Manila Standard - 2024 March 22 - Friday

By Othel V. Campos

Dangerous to tinker with Taiwan—China

Beijing warns Manila, but spox says it is ‘not a threat’

By Rey E. Requejo

CHINA warned other countries Thursday that it would be "dangerous" to tinker with its Taiwan issue amid its maritime dispute with the Philippines over some parts of the West Philippine Sea.

"The

enforcement of the 5-percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) on purchased goods and services categorized as basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Marcos highlighted this week the need for the government and private companies to effectively collaborate in navigating and averting

persistent cybersecurity problems, which he described as “the darker side of technology.”

The Chief Executive issued this statement during his conversation with Google Philippines country

manager Jackie Wang at the World Economic Forum (WEF) country roundtable hosted by Malacañang last Tuesday. “We have many instances where there are scams, there is hacking. We,

in terms of actual security, we also have been–have fallen victims to great many of these nefarious activities. And so, yes, those were the areas that we worry about,” he said.

House working thru Lenten break; Senate to resume session April 29

THE House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, has authorized all standing and special committees

WEF forecasts PH economy to hit $2t soon

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G.

Romualdez on Thursday expressed great enthusiasm regarding the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) forecast, which positions the Philippines to potentially become a $2-trillion economy in the next decade.

This anticipated economic growth places the nation on par with economies like Canada, Italy, and Brazil.

"The projections shared by WEF President Børge Brende reflect a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards economic prosperity. This growth is not just a statistic; it represents a transformative shift in the lives of our citizens," Romualdez said.

Highlighting the importance of continued investment in education,

Meanwhile, four

By Rio Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Department of Health on Thursday urged the public to catch up on their routine vaccinations as cases of pertussis and measles rise in the country and Quezon City formally reported an outbreak of

whooping cough with three deaths reported.

In a statement, the DOH said it intends to vaccinate at least 90 percent of the high-risk population, especially among children aged six months to 10 years, following the recent spike in the cases of pertussis, measles, and rubella across the country.

to conduct hearings during its five-week Lenten break.

MORE LAKAS MEMBERS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (6th from left) administers the oath to new Lakas-CMD members from Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, led by Mayor Nadya Emano-Elipe, Vice Mayor Robinson Sabio, Councilors Mikka Sultan, Chicque Cosin-Co, Roger Achas, Cathlyn Valdehueza-Alfante, Carl Marx Agustero, Honey Analou EmanoDoña, Armando Pomar and Audie Paduganan at the Social Hall of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Witnessing are (from left) Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vicente Emano, Agusan Del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino ll, Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Christian Unabia, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Pampanga 2nd District Rep.

Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo. Ver Noveno

DUNE, PINOY-STYLE.

Group: NFA stocks down to 2 days

By Othel V. Campos

THE rapid depletion of the National Food Agency's rice buffer stocks, now reportedly at less than two days of national consumption, has caused alarm, the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said Thursday.

FFF national manager Raul Montemayor said they urged a swift resolution to the ongoing investigations on the rice mismanagement issues at the NFA to ensure transparency and allow the agency

Dangerous...

From A1

China had raised alarm after the United States, Manila’s treaty ally, announced plans to build a second port on Batanes Island, just 200 kilometers away from Taiwan’s southern end across the Taiwan Strait.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also announced plans to hold Balikatan military exercises with the US and other allied troops in the country’s northernmost province.

China, however, assured the Philippines it is not a threat after President Marcos expressed concern about the risk of Beijing’s continued actions in the West Philippine Sea.

China has accused the Philippines of making provocations in the disputed waters, stirring up troubles at sea, and spreading disinformation.

to fulfill its crucial role in national food security. With harvests underway, the FFF emphasized the urgency for the NFA to resume normal operations and replenish its

“China poses no threat to any country," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jian Lian said, adding that China has long had territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, nine Chinese maritime militia ships and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel massed along the Philippines’ Pagasa Island as it followed two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ships doing resource assessments at Pagasa’s cays, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

In another development, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said there is no strong basis to speculate that the Chinese nationals recruited to the Coast Guard's auxiliary force were spies.

“We have no solid basis to accuse them of being Chinese spies. We also had a vetting process when they applied. They have been helping the Coast Guard for a long time but for humanitarian assistance and donations only,” Balilo said.

He said the PCG also required the

NEDA chief, staff get trapped for 2 hours in elevator #ANONGBALITA?

NATIONAL Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan found himself and other employees of his agency trapped inside an elevator for nearly two hours Thursday afternoon.

Balisacan shared photos of the incident on his Facebook page, where he and his colleagues calmly waited for help to arrive.

“Longest elevator ride - just thankful that we were all safe,” he wrote in the caption.

They were reportedly on their way to the ceremonial signing of the implementing rules and regu-

lations (IRR) of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, which was scheduled at the NEDA Central Office at The Megatower in Mandaluyong City. NEDA holds main offices at the 32nd and 34th floors of the building. Based on Balisacan’s photos, they got stuck on the 19th floor. They exited the elevator through a small space in between the floors using a ladder. No one was hurt, but the PPP Code signing got delayed because of the incident.

MTRCB bans ‘Tuna’ film for 9-dash line use

CATCH and release.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) slammed the brakes on "Chasing Tuna in the Ocean," tossing the film out of local theaters due to scenes showcasing China's infamous nine-dash line.

Last year, MTRCB allowed the screening of “Barbie” despite calls to ban the phenomenal movie due to its depiction of nine-dash line.

The film, rated “X” by the agency, found itself swimming in troubled waters, marked as "Not for Public Exhibition" within the country.

The MTRCB's First Review Committee gave the film a thorough once-over, only to find a di-

rect shot at the Philippines' pride, in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1986.

MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto didn't mince words, declaring:

"We will not tolerate any content that undermines the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines.”

“The MTRCB will continue to exercise its power and prerogatives consistent with its mandate,” Sotto added.

“Chasing Tuna in the Ocean” records the hardship of the fishermen fishing for tuna in the Indian Ocean. It presents “the fearlessness and responsibility of fishermen” from a delicate perspective, the filmmakers said.

#JusticeForKillua: PAWS planning to file charges

WILL good dogs get their day in court?

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said Thursday it was planning to file charges against the village watcher tagged in the killing of a golden retriever in Bato, Camarines Sur.

"Because the pet owner and witnesses have submitted affidavits, PAWS will be able to file charges of violation of the Animal Welfare Act and ensure that the person responsible for this crime will be held accountable," the advoacy group said in a statement on Wednesday.

The dog Killua was first reported missing on March 17, according tohis owner Vina Rachelle Arazas. She said her pet could have accidentally leapt over their house gate and was later found dead and bloodied in a sack.

reserves through “palay” (unmilled rice) procurement.

However, ongoing investigations by the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Ombudsman, coupled with the suspension of several top NFA officials and the potential closure of warehouses pending investigation results, are hindering the agency's ability to function effectively, the federation said.

The group alleged potential violations of regulations and raised concerns about preferential treatment for certain buyers.

Montemayor said some rice stocks

Chinese recruits to submit clearances from the Bureau of Immigration, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation, were not involved in their sensitive operations, and were just ordinary businessmen recommended by their Filipino-Chinese peers.

If there were reports that the Chinese nationals are spies, Balilo said the National Security Council will monitor and deal with them.

Beijing stressed that the maritime differences between China and the Philippines "can be compared to (a) spat between neighbors, while the Taiwan question is completely domestic."

"Distinction between the two must not be blurred," the Chinese embassy said.

Beijing made the statement after it said it noticed certain individuals in the Philippines “acting in contravention of the one-China principle under the disguise of economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchange."

QC...

From A1 Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said a non-selective Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) strategy for measles and rubella is being implemented in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection that causes influenza-like symptoms of mild fever, colds, and coughs 7 to 10 days after exposure, the DOH said.

The agency said it recorded 453 cases of vaccine-preventable pertussis in the first 10 weeks of 2024. During the same period last year, the DOH only recorded a total of 23 pertussis cases.

Across Metro Manila, the DOH is monitoring outbreaks in the following cities apart from QC: Pasig (26 cases), Taguig (13), Manila (10), Caloocan (7), Marikina and Valenzuela (6 each), and Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa (5 each).

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte said they had 23 confirmed cases in the last 3 months, with four

WEF...

From A1 infrastructure, and workforce development, the Speaker stated: "Our path to this economic milestone is founded on strategic investments that enhance the well-being and opportunities for our people. It’s about creating an environment where every Filipino can thrive."

With the nation’s economy on a trajectory towards the trillion-dollar mark, adjusted for purchasing power, the Speaker shared the optimism that with sustained growth of 7 to 8 percent annually, the Philippines could achieve this target within a decade.

might have been milled recently but then sold as "aged" to meet disposal criteria. He hinted that sales might have been backdated to qualify for specific regulations on “ageing stocks”.

Citing data discrepancies between rice purchased and sold within short timeframes, Montemayor raised doubts about the legitimacy of these transactions.

The FFF alleged that millions of sacks of affordable rice, meant for emergencies and stabilizing prices, were sold directly to private traders in 2021 and 2022 without undergoing bidding.

Seva, Standard’s astrologer, dies, says friend Zafra

ZENAIDA Seva, the Manila Standard’s resident astrologer in the early 2000s, has died, according to her friend, writer Jessica Zafra, who broke the news via a series of Instagram stories on Thursday. The cause of her death was not disclosed.

Zafra said the wake and public viewing of Seva’s urn will be held from noon Friday (March 22) until 10:30 P.M. on Sunday (March 24) at Chapel C of the Mortuary Chapels in Christ the King Parish, Green Meadows Avenue, Quezon City. Both women enjoyed a close friendship, bonding over movies, especially during the ‘90s towards the early 2000s. Zafra described Seva as “wise” and a “true eccentric.”

confirmed deaths, all children. The city had 27 cases for the whole of 2023, with just thee deaths.

Belmonte lamented the DOH’s scarcity of pentavalent vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease and deaths among infants. But the mayor asked the public to stay calm and vigilant while taking precautionary measures. “If only there were enough supply (of vaccines), we will not declare an outbreak. We now need the full cooperation of the QCitizens to participate in ensuring the disease will not spread since the intervention, which is the vaccine, is not enough for unvaccinated babies. We have not received doses of vaccines for a long time,” she added. The Health department added: "Disruptions in routine immunization at primary care during the (COVID-19) pandemic are seen to be the main reason why."

Meanwhile, the DOH said it has recorded a total of 569 measles and rubella cases as of Feb. 24. All regions, except for Bicol and Central Visayas, reported an increase in measles and rubella infections in the recent month, it noted.

restricted foreign investments. Our aim is to foster an inclusive economy where growth benefits every Filipino,” he said.

The Speaker detailed how these legislative reforms are designed to remove barriers to foreign investment, thereby stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services.

“By liberalizing our economy, we are not just attracting foreign capital but also integrating the Philippines more fully into the global market, which in turn will spur innovation, enhance competitiveness, and create a multitude of opportunities for our people,” he explained.

Marcos...

From A1

Google Philippines meanwhile lauded the “amazing growth” of the Philippine economy under the Marcos administration.

“Our reports reflect a lot of what you mentioned about the growthpotential and the amazing growth that we’ve seen in the Philippines,” Wang said. President Marcos stressed the importance of solving these issues, sothe Philippines can sustain its economic growth, which has been boosted by an active digital economy.

According to Wang, the Philippines’ digital economy has reached $23-billion (roughly P1.3trillion) since 2023 in terms of its growth merchandising value and has a compound “giga growth” of 16 percent.

In line with this, President Marcos encouraged the private sector tohelp the government in improving the country’s internet connectivity and fortifying critical infrastructures against cyber-attacks.

“Well, we are still at the level where we are worried about connectivity and we are working very hard because being an island nation that becomes a real factor, that becomes a real challenge,” he said.

Citing state-commissioned surveys, President Marcos revealed that 95 percent of Filipinos have been using the internet to conduct businesses, and only five percent of them are relying on it for government services.

“In terms of payment, for example, clearances and all that, 95 percent of the activity is over the internet. The last five percent was the government and that’s why we still are falling behind,” he pointed out.

‘Priority...

From A1

The revised JAO, signed by the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA), and Energy (DOE) on Thursday, also lets priority citizens enjoy discounts from online establishments provided they share a photo of their SC and PWD IDs. “This is needed to validate their status as senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Upon delivery, they should also show proof by showing their ID. We gave the establishments a free hand on how they will transact online purchases of seniors and PWD,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles. Nograles clarified that the 20-percent discount and VAT (value-added tax) exemption for restaurant and medicine purchases is different from the special 5 percent discount, which is applicable only on BNPC purchases from groceries and similar establishments.

Fees for consultations with doctors, dentists, and immunizations shots by priority citizens are still subject to a 20-percent discount.

House...

From A1

In a formal motion presented to the House plenary, Deputy Majority Leader and Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy V on Wednesday night called for the continuation of committee proceedings throughout the break from March 21 to April 28.

House Deputy Speaker and TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza swiftly approved the motion.

The incident fueled public outcry and the hashtag #JusticeForKillua dominated social media earlier this week.

PAWS urged netizens to come forward and "cooperate with law enforcement agents and seek help, if needed, for the filing of the cases."

"Tagging on social media will not result in punishment unless a criminal complaint is filed in Court," the group said.

But PAWS believes the suspect could face complaints for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

"The animal offender claims that this was an act of self-defense, but video evidence shows that Killua, the dog, was being chased by him and none of the elements of self-defense were present," the group said.

The suspect, Anthony Solares, claimed that Killua was aggressive. The village “tanod” said he was only responding to a complaint against a dog in his area. The retriever was later found bloodied and dead inside a sack near Solares’ home.

Romualdez praised the country's economic resilience and the government's fiscal strategy, which have made the Philippines an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investments.

"Our economic stability and growth prospects have not only attracted international investors but also paved the way for job creation and entrepreneurial ventures across the country," he noted.

Romualdez emphasized the critical role of legislative action in achieving this economic milestone, particularly the initiatives to open and liberalize the economy.

“We are committed to creating a more dynamic economic environment by amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which have long

President...

From A1

With the Philippine economy showing signs of robust growth and nearing the trillion-dollar mark in terms of purchasing power, Romualdez is confident that with a sustained growth rate of 7 to 8 percent, the country can reach its ambitious economic goals. The Speaker emphasized, though, the need to streamline government processes and create a more business-friendly environment to leverage opportunities in manufacturing and other sectors amid global economic shifts.

Romualdez also spoke of the farreaching benefits of the projected economic growth, particularly for the average Filipino, saying: "This imminent economic rise promises enhanced public services, better education, and healthcare, as well as sustainable employment opportunities. It's about enriching the quality of life for every Filipino."

“The President and the First Lady (Liza Araneta-Marcos) continue to experience flu-like symptoms but with improvements, maintaining stable vital signs. They are advised to continue medications, rest, and hydration for full recovery,” the PCO said in a statement. “The President continues to work in his residence, handling correspondence and directives within medical advice. He anticipates resuming full public engagements soon, per his physician’s clearance."

The decision to allow committee hearings during the congressional break highlights the House’s commitment to prioritizing legislative responsibilities and addressing pressing issues facing the nation, the Speaker said in a statement.

“It reflects a proactive approach to governance, ensuring that important legislation is not delayed due to scheduled recess periods,” he added.

Romualdez, the leader of the 300 plus-strong chamber, underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in legislative efforts.

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to serve the Filipino people. Allowing committee hearings during the break demonstrates our dedication to fulfilling our duties as legislators and addressing the needs of our constituents,” he said. Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Meanwhile, according to FOCAP, the PCO said a new date will be set with Mr. Marcos. The First Couple were reported to have developed flu-like symptoms following their full schedule these last few days and were advised to take fluids and medication to alleviate their symptoms. Vince Lopez

DepEd bolsters campaign vs. vapes, tobacco

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday disclosed it has intensified efforts to end vaping within school premises, including a ban on the sale and promotion of the product within 100-meter radius of the schools.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban said they will collaborate with other government agencies to ensure strict compliance to the ban.

“We are intensifying the implementation of our programs. From Friends versus Drugs that evolved into Friends versus Vices, integrating it to our mental health program,” Galban said.

The programs were rolled out in compliance with DepEd Order 14 and DepEd Memorandum 111, which prohibits the use of cigarettes and vapes in schools.

“We also created a task force, led by the youth, our learners who will serve as watchdogs,” Galban added.

Among the partner agencies for the campaign are the Department of Health (DOH) , the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG and DOH will help promote policies and awareness campaigns beyond school premises, while the DTI will assist the DepEd in eradicating the sale of vapes.

“We will work together with other government agencies, especially the local government units to ensure that this [vape] will not be available to our learners,” he added.

Galban warned the students that vaping is highly addictive and may cause low concentration, withdrawal symptoms, and may even affect brain functions.

‘New procurement law may be ready for enactment July’ THE

Dela Rosa orders release of suspect in Camilon case from Senate custody

IN deference to the Holy Week, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa ordered the release of Maj. Allan de Castro, principal suspect in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon, from Senate detention.

Dela Rosa explained that he is not of “pusong bato (heart of stone),” although his moniker is “Bato.”

In releasing De Castro, the senator said it would be “heartless “for him to let the policeman languish in jail while Congress goes on the Lenten break until Apr. 29.

In a phone interview, Dela Rosa related that De Castro broke down in tears when he visited him on Thursday.

“Umiyak nang todo nang makita ako (He cried unabashedly when he saw me),” he said.

While weeping, De Castro repeatedly professed his innocence, insisting that Camilo was not his girffriend and “they have no relationship,” Dela Rosa recalled.

In last Tuesday’s hearing of the Senate Public Order and Illegal Drugs committee, Sen. Robin Padilla moved to cite De Castro in contempt for lying to which Dela Rosa agreed.

“This is purely my decision,”Dela Rosa said, adding there was no need for De Castro’s presence in the Senate which goes on a one-month recess during the Lenten season.

Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief himself, allayed anxieties that De Castro would go into hiding. “He reported when we called him,” Dela Rosa said.

Speaker vows full support to AFP, acknowledges soldiers’ sacrifices

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez

on Thursday pledged full support to the military and that the soldiers’ sacrifices were not overlooked.

“Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and it is our duty to ensure that you are supported in every possible way,” Romualdez said during the Luzon leg of the House of Representatives-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fellowship at Clark Freeport in Angeles City.

AFP officers led by Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., including those from the AFP’s Eastern and Western Mindanao commands, and House members attended the event.

Romualdez said Congress has been “proactive in ensuring that our armed forces are sufficiently equipped to safeguard our nation, while also prioritizing the welfare of both retired and active-duty personnel.”

He said the House has approved several bills that are “a testament to the value and respect we hold for the noble service rendered by our uniformed personnel.”

“Your dedication enables the peace and security that allows our nation to thrive. Rest assured, the House of Representatives, and I personally, are unwavering in our commitment to support and honor the sacrifices of our uniformed personnel. Just as you have steadfastly served our nation, we pledge to steadfastly support you,” the Speaker said. The leader of the 300-plus-strong House congratulated the military and its officials for winning the “proverbial battle for the hearts and minds of our countrymen is over.”

Based on recent survey results, he said the AFP “has successfully shed its tarnished image of old.”

“In its place is the image of the model soldier, worthy of the highest

BEAUTY CARAVAN AT SM MEGAMALL. Hair stylist Ricky Reyes rolls out the Health and Beauty Caravan 2024 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross and the Philippine Cancer Society. A project of the Filipino Hairdressers Association for the Metro Manila Mayors Spouses Foundation INC., the main event starts on Apr. 26 with a medical mission for 8000 participants including women’s, childrens and the elderlies. Norman Cruz

Solon: Age, gender, physical ability not barriers in landing jobs

A CONGRESSMAN from Rizal province has advised employers to “look beyond age, gender, and physical ability” in hiring workers.

Rep. Fidel Nograles (Rizal, 2nd Dist.) issued the advisory during a joint meeting of House Committees on Labor and Employment and the Committee on Senior Citizens pertaining to the proposed Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities Incentives Act. The measure consolidates other bills seeking to provide wider employment opportunities to the elderlies.

“Pinag-usapan po namin ni Senate President Migz na maipapasa by May. At siguro po, before SONA (State of the Nation Address) in July), Okay na po ‘yung ating (bagong) Procurement Law (Senate President Migz and I talked about it being passed by May. And maybe, before SONA in July), our (new) Procurement Law will be okay),” Gonzales said.

He said the enactment process for the proposed new law could be shortened if the Senate would just adopt HB 9648, which seeks to repeal and replace Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, the present procurement statute. Maricel V. Cruz

“The Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities Incentives Act is a noble proposal that would help ensure the inclusion of the elderly,” Nograles said.

“As coping with daily living becomes more difficult, senior citizens are being compelled to work, but many of them are being turned away despite still having so much to offer,” he added. Under the proposal, the Department of Labor and Employment would establish a system that would match senior citizens with available job opportunities.

The bill would also grant private enterprises that employ senior citizens for at least six months, with a 25 percent tax deduction from their gross revenue for the total amount paid in salary, wages, benefits and trainings.

“Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang edad, kasarian, at pisikal na abilidad (Age, gender, and physical capabilities should not be a barrier in finding jobs). I hope that our employers will see beyond these distinctions and instead focus on merit and capability of job applicants,” the lawmaker said. Maricel V. Cruz

respect and trust of the Filipino people. This achievement is a product of everyone’s discipline, dedication to duty and sacrifices.

For this, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has my utmost esteem. Congratulations everyone. Do carry on.”

He stressed however, that “the fight for a better Philippines continues.”

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines plays a critical role in this fight, providing the stability the nation needs to sustain its forward momentum,” he added.

Romualdez cited several measures the House has acted upon to address the soldiers’ concerns, including challenges associated with sustaining the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system.

SC: LGU lawyers cannot represent local public execs

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that legal officers of local government units may not represent public officials of the towns, cities and provinces where they are employed in administrative and criminal cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., the SC warned that the scheme would constitute “a conflict of interest and amounts to unauthorized practice of law,” and the erring legal officer can be

The high court made the ruling in resolving the disbarment case filed against lawyer Richard Enojo.

However, the SC did not order EnojoÂ’s disbarment or suspension from the repetition of the same offense would be dealt with more severely. Court records showed that Enojo was appointed legal officer of Negros Oriental in January 2011.

In the criminal and administrative cases filed against former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, Enojo appeared as counsel for the late governor.

When the cases against Degamo reached the Sandiganbayan, Enojo also represented Degamo. His legal representation was opposed by OMB prosecutors. The Sandiganbayan ordered him to desist from representing Degamo.

Tarlac firm deplores PAOCC, PNP raid for alleged trafficking, illegal

By Joel E. Zurbano

AN INTERNET gaming company has denounced the March 13 raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police on its compound in Tarlac. The raid was carried out on the strength of two search warrants, issued by the executive judge of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court, for human trafficking and illegal detention, accusations the company claims were ridiculous and without basis.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) officials claimed that the operation stemmed from a complaint by a Vietnamese national who was able to escape from the facility on Feb. 28 and a Malaysian national who sought the agency’s help, claiming that he was being illegally detained inside the compound.

The raiding team reported it was able to rescue 371 Filipinos, 432 Chinese, eight Malaysians, 57 Vietnamese nationals, three Taiwanese nationals, two Indonesians, and two Rwandans during the raid.

CUTTING EDGE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Ospital ng Malabon chief Dr. Jennifer Jane Amolo Lim, city administrator Alexander Rosete

Prep talks start in Tokyo ahead of trilateral meet in US in April

By Rey E. Requejo

SENIOR diplomats from the Philippines, United States and Japan are holding meetings this week in Tokyo purportedly to firm up the agenda for the first trilateral summit of their leaders at the White House in Washington DC next month.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Japan Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano, and US Deputy State Secretary Kurt Campbell are expected to discuss the agenda for the trilateral summit, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier said would pave the way for the “a new horizon of cooperation.”

US President Joe Biden will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 11 at the White House for a trilateral summit aimed at reaffirming their “ironclad alliance,” the White House said. Blinken, who visited Manila earlier this week, met with Mr. Marcos and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and reaffirmed the commitment of the US to its long-standing ally following a series of hostilities between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Blinken, the relationship between the Philippines and the US is an “absolute priority” of the Biden administration and that expanding this cooperation under a trilateral framework with Japan would bolster the “rich foundation between our countries on economic development, climate change, food security, and upholding international law.”

‘Realigned 4Ps like stealing from 4m poor Pinoys’

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE decision of Senator Imee Marcos to realign P13 billion in the 2023 national budget intended for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was like “stealing from 4 million poor Filipinos,” Deputy Speaker and Quezon Province Rep. David Suarez said.

During a briefing of the House committees on public accounts and social services, Suarez said he confirmed from Social Welfare Rex Gatchalian the funds were allocated to other social amelioration programs.

“In the House version—the budget for 4Ps was maintained intact. Now I don’t know what happened in the Senate, why all of a sudden P13 billion was slashed. And because P13 billion was taken out, there were 843,000 Filipino families, which is around 4 million poor Filipinos, who were not able to receive because of the budget cut,” the lawmaker said during the hearing.

Gatchalian, answering queries from Suarez, said the 4Ps program is not just an amelioration program of the DSWD as it is based on a law.

The DSWD chief said the objective is for enrolled families to literally cross the threshold of being impoverished to break intergenerational poverty.

Marcos, in an earlier statement, admitted to recommending some P8 billion in 4Ps funding be realigned to other DSWD programs such as the supplemental feeding, KALAHI-CIDSS, Quick Response Fund for disasters, and AICS during the deliberations of the 2023 national budget.

THE POWER OF TABO. Save precious water during the hot summer days by using the ever-reliable ‘tabo.’ Diana Noche

‘Pinoy seafarers can refuse Red Sea, Aden Gulf routes’

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Migrant Workers seeks to declare the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as “war-like” zones, a move that will allow Filipino seafarers to exercise their “right to refuse” sailing on vessels bound for areas classified as such.

The DMW and the Maritime Industry Tripartite Council of the Philippines recommended to the International Bargaining Forum the classification of the southern portion of the Red Sea and the entire Gulf of Aden as “war-like zones.”

“Our seafarers are not soldiers or military personnel and we cannot allow them to risk their safety and lives by operating in areas with conditions similar to a war situation,” DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“The DMW and MITC prioritizes the safety and rights of seafarers, who should be made fully aware of their assigned routes and the potential dangers involved. At the same time, they should be protected from discrimination or withheld compensation for exercising their right to refuse sailing,” he added. The push came in the wake of continued missile and drone attacks launched by Huthi rebels sympathetic to the Palestinian militant group Hamas. At least

two Filipino seafarers have been killed in similar incidents in the Gulf of Aden.

The IBF is the forum that brings together the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers that make up the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG).

Cacdac said the DMW will institute several mechanisms and processes within its regulatory ambit that shall allow Filipino seafarers to exercise their “right to refuse” sailing on vessels bound for areas classified as “war-like zones.”

Among others, shipping companies and licensed manning agencies shall be required to register as a “significant event” the passage of any of their ships to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through the DMW electronic Overseas Welfare Monitoring System.

Satellite tech vital to beef up naval security

SPACE-BASED technology such as satellites are vital in strengthening the maritime security and disastermitigation in the country, officials from the Philippine Navy, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resource said. The officials made the statement during the first space cooperation conference organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Philippine Space Agency.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Dark Vessel Detection system, Canada’s satellite program that has been used in the Philippines since November last year, has helped the Navy get vital information that are crucial in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.

“The impact has been significant considering that our response capability is now focused on actionable information,” Trinidad said.

“With all the information, not only from Canadian friends, but all other sources that we sift through, and transform the information to intelligence, then we could preserve our response capabilities only when they are needed. And we expect this to improve as we get more capabilities to be able to see what’s out there,” he added.

Through an agreement with the Canadian government, the Philippine Navy has been using the Dark Vessel Detection System which allowed them to track ships that are conducting illegal activities in Philippine waters even if they turned off their location transmitting devices to avoid surveillance.

Canadian Embassy in the Philippines’ political and public affairs head Colin Townson said the dark vessel system helps the government become more efficient and make better investments by focusing its resources to where the critical problems and challenges are.

RBH 7, bill revoking SMNI franchise up for Senate okay

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE leadership of the House of Representatives expects the Senate to act with dispatch on both the resolution on economic constitutional reform and the bill revoking the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The House on Wed nesday night ordered the immediate transmittal to the Senate of the two measures— the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7 and House Bill (HB) 9710—after passing them on third and final reading.

RBH 7, which mirrors RBH 6 being deliberated in the Senate, seeks to amend specific economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution

concerning public utilities, education and advertising by inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” to give more flexibility regarding foreign ownership and participation in certain investments.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, who co-authored RBH No. 7 with several other House leaders and members, said the proposed economic constitutional amendments represent the final component of the investment measures pursued by the administration of President Marcos.

“These changes, if ratified by our people in a plebiscite, will greatly boost these [investment] 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,” Romualdez said.

Powerful people out to convict Quiboloy without trial—lawyer

THE legal counsel of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said some powerful individuals are hell-bent to prosecute his client as he reiterated the court and not Congress is the proper venue to resolve the issues against the televangelist. However, Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, did not name any of the individuals he said were out to convict his client without a fair trial.

“All the matters pending before the House of Representatives, the Philippines Senate and the Department of Justice involving or relating to Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy have already reached their respective conclusions therein, and are now either before the courts or may be brought before them,” he said.

Topacio said Quiboloy’s legal team will refrain from commenting on issues as they elevate his case before the proper court.

“Quiboloy’s legal team has done its level best to protect the Pastor and shield him from violations of his rights, but sadly, there are some powerful individuals who are hell-bent on persecuting him,” Topacio added.

“As we prepare to avail of all judicial remedies, we shall now henceforth refrain from specifically commenting on the aforementioned issues out of respect to the courts, and we enjoin the others concerned to exhibit some sense of common decency at long last by doing the same,” he added.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday signed and released the arrest order against Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), for his willful disobedience of a legislative committee.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice also filed criminal charges before the regional trial courts in Davao City and Pasig City against the televangelist for the alleged sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking in 2011 of a young girl who was then 17 years old. Vito Barcelo

BI to probe o icers targeting Filipino-Indians

THE Bureau of Immigration will conduct an investigation on the alleged P20 million extortion activities involving immigration officers targeting Filipino-Indian communities in Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol and other towns in the Visayas Region. “The BI management does not tolerate any kind of corrupt practices among its ranks,” BI commissioner Norman Tansingco said on Thursday. “We have initiated an investigation on this matter and are welcom-

ing information from concerned individuals on reports against erring personnel,” he added.

Tansingco was referring to a news report that some BI operatives allegedly extorted money from 19 out of 33 Filipino-Indian nationals who were arrested last month in Iloilo.

The report said 14 of those arrested were officially charged for various offenses while 19 were freed after allegdly paying P350,000 each to BI operatives.

The report also said the implicated agents met with representa-

tives of the Filipino-Indian community to propose a collection of a P50,000 fee per member, purportedly to secure exemption from future interventions by the BI. The BI has yet to receive a formal complaint, but spokesman Dana Sandoval said the report has already reached the attention of the agency.

“We have yet to receive a copy of the official complaint, but the Commissioner has initiated investigation upon receiving such information,” Sandoval said. Vito Barcelo

BATTLING CANCER. Dr. Herdee Gloriane Luna (second from left), president of the Philippine Society of Oncologists, together with Dr. Jose Jasper Andal (second from right), pathologist of the St. Luke’s Medical Center, and cancer survivor Emer Rojas (left), president of New Vois Association of the Philippines, discuss the value of lung panel testing and personalized treatment with broadcaster journalist Niña Corpuz during the launching of ‘Hit the Mark’ campaign. Manny Palmero

HOLY WEEK TRADITION. Artists put finishing touches to life-size figures depicting the scene of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem during Passover in time for Holy Week in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Danny Pata

Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

Romualdez’s angle: The $1b triumph for PH

And with the announcement of a new airline route to Cebu, Romualdez ignites the flames of hope, promising economic recovery and development for all who call the Philippines home.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, with his

resolve and unwavering determi-

stands as a general in the midst

a victorious struggle—a hero whose triumphs echo across the annals of history. As the news of $1 billion worth of investments from the United States trade and investment mission permeates the air, a sense of anticipation grips the nation like a shroud of fog on a moonless night.

Romualdez, with his keen insight and strategic foresight, recognizes the significance of this investment windfall, declaring it a resounding “vote of confidence” in the Philippine economy. But his words carry a deeper resonance, hinting at a greater truth—that beneath the surface lies a battle won, a victory forged through perseverance and resilience.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership, Romualdez declares, the Philippines has embarked on a journey of transformation—a journey marked by diplomatic finesse and business-oriented initiatives aimed at attracting global investors.

The introduction of the Maharlika Investment Fund, the strategic foreign trips, the prioritization of renewable energy and digitization—all bear testament to the strategic and dynamic leadership of President Marcos Jr., and Romualdez stands as a steadfast ally in this noble endeavor.

But it is not just the promise of economic prosperity that Romualdez champions; it is the vision of a brighter future for all Filipinos.

With plans to provide educational opportunities for over 30 million citizens through digital and AI upskilling programs, Romualdez embodies the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment—a general who fights not only for victory on the battlefield but for the hearts and minds of his people.

As Romualdez welcomes upcoming projects in electric vehicles, solar energy, and nuclear energy, he paints a picture of a nation poised on the brink of greatness—a nation whose destiny lies within its grasp, waiting to be seized with courage and determination.

But amidst the triumph, Romualdez remains humble, acknowledging the tireless efforts of President Marcos Jr. and his diplomatic initiatives abroad.

For Romualdez, these efforts have not only strengthened bilateral relations but have also elevated the Philippines’ status in the international community—a testament to the resilience and determination of a nation united in purpose.

Let us heed (the Speaker’s) call to support the President’s ‘Build, Better, More’ program and other initiatives aimed at enhancing our nation’s position in the global market

As Filipinos, we must recognize and appreciate the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez—a general whose victories extend far beyond the battlefield, whose vision transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Let us heed his call to support the President’s “Build, Better, More” program and other initiatives aimed at enhancing our nation’s position in the global market.

Let us stand united in our commitment to a future filled with promise and opportunity, guided by the steady hand of a true leader—a leader worthy of our admiration and respect.

In the twilight hours of uncertainty, as the winds of change sweep across the land, let us draw strength from the example set forth by Speaker Martin Romualdez—a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness, a general whose victories herald a new dawn for the Philippines.

Facing Putin threat, EU pushes to arm Ukraine — and itself

BRUSSELS, Belgium – EU leaders were scheduled to grapple at a summit Thursday with how to get more weapons to Ukraine’s outgunned forces while also re-arming their own countries to face Russia’s Vladimir Putin -- aggressive and newly emboldened after cementing his grip on power.

Over two years into Moscow’s all-out war against its neighbor, Kyiv’s troops are struggling to hold back the Russian army as Western support fails to keep pace with the fighting.

“If Ukraine had to surrender, then a puppet regime will be installed in Kyiv, the Ukrainian people will be crushed,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned ahead of the Brussels meeting.

“The Russian army will be at our borders and we could be sure they will not be stopping there.”

Following his weekend presidential election success, a bullish Putin on Wednesday described it as a “prologue” to victory in Ukraine.

Kyiv desperately needs more weapons and ammunition to fend off Putin’s troops, who have made recent battlefield gains.

As a $60-billion package remains stalled in Washington, the EU’s 27 leaders will debate a plan to spend profits from 200 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets on weapons for Ukraine.

Officials said that the proposal could unlock some three billion euros a year for Kyiv and that if EU countries agree quickly, the money could start flowing by July.

That would come on top of more than 33 billion euros that the EU says it has

provided towards arming Ukraine since the Kremlin invaded in February 2022.

Alongside the efforts to get more weapons to Kyiv, the EU is also frantically working on ways to boost Europe’s defense industry to be able to arm Ukraine and build up its own forces.

Brussels has put forward a raft of proposals aimed at ramping up capacity but there are complaints that Europe is still not moving fast enough.

Kyiv desperately needs more weapons and ammunition to fend off Putin’s troops, who have made recent battlefield gains

While Russia has put its economy on a war footing, the EU has fallen well short of a promise made last year to supply Ukraine with a million artillery shells by this month.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has spearheaded its own initiative aimed at hoovering up hundreds of thousands of shells available around the world to send to Kyiv.

“At this crucial moment in global history, we must be defense-ready, match-

EDITORIAL

Expanded PH-US partnership

AMPLE proof that PhilippineAmerican relations are on the upswing and expected to grow even stronger in the years ahead is the invitation extended by US President Joe Biden to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to join a threeway summit in Washington, DC with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April.

This is the first such trilateral summit that, according to the White House, would discuss a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific” and focus on enhancing economic and security ties amid rising tensions with China.

The common denominator of the Philippines and Japan is that we are both staunch US allies. We also have territorial disputes with China.

We have to deal firmly with Beijing’s increasingly aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, while Tokyo has to contend with China’s claim over the

About Town

Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

The trilateral meeting in April will therefore be highly anticipated—and closely monitored by Beijing, definitely—as the Biden administration is expected to reiterate its ‘ironclad’ guarantee of full support for our joint efforts to resist China’s territorial ambitions in the region.

—“—

We need to strengthen defense cooperation with both the US and Japan to protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity

Biden and Marcos met in the White House last year where they discussed ways to further expand the PhilippineUS alliance, including strengthening their defense cooperation.

Among the agreements they forged last year were the planned conclusion

Ernesto M. Hilario

New book traces rebel army’s start in Bicol

IF THE Armed Forces of the Philippines is to be believed, it has already broken the back of communist insurgency that has been raging mainly in the countryside for the past 55 years, and can now claim to have achieved “strategic victory.”

Recent news reports quote the AFP as saying there are no more than 1,500 NPA fighters spread out in only a handful of so-called “guerrilla zones.”

These are described as areas where several companies of armed rebels are able to engage government forces in hostilities.

The military believes only by wiping out the remnants of the Maoist rebels can the government attain “total victory.”

At its height in the 1980s, the NPA, according to the military, could count on as many as 25,000 fighters.

But that figure could not have been based on the reality on the ground as the NPA could have launched battalion-size tactical offensives then against military forces and encampments, which never took place, as far as we know.

Now, if the NPA has really been reduced to a pale shadow of its former strength and now on the run in different directions, why is it that there have been news reports of encounters between government forces and the rebels in various places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in recent months?

If this indicates anything, it’s not likely that the NPA could be wiped out by yearend.

At any rate, we leave that matter to security analysts who might have a better view of the actual situation on the ground.

Our concern here is how the armed rebellion actually started in December 1968, when the Communist Party of the

ing the urgency of the threat,” European Council chief Charles Michel wrote in an editorial.

“If we want peace, we must prepare for war.”

France, Estonia and Poland have pitched the idea of using joint borrowing similar to the massive package of support the EU came up with during the Covid pandemic to now fund defence spending.

But a majority of member states -- led by the so-called “frugal” countries such as Germany -- are unwilling to go anywhere near that far.

Instead, the discussion will likely fo-

Philippines was established, and later, on March 29, 1969, when it organized the New People’s Army as its military arm. For this purpose, we refer to a newly published book that traces what we might call the baby steps of the fledgling insurgent army to recruit members to the revolutionary cause.

—“—

The military believes only by wiping out the remnants of the Maoist rebels can the government attain ‘total victory’

The book, “Tigaon 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM and SDK” was written by retired RTC Naga City Judge Soliman M. Santos, Jr. and published by the Ateneo de Manila University Press.

The well-researched book draws from the stories told to the author by the only remaining member of the five-man expansion team that immersed themselves in rural Tigaon, Camarines Sur in the second half of 1969 to organize the masses for armed struggle.

All five were members of the radical youth group, Kabataang Makabayan, that the martial law decree issued by

cus on getting the EU’s lending arm, the European Investment Bank, to expand its funding for the sector.

At the moment, the bank is limited to investing in only a small number of “dual-use products” that can have both military and civilian functions.

While the response to the conflict in Ukraine will dominate much of the summit, EU leaders will also push for a united stance on the war in Gaza, with United Nations chief Antonio Guterres in attendance.

Diplomats say that an overwhelming majority of countries support a call for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in

of a key intelligence sharing pact and the adoption of bilateral defense guidelines aimed at institutionalizing “key bilateral priorities, mechanisms and processes to deepen alliance cooperation and interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.”

Just this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with President Marcos to discuss ways to advance the partnership of both countries, particularly in the economic sphere, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The American official’s visit follows a week after the United States sent a high-level trade and investment mission to the Philippines.

We expect the Philippines to benefit from even closer ties with Washington in all aspects, from the political and diplomatic to the economic and defense spheres in the years ahead, united in a shared commitment to democratic principles and sustained economic advance based on mutual benefit and mutual trust. With China’s increasing assertiveness in enforcing its claim over practically the whole of the South China Sea on the basis of a mythical ‘ten-dash line,’ we need to strengthen defense cooperation with both the US and Japan to protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

then president Ferdinand E. Marcos in September 1972 identified as one of the two militant groups—the other one is the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan—that were steeped in Maoist ideology and wanted to bring down the government through violent street demonstrations.

The author relied on recollections of past events by relatives of the other four that documented the hardships they faced in spreading the theory and practice of ‘people’s war’ in Bicol.

The book also deals at length with the twists and turns in the legal protest movement in Metro Manila and other urban centers leading to what’s called the First Quarter Storm of 1970 that saw frequent street clashes between radical activists and anti-riot squads.

Universite de Montreal Professor Dominique Caouette, who wrote the book’s foreword, explains the value of Santos’ work thus: “History is nothing fixed but evolving and contested.

“This is particularly true when it comes to revolutions whether victorious, defeated or confronted with internal and external contestations.

“Oftentimes, officialized narratives tend to stall and fix time and events in nothing but imaginary linearity. Soliman ‘Sol’ Santos, a participant himself, a keen long-time observer, and now a genuine and unassuming historian challenges such linearity by offering a densely researched and reflexive opus on one situated fragment of the Philippine contemporary revolutionary movement…”

Further on, Caoutte concludes: “Combining mixed methodologies, interviews with key protagonists, archival research, mobilizing existing scholarly research, email correspondence, and even actual visits to key sites, “Sol Santos seams an elaborate quilt that offers a vue d’ensemble that opens, that invites reflexivity on the complexities and limits of historiography…Keeping history unfinished, contentious, alive and humane, as Sol Santos does in his book, is an invitation to actively look back to see better what is coming up ahead.”

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Israel’s offensive and a warning for it not to launch a ground operation in Rafah.

But staunch Israeli ally Hungary has repeatedly blocked efforts to take a tougher line and could veto a consensus this time as well.

Closer home, EU leaders look set to give the green light to opening membership negotiations with Bosnia as Russia’s war has sparked a push to expand the bloc.

Diplomats said that the Balkan state would likely get an agreement on launching talks, but they could only start in earnest when the country has passed more reforms. AFP

Citizen Barok

US unveils draft calling for Gaza ceasefire

JEDDAH—The United States has circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages” in the Gaza Strip, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

The diplomat made his announcement whilst on a tour of the Middle East that will include a stop in Israel.

Key Israel backer the United States has vetoed previous UN Security Council votes on the nearly six-month war, objecting as recently as in February to the use of the term “immediate” in a draft submitted by Algeria.

In recent weeks, however, Washington has upped the pressure on its ally, while insisting that Hamas militants must immediately release the hostages seized by militants during its October 7 attacks on Israel.

“Well, in fact, we actually have a resolution that we put forward right now that’s before the United Nations Security Council that does call for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages, and we hope very much that countries will support that,” Blinken said in Saudi Arabia.

“I think that would send a strong message, a strong signal,” he told Saudi media outlet Al Hadath on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attacks.

“Of course, we stand with Israel and its right to defend itself... but at the same time, it’s imperative that the civilians who are in harm’s way and who are suffering so terribly -– that we focus on them, that we make them a priority, protecting the civilians, getting them humanitarian assistance,” Blinken said.

US officials had been negotiating an alternative text since blocking an Algerian draft resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza at the end of February.

That alternative, focusing on support for a sixweek truce in exchange for the release of hostages, had little chance winning approval, according to diplomatic sources.

A new version, seen by AFP, stresses “the need for an immediate and durable ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides, enable the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, and alleviate suffering... in conjunction with the release of hostages still held”.

No vote has yet been scheduled on this text.

Blinken met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and then held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman soon after landing in the kingdom on Wednesday on the first leg of a regional tour that will include Egypt on Thursday and then Israel on Friday.

Blinken’s tour, his si xth to the region since the war began, runs parallel with talks in Qatar, where mediators met for a third day on Wednesday in a renewed effort to secure a ceasefire but with little indication of an imminent agreement. AFP

Explosions heard in center of capital Kyiv

KYIV—Explosions rang out in the center of Ukraine’s capital on Thursday, following air alerts prompted by Russian missiles and drones, a day after several civilians were killed on both sides of the conflict. Around ten loud blasts were heard by AFP journalists from 05:00 am in Kyiv, as well as air defense fire.

Ukrainian air defense forces shot down “about three dozen enemy missiles, including ballistic missiles, over Kyiv and in the vicinity of the capital,” the city’s military administration said on Telegram, adding that the raid had lasted three hours.

It said 10 people were wounded, including an 11-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man, with two taken to hospital. Rocket fragments fell onto a kindergarten in the Sviatoshynskyi district of the capital, according to Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, while an apartment building and a car caught fire in other areas of the city.

The last major Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital took place at the end of January.

On Wednesday, a fresh round of aerial bombardments left ci-

vilians dead in Ukraine and Russia as strikes escalate in the third year of the war. Ukrainian authorities reported five people killed by a Russian missile in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with another nine injured and five more unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued into the night.

Kyiv’s army is facing manpower and ammunition shortages amid political wrangling in the US Congress that has raised uncertainty over the future of Western support. Directly across the border from Kharkiv, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region said multiple attacks had killed three people.

Since Wednesday, the region has come under “massive strikes, including with the use of multiple rocket launcher systems,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, referring to a border district targeted by air attacks and ground incursions by armed groups from Ukraine. Two people were killed there, and another man was killed in the regional capital, also called Belgorod, when shrapnel from a shelling attack hit his car, Gladkov said. AFP

Rescuers save 69 Rohingya refugees at sea

MEULABOH, Indonesia—Indonesian authorities rescued at least 69 Rohingya refugees who had been at sea for weeks and were taking them to shore on Thursday after their boat capsized a day earlier.

The refugee group’s wooden boat and another vessel trying to help them both capsized on Wednesday, with survivors estimating around 150 Rohingya had been on board with dozens swept away.

Rescuers had rushed to save the group of Rohingya after they spotted them in the water, stranded and holding onto an overturned boat off the coast of western Aceh province.

The mostly Muslim Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar, and thousands risk their lives each year on long and expensive sea journeys, often on flimsy boats, to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

“The total victims rescued (alive) is 69 people, 42 of them are men and 18 are women, and nine of them are children,” the Banda Aceh search and rescue agency said in a statement.

Footage from the boat seen by AFP showed men, women and children being taken to safety by the local search and rescue agency.

“I’d been at sea for 15 days, but there are others here who have been here longer than that. Some have been here for a month,” said a 27-year-old survivor who gave his name as Dostgior in broken Indonesian.

“Why did the boat capsize? There was heavy rain.”

He said he had travelled from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh where many Rohingya have fled persecution into squalid camps. AFP

UK, Australia sign new defense pact to boost alliance

CANBERRA—The United Kingdom and Australia inked a new defense agreement in Canberra on Thursday, as they try to boost a fledgling nuclear-powered submarine program with the United States.

UK defense minister Grant Shapps signed the agreement in Canberra with his counterpart Richard Marles, establishing a legal framework that makes it easier to host troops and share military intelligence.

The agreement stops short of a full mutual defense pact, which would bind one side to intervene if the other was attacked.

But it does include a “commitment to consult” about emerging threats and establishes a “status of forces agreement,” which makes it easier to host soldiers from the other nation.

“It is extraordinary, actually, the United Kingdom and Australia didn’t already have a defense cooperation treaty in place,” Shapps said after the signing ceremony.

Alongside the United States, Australia and the UK are members of the fledgling AUKUS defense alliance—a landmark pact aimed at curbing Chinese military expansion in the Asia-Pacific.

Barely two years old, there are already signs the AUKUS programme is under threat—and some fear Donald Trump could scrap it completely if he returns to power next year. AFP

First Gen’s income rises

4%

to $277m on LNG business

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez

Group on Thursday reported a 4-percent increase in attributable recurring net income to $277 million (P15.4 billion) in 2023 from $265 million (P14.3 billion) in 2022.

“2023 was a positive year for First Gen as EDC achieved its highest earnings to date, while FGEN LNG started to commission. The company was likewise declared the highest bidder for the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno said.

“This year, these developments should translate to additions to First Gen’s earnings as the LNG [liquefied natural gas] terminal reaches commercial operations and

the effectivity of the terminal lease agreement with Gas Aggregator Philippines Inc. happens. Casecnan will likewise be a positive addition to the bottom line from day one of its turnover,” Puno said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Energy Development Corp.’s (EDC) geothermal portfolio delivered record earnings from its high operating income owing to an improvement in electricity prices.

The parent also contributed to the higher 2023 income, benefitting from higher interest income due to high yields from its internally generated cash.

First Gen’s revenues, however, declined 7 percent to $2.475 billion (P137.7 billion) in 2023 from $2.667 billion (P144.1 billion) in 2022 as revenues across all the platforms decreased.

Asialink allots P2.4b for truck financing in 2024

By Darwin G. Amojelar

ASIALINK Finance Corp. is expanding its loan footprint in the fast-growing market for brandnew and used trucks by allocating P2.4 billion worth of loans that are essential to the growth of e-commerce and logistics.

“We are seeing the huge potential of this market as more and more people shift from brick-and-mortar stores to digital marketplaces,” said Asialink group head of truck loans Rufino Gomez Jr.

“When you buy something online,

Stocks advance on positive US Fed comments

By Jenniffer B. Austria

“Philippine

as Fed

its plan for three interest rate cuts this year,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Analysts said investors also welcomed the comment from National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan that March inflation rate would not be higher than the 3.4 percent registered in February.

All sectoral indices ended in the green led by mining and oil (1.36 percent), services (+1.16 percent) and industrial (+0.72 percent).

Meanwhile, Asian markets rallied Thursday after Wall Street’s recordbreaking day as traders welcomed news that the Federal Reserve still saw three interest rate cuts this year even after recent data pointed to a bounce in inflation.

Decision-makers remained confident that prices will eventually be brought to heel after pushing borrowing costs to two-decade highs without doing too much harm to the US economy. After a much-anticipated policy meeting, officials held rates for the fifth time in a row and released dot plot projections that showed they saw 75 basis points of cuts before year’s end, unchanged from December’s outlook. Observers suggested June would likely see the first move. They also ramped up their forecasts for economic growth.

Last year saw inflation come down dramatically from the multidecade highs seen in 2022, heading towards the bank’s two-percent goal, but it nudged back up in January and February, fueling worries of a downward revision to the Fed’s rate estimates.

it mobilizes a vast network of factories, warehouses and logistics firms to get the product you want on your doorsteps. Trucks play a vital role in this supply chain,” he said.

Gomez said the recovery and growth following the crippling

Covid-19 pandemic were fueling a construction and manufacturing boom that also relies on trucks to move raw materials and workers.

Asialink said it is earmarking more funds for lending to small and medium enterprises to serve this market.

The company has been lending to logistics, construction, hauling, freight forwarding and manufacturers over the past year.

Asialink is financing the purchase of vehicles from all-purpose vehicles, light duty trucks, heavy duty trucks to specialized trucks through partner dealerships.

Each borrower can secure up to P10

Alsons Power Group welcomes Alcantara as new chief executive

ALSONS Power Group, a key player in the Mindanao energy market, announced the appointment of Antonio Alcantara as its new chief executive, effective April 1, 2024, following the retirement of Tirso Santillan.

Assuming leadership in the Alcantara Group’s power business unit, Alcantara brings over 15 years of experience in the energy industry garnered through his tenure at Alsons Power.

He served as the deputy CEO of the group prior to his appointment. He also is the chief investment and strategy officer of Alsons Consolidated Resources, the publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group.

Alcantara graduated from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Business

Romblon electric co-op vows to expand RE projects as it seeks wider franchise

ROMBLON Electric Cooperative Inc. (Romelco) said Thursday it plans to deploy more renewable energy projects to meet the growing demand of energy in the province.

Romelco general manager Rene Fajilagutan announced the electric cooperative’s RE expansion program during the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing on the legislative franchise application of the electric cooperative (EC).

The EC has an energy mix of 73-percent diesel and 27-percent renewable energy. Among its RE projects are the

Administration.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. His expertise spans finance and management, corporate planning, business development, project management and strategic investments as well as proficiency in the power sector, demonstrating a comprehensive skill set essential for steering the organization towards its new era of growth and transformation.

Leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and visionary leadership, Alcantara is committed to bringing Alsons Power to new heights by leading the group’s expansion strategies, enhancing and diversifying its power portfolio, and strengthening relationships with its stakeholders.

million in loans at competitive rates, Gomez said.

These loans carry interest rates of 1.1 percent to 1.3 percent per month, with terms of up to 60 months for new trucks and vans and 36 months for used ones.

Asialink requires that the borrower be in business and operating profitably for at least a year. Its goal is to lend up to P2.4 billion in truck loans by end2024.

Asialink released over P12 billion in loans in 2023, underpinned by a growth in its customer base and key partnerships that provided funds for lending.

Globe deploys advanced tech, infrastructure in Mindanao

GLOBE Telecom said Thursday it invested heavily in Mindanao in 2023, deploying advanced technologies and building new infrastructure to enhance connectivity across the region.

The Ayala-led telecom company said it built 276 new sites and 2,509 upgrades to 4G LTE throughout 2023 which are critical in revving up development in the region long stunted by conflict and poverty.

“With Mindanao’s growing economy and the government’s commitment to infrastructure, we in Globe remain consistent in optimizing our network services to provide the backbone for the region’s digital journey,” Globe senior vice president and head of network planning and engineering Joel Agustin said in a statement.

“Our strategic expansions in Mindanao are aimed at enhancing connectivity, which is essential for fostering growth and uplifting communities in the region,” he said. Mindanao, known for its rich resources and potential, is transitioning into a key economic hub, with the government pouring in significant investments on highimpact infrastructure projects.

A total of 76 out of 194 high-impact government infrastructure projects are located in Mindanao, according to the Department of Finance.

Darwin G. Amojelar

900-kilowatt wind turbines located on the hills of Barangays Agnay, Bagacay and Lonos; 1.35-megawatt mini hydro power plant in Cantingas, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island; 50-kW solar hybrid power plant in Cobrador Island; 18-kW biomass gasifier power plant in Barangay Alad; and 200-kW grid-tied solar roof mounted project. It plans to deploy 1.6-MW solar and 2.735-MW wind energy projects along with the 1.4-MW energy storage system in the island municipalities of Banton, Concepcion and Corcuera. Alena Mae S. Flores

VISTA LAND LOAN. Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. (VLL) signs a P2-billion loan with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.-Manila Branch at Origine Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) VLL chief finance officer Brian Edang, SMBC assistant vice president Seis Anthony Abante, SMBC vice president Denis Richard Teng, VLL chairman Manuel Villar, SMBC managing director and country head Yasushi Iwata, VLL president and chief executive Manuel Paolo Villar and SMBC executive director Ruben Victa. VLL will use the proceeds to finance capital expenditures, refinance debt and support general corporate purposes.

BETTER CONNECTIVITY. Globe Business signs a deal with former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno for his latest venture, Ugbo 24/7, to deliver a better connectivity experience for customers. Signing the agreement signing are (from left) RUSH chief commercial officer Jef Cruz; Globe Business vice president for sales Cocoy Claravall, Moreno and Globe chief strategy officer and Brave Connective Holdings Inc. chief executive Nikko Acosta. The collaboration reflects the commitment of Globe Business to empower MSMEs to thrive in today’s digital era.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTION. Three students from De La Salle University

mentor.

Asialink

Alsons

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Recto: PH still a bright spot in Asian region

ECONOMIC VISION.

Sabin Aboitiz (second from right), lead convenor of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), applauds President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic vision at the World Economic Forum, emphasizing collaboration for sustainable growth. In his remarks at the forum, President Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of strategic investment partnerships between the private and public sectors.

these forecasts via a set of growth-enhancing strategies such as bolstering macroeconomic strength through prudent fiscal management and direct accelerated spending program towards infrastructure and human capital development.

The government will also implement game-changing reforms that will drive investment-led growth benefitting all Filipinos, Recto said. Darwin. G. Amojelar

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN

Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the Pangasinan provincial government on Thursday broke ground for the construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX).

P-LEX is expected to further unlock the province’s economic potential through improved accessibility and mobility.

SMC president and chief executive Ramon S. Ang said the 76.80-kilometer expressway would be a gamechanger for Pangasinan, boosting local industries, agriculture and tourism and linking the province’s eastern and western corridors.

“The P-LEX project affirms SMC’s affinity with, and deep commitment to Pangasinan. We believe in the big-

THE Aboitiz Group earmarked P153 billion for 2024 capital expenditures, or more than double the amount it spent in 2023.

It said in a statement majority of the budget would go towards the group’s renewable energy (RE) projects, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for the country.

“Our substantial increase in capital expenditures is a clear reflection of our commitment to renewable energy. We believe that investing in sustainable energy sources is not just good for the environment, but also makes good business sense. As a techglomerate, we intend to redefine the meaning of industry and community in the digital age,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.

ger potential of the province and its people, and that is why we continue to invest here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership, and with the help and support of the provincial government, create more jobs, livelihood, and business opportunities in the province,” Ang said.

The project is structured in two phases, with the first phase linking Binalonan to Lingayen, the provincial capital. This phase is subdivided into three segments—a 6.90-km. section from Binalonan to Manaoag, an

11.30-km stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao and a 22.17-km passage from Calasiao to Lingayen, along with a 2.39-km. spur road in Calasiao. Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.

P-LEX will connect to the TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) at the Binalonan exit, providing direct access to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

Ang said the construction of PLEX would incur no costs for the provincial government and committed to timely completion of the project, pending the acquisition of the necessary right of way. “The provincial government will also receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings, which it can use to provide more social services to our kababayans,” Ang said.

INFLATION rate in March 2024 would be likely slower than February’s figure, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“I don’t think that it will go higher than what we had last month. That’s so far what I, we are seeing,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that inflation rate in February 2024 picked up to 3.4 percent from 2.8 percent in January, on higher food, beverage and transport prices.

The government aims to keep inflation rate within a range of 2 percent and 4 percent this year.

Balisacan said, however, the proposed P100 legislated wage hike could have an “adverse impact on inflation.”

“Of course, we wanted the wages not to rise, but we would want it to be a tripartite decision among firms, labor and, you know, and government across the regions of the country,” he said.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Thursday its board approved the sale of its entire stake in GoTyme Bank Corp., a digital lender, for P902.47 million.

BPI said it would sell its 752,056,290 common shares in GoTyme, or equivalent to 15-percent stake, to GoTyme Financial Pte. Ltd. and Giga Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. at P1.20 apiece.

The sale is still subject to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ approval, the bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“The sale is intended to address any potential conflict of interest created by the significant overlap in and simi-

to support

larity of product offerings of GoTyme Bank and BPI,” the bank said.

BPI acquired Go Tyme shares following its merger with Robinsons Bank Corp. (RBank) early this year.

GoTyme Bank is a joint venture of Tyme Investments Pte. Ltd. with members of the JG Summit Group and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. and is one of the six banks with a digital banking license from the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Launched in 2022, GoTyme Bank capitalized on the huge unmet demand for simple, hassle-free banking. In only 15 months, 2.5 million users switched to GoTyme Bank and are now enjoying an upgraded banking experience.

Balisacan said the Development Budget and Coordination Committee (DBCC) would meet on March 22 to review the country’s macroeconomic assumptions.

“We will review the programs, the economic programs particularly the assumptions, targets,” he said.

The economic managers in December 2023 revised the growth target for 2024 to between 6.5 percent and 7.5 percent from the previous range of 6.5 percent to 8 percent, while retaining the 6.5 percent to 8 percent growth assumption for 2025 to 2028.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Aboitiz Power Corp., the group’s power subsidiary, will receive the largest share at P73 billion, representing 48 percent of the total capex. The substantial increase supports the company’s ongoing and upcoming RE projects, with a target of reaching 4,600 megawatts (MW) of capacity within the next decade.

Creative economy grossed P1.72t in 2023, contributed 7.1% to GDP

THE Philippine creative economy amounted to P1.72 trillion and contributed 7.1 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday. Data showed the 2023 figure marked

The holding company will receive P44 billion, with P40 billion earmarked for the acquisition of CocaCola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), a significant step in the group’s diversification efforts.

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) will get P25 billion to strengthen its existing infrastructure portfolio across various sectors, including economic estates, water, airports and digital infrastructure.

THE government expressed optimism on the prospects of Public-Private Partnership (PPPs) projects, following the completion of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the PPP Code.

Union Bank of the Philippines, its lending arm, is poised to complete the integration of Citibank’s consumer banking business by the end of March 2024. Investments in technology refresh, cybersecurity and system integration comprise the majority of UnionBank’s capex this year.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the completion of the IRR underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining the infrastructure push under the “Build-BetterMore” program aimed at social and economic transformation.

The PPP Code and its IRR aim to strengthen and institutionalize PPPs in the country by providing a unified legal framework for all PPPs at both national and local levels. This landmark legislation clarifies the ambiguities in the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, which was last amended in 1994, and other existing PPP legal frameworks.

“The PPP Program is a major government initiative—in light of the tight fiscal space, it is an essential component of the President’s transformation agenda under the Philippine Development Plan [PDP] 20232028,” Balisacan said.

“We are in a hurry to get strategic investments to increase our economy’s growth potential. The momentum for reform and action is strong, and we are pulling out all the stops for investors who wish to do business in one of the most promising economies in the region,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

CLEAN ROOM. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (right) and Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) president Dan Lachica tour IMEC’s 300-mm wafer clean room in Belgium.

IMEC is the world’s leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub. As part of its semiconductor roadmap, the Philippines aims to establish its first lab-scale wafer fabrication plant. By 2028, the country plans to train 128,000 semiconductor-related engineers and technicians to facilitate local prototyping and chip design.

SOLAR FARM. Around 150 coffee farmers in Talakag, Bukidnon receive a muchneeded boost for their livelihood through One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), after it energized its postharvest coffee bean processing facility using solar power. The coffee farmers are now benefitting from the 5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system that was turned over to the Milalittra Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MILFACO).

WOMEN’S MONTH

Filipinas who #InspireInclusion in PH

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

MARCH is a month for celebration for women across the globe. Thanks to international events like the month-long International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day held every March 8, the spotlight turns to women’s diverse contributions that sparked inspiration, change, and inclusion in various industries.

Over the years, the Philippines has had its fair share of women contributing to this inclusive society. Filipinas have a long and rich history of breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in the Philippines. From challenging societal norms to advocating for marginalized communities, their unwavering spirit paves the way for a more equitable future.

Philippine history has seen several women set the precedent for how they can accomplish various tasks, sometimes even better.

One example is Gabriela Silang, a historical figure, who continues to inspire inclusivity and remains a symbol of resistance and female empowerment. She led, alongside her husband, Diego Silang, the Philippine revolution against the Spanish, playing a crucial role in mobilizing and uniting their forces. Her bravery and leadership challenged the social norms of her

Women’s rights advocates and gender equality champions gathered at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura recently for an International Women’s Day (IWD) summit spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and UN Women, in partnership with SM Supermalls.

Anchored on the global theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ the one-day summit covered crucial topics such as poverty alleviation, institutional strengthening, gender-inclusive financing, and the role of technology in enabling women, particularly entrepreneurs.

Opening the summit were SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, PCW Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, and UN Women Country Programme Coordinator Rosalyn Mesina, whose messages also served as a unifying call to action for the advancement of women’s empowerment and equality towards nation-building.

Keynote speaker Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda spoke about the role of legislation in promoting women’s rights. She highlighted the burden of unpaid care and domestic work by women, which her bill (Unpaid

time, demonstrating the strength and capability of Filipinas.

Another revolutionary Filipina was Trinidad Tecson, named “Ina ng Biak-na-Bato” (Mother of the Biak-na-Bato Republic), for establishing a facility to care for the wounded during the revolution. She also fought alongside her fellow Filipinos against the Spanish and Americans. She was also known as the “Mother of the Philippine Red Cross” for nursing injured Filipino soldiers.

Modern Filipinas are also making waves in their respective fields, setting an example of how young women can achieve their dreams as beauty queens, athletes, politicians, and more.

Take Filipina mountaineer, adventurer, and Philippine Coast Guard officer Carina Dayondon, for example. She literally achieved great heights by being the first Filipina to reach the peak of Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest mountain, in December 2018. Eventually, she also conquered Mount Everest with two other Filipinas.

In the fashion industry, Josephina Almeda Cruz, famously known as Josie Natori, has also established her credibility, becoming a selfmade billionaire who runs The Natori Company, an international women’s fashion brand. She grew up in a family that valued independence and nurtured the entrepreneurial spirit among its female members. Despite running a New York-based international company, she gives back to the community by employing workers for her factory in Manila and supports Filipino artists by providing study grants through the Asian Cultural Council.

Speaking of the arts, another modern Filipina who placed Filipinos in the global spotlight is Lea Salonga. She is widely known for lending her voice to the characters of Mulan and Princess Jasmine, but her career history goes well beyond her Disney roles. Being the first Asian woman to play Éponine and Fantine in the Broadway musical Les Misérables, as well as winning Tony Awards for Best Performance and Best Direction of a Musical for Miss Saigon, Lea cemented her status as one of the greatest vocalists of our time performing on Broadway. TIME magazine honored the powerful singer at the TIME100 Impact Awards for being a “life-long role model for kids of color” and for continuing to tear down boundaries.

While these Filipinas gained international and local acclaim, it’s vital to recognize the daily efforts of women who open new doors for other women.

Celebrating women across the globe

International Women’s Day is a global celebration highlighting women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s an annual reminder of the progress toward gender equality while raising awareness on the areas that need work.

This 2024, the campaign theme “Inspire Inclusion” emphasizes the relevance of diversity and empowerment throughout society. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.

Numerous events, from concerts to seminars to demonstrations, were held globally to show solidarity for women during a time when the world needed to see that women’s voices, opinions, and contributions matter immensely.

However, it’s not only women who can play a significant role in sparking change and inspiring inclusion. Since its beginning in 1911, the day has fostered a strong sense of solidarity globally.

There should never be a conflict about support for International Women’s Day amongst groups or organizations claiming to be in the best or correct position. Because feminism is eclectic and inclusive, any endeavor to advance women’s equality is welcome, legitimate, and deserving of respect. There is room and a place for everyone in the spirit of abundance. Being truly inclusive means that everyone, wherever they may be, can contribute to the good cause.

The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911 across Europe, with over a

million people participating in rallies demanding voting rights, better working conditions, and an end to discrimination. The following years saw the day celebrated on various dates, often coinciding with significant events.

In 1917, Russian women marked International Women’s Day with a powerful strike for “bread and peace,” protesting food shortages, World War I, and the Tsarist government. This historic event was credited with contributing to the spark of the Russian Revolution.

After World War II, March 8 became the widely recognized date for International Women’s Day. The United Nations officially embraced the day in 1975 during International Women’s Year. Since then, the UN has chosen annual themes to focus global attention on specific issues women face, ranging from gender equality and peacebuilding to ending violence against women.

International Women’s Day has evolved from a socialist movement rally to a globally recognized day of celebration and activism. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s rights and a platform to call for a more just and equitable future for all.

This March, let the women before and the ones now lead by example on how gender shouldn’t keep anyone from achieving their goals because there’s more to women than just being a gender. With the right community that fosters their growth, they can achieve great things that can inspire others to create a more inclusive society for everyone.

Care Workers Welfare Act of 2022) seeks to address to ensure fair sharing of household and caregiving duties. Senator Legarda’s legislative efforts have included supporting the passage of crucial laws like the Magna Carta of Women and the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, among others.

For an international perspective, esteemed panelists Australian Ambassador HK Yu, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, International Labour Organization Country Director Khalid Hassan, and Asian Development Bank Director Samantha Hung spurred insightful discussions on championing women through their gender-inclusive development programs in the Philippines.

On the Philippines’ efforts, experts from key government agencies – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Atty. Charina De Vera Yap, Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Anna Liza Bonagua, UPPAF Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development’s Jeanne Frances Illo, Philippine Commission on Women’s Anita Baleda, Commission on Audit’s Fortunata Rubico, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Miramel Garcia-Laxa –

shared transformative strategies and outcomes of financing through a gender lens and gender-responsive budgeting.

Guest speaker, Singapore-based She Loves Tech co-founder, Leanne Robers, set the tone for sessions on the pivotal role of technology in advancing women’s empowerment in business.

Robers highlighted the importance of women’s diverse perspectives in technology. She said, “We cannot understate the benefits of a world where women are involved in shaping our future through technology.”

The sessions highlighted how businesses can leverage technology to bridge gender gaps and promote social change. Panelists Anne EmperadoMacababat (Malanne), Eliza Antonino

Likewise,

Gabriela Silang

PCG officer

Lea Salonga

Constantino comes from behind to win by 3

DAVAO—Harmie Constantino fought back from five strokes down with a brilliant frontside 33 then held sway to finish with a 69 and win the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship by three as her rivals faltered one after the other in a tense battle of skill and character here Thursday.

The victory was Constantino’s seventh in a pro career she marked with two wins at Eagle Ridge in her pro debut in 2021. Although she acknowledges that this may not be at the top of her list, she still considers it one of the sweetest, having turned around a losing position into a winning one.

“I’d say one of the sweetest but not the top,” said Constantino, who, after that strong start that propelled her to the top, maintained consistency at the back nine, securing the victory with nine pars for a 54-hole total of 217.

carded 72 and 74, respectively. Apo Golf Classic winner Sarah Ababa, tied with Constantino and five shots behind Go after 36 holes, stayed within striking distance with a two-under card after 12 holes. But missed par-putts inside 3 feet on Nos. 13 and 14 set her back.

“I missed a couple of short putts for pars,” rued Ababa. “They were so close but failed to sink them.”

She rebounded with a birdie on the 16th but muffed a birdie bid from seven feet on No. 17 before holing out with a three-putt bogey for a 72. Ababa wound up tied for second at 220 with Chihiro Ikeda, who also struggled to rebound from a frontside 39 and a double bogey on No. 11 for a 75.

In contrast, two-day leader Lois Kaye Go struggled to recover from a shaky start, missing par chances and making poor judgments. She ended up with a 78 and dropped to joint fourth at 221 with Florence Bisera and Laurea Duque, who

Reflecting on her big comeback, Constantino, who repelled top amateur Rianne Malixi in sudden death in the rain-hit LPGT Match Play Invitational in 2022 and ruled the inaugural LPGT Philippine Masters winner, both at her home course at Villamor, attributed her success to playing her game and minimizing mistakes.

PBA All-Stars back in Bacolod

BACOLOD—The entire PBA delegation received a warm reception in the City of Smiles in a huge kick off for the All-Star festivities this weekend at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium.

City Mayor Albee Benitez personally welcomed the contingent led by Commissioner Willie Marcial and captains Japeth Aguilar and Mark Barroca, whose teams will battle it out in the All-Star main game.

After 16 years, the All-Star festivities make a return to the province after South beat North in overtime, 161-158, during the 2008 edition.

“Maraming salamat sa mainit na pagtanggap at pag-imbita sa PBA dito, lalo na at nandito si Mayor (Albee) na matalik nating kaibigan,” said Marcial during the formal presser held at the Megaworld The Upper East.

The city mayor said he expects an exciting weekend for the province starting with the Blitz Game and Skills Challenge on Saturday and the featured All-Star game pitting Team Japeth and Team Mark on Sunday. Team governors Alfrancis Chua (Barangay Ginebra), Atty. Raymond Zorilla (Phoenix), and

Eric Arejola (Northport) along with deputy commissioner Eric Castro were also part of the more than 150-plus contingent.

It will be Team Greats facing the Team Stalwarts in the main event.

Top pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and the rest of the Greats team are certainly hard-pressed to repeat the act at the PBA All-Star weekend set March 23 and 24.

Last year in Passi, Iloilo, Team Greats blasted Team Stalwarts, 158-138, during the return of the Blitz Game after a seven-year absence featuring rookie, sophomore, and junior players.

Adrian Wong was adjudged back then as MVP of the side event introduced for the first time with the four-point line and three-point dunk shot.

Ganuelas-Rosser was with the losing side the last time, but will definitely be looking for his personal payback this season.

Joining the TNT big man at Team Greats are

In a heartbeat

MUCH has been said about the players who, despite so many invitations in the past, continue to ignore the call ups extended to them by the Philippine Football Federation to play for the team.

But more on this later.

For now, The Designated Kit Man would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the Azkals who are always there to represent the country come hell and high water.

Captain and long-time goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Patrick Deyto, Patrick Reichelt, Daisuke Sato, Mike Ott, OJ Porteria, Kevin ingreso and the returning Amani Aguinaldo can be considered as the OGs of the team formerly known as the Azkals. Despite losing the moniker that has been synonymous with their names and careers, they were always present when called. They have given so much for the team in the many years that they have taken the pitch to don the sun and the three stars. Not much has been expressed to show gratitude for their desire and unrelenting passion to play for the flag and country, but they still do it anyway.

Reichelt is the current ironman of the team. The Kuala

Go blows field with 65, leads by 8

DAVAO—Lloyd Go didn’t just make a move on moving day at the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship here on Thursday. He also took a decisive step towards realizing a dream victory.

A flurry of birdies in the first three holes catapulted Go to a commanding lead, setting the tone for what would be a remarkable round for the rising Cebuano star, who showcased his prowess with a stellar 65, virtually sealing the outcome of the P2 million tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes course.

Go led Nilo Salahog, Sean Ramos and Angelo Que by eight shots.

Saintfiet sees di icult game for PH vs. Iraq

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine national men’s football team is a work in progress and will do its best when it meets Iraq on Friday in its third match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

National coach Tom Saintfiet said this as Team Philippines arrived in Basra on Wednesday evening as it gets ready to play against the Iraqis at the Basra International Stadium.

“We are a team in construction. So this will be a difficult game for us,” said Saintfiet, coach of the national team which is on a rebuilding phase, in a bid to advance to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

So far, Iraq sits on top of the standings

Lumpur City winger in the Malaysia Super League Super League has lodged a total of 83 appearances for the team, including the game in Basra. He first played for the Azkals in a scoreless draw against Cambodia in September 2012.

Etheridge is second on the list. The Birmingham FC keeper in the EFL Championship and Azkals captain has earned 79 caps (including the game early this morning) for the team. He has been with the team since the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, earning three clean sheets in his first tournament manning the sticks for the Philippines.

Sato, the Davao Aguilas FC star, has 60 caps tucked under his belt. Known for giving his all on the pitch, Sato is also a good guy off the pitch. His attitude and love for the sport remains as fierce since the day he wore the Azkals uniform in 2014 against Nepal.

Trat FC center back Aguinaldo has been a steadying presence in the Azkals’ backline when healthy since 2013. He has 56 caps with the national team.

Ingreso, who moved to the Philippines with his family to play for Taguig FC in the Philippines Football League, has 41 caps since debuting against Yemen in the 2018nFIFA World Cup qualifiers. He is best remembered for scoring the equalizer against Tajikistan, slamming the ball off a header in a 2018 game at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. A Phil Younghusband strike on the spot eventually gave the home team a 2-1 win over the visitors as the Azkals clinched a historic spot at the 2019 Asian Cup.

Ott, the attacking midfielder for Barito Putera in Indonesia’s top tier Liga 1, made his debut for the Azkas in the 2016 AFF Championship. He scored the lone goal for the Philippines in the 3-1 loss against Bahrain. He has been capped at least 39 times.

Porteria also plays in Indonesia as winger for Dewa United in Liga 1, first suited for the country during the 2011 Southeast Asian Games. Remarkably, he started his national team career

in the Group F qualifiers, having won its first two games in the second round, first settling for 2-1 triumph over Indonesia on Nov. 16 in Basra, and then a 1-0 win in Hanoi on Nov. 21. As for the Philippines, it lost 0-1 to Vietnam in a home game at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Nov. 16 and played Indonesia to a 1-all draw on Nov. 21 at the same venue.

Saintfiet said Iraq will have a big crowd support of 65,000 fans going into its third game in his debut match with the Philippines.

“It gives me goosebumps. So we will have to be well-prepared, we will have to be disciplined and fight with our hearts, and also enjoy the game,” added Saintfiet, who took over from coach Michael Weiss recently.

when he got invited to attend the training for the World Cup qualifiers in 2014 in Manila after getting attention in a national team tryout in California. He has 37 caps. Deyto, on the other hand, plays as a goalkeeper for Chonburi FC in the Thai League 1. He was first called to play for the team in 2013 and since then, has been a fixture in the national squad 18 teams. Deyto is known to give his all to the team when he gets called up saying that “it is always a privilege for him to play for the Philippines while he still can.”

All these years these players are the go to guys in almost any national team. They commit in a heartbeat, but more importantly, they show up. Which in this age, is so hard to come by. With injuries, club duties, personal reasons and other concerns (agents?),

“The course is scoreable if you find the fairways, and that’s most important thing for me here,” said Go, whose impressive 14-under 202 created a considerable gap between him and his closest pursuers heading into the final 18 holes of the second leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour sponsored by ICTSI.

Earlier, Salahog sizzled with a course-record matching eight-under 64, highlighted by an eagle, but not even his solid round could propel him closer to Go, who also spiked his seven-under card with an eagle and four more birdies against two bogeys.

Salahog, who tied Jay Bayron’s feat in 2006, settled for joint second at 210 with Ramos, who hit three birdies in the last seven holes to save a 70, and Que, who gained strokes on Nos. 16 and 17 to rescue a 71.

Ira Alido survived a roller-coaster round and finished with a 72 as he slipped to fifth at 211 followed by Keanu Jahns (71-212), Reymon Jaraula (72-213), Michael Bibat (73-214), and Guido van der Valk (71-215).

With a huge lead, Go maintains a cautious approach to his chances for the top P350,000 purse in the 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf, while acknowledging the presence of pressure in the final round. However, he remained committed to his game plan of consistency off the tee.

Dodgers fire star Ohtani’s interpreter after theft allegation

SEOUL—Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday after the Japanese baseball star’s representatives alleged he had been the victim of “a massive theft” reported to involve millions of dollars.

Ippei Mizuhara, who is also a close friend of Ohtani and often seen with him, is said to have stolen money from the player to place bets with a suspected illegal bookmaker.

“The team can confirm that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been terminated,” a Dodgers spokesperson said in an email to AFP.

The Dodgers are in Seoul for a season-opening series against the San Diego Padres and manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will play on Thursday evening as planned.

“Shohei’s ready,” he said. “I know that he’s preparing. He’s in a hitter’s meeting right now and he’s going to be ready for tonight’s game.”

Roberts said the possibility of Ohtani missing the game was “not considered”.

He refused to comment on reports that Mizuhara addressed the team after their Game 1 win over the Padres on Wednesday, and could not confirm the interpreter’s current whereabouts.

Mizuhara was seen in the dugout during the game talking to Ohtani. AFP

Harmie Constantino displays her championship trophy. Manny Marcelo

GOLF GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Ceasar Lacuna (second from right) displays the replica of a key to a brand-new Toyota Raize 1.2 M/T, courtesy of Toyota-Silang, Cavite. Lacuna emerged as one of the grand prize winners in the ra e draw during the 2024 Southwoods Invitational awards ceremony. With him are (from left) Manila Southwoods director Freddie Mendoza, Lovell Gopez, president of Toyota Silang, Cavite, and Southwoods chairman Bob Sobrepeña.

Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez (right) with PBA Commissioner

Willie Marcial

Juan Gomez de Liano, Ken Tuffin, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Justin Arana, Ralph Cu, Andrei Caracut, RK Ilagan, Alec Stockton, Gian Mamuyac, James Laput, Shaun Ildefonso.

Lloyd Go Manny Marcelo

The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat

NICKIE

‘Showtime’ on GMA

ABS-CBN’s ‘It’s Showtime’ is officially moving to GMA Network’s main channel starting April 6

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corp. announced a groundbreaking collaboration that will see the popular noontime variety show It’s Showtime air on GMA beginning April 6.

The announcement came after a contract signing ceremony held at the GMA studios, attended by top executives from both networks and the hosts of the noontime show including Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Karylle, Amy Perez, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta, Darren, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, MC, Lassy, and Cianne Dominguez

Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

During the contract signing GMA Network was represented by its chairman Felipe L. Gozon, President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and GMA Films President and CEO Annette Gozon-Valdes

ABS-CBN was represented by Chairman Mark L. Lopez, President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer Cory V. Vidanes, and Group Chief Financial Officer

unwavering support for almost 15 years and look forward to connecting with new audiences as ‘It’s Showtime’ embarks on a new journey in creating more unforgettable FUNanghalian moments together on GMA, GTV, GMA Pinoy TV, and all other platforms it is currently seen,” ABSCBN said in a statement expressing its gratitude to GMA Network for opening its doors and providing a new platform for the show. It’s Showtime will continue airing on GMA Pinoy TV, while GTV will still feature reruns of the program. The noontime show previously aired on ABS-CBN before the network’s shutdown in 2020. On the other hand, it first began airing on GMA’s GTV in July 2023, marking a milestone for national television.

Angelica Villanueva

Gary V bids goodbye to big stages, embraces new ways of connecting with fans

By Nickie Wang

MUSIC icon Gary Valenciano is gearing up for Pure Energy: One Last Time , a concert happening on April 26 and 27 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The concert announcement on social media sparked excitement and a touch of nostalgia among fans and industry insiders alike, as it hinted at a significant shift in Gary’s illustrious 40-year career. For four decades, Gary V has captivated audiences with chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and a genuine connection. He’s graced massive stages from the Luneta Grandstand to the Hong Kong Harbor Music Festival. Last year, his sold-out Gary V: Back At The Museum concert series solidified his enduring appeal.

However, the concert title sparked retirement rumors.

Gary clarifies: he’s stepping back from headlining solo shows in large venues. His passion for music remains - he’s open to collaborations on bigger stages.

This isn’t a farewell, but a transition. Gary V, despite some resistance from his team, wants to focus on smaller events and giving back through various causes.

“I’m celebrating 40 years of doing what I’ve always loved most. And with gratitude in my heart for the One source of Pure Energy, I look forward to the new chapters, seasons, beginnings, and horizons that lie ahead. It’s time…Let’s Go Big…ONE LAST TIME!!!” Gary V expressed his gratitude and excitement for new beginnings in an Instagram post.

Fans’ initial reactions were a mix of excitement, confusion, and even protest. Social media buzzed with questions. Gary V reassured fans that he’d explore new ways to connect. His decision also reflects his health journey. After battling Type 1 diabetes, heart surgery, kidney cancer, and more recently, an angioplasty, Gary V prioritizes less stressful activities. His cardiologist’s green light, however, had him dancing with fans just a week later.

Pure Energy: One Last Time promises a meticulously crafted show with Gary V’s biggest hits and fan favorites.

Directed by Paolo Valenciano and musically directed by Mon Faustino, it will be a showcase of his talent. Proceeds will benefit the Valenciano family’s Shining Light

IT WAS a night of glitz and glamour at the 3rd Global Trends Business Leaders Awards 2024, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque.

The event recognized industry stalwarts and business leaders who have devoted their time to helping advance global trends in sustainability. The event was presented by Aura Events Management, headed by chairman and founder Bennilyn AmigoMolina

The ceremony was filled with inspiration and a shared vision for a brighter future and was dedicated to the beneficiary foundations including God’s Provision Foundation, Inc., Bags of Hope, and God’s Angel Little Miracle.

A highlight of the show was a Billboard Grand Red Carpet Walk which will have an exclusive appearance on the iconic Times Square Billboard in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA. Beauty queens honored were Miss International 2023 3rd runner-up Nicole Borromeo (Woman of Global Significance), Miss Environment International 2023 Shannon Robinson (Global Leader of Excellence in Environmental Philanthropy), Miss Tourism Metropolitan International

2023 Jeanette Reyes (Outstanding Advocate for Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Development), Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray (Global Icon in Pageantry and Outstanding Advocate for Women and Children’s Rights), Miss Chinese World 2023 Anie Uson Chen (Notable Icon of Women Excellence and Empowerment), Miss Eco International Philippines 2024 Chantal Elise Schmidt (Remarkable Personality in Fashion and Modeling), and the Mrs. Philippines International Organization (Exemplary Advocate for Women Excellence). Celebrities recipients included Yasser Marta (Emerging TV Personality of the Year), Faith de Silva (Promising Actress and Female Host of the Year), Rocco Nacino (Remarkable Acting Craftsmanship), Beauty Gonzalez (Outstanding TV Actress of the Year), Ruru Madrid (Outstanding TV Actor of the Year), Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera (Supreme Icons of Philippine TV and Movies), Vice Ganda (Global Excellence in Entertainment), and Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (Noontime Entertainment Vanguard Award).

In fashion, Renee Salud (Global Excellence in the Philippine Fashion Industry) and Leo Almodal (Global Eminence in Fashion Designing) were honored. This writer was awarded Remarkable Media Personality of the Year (for Manila Standard).

SNAPSHOT

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

FOOD On Four at SM Aura has undergone a stunning transformation, offering a fresh, light-filled haven inspired by springtime.

Walk into a world adorned with blooming wildflowers, lush foliage, and charming hummingbird holograms. An impressive skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in a warm glow, creating a contemporary and inviting ambiance.

Diners are spoiled for choice with Food On Four’s exciting lineup of tenants, catering to every craving and palate – from chef-driven concepts to exciting new players and returning crowd favorites.

Food enthusiasts are in for a gastronomic treat with chef-driven concepts: Deli by Chele by Chef Chele González and Chef Carlos Villaflor, a New York-style deli bringing to Manila its signature pastrami and artisanal sandwiches; Kevin Ong Patisserie by Chef Kevin Ong renowned for his exquisitely handcrafted chocolate bonbons, choux pastries, and mirror-glazed mousse cakes; Nadai Fujisoba by Japanese Chef Yoshiaki Kudo, casual Japanese

dining specializing in authentic soba noodles; Le Chon Prime by Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu who brings a different twist to the usual lechon by incorporating French techniques and flavors to the beloved Filipino dish. Soon to open is Diggy’s California Style Pizza, headed by Chef Carlos Garcia, who has over 14 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid and Style Pizza’s SM Aura branch

By Nickie Wang

QUICK Response (QR) codes are everywhere these days – from placing your order at a restaurant to transferring funds, accessing the latest news, or paying bills using your phone. As the Philippines transitions to a cashless society, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) introduces QR Ph, a program that empowers Filipinos to leverage QR codes for fast and secure payments in stores and online platforms.

While using QR codes offers undeniable convenience, this technology comes with a dash of caution.

Here are some essential tips from Smart Communications to help you scan savvy and dine securely with QR codes:

1. Verify before you scan

First, always verify the source of the QR code before scanning. This precaution is particularly important when it comes to financial transactions. Scan QR codes only from sources that you trust.

2. Use your phone’s

3.

4.

WPatricia

pose for a photo at the reopening of SM Aura’s culinary destination

SM Aura’s Food On Four features a contemporary look adorned with blooming decor that speaks of spring

“It is a gift that I can affect a person’s life by being able to help them as we lead them closer to their purpose and to empower them to become their best selves yet,” Yish shared, revealing the joy she finds in her work.

Yet, the road is not without its challenges. Communication hurdles and the need for constant negotiation are part of her daily reality. However, Yish sees these challenges as opportunities for growth and excitement, acknowledging and emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of talent management. Central to Yish’s philosophy is her faith in God, which serves as her compass in navigating the challenges of the local entertainment industry.

“I always go back to God. In Him, I find my real identity and how I will be able to be of help to all the people I work with especially our talents,” she stated, affirming her belief in her purpose.

Looking ahead, Yish envisions herself leading a team of purposeful individuals who are not afraid to challenge norms and strive for betterment in the industry and the world. She highlights the advantage of being a woman in talent management, praising the unique combination of strength, compassion, and love women bring to the table.

“For me, whether I’m working as a talent manager or serving in my ministry in church, I have the same mission and purpose in mind and heart. It is prioritizing what matters most that makes the difference,” Yish said. She juggles her professional responsibilities with her role as a Light Group Head in the Light of Jesus Family, where she leads her flock closer to God. Her secret to managing both realms is prioritizing what matters most and leveraging a team that shares her efficiency and effectiveness.

to discovering genuine talent and serving her clients with intentionality. Among the talents she represents are Sarah Carlos, Ayn Bernos, Nina Ellaine Dizon, Angely Dub, and Gianna Abao – individuals whose careers she has helped shape through her unique, purpose-driven approach.

To be calm and accommodating in an industry that is cutthroat and fast-paced, Yish lives by a beautiful mantra – “To be God’s love, in every person I encounter, meet, talk and work with.”

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

Yish’s approach in managing artists is driven by purpose and authenticity

Serving as Yish’s guide in the ever-changing industry is her faith in God