.
“Since the start of this year, expectations about 2024 central bank easing have been pared back materially,” JP Morgan economists wrote in a recent investor note.
“But that has not disrupted the general trend toward an easing in global financial conditions.” With AFP
TECHNICAL TRAINING.
Standard Insurance Co., Inc.Technical and Training Center (SICI-TTC) signs a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with TEDSA Region IV-A on March 15 to revitalize the TESDA curriculum in response to industry demands and empower the residents of Cavite. Attending the event are TESDA officials, including regional director Baron Jose Lagran, provincial director Rosalinda Talavera, administration officer Emily Amparo and training center administrator Ramir Montoya. Representing Standard Insurance are group chairman Ernesto Echauz, general manager Joselito Lazaga, administration and general services head Roxanne Rivera, finance head Mark Montales and SICI-TTC HSE lead Al Lorenzo Bancolita
THE Department of Energy (DOE) issued draft guidelines for the local total electrification roadmap (LTER) of distribution utilities (DUs) to help meet the government’ national target by 2028.
“To ensure that the DUs will be able to efficiently and effectively plan out its electrification projects and programs to unserved and underserved areas within its franchise area, it is necessary to issue these guidelines for
the development of the DUs’ LTER,” the draft circular said. LTER refers to a DU’s comprehensive 10-year strategic plan with an annual work plan (AWP) to accelerate total electrification in its franchise area, to be updated annually.
“All DUs, including those with 100 percent household electrification status in the reference year, shall prepare and submit its 10-year LTER which
shall include an AWP to ensure timely implementation of electrification projects within its franchise areas in accordance with this circular,” it said. It said DUs should ensure the timely submission and implementation of the annual electrification targets in the LTER and the final LTER shall be reviewed and validated by the DOE and National Electrification Administration. Alena Mae S. Flores
Ray S. Eñano
management of Subic port operations.
HCPTI’s authority naturally raised concerns that long-time co-locators would be displaced during the transition from the previous exclusive operator.
HCPTI tried to allay the fears of the socalled aggrieved parties and did its best to work out deals to give time them time to taper down their operations or continue with new lease contracts.
HCPTI sources said the company had been patient with the recalcitrant group that peddled the story that the port operator was charging a 55-percent to 65-percent royalty on them. Such accusations of extortion were belied by other co-locators, who claimed they were given the option to pay a fee to continue operations in the joint venture areas.
The so-called required royalties were actually the suggestion of SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, who thought that HCPTI should be allowed to charge a fee to existing co-locators so they may continue to operate within HCPTI’s jurisdiction, instead of outrightly terminating their leases during the transition period.
HCPTI never demanded royalties and were open to work and reach amicable agreements with co-locators so they may continue to operate.
Again, HCPTI was extremely patient and even generous to let the complaining co-locators continue their operations. HCPTI has every legal right not to renew the current co-locators’ contracts but it remains open to negotiate the continuation of
The exclusive port operator and cargo handler at the Subic Bay is armed with an authority to collect fees and modernize the dock ...
their respective leases. Port operations entail a myriad of logistical and administrative complexities, requiring a balanced approach to fee structuring. HCPTI vowed that its fee structures were meticulously crafted to ensure operational sustainability, especially for the longtime co-locators affected by the transition.
The Subic port operator has been tolerant of the noise and has opted to be civil to allow the renegotiation of terms, instead of outrightly shutting them down.
I’ve found no formal complaints filed against HCPTI nor SBMA, yet. Everything seems to be a trial-by-publicity. If such a complaint does exist or will exist, I hope SBMA chairman Eduardo Aliño and his team stick to the letters of law and regulations.
The only answer to this mess is transparency.
I have gathered both from official and unofficial sources that HCPTI seems to be doing everything
above board and has every right to charge co-locators the fees for using the land areas specified within the JVA.
HCPTI’s entry in Subic, meanwhile, is expected to enhance and modernize the non-containerized cargo facilities of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).
HCPTI’s development, operation and management of several ports should bring in significant investments and create job opportunities for the local community. It will also attract more businesses and stimulate economic growth in the area.
The full execution of the JVA, for one, will double the port’s bulk and breakbulk cargo volume within the next few years. Consequently, it will result in the influx of the needed capital equipment and information technology infrastructure necessary for the port’s efficient operations.
HCPTI, in implementing the JVA, plans to bring in modern cargo handling equipment and a muchneeded automation from berthing to delivery to speed up both cargo and ship turnaround times.
The company aims to attract new locators and investors to the SBFZ, raise foreign direct investments and boost economic growth, Hopefully, the modern port operation will integrate the entire northern Philippines into the rest of the Asian and global value chains. These can be done without fanfare and ruckus.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, identifies the investment opportunities in the Philippines during the ‘Up Close & Personal’ networking and business forum organized and hosted by World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM). Go presented the country’s strong fundamentals, accentuating the government’s completed and ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, alongside featuring key priority industries.
BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Wednesday it raised $400 million from the issuance of US-dollar denominated bonds on strong demand from international investors.
BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the bond offering was 3.3-times oversubscribed as it received over $1.3-billion offers from interested investors.
The 5-year notes were priced at US Treasury spread of T+105 basis points (bps) with a coupon of 5.25 percent, representing the tightest ever spread on a 5-year bond from a non-sovereign Philippine issuer.
BPI said the orderbooks saw a strong momentum with the final books reaching $1.3 billion.
“This allowed 35 bps of pricing
compression from initial pricing guidance to final pricing, even as the issue size was increased from the original indications of $300 million, to accommodate the strong oversubscription levels,” BPI said.
It said that in terms of geographic allocation, the notes were distributed 81 percent to Asia and 19 percent to EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa ) and offshore US accounts.
The notes were distributed to high-quality fixed income accounts: 51 percent to fund managers, 29 percent to banks, 17 percent to private banks and financial institutions and 3 percent to insurance.
It marked the first time BPI tapped the international capital market since 2019.
The notes were issued under the bank’s $3-billion medium term notes program.
a financial institution can lend out.
BOP posted smaller deficit in February
THE country’s balance of payments (BOP) deficit narrowed in February 2024 on lower government foreign debt payments, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday.
Data from the BSP showed that the country recorded a BOP deficit of $196 million in February, lower than the $895-million shortfall in February 2023.
“The BOP deficit in February 2024 reflected outflows arising mainly from the national government’s (NG) payments of its foreign currency debt obligations,” the BSP said in a statement.
The latest figure brought the twomonth BOP level to $936-million deficit, which was a reversal from the $2.2-billion surplus recorded a year ago.
“Based on preliminary data, this cumulative BOP deficit reflected mainly the continued trade in goods deficit coupled with the NG’s net repayments of its foreign loans,” the BSP said.
The BSP earlier said the BOP was expected to post a $700-million surplus this year, up from the earlier estimate of $400 million.
It said the overall BOP position in 2024 was projected to settle at a slightly higher surplus relative to the previous forecast, on the back of the estimated narrower current account gap for the year and modest inflows of non-resident investments. Darwin G. Amojelar
LEYTE-BASED
Services Inc. disclosed plans to expand into strategic locations to accommodate larger vessels and potentially establish a ship-breaking and recycling facility to support the government’s ship retirement and replacement program.
The company is looking for prospective investors and domestic shipowners who are interested to explore collaboration opportunities.
The Board of Investments (BOI) said it approved IMP Shipyard as the first shipbuilding and repair facility registered with under Tier I of the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) in accordance with Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) Law.
It said the P500-million project would enjoy incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH) for six years; enhanced deductions for five years; and duty exemption on importation of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, and accessories for a maximum of 12 years.
IMP Shipyard inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility in February 2024 in Albuera, Leyte. Othel V. Campos
By Darwin G. AmojelarT“We’ve lowered our reserve requirements quite a bit. I think there’s room to lower them some more,” Remolona said in a news briefing. Reserve requirements are the mini-
he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may further reduce banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRR) this year, Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said Wednesday. Exports
mum reserves required for depository institutions. They are set by the central bank within limits specified by law. A change in the minimum reserve ratio affects the amount of its deposit base
The BSP in June 2023 reduced the RRR by 250 basis points, or 2.5 percent, for universal and commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions or NBQBs, 200 bps or 2 percent for digital banks and 100 bps, or 1 percent, for thrift banks, rural banks and cooperative banks.
The reduction brought the RRRs of universal and commercial banks and NBQBs from 12 percent to 9.5 per-
Maya, the country’s only end-to-end digital payments company, sets up a booth at the GSIS Head Office in Pasay City on March 18 to assist borrowers in using their platform for loan payments. With the partnership, Maya, formerly PayMaya, becomes one of the payment choices available within the GSIS mobile app, GSIS Touch. Maya acts as a conduit for various banks and e-wallets, facilitating faster and more secure loan payments.
should grow 40% to meet 2024 target—group
PHILIPPINE Confederation of Exporters Inc. (PhilExport) president and Export Development Council (EDC) vice chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said exports should grow 40 percent to meet the $143.4-billion target for 2024 under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028.
Ortiz-Luis, speaking during the Philippine Farm Tourism Conference, urged exporters to strive for a faster growth, compared to the 10-percent ambition this year.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, including sluggish growth, low income of
farmers and fisherfolk and inadequate inputs, finance and technologies.
He also underscored the need for reforms to enhance exports and transform the country into an attractive investment hub.
Government data showed a 7.6-percent decline in exports to $73.52 billion in 2023, with December 2023 sales slightly decreasing to $5.78 billion.
Held at Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol, the event provided an ideal venue to showcase the potential and beauty of farm tourism.
Bohol’s recognition as the coun-
try’s first UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023 underscored its potential as a sustainable farm tourism destination.
The conference highlighted the significance of food tourism in boosting agricultural production and the local economy, emphasizing the learnings, models, and best practices in fruit and vegetable farms, aquaculture, artisanal fisheries and green investments in farm tourism.
PhilExport said it remains committed to facilitating positive developments for the industry and the country, including the farm tourism sector. Othel V. Campos
cent; digital banks from 8 percent to 6.0 percent; thrift banks from 3 percent to 2 percent; and rural and cooperative banks from 2 percent to 1 percent.
Meanwhile, Remolona said that the BSP is monitoring the rice prices amid the El Niño threat that could affect inflation rate.
The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that inflation rate in February picked up to 3.4 percent from 2.8 percent in January, on higher food, beverage and transport prices.
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Wednesday reported a 19.25-percent increase in investment pledges to P14.95 billion as of March 15, 2024 from P12.54 billion in the same period in 2023.
PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the continued uptick in investments saw the approval of 50 new and expansion projects during the board meeting on March 15.
“PEZA is more than encouraged to sustain its growth momentum this year and onwards given the very positive investment climate statement recently issued by the US International Trade Administration and Bloomberg International, saying that business environment is notably better particularly within the PEZA special economic zones and that PEZA is a unique factor for the Philippines in terms of FDI attraction,” Panga said. Investments approvals involved 20 export manufacturing projects, 13 ITBPM project, 3 logistics, 3 facilities, 1 domestic market and 1 economic zone development.
The first-quarter investments are expected to bring in $616.59 million in exports and expand employment within the ecozones by 11,558 new workers.
Belle offers to buy out minority shareholders of Premium Leisure
BELLE Corp. offered to buy out the stake of small shareholders of its gaming firm Premium Leisure Corp. (PLC) for P0.85 per share.
The tender offer price was based on the valuation and fairness opinion report prepared and submitted by First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), Belle said in a stock exchange filing Wednesday. The tender offer period will run from March 22 to April 24, 2024, while payment and settlement of the shares to be tendered was set from April 25, 2024 to May 9, 2024.
Belle earlier tapped FMIC as its independent third party to conduct a valuation study and issue a fairness opinion report.
Based on FMIC’s report, using various valuation methodologies, PLC is fairly valued at P0.60 to P0.85 per share.
The tender offer price is 41.6 percent higher than the PLC’s oneyear volume weighted average price of P0.60
GRADE 11 JD Pagulayan turned in a double-double performance to lead the Perpetual Help Junior Altas to a pulsating, come-from-behind 91-90 win against the defending champion Letran Squires in Game 2 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 Junior Basketball Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Wednesday.
The Junior Altas of Coach Joph Cleopas trailed by as much as 18 points and closed the gap by just nine at the half, 59-50, before unleashing a huge third-quarter rally to only trail by two at 73-75 entering the final period.
With the win, the Altas bounced back from an 80-97 loss handed to them by the defending titlists last Saturday to set up a do-or-die Game 3 for all the marbles on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the same venue.
Do-it-all forward Amiel Acido was named MVP after also barging into the Mythical 5 along with his teammates LeBron Jhames Daep and Rookie of the Year Mark Gojo Cruz, Letran’s George Diamante Jr. and EJ Castillo of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Acido scored 19 points, including 14 in the second half where the Junior Altas completed their mighty comeback.
MVP Acido also had 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals, while Cruz had 16 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and a block.
They were ably backed up by Pagulayan, who tallied 23 points, 10 rebounds, an assist and a steal to key the win for the Junior Altas. June Silorio of Letran scored 20 points and hauled 6 rebounds, while Diamante had a double-double of 18 points and 15 boards.
THE Philippine Football Federation, with more financial backing from world football body FIFA coming in soon, will work hand in hand with the Philippine Sports Commission on improvements on the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Malate, Manila.
PFF National Training Director Freddie Gonzalez said this ahead of the Philippine men’s national football team’s coming matches with Iraq in Basra and in the City of Manila.
Gonzalez explained that the makeover that PFF proposes will make things better for the players and the fans.
“We are taking that as our deal with the PSC. There’s a lot of stuff in the stadium that will fall under the PFF, and we’re really making it better for the players and the fans,” said Gonzalez.
The PFF, according to secretary general Angelico Mercader, is set to go into a planning session to discuss its development programs.
This comes amidst plans from FIFA to hand more financial assistance amounting $8 million (estimated at P445.164 million) to member associations, including the PFF, in the next five years.
The proposed funding will support the programs and activities of member associations, including the PFF, under its new president John Gutierrez.
Officials of the world governing body of football made this assurance last week when the FIFA Council met in Zurich and unanimously approved the An-
THE number of aspiring US-based Filipino players (even in women’s basketball), who want to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad, continues to grow.
Eight Filipino-American squads, each composed of 10 players, are currently in Manila participating in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), hoping to impress local sports agents and the big boss of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the country’s national basketball federation.
The NBTC, chaired by former PBA star Eric Altamirano, is part of SBP’s recruiting arm and has been looking for talented players with Filipino blood abroad through the Global Games since 2022.
Among the aspiring players in this year’s batch is the 15-year-old Laela Mateo.
A Grade 9 student at Franklin High
School in Sacramento, California, Mateo stands 5’7” inches and could play effectively, both guard and shooting guard positions.
“If I have a chance, I want to play and represent the Philippines in international competitions. It’s a dream I share with my father, so I will try my best to make it,” said Mateo shortly after a close 45-46 loss of her Fil-Am 2 team against local squad Young Queen’s during Tuesday’s morning session game. In the afternoon match, Mateo’s cat-quick moves and touch in the long distance proved valuable in her team’s 49-46 win over the Filipino Canadian squad at the Game Ville Center in Greenfield, Pasig City.
Mateo scored 13 points, including a tough left-handed lay-up off a crossover play that put her team to a safe three-point lead going into the
final 60 seconds.
Mateo’s crucial offensive play brought the crowd, including her father Lance and Nikki Villasin, the Chicago-based Fil-Am that helped UST dethroned National U in the UAAP women’s basketball championship last December, on their feet.
“I got to play my best. I just needed to keep my focus on winning one game at a time. I hope I can make it to the Gilas Team this time,” said Mateo.
Currently toting a 1-2 card, the FilAm 2 squad needs one more win to make it to the quarterfinal phase of the league.
“I’m very confident the team will make it through,” said Fil-Am 2 coach Brian Ramos from James Campbell High School in Hawaii.
“Laela is a tough girl. Determined, focused, and very coachable,” Ramos added.
nual Report for 2023.
The assistance is listed as one of the 11 goals of FIFA, contained in its Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 Plan.
“Every member association is entitled to receive at least $8 million of development funding during this four-year period, with further support for FIFA Member Associations with lower turnover, and additional funds for zonal/regional associations and confederations,” said the FIFA Council in revealing their goals for the association.
The FIFA Council has unanimously approved the Annual Report 2023, which confirms the body’s exceptionally healthy and sustainable situation, with record investment in football development of $2.25 billion.
The Council has allocated the amount for the entire 2023-2026 cycle as part of the FIFA Forward 3.0 Program.
Go moves up by 2 despite late mishap at Palos Verdes
DAVAO—Lois Kaye Go extended her lead to two strokes over Chihiro Ikeda despite conceding two precious shots on the last hole, posting a 71 and positioning herself on the brink of a breakthrough victory in the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship here Wednesday.
Maintaining her focus through another scorching day at the Rancho Palos Verdes course, Go seemed poised to build a commanding lead with a two-under card after 17 holes. But she yielded a stroke on the par-4 No,. 18, which Ikeda birdied from 16 feet, settling for a twoshot advantage at 143.
Ikeda produced a two-birdie, twobogey round for a 72, keeping her position at second with a 145, while young Laurea Duque grabbed solo third at 147, also after matching par 72, as the challenging conditions, compounded by the gusts on some holes, saw erstwhile contenders struggle to sustain their momentum.
Despite securing a two-shot cushion, Go remained cautiously optimistic about her chances, acknowledging the presence of formidable rivals.
“There are great players out there and anyone can shoot a good round tomorrow (Thursday),” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and sticking to her game plan, Go expressed her determination to alleviate the mounting pressure of the final 18 holes of the P750,000 championship.
“I’m trying to focus on myself, how I handle my emotions,” said Go, eager to redeem herself after a disappointing 10th place finish in her pro debut in the Apo Golf Classic last week.
“My goal is to be at peace with myself, where I am in my game, and try to commit to my swing changes and swing thoughts,” said Go, reflecting on her performance over the past two days.
Ikeda, a former Order of Merit winner, aims to snap a long title drought on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.
Her last-hole heroics, coupled with Go’s slip-up, set the stage for an intense final round showdown.
Meanwhile, Duque, buoyed by her late birdie on No. 16, remains hopeful of clinching the championship.
“Both LK and Chihiro are really good players. I just want to play my game and see what happens,” said Duque, who placed sixth in Apo. “This is only my second professional event, if it comes, then I would be very thankful.”
Apo leg winner Sarah Ababa blew a two-under card after four holes as she faltered with four bogeys against another birdie in the next 10 holes, finishing with a 73 for joint fourth with Harmie Constantino, who also carded a one-over card at 148, five strokes off the leader.
Florence Bisera struggled with a 75 for a 149 while Miya Legaspi fought back with a 73 to tie Marvi Monsalve and Mikha Fortuna, who slipped with 75 and 76, respectively, at 150.
WOMAN Grandmaster candidate
Kylen Joy Mordido stopped teenage sensation Ruelle Canino’s upset rampage with a 34-move victory of an English Opening and seized a piece of the lead in the Philippine National Chess Championships dubbed “The Battle of Women’s Masters” at the City Hall of Malolos, Bulacan yesterday.
Mordido, who is the closest thing to follow the footstep of the country’s first and only WGM Janelle Mae Frayna, gave up a pawn and, when the 15-yearold Cagayan de Oro lass bit, the Dasmarinas bet quickly pounced on her helpless prey to launch a vicious kingside attack.
When it was over, Mordido was a rook up and two moves away from checkmating a flusterted Canino.
That massive win forge Mordido a place at the lead alongside Canino, 2019 champion Jan Jodilyn Fronda, who downed fellow Woman International Master Bernadette Galas in 63 moves of a Caro-Kann, and Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza, a 42-move winner over Mhage Sebastian via a Sicilian duel.
WFM Cherry Ann Mejia missed out on claiming a share of the top spot after ending up with a marathon 72-move draw with WFM Allaney Jia Doroy of a King’s Indian Attack and settled for solo fifth with 3.5 points, or just half point off the pace.
The 11-round, 12-player tournament is staking a spot to the Asian Indoor Martial Games in Bangkok, Thailand this November, three slots to the FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary this September and the top purse worth P85,000 courtesy of host Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad.
KARL Eldrew Yulo, a gymnastics prodigy hailing from Manila, is gearing up for his first international competition for the year at the Pacific Rim Championships slated April 21 to 28 in Colombia.
Fresh from intensive training sessions under the guidance of renowned Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Yulo is poised to showcase his skills against top-tier competitors in this biennial tournament, which sees participation from member nations across the Pacific Alliance of gymnastics federations.
Kugimiya previously served as the long-time coach to Yulo’s elder brother, Olympian Carlos.
The Pacific Rim Championships attract a formidable lineup of athletes from countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the United States, among others. Yulo’s participation underscores his rapid development and growing prowess in the sport. His dominance was evident in the recent Batang Pinoy competitions, where he effortlessly clinched all seven gold medals last December, showcasing his superiority over local competition.
Eldrew is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete alongside his elder brother, Carlos, a decorated gymnast with two world trophies and a coveted slot in the upcoming Paris Olympics this August.
In his previous international outings, Eldrew exhibited his potential by securing a silver medal in the junior men’s vault at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics in Singapore last June. In December, he delivered an impres-
sive performance at the 2023 JRC Stars Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, where he claimed four gold medals in various events including the vault, parallel bars, floor exercise, and still rings.
DAVAO – Lloyd Go emerged slightly ahead of Ira Alido in a scrambling frontside finish in separate flights, carding a twounder 70 to seize a two-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club here Wednesday.
Go navigated through a rollercoaster backside start of 36 with a strong charge at the front, salvaging four shots in two critical holes and draining two more birdies to claim the solo lead at seven-under 137. This moved him 36 holes away from scoring a breakthrough victory on the Philippine Golf Tour.
Highlighting his round were a scrambling par on the par-5 No. 1 and a lengthy birdie putt on No. 4, which Go described as crucial saves in challenging, hot conditions. Encouraged by his performance, he expressed his determination to maintain his momentum and secure the elusive win over the next two days.
“I hit an OB (out-of-bounds) on No. 1 but eagled it on my second ball for par, and made a long birdie putt on No. 4. That’s probably four shots saved,” said Go, who matched Sean Ramos’ 67 to share the opening day honors in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI Tuesday. Assisting him in his title quest is his mother-caddie Lily, whose presence provides both support and a lesson in patience for the young campaigner.
Go, priming up for a tournament in Japan next week, credited his short game for his current lead, emphasizing his ability to chip and putt effectively despite errant drives.
“My target is to drive into the fairways but I hit it everywhere. So my short game really saved me, I chipped and putted well,” said Go, who also birdied Nos. 5 and 8 but holed out with a bogey on the last hole.
However, the Cebuano shot-
maker faces stiff challenge not just from Alido, who shot a 71, but also from seasoned campaigner Angelo Que, who waxed hot in the last nine holes at the front to put himself at joint second at 139 following a 72 Tuesday.
“I was still trying to re-familiarize myself with the course, which I haven’t played in 20 years. I wasn’t sure which club to hit,” said Que of his first round performance marked by four birdies but marred by two bogeys and a double bogey.
After a two-birdie, two-bogey card at the back, he found his range, rhythm and touch at the turn, rattling off three straight birdies from No. 1 then holing out with back-toback feats on his way to posting the best round in windy day.
“It was sort of a practice round yesterday (Tuesday). I had a good rest that’s why I played better today (Wednesday),” said Que, 45, who tied for 48th in the International Series Macau last week.
Lloyd go studies his approach at hole no. 1.
THE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) will field 12 disciplines in the 21st ASEAN University Games (AUG) to be held in Surabaya, Indonesia, from June 25 to July 6, 2024.
FESSAP president, Edwin C. Fabro, has yet to announce the Philippines’ Head of Delegation and the Philippines’ flagbearer to the AUG.
The FESSAP, which was officially recognized by the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC) in June of 2019 after long, healthy talks with the AUSC’s new council in Napoli, Italy in early 2019, has been deep in preparation for its first-ever participation in the 20th AUG history in 2023 in Thailand.
The AUG is a component of the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC),
AUSC president Rushdan Jailani (center) from Malaysia recognizes FESSAP as the o cial AUSC member, represented by FESSAP Executive Vice President Robert Milton Calo (left) as AUSC Secretary General Roestam E endi Sijar looks on,
which was established in 1980. AUSC is the organizer of the ASEAN University Games. The FESSAP is the sole organization in the Philippines recognized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU) and most recently, the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC) , which had denied recognition of the FESSAP since 2007 even though the organization had already been recognized by the various institutions in Asia and the world.
FESSAP president Edwin Fabro
The FESSAP National Secretariat and the Executive Committee co-chaired by Prof. Robert Milton Calo, the EVP of the FESSAP, are awaiting the collective decision of Fabro, FESSAP Board Chairman Alvin Tai Lian, Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga-Mendoza, FISU Legal Committee member and adviser to the FESSAP President, and Professor Robert Milton Calo, FESSAP Executive Vice President, to name the Philippines’ Head of Delegation and the Philippines’ flag-bearer to the ASEAN University Games.
Several prominent corporations have expressed interest in supporting the Philippine delegation, according to Calo, the FESSAP EVP.
Among them are the Philippine Airlines as the flagship carrier of the Philippine delegation, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, BESTANK Manufacturing, LT Group Inc., OMNI Electrical and Lighting, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, Seascape Village, Fronte Motor Parts, Paddock’s Casual Jeans, HENN Athletic Club, Megaworld Corporation, and Fabro Foundation.
The FESSAP is seeking an audience with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to inspire the athletes taking part in the 21st AUG competitions.
Pacatiw joins Folayang’s Lions Nation MMA squad
FORMER two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion and Lions Nation MMA founder Eduard “Landslide” Folayang believes that rising bantamweight star Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw will carry forward the gym’s momentum this April.
Pacatiw, one of the best bantamweights in the Philippines, will represent Lions Nation MMA for the first time in his return to the ONE Championship stage. He takes on Wang Shuo at ONE Fight Night 21 on April 6 inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Folayang’s confidence in his teammate comes on the back of training quality sparring partners. Pacatiw has been mixing it up with the likes of former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Kevin Belingon and #2-ranked bantamweight contender Stephen Loman.
“That’s one of our advantages here. We have guys like Kevin Belingon and Stephen Loman who are helping Jeremy, men who have been fighting for a long time, men who have a lot of experience with big fights,” he said.
“They are really making Jeremy feel what he should expect come fight night. They’re pushing him hard every day, and it’s such a big help for Jeremy as he tries to get another win in this upcoming fight against Wang Shuo.”
It has been a long layoff for the 27-year-old. He was also one of the men who jumped from Team Lakay to Lions Nation MMA last year.
Though “The Juggernaut” has sat on the sidelines for some time, Folayang isn’t worried, knowing that Pacatiw has always taken care of himself and his conditioning.
“Looking into this fight, Wang Shuo is more of a striker, while Jeremy is a seasoned well-rounded fighter,” Folayang said.
“Sure, Jeremy went through a long layoff – I think he was on the shelf for more than a year – but the nice thing about Jeremy is he’s always training. He’s always looking to learn and improve, plus Stephen [Loman] is helping him out with his conditioning.”
Should they map out the perfect strategy for Pacatiw, Folayang and company are confident that Pacatiw will walk out of Lumpinee with yet another win.
“I think it’s all about putting together a good game plan and executing it come fight night,” Folayang said. “And I believe Jeremy’s bound to get another win.”
JUNIOR tennis action shifts to San Pablo City, Laguna today (Thursday) for the Don Arsenio Escudero, Sr. National Championships, where over 200 entries across nine age categories will compete for top honors and ranking points at the Aera Tennis Club.
Ella Paglalunan and Joy Ansay face a formidable field as they aim to clinch titles in their respective age division in the girls’ singles. Paglalunan is determined to secure victories in the 12- and 14-and-under categories for the second straight week, while Ansay seeks to extend her success in the 16and 18-and-U divisions.
Vania Parawan, who didn’t see action in the Iñigo Resorts tournament in Lucena City last week, poses a challenge for Paglalunan in her pursuit for titles, along with Isabel Ataiza and Lilith Rufino, in the five-day Group 2 tournament hosted by Ares Escudero, Jr.
To accommodate the big number of participants, other matches will be held at the Alina courts, according to event organizer Bobby Mangunay. Also up for grabs in the event, sanctioned by Philta, PPS-NTC and UTR and supported by Philta regional vice president R-4A Gary Alcala, are titles in the boys’ and girls’ doubles across the 10-U, 14-and-U and 18-and-U categories.
Meanwhile, the country’s premier
talent-search, sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, will take a Holy Week break and resume in Olongapo City for the Mayor Rolen Paulino Junior Cup on April 4-8. For details and registration, contact Mangunay at 0915-4046464.
Paglaluan also faces tough competition in the 14-and-U side with No. 1 Ave Maria Policarpio seeking redemption, alongside strong contenders like Izabelle Camcam, Amanda Barrido, Ataiza, Parawan and Rufino. Ansay also anticipates a challenging contest in her age group, with experienced campaigners such as Jana Diaz, Sandra Bautista and Policarpio leading the 16-and-U division. The premier class features prominent players like Chloe Mercado, Bautista and Diaz. In the boys’ categories, Antonio Ng, Jr., Al Tristan Licayan, Frank Dilao, Felizardo Lota III and Chinglee Cai (16-and-U), and Ariel Cabaral and Licayan (18-and-U) are going all-out to halt France Dilao’s quest for another back-to-back titles. Quezon City’s Marcus Go also chases titles in the 12- and 14-and-U divisions where he gears up against players like Stewart Diokno, Jairus Peralta, Matthias Go, Matteo Calingasan and Tyronne Caro , Emmanuel Andal, Rafa Monte, Dean Palaroan and Cai.
Martin Nievera drops heartfelt rendition of Joey Albert classic
By Nickie Wang
MUSIC icon Martin Nievera has renewed his contract with Vicor Music, solidifying his ties with the Viva Group of Companies.
During a press conference and contract signing held recently, Nievera also unveiled his latest single, “Tell Me,” a nostalgic tribute to the ‘80s era that launched his career.
“Tell Me” is a cover of a classic hit
originally recorded by Joey Albert. Nievera describes the song as a heartfelt homage to the decade that shaped his musical journey. Choosing to cover this classic hit originally recorded by Albert as composed by Louie Ocampo and Allan Ayque, Nievera described it as a heartfelt tribute to the past, a way of paying homage to the decade that shaped his career. “I have a deep respect and admiration for the songs and artists of
the era,” the iconic singer described the song as a heartfelt homage to the decade that shaped his career.
Nievera’s continued partnership with Vicor Music signifies his enduring commitment to recording music. A Vicor executive hinted at “many more captivating releases” from Nievera throughout 2024.
In October 2020, the balladeer returned to Vicor. He first signed with the label in 1982 and from there he
made hits such as “Each Day With You,” “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” and “Be My Lady,” to name a few. With over four decades in the industry, Nievera remains a prominent figure in the OPM scene. Thus firmly sitting on his throne as the country’s one and only “Concert King,”
AWARD-WINNING public affairs personalities Arnold Clavio and Howie Severino, together with documentarist Jun Veneracion, acclaimed director Zig Dulay and awardwinning writer Anj Atienza, and actor Ruru Madrid, proudly share their thoughts on being part of GMA Public Affairs.
For Arnold Clavio, GMA Public Affairs has been instrumental in showing everyone how Filipinos are truly world-class.
“In Public Affairs programs, you witness Filipinos showcasing their excellence. Being world-class means giving them the chance to shine globally. We’re grateful to be a bridge for their success,” he shares.
From Monday to Friday, Arnold has to wake up extra early for Unang Hirit – something he has been doing for the past 25 years. But knowing that he is making a difference in the viewers’ lives keeps him going.
“When it comes to news reporting, I take pride in Unang Balita because, from the first crack of dawn, we sometimes have explosive news. We have interviews that you’ll only hear first on Unang Hirit,” Arnold pointed out.
Arnold has also been at the forefront of equally awarded public affairs shows such as Emergency, Rescue, Alisto, Brigada Siete, and Tonight with Arnold Clavio. Being host to these shows for the past decades has not only impacted his career as a broadcast journalist but has also inspired him to be more than just a face in front of the camera. He takes, for example, one of his featured case studies in Emergency, a diabetic child named Nicole. Her case inspired Arnold to establish the Igan Foundation, which has been helping children with diabetes for 22 years already.
For Howie Severino, GMA Public Affairs and being “Tatak World Class” equate to quality.
“We invest a lot of effort, time, and resources in producing quality. Quality from the research to the production, to the post-production, to the technical quality of what we do, to the
storytelling, to the talent that we recruit,” he said.
Howie is one of the hosts of GMA Public Affairs’ flagship documentary program I-Witness, and is best known for his award-winning documentaries on history and social issues. He has produced more than 200 documentaries for the show and considers being part of this legacy public affairs show as one of life’s blessings.
“That’s why I’m satisfied with Public Affairs programs. We don’t take shortcuts; we prioritize quality. When I joined I-Witness, I never imagined lasting 10, 15, or 20 years. I just aimed to produce the best stories. In television, many programs don’t last, so I’m grateful for I-Witness,” Howie stated.
I-Witness premiered on Philippine television in 1999 – at the turn of the millennium. It featured a roster of hosts that included some of the finest journalists in Philippine media. The program is the only Philippine TV recipient of two George Foster Peabody Awards, multiple New York Festivals world medals, Asian TV Awards, Asia-Pacific Child Rights Awards, and finalist status at the Emmy Awards, among others.
Reporter’s Notebook host Jun Veneracion agrees that GMA Public Affairs programs are of high quality.
“When you say Tatak Public Affairs, you can see it as a seal of excellence. Viewers can be assured of high-quality content on their television or social media. And it’s not just that, Public Affairs products are infused with hard work, effort, and time. In many cases, even sweat and blood are invested to ensure the public sees what they should,” he said.
Over the years, Reporter’s Notebook, the investigative program he hosts together with Maki Pulido, has reported on significant issues that needed to be put under a spotlight, with most of these topics being given more attention by authorities after being featured on the show.
For the past three decades, GMA Public Affairs has been known for its excellent storytelling – stories that impact society and inspire Filipinos and the rest of the world. In 2023, it took storytelling to another platform as it ventured into filmmaking.
Screenplay
Its latest gem, Firefly, went from being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) big winner and most-awarded film at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California. The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs won major awards, including Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Anj Atienza and Best Director for is proof that a good story transcends culture and language. Stories that are indeed, Tatak Public Affairs: purposeful and always with a heart.
Zig Dulay. Firefly language. that indeed, Tatak heart.
“When you say Tatak Public Affairs, it represents true stories told with purpose and a sense of public service,” said Atienza. “With that comes responsibility. You feel accountable for telling stories well and in the right way. That’s the essence of the Mark of Public Affairs,” she explains.
told feel superpowers
Zig added: “To me, it means stories filled with heart, inspiration, and intention to serve. When the whole team aims for excellence, you know it will be world-class. It’s applause from the entire world, not just your country.”
From Naku, Boss Ko!, TODA One I Love, The Write One, and PH’s most-watched TV show in 2022 Lolong, to this year’s actionpacked drama series Black Rider – Ruru Madrid is grateful that he was able to do these shows because of GMA Public Affairs.
“I’m glad to be part of Public Affairs,” said Ruru. “What I enjoy most is the lessons learned from every project. From Lolong to Black Rider, it shows heroism – you don’t need superpowers to be a hero. Just helping ozhers and inspiring those around you makes you a hero.” Ruru’s shows have been loved by viewers here and abroad. Lolong made it on local television in Indonesia and Russia and is currently available on OTT platform for viewers to binge-watch.
“Tatak Public Affairs for me is to never settle for less. We’re always improving. We’re always trying to learn new things,” he concluded.
Look who’s back with a new single
THE band, anchored on the enigmatic presence of soulful singer Kat Agarrado and ingeniously named Sinosikat?, has returned after a long hiatus with a new single and the plan to release an album after 15 years.
Kat, now even more mature vocally and spiritually, is very much on board as she is supported by a bunch of experienced musicians eager to reignite her band’s fire.
Sinosikat? launched its comeback single “Heart Calling” on Feb. 27 at 12 Monkeys in Capitol Commons, Pasig City. Kat shared, “It’s a joy to be on stage carrying the Sinosikat? flag again. Grateful for my band, my team, our friends and supporters online and offline, and most especially the people who came to the launch and made an effort to show their love and support. Some came there with their stories on how our music was part of their lives. And madami din hindi nakapasok. It’s nostalgic and it felt fantastic to be singing our songs again.”
Kat noted that the song kind of wrote itself after a mate sent her a loop to serve as a guide. The “spirit of the moment” as she described it helped her fully jot it down. She related, “We are at the stage of our life where, yes, we have accomplished things but our lives (had) become stagnant at some point. It brings us to a crossroads where you can either stay where you are, or you can keep walking in the fullness of His purpose for your life. It’s the perfect theme for Sinosikat? continuing.”
Kat added that the song is “a love song for yourself because it leans towards self-love, giving your soul what it needs to ascend.” Her current bandmate Francis de Veyra has been active in co-arranging the band’s new songs.
Heart Calling is distributed by Warner Music Philippines, the same label that carried their two albums in the latter part of 2000s, and which pushes to have both albums on vinyl. Proof Sinosikat? creating a lot of noise upon their arrival was the fact that Kat was named Vocalist of the Year at the NU Rock Awards. Three of their songs, “Turning My Safety Off,” “Akin Ka,” and “So Blue,” all from their eponymous debut album, won at the 2008 Awit Awards.
Times have changed. Kat’s band’s return comes with a certain approach. She said, “It’s more (of a) passion project siya Hindi na siya yung tulad ng dati na gig lang ang buhay (namin). Ngayon madami na responsibilities (ang) mga tao. The focus is more on creating and releasing originals, promoting our singles and making albums, and playing concerts. Mas pili na lang yung gigs this time round.”
Kat, now a devoted mother, was once the singer of the band Passage as she also did session work for the late rock icon Wally Gonzales. She has always collaborated with talented musicians. She recalled, “I remember how Sinosikat? started like a jam band. I would call for an open jam and that is where I discovered the musicians that would eventually play for the band.” While associated with Pinoy soul, Sinosikat? prefers embracing music regardless of the genre. Kat said she can’t just disregard other people’s styles or art just because it is different from theirs. She pointed out, “Good music is good music no matter what form. I’m more into quality over quantity. It’s all about memories being created while making it. I don’t want to be just a fad. I want my art to be timeless and to transcend. I think in each decade there’s the spirit of the time.”
Kat’s heart, and that of the brand Sinosikat?, has called out on her to enjoy the prevailing mood of today’s music scene and along with it rekindle a key facet of her past glory.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ability to maintain collagen synthesis and repair damaged cells.
By Tet Defensor
IF YOU are serious about eternally looking young, Dr. Eloisa Tulayba suggests adding exosomes to your daily anti-aging regimen.
IN EDELWEISS, The Body Shop brings the strength and resilience of the natural world to your skin. Formerly known as Drops of Youth, the new and improved Edelweiss reflects The Body Shop’s vision of “Changemaking” beauty by moving away from anti-aging beauty ideals.
It is enriched with responsibly sourced edelweiss, a tiny but resilient Alpine flower with its very own antioxidant, Leontopodic acid.
Found growing in brutal Alpine conditions against extreme wind, snow, and rain, the resilient edelweiss flower thrives. It protects and repairs itself, thanks to its natural antioxidants, including Leontopodic acid, which is produced when exposed to harsh conditions.
The Body Shop’s Edelweiss is harvested by a team of passionate experts in the Swiss Alps. These specialist growers responsibly source, manage, and organically cultivate the edelweiss flowers, ensuring the highest quality extract is concentrated within the formulation.
Exosomes act like messengers that pass vital information to other cells. These vesicles transport nutrients and growth factors that allow old cells to regenerate, improve, and rejuvenate. We all know that as we age, our skin loses the
The miracle vesicles can be applied topically and during the Exo Celestial launch, GFOXX President David Tan emphasized that it is the only skincare line that contains exosomes. “You do not have to go to a clinic to get a treatment, you can do it at home,” he said.
The skincare line combines exosomes with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), also known as the holy grail of reverse aging. NMN is a molecule that boosts the skin’s energy making it healthy and youthful. It supports the natural repair process that reduces the signs of aging.
Medical ambassador Dr. Tulayba calls it the safer and better alternative. “The treatment is not aggressive, no surgery, no wounds, yet it is secure and efficient.”
The exosome formulation used in the EXO Celestial skincare line originated from Respera Regenerative Technology in Silicon Valley, patented by the Stanford University Research Center. Studies show that it can aid tissue rejuvenation and can therefore treat scaly skin patches caused by dermatitis like dandruff, and skin inflammation like acne and pimples.
“NMN activates the mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell,” Dr. Tulayba further
explained. The mitochondria work like a car battery and when activated can bring about tissue regeneration, collagen formation, and inflammation repair.
EXO Celestial is clinically proven to be safe and effective for any type of skin and can treat problems like acne, dryness, dark pigmentations, large pores, dullness, saggy, sensitive, and chronically stressed skin.
The regimen follows a four-step process. It begins with the anti-pollution amino acid cleansing cream, followed by advanced nano exosome repairing essence and the nano exosome peptide revival cream to activate skin healing and repair. The final step involves protection via UV expert sunscreen SPF30 PA++.
When regularly used it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles even minimize pores, improve texture and elasticity, enhance hydration and resilience, improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and increase firmness and suppleness resulting in overall radiance and rejuvenation.
EXO Celestial is distributed by GFoxx International. Log on to their website or FB Page for more details. The head office also has a skin analysis center for those who wish to further understand how the regimen can treat their skin problems.
Loved by many as a symbol of rugged beauty and alpinism, edelweiss is now being discovered as the beauty industry’s best-kept secret in The Body Shop’s Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate, Prep Essence, and Intense Smoothing Day Cream.
The Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate helps unlock the five signs of resilient skin: stronger, smoother, plumper, fresher, and bouncier. Suitable for sensitive skin and dermatologically tested, this Vegan Society-certified Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate is a bestseller, selling one bottle every 25 seconds around the world.
The Edelweiss Prep Essence combines the benefits of both a toner and moisturizer, leaving your skin feeling softer and more supple. Made with 98 percent ingredients of natural origin, this milky essence helps remove any impurities left after cleansing. Certified by the Vegan Society and enriched with Community Fair Trade moringa seed oil from Rwanda, which provides a sustainable income for farmers. Packaged in a bottle made with recyclable glass, it can be recycled again once you’ve used it up for the last plumping drops.
The Edelweiss Intense Smoothing Day Cream is the ultimate hydration boost. An intensely rich, nourishing cream, this non-greasy formula has a silky texture and melts into the skin effortlessly, helping protect against indoor and outdoor pollution, and leaving skin deeply nourished, firmer, and ultra-soft.
The Body Shop’s Edelweiss collection is available at Body Shop stores and online at https://thebodyshop.com.ph/.
By Nickie Wang
SM MEGAMALL hosted a vibrant celebration of women and empowerment throughout the first half of March with the Mega Beauty House, held at the Mega Fashion Hall from March 6 to 17.
The event aimed to recognize and uplift women for embracing their individuality. Visitors immersed themselves in a unique experience filled with interactive activities, diverse beauty brands, and a chance to connect with a supportive community.
The Mega Beauty House showcased a curated selection of beauty and wellness brands, all chosen with a common goal: empowering women to love and celebrate themselves. From established names like Shiseido to exciting new finds, the event offered something for every woman on her journey of selfdiscovery.
The Mega Beauty House wasn’t just about shopping. Engaging interactive stations kept visitors entertained and unleashed their creativity. Participants enjoyed the Beauty Reflex Game, a playful Ball Pit, and stunning Aesthetic Photo Spots perfect for capturing the essence of the event. Selfie stations provided the ideal opportunity to document confidence and beauty in a pictureperfect moment.
