Manila Standard - 2024 April 5 - Friday

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4-way joint naval drills set in WPS on Sunday

PH to join US, Japan, Aussie allies ahead of trilateral meet

THE Philippines will hold joint naval drills with the United States, Japan, and Australia, two diplomatic sources told Agence France-Presse on Thursday, as the four countries deepen military ties to counter China's expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The exercise will be held Sunday in the disputed South China Sea—which Beijing claims almost entirely—days before US President Joe Biden is due to hold the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.

The diplomatic sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the drills have not yet been officially announced.

Earlier this week, the Australian warship HMAS Warramunga arrived at the island province of Palawan, which faces the hotly contested waters.

The Philippine military said the visit was "aimed at strengthening military relations with partner nations".

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs disclosed the negotiations were ongoing.

and the November 2007 Manila Peninsula incident.

Duterte however tried to overturn the amnesty grant through Proclamation No.

By

V.

‘Implement rebel amnesty swiftly’

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos on Thursday ordered the immediate implementation of the amnesty program for rebels following its approval from Congress.

In a Palace briefing, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said the President's directive came during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) 5th Executive Meeting.

4-way...

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"I can confirm that negotiations are still ongoing. Nothing more," Assistant Secretary Arvin de Leon, of the DFA’s Office of Public Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, said.

The trilateral maritime activity may be mentioned in the joint statement of President Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida when they meet on April 11 at the White House, reports said.

Mr. Marcos, Biden and Kishida will sit down to discuss trilateral cooperation to “further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” White House spokesperson Karine

#ANONGBALITA?

"The President has directed the immediate implementation of the Amnesty Program for the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF since Congress has already concurred with the proclamation," Año stated.

Jean-Pierre said.

Joint patrols between the US, Japanese and Philippine coast guards are expected to be announced during the summit, one of the diplomatic sources told AFP, after joint drills were held for the first time last year.

Meanwhile, talks between the Philippines and Japan for a defense pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other'sterritory were "still ongoing", the DFA’s de Leon told reporters Thursday.

Manila already has a similar agreement with Australia and the United States.

Various media outlets have reported that Japan plans to join the Philippines and the US in its “freedom of navigation” activities in the South China Sea. The three countries have been active in calling out China for its aggressive actions in the area.

2 PH chefs named finalists for Oscars of culinary world

TWO Pinoy chefs have been nominated to the Oscars of the culinary world – just as the country has declared April as Filipino food month.

The James Beard Foundation announced that Nikko Cagalanan and LordMaynard Llera are finalists for its 2024 awards, with the winners tobe announced at the annual James Beard Restaurant and Chefs awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Cagalanan, the champion of the Food Network show "Chopped," works atKultura in Charleston, South Carolina and is in the running for the Emerging Chef Category.

Meanwhile, Quezon province-born Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord wasnamed as a finalist for California's Best Chef.

Kuya Lord opened shop in Hollywood in the summer of 2022 and had quickly wrapped up many local honors. The awards are voted on by more than 600 culinary professionals,including previous award winners. Recipients receive a medallionetched with the image of James Beard and a certificate from the foundation. Anointed the “Dean of American cookery” by the New York Times in 1954,James Beard laid the groundwork for the food revolution that put America at the forefront of global gastronomy. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose missionis to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s foodculture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

More Pinoy pairs delaying wedlock, having children

IF YOU’RE putting off getting married and delaying having children, you are not alone, says the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

This situation has been “reinforced” by rising prices and anxiety over economic concerns, a qualitative study commissioned by the CPD found.

In a statement, the commission said: “Economic uncertainties broughtabout by the COVID-19 health emergency have reinforced Filipinocouples and individuals’ preferences and behaviors on childbearing, asthey opted to delay or deprioritize having children due to their perceived lack of financial capacity and insufficient income."

"These were further influenced by resultant hikes in prices of goodsand services,” it added.

CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace S. Bersales said their recent study supports the claim that Filipinos, even before the COVID pandemic,“were already keen with their mindsets of delaying life-defining events such as dating, marriages

and having children".

Focus group discussions and key informant interviews in the study dubbed “Fertility Decline during COVID-19 Pandemic” revealed that many couples’ decision not to have children during the global health crisis also “increased the acceptability of modern family planning methods.” “But even before COVID the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’sCivil Registration and Vital Statistics or CRVS has disclosed that themajority of the country’s regions were already displaying a downturn in the total number of registered births in 2019," the CPD added.

The trend was seen "as early as 2017 and 2018, when there was adecline in total registered live births from 1,700,618 to 1,668,120, then in 2019 at 1,673,923," the commission explained.

"The drop was more pronounced in 2020 as only 1,528,684 babies wereborn. The figure dipped further in 2021 to 1,364,739, but rebounded in 2022 at 1,455,393," it added.

QC bet Ojimba third to bow out of Miss U event

QUEZON City has announced the withdrawal of Lorraine Ojimba, their candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant.

Ojimba is now the third candidate to withdraw from the upcomingpageant, after Kananga's Natasha Jung and Angeles City's Joanne Thornley.

In a statement posted on Facebook, MUPh - Quezon City said theyunderstand how "difficult it can be to withdraw from something you have worked hard for."

"Our heart goes out to Lorraine and everyone who supported her during her MUPh 2024 journey," the statement read.

"While we are beyond grateful for everyone's unwavering support, itsaddens us to share that due to personal matters that are affectingLor-

In addition, the President reaffirmed a previous instruction for government agencies to activate their respective Project Development Officers to facilitate the execution of NTF-ELCAC projects within their jurisdictions.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was instructed to distribute the DILG EO 70 Localization Project Management Office (PMO) template to all national government agencies for reference.

Ex-ISAFP chief Corpuz dies, 76

raine's mental and physical wellbeing, she has decided to withdraw from the pageant."

MUPh - Quezon City said that the decision was made after careful consideration, prioritizing Lorraine's health above all.

"We are grateful for your understanding and kindness during this time, and we hope to have your continued support as Lorraine navigates on to her new journey."

"We have every confidence that you will continue inspiring others so that they too can discover their own limitless possibilities. YourMUPhQC family will always be here to support you. Be wherever you should be and continue being the shining star that lights the universe- our first-ever Miss Universe Philippines - Quezon City."

China has demanded that the Philippines should not seek help from other countries to intervene in the dispute and the issue should only be settled among the claimant countries.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia are among those claiming parts of the area.

"For some time, the Philippines has been pulling non-regional actors into the South China Sea affairs to back Philippine provocations and violation of China’s sovereignty," Wang Wenbin, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Wednesday.

The Chinese official called the Philippines' seeking of support fromother like-minded nations as "selfish gains at the expense of the consensus reached by countries in the region."

The three countries have recently been active in its campaign to ensure freedom of navigation and in calling

ISAFP,..

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This developed as Multinational Village residents who came forward to expose the suspicious presence of Chinese in their area denounced a statement attributed to the leadership of the Southern Police District (SPD) calling their revelations “fake news.”

The residents, requesting anonymity, told the Standard that ISAFP and NBI agents have made the rounds among their neighbors over the lastfew days to check on their allegations into the throng of draft-age male Chinese nationals currently residing in their neighborhood.

However, the ISAFP and NBI have yet to answer queries confirming their probes as of press time.

A group of Multinational Village homeowners had appealed to national security authorities to conduct a seri-

Congress...

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national leadership, including President Marcos Jr., believes that changing the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution would benefit the country as it would result in more foreign investments coming in.”

Meanwhile, a Pahayag survey by the group Publicus Asia showed that President Marcos was given a 29 percent approval for his initiatives to address inflation.

On the other hand, the "Boses ng Bayan" national survey, conducted March 18-23 by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), gave Marcos a hefty 79 percent trust rating and 76 percent approval rating. Rodriguez believed that this sentiment is shared by the business community, concerned incumbent and former government officials, economists, professionals, and other experts as evidenced by their testimonies in recent House hearings.

Since its inception, the program has seen an allocation of P30.4 billion pesos benefiting approximately 4,501 barangays nationwide that were cleared of NPA influence.

However, concerns were raised regarding the funding allocation for the BDP in the 2024 General Appropriations Act. President Marcos emphasized the need for increased support with only P2.6 billion allocated, equivalent to P2.5 million per barangay.

A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the Barangay Development Program (BDP), established to bring development to conflict-affected areas.

out China for its aggressive actions in the waters.

Meanwhile, China lashed back at Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro for accusing Beijing of laying down a propaganda trap regarding the West Philippine Sea issue.

In an open letter on Tuesday, Teodoro urged Filipinos not to fall intothe "trap set by Chinese propaganda of refocusing the debate on aso-called promise while deflecting attention away from China's Government."

"We Filipinos must not lose sight of the fact that the main threat to our rights in the WPS is the Chinese government['s] illegal activities," he said.

FORMER Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief Brig. Gen. Victor Corpus has passed away at 79, his family confirmed Thursday in a Facebook post. Corpus was known for his defection to the New People's Army but eventually returned to the Armed Forces and was appointed chief of military intelligence by former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

"It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our Uncle Victor Corpus... Rest in Peace Tito Vic. No more pain'... You are now in a better place with our Lord," his family’s Facebook post read.

\In 1970 while still a young lieutenant, Corpus, a member of the Philippine Military Academy batch 1967, led a raid on the PMA armory.

At the time, he had just defected to the communist NPA.

But in 1976, he became disenchanted with the rebel movement, surrendered to the government, and was imprisoned for 10 years. He was given amnesty in 1987 by then President Corazon Aquino.

April 10 a holiday for Ramadan end

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos has proclaimed

April 10 (Wednesday) as a regular holiday across the Philippines in honor of Eid'l Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan.

ous background inquiry into the Chinese, echoing concerns aired by some lawmakers and defense officials on the possible presence of “sleeper agents” in key sectors of the country amid Beijing’s aggressive posturing in the West Philippine Sea.

The village is significant for national security as it is practically beside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and less than five kilometers from military installations at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and Villamor Airbase, the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Multinational residents said they are, in effect, being called liars by the SPD despite the candid interviews they have given to authorities and the evidence they have presented to policemen who only came to see them on Wednesday.

The resident also asked for anonymity as the villagers’ group planned to issue a formal statement denouncing the local police district’s assertions.

He said the dominant view expressed by the resource persons during the hearings favored rewriting the foreign equity and ownership restrictions in public utilities, education and advertising. Rodriguez, chairman of the House Committee on ConstitutionalAmendments, urged President Marcos and leaders of Congress “to stay the course.”

“The right decisions are not always popular,” he stressed.

He said reversing course at this point in the pursuit for economic Charter reform would worsen the country’s image before the investing community.

“It would strengthen their perception of the Philippines as urong-sulong (indecisive) when it comes to opening up its economy,” he stressed. The Mindanao lawmaker is one of the authors of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, the House version of the proposed economic constitutional amendments. He was among the resolution’s authors who defended the proposals during the House plenary debates three weeks ago.

China continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling rendered by the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration that rejected its nine-dash line that covers much of the South China Sea. Rey Requejo with AFP SC...

From A1 572, arguing that Trillanes failed to officially apply for amnesty.

In its decision, the SC ruled that Duterte’s decree violatedTrillanes’ constitutional rights because the cases against him havebeen dismissed with finality.

The tribunal also affirmed the findings of the Court of Appeals and the Makati Regional Court that Trillanes complied with all theconditions set under Proclamation 75, particularly the filing of an official amnesty application form and by expressly admitting his guilt.

DepEd,...

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community to have localized assessments for timely response and interventions to ensure the welfare of learners and personnel,” the department said in separate memoranda. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, has allowed trial court judgesand personnel nationwide to adopt a flexible work arrangement startingtoday until May 31 due to “danger-

In Proclamation No. 514, President Marcos underscored the importance of recognizing April 10 as a regular holiday to highlight the religious and cultural significance of Eid'l Fitr.

He emphasized the significance of this declaration, stating that it aims to bring the celebration to the forefront of national consciousness.

President Marcos emphasized that observing Eid'l Fitr allows the public to stand in solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters, fostering peace and harmony throughout the country.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the proclamation on April 4, formalizing the declaration of April 10 as a regular holiday for Eid'l Fitr observance nationwide.

April 9 (Tuesday) is also a regular holiday for Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

Quiboloy...

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Bureau Immigration, he has not left the country,” NBI Southeastern Mindanao chief Archie Albao said.

“Under the law, if you are not arrested, you are considered a fugitive from justice,” he said.

In a separate interview with Newsline, Albao said: “It is possible that Quiboloy will also surrender because the cases against him are bailable.”

“We hope he surrenders to us, but based on the pronouncement of thelawyers, they are concerned with his security...If he surrenders before us, we can protect him.”

On Thursday morning, two more of Quiboloy's co-accused in the childand sexual abuse cases against him surrendered to the NBI-Southeastern Mindanao.

KOJC members and Quiboloy's co-accused Jackielyn Roy and Ingrid Canada posted bail at the Davao City Hall of Justice.

The ruling also affirmed that "in balancing the exercise of presidential prerogatives and the protection of the citizens' rights, the Constitution and the laws remain as the Court's anchor andrudder."

Meanwhile, Trillanes on Thursday thanked the Supreme Court for its decision.

"The Executive's decision to revoke only Trillanes' amnesty, notwithstanding the fact that the application forms of all the otheramnesty grantees could similarly no longer be located, constituted abreach of his right to the equal protection of the laws," the SC ruled.

ous heat indices” being experiencedin the country. In a circular issued by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, the tribunal said that trial court judges and personnel can work from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays while Saturday duty in the trial courts will be from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

“Executive judges shall act on petitions for bail and other urgent matters on Saturday afternoons after 12 noon and on Sundays, officialholidays, and special days, when exceptional cir-

SM Foundation to intensify mobile health clinic operations with state-of-the-art technology and more medical missions

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THE Philippines boasts a rich medical history and a dedicated healthcare workforce, as evident in the professionals across the globe who are showing their medical expertise and quality care in the field.

Yet despite the history and people who keep healthcare alive in the country, local grassroots communities don’t often receive access to fundamental health services and products.

Other concerns among Filipinos are the hefty sum they need to pay for medical bills and prescriptions, and the distance between some communities to the nearest hospital or clinic. It’s these inconveniences that discourage most people from seeking medical attention promptly.

Fortunately, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) is changing the dynamics with their mobile clinic, which conducts medical missions throughout the country.

The program has accommodated around 1.4 million patients, and still counting, since its inception in 2001. It currently has five mobile clinics, which visit grassroots communities to provide free diagnostic and laboratory services, such as complete blood chemistry, x-rays, ECG, and more.

According to Dr. Bless Bertos, SMFI Senior Project Manager, they envision a more productive year in 2024 for their mobile clinic program by visiting new destinations, particularly far-flung and underserved communities in the Philippines. Each medical mission opens its doors to around 300 to 1,000 people who hopes to receive its free services.

Moreover, SMFI is also innovating to more modern equipment, starting with a more sensitive blood testing machine that draws specimens intravenously rather than the usual

finger pricking for more accurate readings on complete blood chemistry with rapid turnarounds.

“Filipinos’ health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do at SM Foundation’s Health and Medical Program. Through our years of service, we have seen firsthand how these communities struggle to reach specialists due to distance or finances,” Dr. Bertos said.

“We, then, prioritize preventive care by bringing our mobile clinic directly to communities where healthcare access may be limited.”

“By identifying the issues early on, we can avoid expensive treatments down the line. Beyond this, we can equip communities with a clear understanding of preventive healthcare. We know that it can help them make healthier choices and live better lives. That’s the kind of future we aspire to see for all Filipinos,” she said.

SMFI also continues to foster partnerships with other stakeholders to scale their efforts and reach more communities. Some recent collaborations, which depend on the location, are with BDO Network Bank, Watsons, DMIRIE Foundation, the foundation of MX3, JCI Philippines, Rotary Club, to name a few.

Addressing the gap between the grassroots communities in the Philippines and the local healthcare system enabled SMFI to impact Filipinos through quality medical attention and encourage them to prioritize their health.

—“—

We prioritize preventive care by bringing our mobile clinic directly to communities where healthcare access may be limited.

— Dr. Bless Bertos

The Mobile Clinic provide free diagnostic and laboratory services, such as ECG.

The SM Foundation implements a system for the efficient preparation of X-ray reports to help patients receive timely medical attention.

The mobile clinic is equipped with a dedicated X-ray suite, enabling on-site imaging for patients participating in the medical mission. This allows for prompt radiological evaluation as determined by attending physicians.

The deployment of a mobile clinic alongside the medical mission enhances its capacity to deliver comprehensive and high-quality healthcare services.

The utilization of mobile clinics in medical missions expands access to high-quality healthcare services for patients in underserved communities.

By Charles Dantes and Joel Zurbano

PRESIDENT Marcos ordered concerned agencies to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to fix the country’s worsening traffic system.

In a Palace briefing, Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the President gave his instructions during the full Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“We had a very long discussion on the traffic issue and the President gave

instruction to everyone to submit their recommendations on how their respective offices will adjust and configure their work environment,” Balisacan said.

“But what the President really wants is a comprehensive, holistic approach

3 Pinoys hurt in Taiwan quake; SSS offers special calamity loan

By Rey E. Requejo and Darwin Amojelar

THREE Filipinos were hurt from the major earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday morning, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Silvestre Bello III said on Thursday.

Bello said among the injured was a female overseas Filipino worker named Sylvia, who sustained a swollen hand.

“Among our compatriots, there are three who are considered casualties, but they only have minor injuries,” he said in a radio interview.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Taiwan’s east coast before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, knocking down buildings

‘Less employers remiss in sending SSS contributions’

By Rio N. Araja

THE Social Security System on Thursday said unremitted members’ contributions from delinquent employers went down by 40 percent in 2023.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet credited the agency’s Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE).

“Our RACE campaign must be working,” he said.

The uncollected contributions in 2022 stood at P92 billion, but SSS had successfully lowered it by 39 percent to P56 billion in 2023 by aggressively pursuing delinquent employers and continuously updating employer records.

Macasaet said they were encouraged by a Supreme Court decision upholding the agency’s right to take legal action against employers for being remiss in settling their contribution delinquencies.

In 2022, the Commission on Audit flagged the SSS for its failure to collect over P92 billion from half a million delinquent employers.

According to state auditors, 466,881 employers did not remit P92.49 billion in premium contributions, penalty and damages.

Macasaet said the SSS filed cases in court against 2,422 errant employers, majority of which opted to settle their delinquencies either through full payment or via installment schemes, resulting in a record-high collection of P1.37 billion in 2023 from P1.15

and triggering tsunami alerts.

It was the strongest to shake the island in decades.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers assured the public it is continuously monitoring the situation of OFWs on the island following the powerful tremor.

“The DMW’s three Migrant Workers Offices in Taiwan immediately activated protocols with Filipino communities, leaders, relevant Taiwan government agencies as well as employers and trade associations to ascertain the safety and status of Taiwan-based OFWs,” it said in a statement.

Based on DMW’s data, 67,475 OFWs are currently based in Taiwan.

By Darwin Amojelar

By Maricel V. Cruz

LOCAL governments are now required by a new law to activate “green lanes”

OPINION

The whispering killer: DOH battles pertussis outbreak

IN THE shadowed halls of the Department of Health, a silent killer prowls, its presence announced only by the echo of coughs and the anguished cries of the afflicted.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, has emerged from the depths of obscurity, claiming the lives of 49 men, women and children since the dawn of this fateful year.

As the clock ticks ominously forward, the DOH stands as a beacon of vigilance, its eyes fixed upon the rising tide of cases that threaten to engulf the nation.

With 862 reported instances of pertussis, its tendrils coil around the unsuspecting, striking most mercilessly at the tender innocence of youth. Mimaropa, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas stand as battlegrounds in this harrowing war against an invisible foe.

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Pertussis, with its insidious whisper, begins as a mere cough and cold, its innocent facade belying the devastation that lies in its wake

But amidst the darkness, a figure emerges, a stalwart guardian of health and safety.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, a beacon of hope in the tempest of uncertainty, leads the charge with unwavering determination. His words, a clarion call to action, resonate through the corridors of power, urging swift and decisive measures to stem the tide of despair. Under his leadership, the DOH Re-

gional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESUs) stand as bulwarks against the encroaching darkness, their vigilance unwavering in the face of adversity.

Through constant coordination with provincial, city, and municipal health offices, they provide the scientific expertise needed to navigate the treacherous corridors of this epidemic.

But the specter of pertussis extends far beyond the shores of the Philippines, its baleful influence casting a shadow over distant lands.

In the United Kingdom, 553 cases were recorded in January 2024 alone, a grim testament to the virulence of this insidious disease. Pertussis, with its insidious whisper, begins as a mere cough and cold, its innocent facade belying the devastation that lies in its wake.

The characteristic “whoop,” a haunting melody of suffering, echoes through the night, a harbinger of despair for those ensnared in its grasp.

But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope remains.

The DOH, through its tireless efforts, offers a beacon of light in the darkness.

With antibiotics as their sword and medical expertise as their shield, they stand as guardians of health and safety, ready to do battle with the unseen enemy that lurks among us.

To the people of the Philippines, I offer a solemn plea: heed the words of wisdom that emanate from the halls of power.

Practice good respiratory hygiene, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often.

And, above all, trust in the leadership of Teodoro Herbosa and the DOH, for in their hands lies the key to our salvation.

As the night stretches on and the whispers of pertussis grow ever louder, let us stand united in our resolve to conquer this unseen foe. For only together can we banish the darkness and emerge victorious into the light of a new day.

Redemption of tax delinquent properties (Part 2)

in the absence of any evidence that Lexus, the delinquent registered owner of the subject property, had authorized them to pay the amount stated in the Notice of Redemption… [T]hus, the RTC concluded that the one-year redemption period expired…” effectively granting Go’s Petition.

New marching orders for the PNP

THE newly installed chief of the Philippine National Police, General Rommel Marbil, faces the daunting task of curbing what President Marcos Jr. has described as “emerging threats” to national security: cybercrime, transnational crime and terrorism.

The emphasis on fighting cybercrime is borne out by data showing swindling is the top cybercrime in the country, with almost 16,000 cases recorded, followed by about 4,900 cases of illegal access and 2,400 cases of identity theft.

Other cybercrimes recorded by the PNP include credit card fraud, data interference, threats, photo and video voyeurism and computer-related fraud.

Last month, the President gave the same directive to fight cybercrime when he met with the government’s security cluster and was told by the PNP there had been a “drastic increase” in cybercrimes over the past 18 months.

The President has therefore directed Gen. Marbil to strengthen the PNP’s cybersecurity systems by training its personnel and investing in technology.

The new PNP chief has vowed to ensure “continuity and improvement” in the organization under his leadership, as he acknowledged their scope of responsibilities was evolving in a changing society.

—“—

Gen. Marbil has vowed that the PNP would be vigilant and uncompromising in fighting transborder criminality and terrorism with international partners

Law enforcers, he noted, were “seeing new forms of criminality evolve wherever there is an opportunity to exploit the weaknesses that advancement brings.”

Hence, the PNP recognizes that effective law enforcement nowadays requires competency and innovation in the use and application of technology to its overall operation and daily work.

In line with this, the PNP will prior-

IN A democracy, the voice of the people should be clear – unadulterated by bias or manipulation.

Yet, a recent survey purportedly gauging public opinion on Charter change in the Philippines has raised serious concerns about its validity and purpose, and its implications for the nation’s democratic process.

Did the Pulse Asia survey, supposedly conducted to capture Filipinos’ attitude toward amendments to the 37-yearold Philippine constitution, truly reflect public sentiment?

Or is it merely a tool employed to manipulate public opinion and derail constitutional reform efforts?

Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon and House Majority Leader

Manuel Jose M. Dalipe of Zamboanga City have both rightly pointed out the glaring flaws in the survey.

Let us unpack their arguments.

Number one, the survey includes irrelevant and leading questions that touch upon political issues not currently under consideration in Congress.

Questions about term extensions, changes in government systems, and foreign exploitation of natural resources are not directly related to the economic provisions targeted for reform.

By conflating these unrelated matters, the survey risks clouding the public’s understanding and distorting their true opinions on Charter change.

tential implications. Without a clear understanding of the proposed changes, respondents may have based their opinions on incomplete or misleading information, further undermining the survey’s validity.

So why point these out?

Because the danger posed by biased surveys goes beyond mere manipulation of public opinion. They have the potential to distort the very fabric of democratic discourse, breeding confusion, mistrust, and apathy among the populace.

—“—

We should reject the insidious influence of biased surveys and reaffirm our commitment to a democratic process that is truly by the people, for the people

itize integrating its Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven, and Real-Time (Smart) Policing Program and ICT Development Roadmap in their operations, which would include an active drive to recruit “a new generation of police officers and support staff” with technical expertise and specialized information technology skills.

This is a step in the right direction.

Gen. Marbil has vowed the PNP would be vigilant and uncompromising in fighting transborder criminality and terrorism with international partners “to stop these global threats from gaining a solid foothold in our society.”

The President reminded the PNP that despite the leadership change, its mission remains the same: “To serve and protect the people.”

More than this, the PNP should strive to become an institution that is “pro-God, pro-country, pro-people, pro-environment.” A recent survey showed the PNP getting a 76-percent trust rating from respondents, which made it the third most trusted among 25 government agencies in the second quarter of 2023.

If they keep up the good work, no doubt the PNP can further improve the trust and confidence of Filipinos in the institution in the years ahead.

auction sale conducted by the City Government of Quezon City on April 7, 2011… [and]… he became the lawful and absolute owner of the subject property when Spouses Ko failed to validly redeem it within a year from the date of sale…” “As for Spouses Ko, they countered that they are the owners of the subject property… on which their townhouse was erected. “They averred that they bought the parcel of land from Lexus Development, Inc. by virtue of an undated Deed of Absolute Sale and they have resided thereon from the year 1996 until the present.”

“Moreover, Spouses Ko contended that: (i) they only learned about the auction sale of the subject property due to tax delinquency on March 13, 2012… ; and (iii) they validly redeemed the property… within the oneyear redemption period under… the ‘Local Government Code of 1991’ (RA 7160).”

“The RTC ruled there was no valid redemption on the part of Spouses Ko,

While it is true that the Civil Code states the sale of real property… must be embodied in a public document, the Supreme Court said such requirement is not essential for the document’s validity or enforceability…

However, the Court of Appeals “granted the appeal and reversed and set aside the RTC Decision and Resolution” [directing] “the City Treasurer’s Office to receive the settlement of the redemption price of the subject property, to invalidate the Certificate of Sale it issued to Go, and to issue a certificate of redemption to Spouses Ko pursuant to Section 261 of RA 7160.”

Adopting the ruling of the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court declared that “the Deed of Absolute Sale in

Number two, the timing of the survey is suspect.

It comes on the heels of the approval of Resolution of Both Houses 7, which seeks to amend specific economic provisions.

It seems strategically timed to sway public opinion at a critical juncture in the constitutional reform process. Such a tactic undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness that should underpin any democratic endeavor.

And number three, the survey fails to adequately inform respondents about the proposed amendments and their po-

If we are to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and safeguard the rights of our citizens, we must demand transparency and accountability in all aspects of governance, including public opinion polling.

Surveys should serve as tools for understanding the diverse perspectives of the populace, not as instruments for manipulation or coercion.

We should reject the insidious influence of biased surveys and reaffirm our commitment to a democratic process that is truly by the people, for the people.

Copilot AI

As an experiment, I asked Copilot, the AI feature of Microsoft Edge, to craft an original short story beginning with the classic “It was a dark and stormy night” written by the English novelist Edward

Bulwer-Lytton.

Here’s what it came up with.

“It was a dark and stormy night. The wind howled through the ancient trees, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. Rain lashed against the windowpanes, creating a rhythmic drumbeat that echoed through the empty rooms of the old mansion.

“In the heart of the forest, a solitary figure trudged along the muddy path. Her cloak clung to her shivering form, and her footsteps left deep imprints in the sodden ground. She had a purpose—a secret to uncover – but the storm threatened to swallow her whole.

“As lightning split the sky, she glimpsed the silhouette of the mansion ahead. Its windows were dark, its walls crumbling. Yet, there was something about it—an inexplicable pull—that drew her closer. She pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the scent of dampness and decay enveloped her.

“Inside, shadows danced across the walls, and the air hung heavy with forgotten memories. She ascended the creaking staircase, each step echoing her heartbeat. The storm raged outside, but within those walls, time stood still.

“And there, in the dim light of an abandoned study, she found it – the ancient tome she sought. Its leather cover was worn, its pages brittle. As she traced her fingers over the faded ink, she wondered what secrets it held. What forbidden knowledge had driven its author to pen these words?

“The storm intensified, rattling the windows, threatening to tear the mansion apart. “But she was undeterred. She would decipher the cryptic symbols, unravel the enigma that bound her fate. “For on this dark and stormy night, destiny whispered its secrets, and she listened, her trembling hands turning the pages of a forgotten tale.”

What do you think? Trash or not?

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Risa proposes sti er penalties for detaining poor patients

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Thursday reiterated the urgent need to pass a bill she filed back in 2022 seeking to increase the punishment for hospitals arbitrarily detaining patients.

Hontiveros issued the call following complaints from family members of deceased patients allegedly barred from leaving a Valenzuela City hospital over failure to pay their bills. (Read related story here.)

If the complaints are true, Hontiveros said these hospitals are “brazenly committing crimes in broad daylight.”

Hontiveros stressed that it was clear in the law that hospital detention is prohibited and the violator could be prosecuted.

She said the Department of Health (DOH) must take immediate action on the matter and make sure such incidents do not happen again.

Recognizing the need to impose stiffer penalties for hospital detention, Hontiveros earlier filed Senate Bill No. 140 to increase the jail time and fine for officers or employees of health facilities illegally holding up patients and their relatives.

SB No. 140 increases the jail term for such violation from six months and one day to two years and four months, and the penalty from P100,000 to P300,000.

Under Republic Act 9439 or the current anti-hospital detention law, imprisonment is set at one month to six months, while the fine ranges between P20,000 to P50,000. The law only applies to indigent or ward patients and not to those who are admitted in private rooms.

Hontiveros’ bill also imposes an additional penalty of four to six years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of P500,000 to P1 million for directors or officers, who make it a policy at their health facilities or instruct employees to detain patients.

Under the current setup, the DOH applies the “strike three-you’re out” policy on erring health facilities whose license to operate could be revoked.

Senate panel poised to rewrite E-NIPAS Act

THE Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change eyes amendments to Republic Act No. 11038 or the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018” (E-NIPAS Act) to alter the composition of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) currently dominated by barangay chairmen.

During the Senate panel’s hearing on Wednesday, Senator Cynthia Villar raised the issue on the composition of the PAMB and its role in formulating policies governing the country’s protected areas.

Cited as example was the case of the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan, Bohol the construction of which was approved by the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument’s PAMB in 2018, and local

Comelec gives nod to just 14 party-list entrants, sees more

By Vito Barcelo

ONLY 14 party-lists have so far been accredited to participate in the forthcoming 2025 national and local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec chairman George Garcia did not disclose the names of the organizations, but said they expect more to be accredited before the start this coming October of the filing of candidacy for the 2025 midterm polls. “We only accredited about 14 party-list organizations, compared to 70 groups in 2022,” Garcia said. “We are currently screening more than 100 of the party-list organizations and we’re hoping that at least 130 party-list organizations will be participating under the party list system in the coming

2025 elections,” Garcia added. Meanwhile, the Comelec will ask Congress to amend Republic Act 7941 or the law governing the partylist system to ensure that marginalized sectors are represented in the House of Representatives.

In an interview, Garcia said amending the Party-list Law would prevent political families and power brokers from abusing the loopholes and easing out genuine representatives of the marginalized sector.

The poll chief said loopholes in the 1995 law, coupled with contradictory Supreme Court decisions, allowed those who already hold so much political power to take over the party-list system, such as enabling the sudden substitution of all five nominees after the partylist is proclaimed a winner.

government without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the E-NIPAS Act dictates the composition and membership of every PAMB, which could be more than a hundred depending on the size of the protected area and the area of jurisdiction it covers.

“The membership of the PAMB is dominated by the local interest. DENR sits on a chair. It does not vote and the PAMB can be constituted by the majority of the members when the DENR is absent or not available because of another pressing engagement,” Loyzaga explained to the panel.

“In the case of the Chocolate Hills, it was the barangay officials that actually approved their resolution, and that is, in fact, one of the longer-standing policy changes we would like to propose, as well as a change to the legislation in terms of the construction and membership of the PAMB and what its role should be,” she said. Villar, who chairs the Senate panel, noted that the board should be dominated instead by experts rather than barangay officials. Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Maricel V. Cruz

A MAJOR labor organization with a partylist group in the House of Representatives has claimed that several sectors rallied behind its proposal for a P150-legislated wage increase. Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza, president of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, batted for the speedy passage of House Bill 7871 or the Wage Recovery Act mandating an acrossthe-board ₱150 wage increase for all private sector workers.

Mendoza, in a statement, recalled that during the second hearing of the House Committee on Labor and Employment last month, “a diverse array of esteemed voices from academia, civil society, informal sector, economists, and minimum wage earners shed light on the imperative of raising workers’ wages.

“They shared compelling testimonies and expert insights in support of the TUCP’s proposed ₱150 legislated wage hike,” he noted.

During the hearing, Margarita Refaldo of the Association of Minimum Wage Earners appealed to the panel chaired by Montalban-San Mateo Rep. Fidel Nograles saying, “we are not asking for much, but for what is only unequivocally right and just for

each and every minimum wage earner who do honest hard work and contribute to the growth of our economy”

Highlighting the minimum wage earners’ struggle to keep pace and fail to cope with the increase in the cost of living, Mahar Mangahas, president of the Social Weather Stations (SWS), delivered a scathing indictment of the current minimum wage system.

“The minimum wage system is not working because the real wages are stagnant and not increasing,” he said.

Emmanuel Leyco, an economist who was president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila (PLM) and social welfare undersecretary, refuted the argument that wage hikes kill businesses and jobs.

“There is no record of closures because of wage increases. There are records of closures not because the wages increased, but because the competitiveness of certain businesses, simply, is not sustainable anymore,” he pointed out.

Benjamin Velasco of the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) cited a research shows

“wage increases have no impact on employment” and that “given the right set of policies we can achieve the goal of wage recovery for workers and low unemployment.”

‘Heinous crime convicts also covered by good conduct’

By Rey E. Requejo

EVEN prisoners convicted of heinous crimes are entitled to good conduct time allowance (GCTA), thereby allowing them to regain their freedom sooner, according to the Supreme Court (SC).

The ruling essentially granted the petitions filed by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who assailed the implementing rules and regulations of (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 10592 or the new GCTA Law.

The law provides for the award of GCTA credits to PDLs who have reformed and manifested good behavior during their incarceration.

SC Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh wrote the en banc decision released on Wednesday, which reversed a promulgation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that excluded individuals convicted of heinous crimes from the benefits granted by RA 10592.

“The Court ruled that Article 97 of the RPC (Revised Penal Code), as amended by RA 10592, is clear that any convicted prisoner is entitled to GCTA as long as the prisoner is in any penal institution, rehabilitation or detention center, or any other local jail,” the high tribunal emphasized.

The implementation of RA 10592 became controversial in August 2019 due to assumptions that rape-slay convict Antonio Sanchez would take advantage of the law. Sanchez, a former mayor of Calauan, Laguna, died in 2021.

In 2020, American soldier Scott Pemberton, who murdered Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude, also reportedly filed a motion for his early release through GCTA. He was eventually freed after then President Rodrigo Duterte granted him absolute pardon.

Transport leaders want 45k MC taxi cap retained

IN a unified plea to address the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, top transport group leaders rally behind the retention of 45,000 motorcycle taxi cap, citing the critical role scheme plays in averting further congestion and upholding the safety and effectiveness of public transportation in the capital.

Representatives from leading transport organizations, including Pasang Masda, NPTC, NACTODAP, LTOP strongly advocate the preservation of the existing cap.

They warned of the detrimental impact that “uncontrolled growth in the motorcycle taxi fleet could have on Metro Manila’s already strained transport infrastructure.”

“Every additional motorcycle taxi exacerbates our traffic woes and sidelines traditional transport sectors crucial for our city’s mobility,” said Ariel Lim, underscoring the urgency of maintaining the cap.

Jun De Leon echoed the group’s sentiments, highlighting the broader implications on public safety and livelihoods. “We must ensure that each step we take on our roads is a step towards progress, not regression,” De Leon said.

The coalition of transport groups, together with vice chairman

Joel Chua of the Metro Manila Development Committee in the House of Representatives, called on President Marcos, the Department of Transportation and the MC Taxi technical working group to prioritize “sustainable expansion outside Metro Manila,” emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers the city’s traffic flow integrity.

UN council takes a stand against intersex discrimination

GENEVA, Switzerland – The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution Thursday on tackling discrimination against intersex persons, despite opposition from several countries to the terminology used.

The resolution passed in the 47-member council with 24 votes in favor, none against and 23 abstentions.

Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, and Japan and the United States were among the countries voting Yes.

Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates abstained.

The resolution, entitled “Combating discrimination, violence and harmful practices against intersex persons”, was brought forward by Australia, Chile, Finland and South Africa.

“The resolution seeks to create awareness of the plight of intersex persons,” South Africa’s ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi said.

“Intersex persons face lifelong discrimination in various areas of their lives, including in sports, health and education.

“In extreme cases, this leads to violence and harmful practices such as forced castration, forced sterilization and even infanticide.”

France’s ambassador Jerome Bonnafont welcomed the council discussing the situation of intersex people for the first time, saying they were “too often the victims of rejection, by their family or society”.

US ambassador Michele Taylor called it a “landmark resolution” and a “historic juncture” for the UN’s top rights body.

The resolution recognizes that persons “with innate variations in sex characteristics, that is persons who are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions for male or female bodies, including sexual anatomy, reproductive organs and hormonal or chromosome patterns (also known as intersex persons) exist in all societies.”

Qatar’s representative, speaking for the Arab Group members of the council, said they had presented constructive ideas “to make the text more balanced”.

“The Human Rights Council is not the right platform for discussing this complex issue, especially given the medical aspects,” he said.

“We wanted to change intersex persons to another description: persons with disorders in sex development. For us, this is the more scientific and medically appropriate description.”

Bangladesh said the term intersex was “unknown in the national legal systems and social contexts of many member states,” and the resolution “offers a vague and arbitrary definition of intersex persons”.

Malaysia said the term intersex “is not universally recognized” and when translated into local languages could be derogatory and “do more harm than good”. AFP

Taiwan: Rescuers try to reach scores trapped

HUALIEN, Taiwan – Taiwan rescuers worked Thursday to reach scores of people trapped in highway tunnels as engineers began a massive clear-up operation a day after the island’s biggest earthquake in a quarter of a century. Nine people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in Wednesday’s magnitude-7.4 quake, but strict building regulations and widespread public dis-

aster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe on the island.

Dozens of residents of the worst-hit city spent a night outdoors rather than in apartments still being shaken by aftershocks, and a massive engineering operation was under way to fix damaged roads and prop up tilting buildings.

Dramatic video released Thursday by the island’s Central Emergency Operation Center showed a helicopter flying two sorties to pluck six miners trapped in a gypsum quarry in Hualien county, near the epicenter of the quake. Rescuers knew the whereabouts of dozens more people trapped in a network of strongly built tunnels in the county, a feature of the roads that cut through the scenic mountains and cliffs leading to Hualien City from the north and west.

Hundreds of others were holding out at a luxury hotel and youth activity centre near the Taroko National Park, with roads leading to both blocked by landslides. “I also hope that we can use today’s time to find all people who are stranded and unaccounted for and help them settle down,” Premier Chen Chien-jen said after a briefing at an emergency operation centre in Hualien. AFP

Biden, Netanyahu to speak by phone after Gaza aid deaths

NATO IS 75. Foreign Ministers pose for an official photograph with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (center) during the North Atlantic Council Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday. Thursday, the NATO military alliance marked the 75th anniversary of the signing of its founding treaty in Washington. AFP

NATO, 75, in shadow of Ukraine war - and Trump

BRUSSELS, Belgium – NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged the United States to stick together with Europe as the Western military alliance turned 75 on Thursday menaced by an aggressive Russia and the specter of Donald Trump’s return to power.

The Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 re-invigorated NATO as it was confronted by one of the most serious challenges since it emerged from the ashes of World War II to counter the Soviet Union. The alliance has bolstered its forces across eastern Europe and grown to 32 members after Finland and Sweden joined its ranks. But while the war has refocused NATO’s attention on its old nemesis Moscow to the east -- there is also another threat unnerving allies from leading power the United States in the west.

That’s the possible return to the White House of Trump, who under-

mined NATO’s collective defense guarantee by saying he’d encourage Russia to attack any members not spending enough on defense.

“I do not believe in America alone, just as I don’t believe in Europe alone,” Stoltenberg said at a ceremony at NATO’s Brussels headquarters.

“I believe in America and Europe together in NATO, because, fundamentally, we are stronger and safer together.”

In a bid to stave off Trump’s criticisms, NATO has showcased increased spending by its European allies -- with 20 members this year set to hit a target of two percent of GDP for defence.

“North America also needs Europe,” Stoltenberg said, after a Belgian military band played the NATO anthem.

“Through NATO, the United States has more friends and more allies than any other major power.”

While Trump looms over the future of the alliance, NATO countries face

the more pressing challenge of ensuring Ukraine does not lose its fight to push back Russia. Alliance members have thrown their weight behind Kyiv -- which is bidding to join NATO -- by sending Ukraine weapons worth tens of billions of dollars.

But those supplies have now dwindled as crucial US support remains blocked by political wrangling. On the frontline, Ukraine’s outgunned forces have been pushed onto the back foot.

In the face of surging Russian missile attacks on its infrastructure, Kyiv is pleading with its Western backers to send all the Patriot defence systems they can spare.

“At the same time we are celebrating ... Ukraine is having a difficult time,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

“We must give rapid support to Ukraine. The military support, ammunition but also air defence.” AFP

3 security personnel killed in ‘terrorist attacks’ in Iran

TEHRAN – Three security personnel, including the deputy of a police station, have been killed in “terrorist attacks” in Iran, state media reported Thursday, two days after seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards were killed in an air raid in Syria.

“Three security members have been martyred in several nighttime terrorist attacks on military stations in the cities of Rask and Chabahar” in southeastern SistanBaluchistan province, Alireza Marhamati, deputy governor of the province, told state TV.

“In one of the attacks on police station number 11 of the city of Chabahar, deputy of the station Abbas Mir, was martyred,” state

broadcaster IRIB said, adding that a number of assailants were also killed or injured.

It also said that the jihadist Jaish al-Adl group, which was formed in 2012 and is blacklisted by Iran as a “terrorist” group, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The attacks came less than 48 hours after an air strike on the Iranian consular annex in Damascus killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

“The terrorists did not succeed in their goal of capturing the Guards headquarters in Chabahar and Rask and are under siege,” Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi told state TV. AFP

‘Angry’ South Korean voters turn to fledgling protest party next week

SEOUL – Fed up with South Korea’s government and seeing little hope in the opposition, Cho Young-moon says she’ll cast a protest vote in next week’s elections -- for a month-old party led by a disgraced politician facing jail. Cho, a 48-year-old dentist, is one of a growing number of South Koreans indicating they plan to vote for former justice minister Cho Kuk’s Rebuilding Korea party and its fiercely antigovernment platform on April 10.

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s approv-

al ratings have been stuck in the low 30 percent range for months, driven by a litany of scandals and voter dissatisfaction with rising inflation, a lagging economy and an ongoing doctors’ strike.

While Cho Kuk’s party is offering few substantive policies of its own, recent polling data shows it neckand-neck with the ruling party, and analysts say its appeal to voter anger could see it win enough seats to play kingmaker in the next parliament.

For Cho Kuk, however, the goal may be more simple -- revenge.

Once a rising political star, Cho Kuk was tipped to run for president before an academic admissions scandal in 2019 engulfed his family.

Leading the investigation was now-President Yoon. Accused of forging documents to get his kids into university, Cho’s wife spent more than three years in jail, his daughter was forced to renounce her medical license, and Cho himself is

facing two years behind bars if the Supreme Court rejects his appeal.

Yoon’s prosecution of the scandal propelled him onto the national stage, and he went on to win the 2022 presidential election despite never having held elective office before.

But two years later, Cho’s story is now serving to amplify his anti-Yoon message among voters who polls show are increasingly disenchanted with both the president and his administration. AFP

PALESTINIAN Territories – US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to speak on Thursday (Friday in Manila) in their first phone call since an Israeli strike on a humanitarian convoy killed seven aid workers in Gaza.

Biden has led a chorus of international anger over the attack on employees of US-based World Central Kitchen, who were distributing desperately needed food to a population on the verge of famine.

“I can confirm President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu will speak tomorrow,” a US official told AFP on Wednesday.

The call comes after Biden said he was “outraged and heartbroken” by the deadly strike, whose victims included a US-Canadian dual national, along with three Britons, a Pole, an Australian and a Palestinian.

In related developments:

--The health ministry in Hamasrun Gaza said Thursday that at least 33,037 people have been killed in the territory during nearly six months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The toll includes at least 62 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 75,668 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Biden’s sharpening rhetoric, and insistence that Israel do more to protect aid workers and civilians, has indicated growing frustrations with how ally Israel is conducting its war on Hamas.

Israel has taken responsibility for the strike on the aid workers, which it called a mistake, and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant instructed the armed forces to “maintain an open and transparent line of communication” with international organisations conducting relief work. AFP

PUNISHING ISRAEL. A handout picture provided by the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him meeting with politicians and government officials in Tehran on Wednesday, when he said Israel “will be slapped” after an air strike killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals, and destroyed the Iranian consular annex building in the Syrian capital. AFP

3 PH pairs score opening-day wins in beach volley tilt

THE Philippines got off to a hot start in the Smart Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open with three huge straightsets victories on Thursday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Ran Abdilla and AJ Pareja outhustled Australia’s Potts D’Artagnan and Ben Hood, 21-17, 21-19, in the first match at center court of the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land to spark the other Philippine pair— James Buytrago and Rancel Varga—which overpowered Indonesia’s Yogi Hermawan and Ketut Ardana, 21-11, 21-9.

Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda joined the fun by dispatching Singapore’s Cecilia Huichin Soh and Tin Wing Chan, 21-9, 21-15.

It was a huge opening-day win for the country and the organizing Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, especially for Pareja and Abdilla who started training together only two months ago.

“We weren’t really focused on the score, we just did what we did in training, focus on the plays, minimize the errors,” Pareja said.

Abdilla and Pareja’s fine start also relieved some of the pressure off old buddies Varga and Buytrago, who pounced on the Indonesians for the quick win.

“Their win (Pareja-Abdilla) was a huge boost in confidence for us,” Varga said.

Paul Burnett and Jack Pearse of Australia defeated New Zealand’s Juraj Krajci and James Sadlier, 21-11, 2115, in the in the event backed by Foton, Akari, Mikasa, Senoh, Seda, Asics, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live.

Thailand’s Surin Jongklang and Dunwinit Kaewsai downed Malaysia’s Kaixu Looi and Weichun Ler, 21-12, 21-15, in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation led by Tats Suzara.

China’s Li Zhuoxin and Liu Chuanyong scored a 21-18, 21-11 victory over Singapore’s Eng Cheng Feng Renfred and Ranjiv Sasikumar, while Iran’s Abdolhamed

Hidilyn Diaz waves to an appreciative crowd at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand. (IWF)

Court junks IBA appeal on IOC’s withdrawal of recognition

THE Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by the International Boxing Association against the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrawing recognition of IBA as the international federation for the sport of boxing.

The CAS verdict that effectively counted out IBA from having control and supervision over the 2024 Paris Olympics boxing competition, among other international events, was handed down from the CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on Tuesday, April 2.

The development could pave the way for the full emergence of World Boxing, of which Ricky Vargas, chairman of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, is a member of the Executive Board, as the duly IOC-recognized international federation for boxing.

“World Boxing (WB) welcomes the decision by CAS to revoke the recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the subsequent comments made by the IOC stating that it wishes to work with a new International Federation,” the organization commented in a statement.

“This is the last remaining hope for the sport to maintain its Olympic status beyond Paris 2024. There is no alternative,” World Boxing added.

Vargas is encouraging other national federations to register with World Boxing, to which ABAP has aligned with from the start.

“The CAS and IOC have spoken—a new international federation that conforms to the ideals and goals of IOC is needed to fill the void and make sure boxing remains with the Olympics from Paris onward,” said Vargas.

Hidilyn Diaz kisses Paris dream goodbye, but journey continues

By Randy Caluag

HIDILYN Diaz, the trailblazing Filipina weightlifter, who clinched the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal, on Wednesday night bid goodbye to her Paris Olympics bid.

Diaz, who hails from Zamboanga, saw her impressive streak of Olympic appearances come to an end after being outshone by compatriot Elreen Ando in the women’s 59kg category of the IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand. Emerging as one of the rising stars in

Philippine weightlifting, Ando lifted a total of 228 kgs, edging out Diaz, who managed only 222 kgs, and dashing her hopes for a coveted spot in the Paris Olympics.

Ando’s remarkable performance secured her 7th place in a fiercely competitive division that featured three gold

JHONDIE Quibol carded 39 points to lead Eastridge to a commanding 18-point lead over JBA Construction in the first round of the championship division of the 2nd Cordillera Golfers Foundation, Inc. Tournament at the Baguio Country Club on Thursday.

Jeffren Lumbo, Cliff Nunesa, and Rolando Bregente scored 35, 32, and 25 respectively for total of 131 points for Eastridge. Cris Remata had 31 points to lead scorers for JBA Construction with Roy Nudalo adding 30 and Loyd Labrador and Demeterio Sanchez chipping in 26 points each. Cordillera’s Luigi Paolo Wong of House of Yogurt fired 34 points with Zyrah Floriann De Leon, Rhanz Louie Balay-odao, and Miguel So Hu contributing 26, 23, and 16 in that order for total of 100 points. In seniors’ A, Ricky Libago aced hole 9 of Pinewoods Golf & Country Club and

Overwhelmed with emotion, Diaz was reportedly in tears after her performance at the World Cup, as described by the International Weightlifting Federation on its official website.

“I love this sport, I don’t want to stop,” Diaz said.

“But now, I need to take a step back, reflect, and prioritize aspects of my life. Today wasn’t my day, and Paris wasn’t meant to be,” she continued, as quoted by the IWF. “However, overall, I’m grateful. I’ve dedicated myself to this sport, and it has rewarded me in countless ways.” Diaz, who made her Olympic debut in the 2008 Beijing edition, rose to prominence in the 2016 Rio Olympics where she secured the silver medal. She reached the pinnacle of her career with a historic gold medal win in Tokyo 2021.

Despite this setback, Diaz has not officially retired from the sport, but it’s undoubtedly a farewell to her Paris aspirations.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera professional golfers Mars Pucay and Danny Zarate, and CGFI President Arnel Peil grace the ceremonial tee o of the 2nd CGFI tournament.

camps.

The Belgian coach is also eyeing to have a camp for the national team before the June qualifiers.

Speaking of the domestic league, hostilities in the Philippines Football League (PFL) will start tomorrow with a triple header at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The newly-revamped Stallion Laguna FC of Ernie Nierras will open the competitions by facing newcomers Don Bosco Garelli at 3pm. Stallion went on a recruiting binge in the offseason and from what I heard from Coach Ernie recently, the team now have at least 15 foreign reinforcements.

Comebacking United City FC will take on tournament

favorites Kaya FC-Iloilo in the second game at 5.30 p.m., while One Taguig Football Club faces fellow new team Manila Montet FC in the nightcap at 8 p.m.

PFL Commissioner Coco Torre said the matchups tomorrow “looks good”.

After weeks of staying silent, One Taguig Football Club or One Taguig FC is now finally active on social media. It now has its official page in several social media accounts and one of its official posts is an explanation of its logo or crest. While it may appear very simple, the One Taguig FC crest has several interesting and historical facts about it.

First, the leaves found in the crest represent the 38 barangays of the city. They likewise symbolize growth of the city, not only on the business side, but as well on the agriculture

side. Second, the lighthouse in the center is a reminder of the Napindan Lighthouse where Katipuneros used to meet during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Moreover, the lighthouse is both a symbol of the old (history) and the current (modernity) Taguig City. Third, the squad hopes to be the best possible ambassadors of the city.

“We want to have a good representation of the city in our first tournament. The other teams will definitely be a challenge but the ultimate goal is to win the trophy,” Ace Bright, One Taguig FC general manager, said.

In a short huddle with Bright last Wednesday, he shared his optimism with The Designated Kit Man that his team will perform well in the tournament despite being one of the newcomers in the Philippines Football League. Bright also revealed the team’s official lineup with a number of its players either current or former members of the Philippine National Men’s Football Team or the team formerly known as the Azkals. One Taguig FC will be led by Team Captain and Azkal Kevin Ingreso, with the ageless Stephan Schrock as Co-Captain. Former Azkals’ captain and international Misagh Bahadoran will also make his comeback in the domestic league playing for the squad. Also joining one of the newest football clubs in the country are Andres Aldeguer, Nano Amita, Artin Mahvashi, Dennis Chung, Ed Sacapano, George Baker, Ilemona Usman, Izzeldin Elhabib, Jahanbaksh Taher, Joshua Dutosme, Jordan Jarvis, Lance Bencio, Mahmoud Ali, Matthew Custodio, Milad Behgandom, Naoto Hirashi, Nicolas Ferrer, Patrick Aristorenas, Patrick Grogg, Quincy Kammeraad, Tsukasa Shimomura, Yannick Tuason, Trick Gallantes and Mohammad Almonhjili.

“We have been training for the last two months and hopes are high. We have a good mixture of young and veteran players. Most of these veteran players had been fixtures of the Philippine Azkals like Kevin, Schroecky and Misagh. Some of our foreign recruits also played in different leagues overseas. We are also happy that several Japanese players are also in the squad to provide more quality and depth to our team,” Bright shared.

Jovanie Villagracia is the head coach with Sacapano also as the team’s goalkeeper coach. Assisting Villagracia will be Arvin Soliman, while Antonio De Murga is the conditioning coach.

While it’s too early to gauge the strength of the team, Bright is quite confident that they have a good team on hand.

“I think we have a decent team, most of our young players came from the Azkals’ Development Team before. We also have recruits who played well from other teams. They have earned their spots in the team through hard work and their passion for the game. If these players can play well along with the senior members of the team, I really believe that we could compete with the tournament favorites and the rest of the competition,” Bright said.

Aside from the local tournament, One Taguig FC is setting its sights on reaching the AFC Cup and the AFC Champions League. Stay safe. Stay

Mirzaali and Abolhassan Khakizadeh beat Dmitriy Yakovlev and Sergey Bogatu, 21-13, 19-21, 17-15. In other women’s matches, Thailand’s P. Woranatchayakorn and P. Charanrutwadee eased past Macau’s Leong Onieng and Law Wengsam, 21-14, 26-24, while Japan’s Suzuka Hashimoto and Reika Murakami overpowered Eliza Chong and Huiying Ang of Singapore, 21-10, 21-12.

The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat

Ran Abdilla

Gov’t approves lower 2024 growth target, medium-term assumptions

6% to 7% P55 to P57 a dollar 2% to 4% GDP growth target for 2024

THE government approved the reduction in the 2024 economic growth targets and mediumterm macroeconomic assumptions, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Balisacan said the recalibration would ensure that the government’s targets respond more directly to the needs of the Filipino people and that strategic growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation is being pursued for sustainable and inclusive development.

Foreign exchange target for 2024

Inflation target

Maynilad Water starts sustainable finance strategy

By Othel V. Campos

MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. said Thursday it launched its Sustainable Finance Framework in partnership with leading ESG analytics firm Morningstar Sustainalytics.

The water concessionaire said in a statement the framework would guide the company’s issuance of green, social, sustainable or blue bonds to fund environmental and social projects aligned with its sustainability goals.

“Having a sustainable finance framework underscores Maynilad’s commitment to integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into our financial strategy. With this framework, we can leverage on sustainable financing to support projects that will ensure a greener, more equitable future,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez.

The independent verification, achieved through a second party opinion (SPO) by Morningstar Sustainalytics, is consistent with similar standards like the Green and Social Bond Principles and ASEAN Green Bond Standards.

“The President and the Cabinet confirmed the macroeconomic targets approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee or DBCC during its 187th meeting last March 22, 2024. The revised targets for our headline indicators considered

the country’s recent economic performance in FY 2023 and reflect the latest developments and expectations on external factors such as global demand and trade growth, oil price movements, and expected exchange rate and inflation trends,” Balisacan said in a briefing.

The DBCC particularly revised the 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) growth target to a range of 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent from the earlier estimate of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. The DBCC also revised the growth target

for 2025 to 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent from 6.5 percent to 8.0 percent and retained the target of 6.5 percent to 8.0 percent for 2026 to 2028.

“Robust macroeconomic fundamentals will support this growth trajectory. These growth targets will sustain the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region,” said Balisacan.

“At this pace of growth, we are still on track to reducing poverty incidence from 18.1 percent in 2021 to single-digit level in 2028,” he said.

Meanwhile, the government maintained the inflation target at 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent for 2024 through 2028, following its assessment of recent internal and external developments that affect the prices of major commodity groups.

we hit 8,000 by year-end and we have almost P500 billion in the PSE [Philippine Stock Exchange], so you can imagine the amount of income we’ll make,” Macasaet said. The state-run pension fund has more than P60 billion in receivables. Macasaet targets to increase its members by about 1.5 million to 2 million a year from its average member of 1 million. SSS has about 42 million members, with about 20 million of them paying members.

Meanwhile, Macasaet ordered an increase in the frequency of its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign nationwide to further reduce the uncollected contribution from delinquent employers.

Macasaet said the uncollected contributions in 2022 reached P92 billion, but the SSS brought it down by 39 percent to P56 billion in 2023 on the back of aggressively pursuing delinquent employers and continuously updating employer records.

Jetstar to revive direct flights between Singapore and Clark in June

SINGAPORE-BASED Jetstar Asia said Thursday it will revive direct flights between Singapore and Clark starting June 16 this year.

Jetstar Asia chief executive John Simeone said the move reinforced Jetstar Asia’s commitment to expanding their Southeast Asian network and providing enhanced connectivity and a wide range of travel options for its customers.

LEVI Strauss & Co., the world’s largest jeans maker, met with SM Investments Corp. officials to discuss its plans for continued expansion in the Philippines. The meeting aligns with LS&Co.’s strategic focus on building a direct-to-consumer presence for the Levi’s brand in the country.

SM Investments vice chair and SM Retail chair Tessie Sy-Coson expressed optimism about the planned expansion of Levi’s in the Philippines.

“We see a lot of opportunity in further growing the retail portfolio,

and part of the growth is cultivating partnerships with leading brands such as Levi’s, which has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion and patronized for its quality and brand leadership,” Sy-Coson said.

The visit solidified the ongoing partnership between SM Group and LS&Co. as the Levi’s brand experiences sustained growth in the Philippines. The market holds great potential for the leading lifestyle apparel brand, which resonates with Filipino consumers by offering a diverse range of apparel that caters to their preferences.

“We’re excited to add this popular destination, responding to demand, providing our customers with more incredible low-cost travel options and supporting the travel and tourism industries in these two critical markets,” he said.

Jetstar Asia will offer four weekly return services between Singapore

“Our services to Clark are backed by popular demand, not only for holiday makers but those wanting to visit family and friends,” Simeone said.

and Clark in June, increasing to five weekly services starting Oct. 18, 2024.

The route will use Jetstar Asia’s growing fleet of Airbus A320s and supported by its significant recruitment drive aimed at meeting the growing demand for travel within the region.

Noel Manankil, president and chief executive of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp.

expands into logistics service, acquires a fleet of 22 brand-new trucks

STATE-RUN Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) said it acquired a fleet of 22 brand-new trucks to reinforce its logistics service in addition to its mail and parcel delivery.

These mail delivery trucks will be distributed across the country.

PHLPost said the fleet would reinforce the current PHLPost delivery efficiency and strengthen mail conveyance.

The eighteen 6-wheeler and four 10-wheeler trucks are part of the continuous re-fleeting of the mail transport system which is expected to speed-up the delivery of mails and packages nationwide.

Postmaster General Luis Carlos said that the newly acquired vehicles

will boost PHLPost capabilities to better serve the public and attract more institutional mailers to patronize PHLPost delivery and logistics services.

“The postal service is now coordinating with the Department of Agriculture on logistics requirements in part or whole of our farmers in transporting goods at cheaper price,” said Carlos.

“We are transforming the mail delivery into logistics services,” he said.

PHLPost said that as a logistics provider, it can deliver or transport agricultural products such as seedlings, fertilizers and crops to far-flung areas that have no access to major cities in the provinces.

(LIPAD), manager and operator of Clark International Airport, said that they are delighted to welcome Jetstar flights back at Clark International Airport (CRK).

“Clark Airport has always been a home to Jetstar and we are happy to serve their passengers again. This partnership provides passengers the opportunity to experience a seamless and memorable airport journey,” Manankil said. Darwin G. Amojelar

B2 BUSINESS

DMCI grants P9.56-b cash dividend despite lower income

DMCI Holdings Inc., the listed holding company of the Consunji family, said Thursday its board approved the issuance of P9.56 billion in regular and special cash dividend despite the lower profit in 2023.

DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange shareholders as of record April 22, 2024, would receive regular cash dividend of P0.46 per common share and a special cash dividend of P0.26.

This translates into a total dividend payout of P9.56 billion, which represents 39 percent of the company’s consolidated core net income in 2023. The dividends will be distributed on May 3, 2024. Based on the company’s three closing stock price of P12.28 as of April 3, 2024, DMC’s total dividend translates to a cash dividend yield of 5.9 percent. The conglomerate has a dividend policy that commits to a dividend payout ratio of at least 25 percent of the preceding year’s consolidated core net income. DMCI reported a 20-percent decline in 2023 net income on lower contributions from energy, nickel and construction subsidiaries.

Net income in 2023 reached P24.9 billion, down from P31.1 billion in 2022, which was the second-highest for the company.

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

Jenniffer B. Austria

Jollibee to quadruple China stores in 5 years

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FAST food chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said Thursday it plans to quadruple its store network in China over the next five years.

Jollibee said earlier it would focus on China, the United States and the Philippines for expansion and investment given the robust growth opportunities these areas offer.

Shell opens 14 cafes at retail stations

“Our move aims to address the growing demand for more accessible, convenient, and comfortable mobility destinations for our customers. Our mobility stations aim to fulfill your needs, whether it is refueling your vehicle or recharging yourself for the long journey ahead. Shell mobility stations reflect Shell’s decades-long commitment to providing sustainable innovations and solutions in the country,” said SPC vice president for mobility Randy del Valle.

PHILIPPINE stocks fell again

Thursday after the government lowered its economic growth targets for 2024.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 36.76 points, or 0.54 percent, to close at 6,827.06, while the broader all-shares index slipped 9.06 points, or 0.25 percent, to settle at 3,580.32.

“This Thursday, the local market dropped by 36.76 points as local worries takeover sentiment while catalysts are yet to be seen,” Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Mikhail Plopenio. The government lowered its 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) growth target to a range of 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent from the earlier estimate of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

Plopenio said inflation concerns also heightened as the Department of Agriculture expects that rice price would remain elevated until the middle of next year.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Thursday after US data provided a fresh indicator that inflation was easing and Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell soothed worries around the bank’s plans to cut interest rates this year.

An equities rally that started at the back end of 2023 has stuttered in recent weeks after a string of reports suggested the economy was too strong and prices too sticky for officials to begin easing monetary policy this year. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Jollibee chief finance officer Richard Shin said in a virtual press briefing the group plans to achieve this target through franchising and venturing into more geographies in China. Jollibee has three brands in China including Yonghe King, Tim Ho Wan and Hong Zhuang Yuan, with more than 300 stores. Shin said the group is now in the position to accelerate the growth in China after it started opening stores in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. “So, the ambition is to quadruple the footprint in five years. Going from 460 stores we are quadrupling that in five years through franchising in tier three and four and possibly five cities,” Shin said.

“So, the expansion that we’re going to witness in the next few years is really about getting into more geographies and the reason for that is the brand is perfect for that,” he said.

Shin said the company would also grow its footprint in the US through franchising. The Jollibee Group has 100 stores in North America and targets to increase this to 500 in the next five years. Shin said the fast-food giant identified 30 cities in the US for expansion for its flagship brand Jollibee. “So, we will start to fill in those 30 locations. Why? Because they have the highest disposable income as a percentage spent to our segment,” Shin said.

METRO Retail Stores Group Inc.

(MRSGI) said Thursday it inaugurated a three-hectare distribution center in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. The Metro Distribution Center, which spans a modern facility of three hectares, is dedicated to strengthening MRSGI’s supply chain and servicing its current network of stores, laying the groundwork for the company’s ambitious expansion plans in Luzon over the next five years. MRSGI chief operating officer Manuel Alberto highlighted the dis-

The country’s first Shell Café, launched in Tagaytay City in January 2023, reflects Shell’s commitment to enhancing customer experience by providing locals, travelers, and passers-by with a cozy and comfortable haven to refuel and recharge for their adventures.

The Shell Café in EDSA Balintawak has become popular among online food groups and reviewers, praised not only for its delectable offerings like its signature matcha drink and sausage roll, and its chill atmosphere, but also for its convenient accessibility to Metro Manila residents. The drive-thru also provides another convenient option for customers in the area.

Motorists can also stop at the Shell mobility station on South Luzon Tollway (SLT) 1 in Muntinlupa. Shell SLT1 features a spacious, standalone Shell Café alongside a Shell Select section for those seeking essentials and groceries.

The Shell Café caters to many guests with its comfortable dine-in area, offering delicious coffee and pastries.

Situated at the Shell Mobility TPLEX junction in Rosario, La Union, a strategically placed Shell Café offers a welcome pit stop for northbound travelers and passengers.

Adjacent to the Shell Café, the onsite Shell Recharge alleviates range anxiety for electric vehicle (EV) owners, facilitating a seamless charging experience for long-distance EV journeys.

tribution center’s role in MRSGI’s ambitious plan to expand its presence in Luzon, ensuring more communities have access to the quality services and products that Metro is known for, while also contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities.

“The

THE SM group is staying true to its commitment of teaming up with host communities and being a catalyst for responsible growth through sustainable enterprise development and livelihood programs, a top executive said.

“All business units within the SM group are expected to develop their respective sustainability commitment, policies, and initiatives. Aligned with our commitment to equal opportunity for all, we continuously engage with external stakeholders, including host communities, to advocate for social and economic inclusion and development,” said SM Group diversity officer Lizanne Uychaco.

SM’s group-wide initiative on diversity and inclusion goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and SM through SM Hotels is taking a bigger step on these advocacies through concrete programs and initiatives.

“How do we make sustainability tangible - something that our customers and stakeholders can touch?”

This was the question that Chef Leah Magallanes, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) vice president for sustainability and quality assurance, asked. The answer that came to her was Tela Tales, an initiative that aims to convert pre-loved linens of SMHCC into beautiful bags with handwoven patterns through the communities of Brgy. Bulihan in Batangas and Kalingap Casa de Sueno in Tagaytay with the guidance of designer and social entrepreneur Zarah Juan.

“The Tela Tales program’s stakeholders are SMHCC, a group of women from Brgy. Bulihan which is near Pico Sands Hotel. The other one is Kalingap, a place for abandoned senior citizens in Tagaytay near Taal Vista Hotel. We also partnered with Zarah Juan whose values of social entrepreneurship closely align with ours,” said Magallanes.

Magallanes said the program was named Tela Tales since the community members shared their stories while weaving the patterns for the bags.

BUSINESS CREC reduces IPO size to P7.97b following SMIC’s P5-b investment

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) said

Thursday it is reducing the size of its planned initial public offering to P7.97 billion from an initial estimate of P12.9 billion.

Globe commends

IPOPHL action on illegal streaming

GLOBE Telecom Inc., a leading digital solutions platform, on Thursday lauded the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for addressing the proliferation of illegal streaming devices in the market.

“We commend IPOPHL for taking proactive steps to crack down on illegal streaming devices. As a company committed to promoting innovation and creativity, we fully support efforts to protect intellectual property rights and combat digital piracy,” Globe Group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto said.

“By working together with regulatory authorities, we can safeguard the interests of content creators and ensure a fair and competitive digital environment,” she said.

Globe has been pushing for stronger intellectual property protection in the Philippines, supporting legislation that seeks to amend the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code to allow site blocking.

IPOPHL director-general Rowel

Barba recently said the agency was working with the National Telecommunications Commission to see how to enforce a local crackdown on illegal streaming devices, also called blackboxes, in the absence of a law governing this crime.

This follows a campaign initiated by United States authorities against these illegal devices, which allow users to access copyrighted content illegally through a one-time payment. Similar to piracy, this illicit activity poses a significant threat to content creators and distributors. Darwin G. Amojelar

was planning to sell 2.9 billion common shares with an overallotment of up to 435 million common shares.

The offer period will be from May 20 to 24, 2024. The shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on May 31, 2024.

It plans to use the proceeds from the offering to partially fund its capital expenditures and pipeline development for solar energy plants and battery energy storage system (BESS), as well as general corporate purposes.

CREC has a pipeline of renewable energy projects in the Philippines in line with its goal of adding approximately 1 gigawatts of ready-to-build/ under construction solar energy capacity each year through 2027.

It has installed capacity of 285.1 megawatts as of end September, accounting for 19 percent of the country’s totaled installed capacity of 1.5 GW.

The company engaged UBS AG as sole global coordinator and joint bookrunner and BDO Capital & Investment Corp. as domestic lead manager and joint bookrunner for the IPO.

Smart, DICT strengthen fight vs. scams

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SMART Communications Inc. (Smart) said it teamed up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to further strengthen their fight against scammers with the integration of DICT’s eGov PH app (eGOV) into the SIM Registration process. It described eGOV as a one-stop online system for various government services, covering local and national public agencies.

“Our collaboration with the DICT for eGOV is part of the PLDT Group’s support for the government’s overall digitalization thrust, with the aim of making government services accessible to more Filipinos across the country,” PLDT and Smart senior vice president and head of enterprise business group Jojo Gendrano said.

“This is also part of our ongoing collaboration with the DICT and government to help our subscribers protect themselves and their families from text scams, bank fraud, phishing, and other similar prevalent communication-aided schemes,” said Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs Roy Cecil Ibay.

Participants from the Smart SIM Registration team and DICT held a workshop on how to implement the eGOV platform integration with Smart’s SIM Registration process.

By Orlan Mauricio

MALOLOS CITY—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office-25A (West Bulacan) and RDO-25B (East Bulacan) reminded taxpayers in the province to filed their 2023 annual income tax return before the April 15, 2024 deadline.

There will be no extension of the April 15 deadline, according to Romel Morente, BIR-RDO chief of East Bulacan.

Morente urged taxpayers to file their ITR as early as possible and pay the correct tax on time to prevent in-

curring penalties.

“I urge our Bulakenyo taxpayers to pay their taxes early to avoid the inconvenience of long queues in banks and other Revenue Payment Centers in the different cities and municipalities especially in these very hot and humid days of summer,” Morente said.

RDO-25A chief Raymund Ranchez also aired his appeal to taxpayers from the cities of Malolos and Baliwag and from the municipalities of Balagtas, Bocaue, Bulakan, Bustos, Calumpit, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel and Pulilan

which comprises the West Bulacan Revenue District Office to beat the April 15 deadline to avoid paying unnecessary penalties.

The East Bulacan-RDO has jurisdiction over the cities of Meycauayan and San Jose Del Monte and the towns of Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Marilao, Norzagaray, Obando, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, San Rafael and Sta. Maria. RDO-25A and RDO-25B have also their respective social media (Facebook) pages where inquiries and other instant assistance to tax filers can be obtained.

The main offices of the two RDOs in Bulacan are housed in one building along the Plaridel-Balagtas ByPass Road in Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto, Bulacan and will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. including on the two Saturdays (April 6 and 13) prior to the April 15 deadline.

Morente and assistant RDO Nina Diana Federizo encouraged Bulacan taxpayers to visit their BIR office and other Tax Tulungan Centers (TTC) that were set-up to assist taxpayers. These are located at Waltermart-Sta. Maria, SM City-Marilao and SM City-San Jose Del Monte City.

DOE eyes causer pay mechanism to protect consumers

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) plans to implement a causer pays mechanism (CPM) or cost sharing between generators and consumers to ensure consumer protection and accountability of market participants in ensuring grid reliability.

The DOE issued a draft circular, subject to public consultations, providing for policies for the effective utilization of ancillary services (AS) in the grid through the CPM.

“It is policy aiming to have a sharing of cost of reserve between generators and consumers, considering that

reliability is affected by changes in supply and demand. Further to this, the policy is also designed to imposed appropriate AS cost to generators who cause the dispatch of contingency and dispatchable reserves,” DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau assistant director Luningning Baltazar said. Baltazar said generators that are frequently on outage would have a higher share of AS cost as determined based on the formula for reserve and responsibility sharing. The circular defines CPM as a principle where the cost of AS utilized should be recovered equitably from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market

member that requires or caused the use of such AS.

It said the CPM should apply to all WESM members requiring or causing the use of AS, which include the generation companies, the transmission network service provider and WESM customers.

The agency said the CPM should apply the Reserve Responsibility Share (RRS) formula to determine the share or contribution factor of each WESM member to the costs of each type of AS. The circular was issued following the DOE’s declaration of the commercial operation of the Reserve Market (RM).

THE Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) said it will mark its golden anniversary this year with the theme “BMAP@50: Tradition to Transformation,” which reflects the significant milestones and achievements of the group which continues to lead the way in driving innovation in the banking sector. BMAP, established in 1974, has been at the forefront of promoting and elevating the practice of bank marketing in the country that influences guidelines and actions on pertinent industry matters and continues to effectively serve as the voice on issues and events affecting the banking industry, consumer interests and protection.

BMAP, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other industry associations jointly promote financial education and inclusion, consumer protection, cybersecurity through various programs such as the Banking Code for Consumer Protection, Project BSP Reaches Out (Project BRO), Banking On Your Future (BOYF), BSP Annual Financial Education Expo, coin recirculation programs, Check-Protect-Report (CPR) cyber hygiene campaign, biennial BMAP Bank Marketing Awards and others.

“We acknowledge the rich history and traditions that have defined BMAP while embracing the need for adaptation and continuous innovation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future in the banking industry,” said BMAP president Mai Gacilo Sangalang. “BMAP will remain at the forefront in providing innovation to the banking industry from the learnings in the past and the strong membership of leading banks that will drive the financial growth of the country,” Sangalang said.

DBP eyes pact with state firms in Central Luzon

STATE-OWNED Development

Bank of the Philippines (DBP) said it is actively engaging several state corporations based in Central Luzon to expand its services to those outside its traditional market and city centers.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank held initial talks with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), city government of Olongapo, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to jumpstart key projects covering energy, air transport, road network, urban development and businesses within the export processing zone.

“We are looking at potential partnerships covering additional deposits and financing opportunities with SBMA, local government of Olongapo, CIAC and CDC, which are at the forefront of the economic resurgence of Central Luzon,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

It has a branch network of 146 branches including branch lite units which are mostly located in

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE total assets of the Philippine banking system reached P24.95 trillion as of end-February, up by P150 billion from P24.80 trillion in January, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

Bank deposits also increased to P18.68 trillion in February from P18.66 trillion in the previous month.

Of the total, peso deposits slightly declined to P15.35 trillion from P15.43 trillion, while foreign-currency deposits rose to P3.33 trillion from P3.23 trillion.

The banks’ total loan portfolio amounted to P13.54 trillion as of endFebruary, up from P13.38 trillion in January and P12.414 trillion a year ago.

The gross non-performing loans or “soured loans” remained steady at 3.44 percent in February 2024 compared to January, the BSP said. This was slightly higher than 3.31 percent recorded in February 2023.

Past due ratio or delinquency rate also went up to 4.31 percent in February this year from 4.27 percent in January and 4.04 percent in February 2023. The total past due loans grew

16.35 percent to P584.22 billion from P502.11 billion.

Meanwhile, the banks’ NPL coverage ratio was at 100.06 percent in February, down from 100.29 percent in January and 104.95 percent a year ago. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said in a Viber message the year-on-year increase in NPL was partly due to higher interest rates globally and locally.

“Nevertheless, looking at the bigger picture, banks’ NPL ratio still among the lowest/best in 3.5 years or since August 2020,” he said.

FROM his sworn oath to “serve and protect” the community for 25 years as a dedicated police officer, Ritchie Tenegra shifted his focus towards an equally meaningful purpose: food security. He has since embraced retirement by pursuing his other passion of poultry farming, and is now one of the reliable food suppliers in this town.

While still in the police force, he had limited capital to start his piggery operations in Leon, Iloilo. He applied to be a beneficiary of the Swine Dispersal Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), and was provided his very first piglet that he grew and multiplied.

Encouraged by a fellow cop to diversify his farm with a chicken coop, Tenegra delved into poultry farming in 2013, starting with heads.

Upon retiring from the service in 2020, he went to full-time farming, and applied for a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines to expand his piggery. A week after his loan was approved, the African Swine Flu outbreak hit the country, which devastated the local pig industry.

Eager to push through with his new purpose, Ritchie shifted his focus towards expanding his chicken coop through LandBank’s Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund

(ACEF) Lending Program, where he secured a P1-million loan to fund the improvement of his poultry farm in 2022.

“LandBank has really been a huge help in growing my chicken coop. Where can you find a bank loan of one million, then the interest is only P20,000 every year? So I am really grateful to LandBank,” said Tenegra.

From the 20 chickens in a 4-by6-meter coop in his backyard, the loan supported the scaling up of his poultry operations to an increase in his flock size to 2,000 breeders, and the expansion of his coop to cover

profitability in 2023, showcasing extraordinary growth with revenue soaring by 13 times to over P5 billion.

“Being acknowledged as the ‘Best Digital Bank in The Philippines’ confirms UnionDigital Bank’s dedication to pioneering innovation and delivering exceptional value to our customers. This honor mirrors the hard work and dedication of our team in setting new benchmarks for digital banking and continuously striving to lead the industry into the future,” said UnionDigital chief executive Henry Aguda.

members can support the initiative by donating for naming rights in the various

planned for the compound. These include a healing garden, wall garden, hanging garden, box garden and hedge garden. The project aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. “We are now mindful of the environmental impact of our business,” said PICPA national president Randy Blanza. PICPA Foundation chair Erwin Alcala said the goal is to create a green haven for CPAs. “We use computers and cellphones in the office, which contribute to pollution,” he said. “A green space can help improve air quality for CPAs visiting our head-

the first of its kind

office solution in the Philippines, is an initiative offering clients access to a team of expert wealth planners proficient in navigating various aspects of family governance, including investment management, legal advisory, and comprehensive planning.

Retired police officer Ritchie Tenegra secures loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines for his poultry farm in Iloilo province.

TRANSPORT

Clear skies ahead for PH aviation industry

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AFTER

weathering the turbulence of the pandemic, the Philippine aviation industry finds itself with clear skies and a bright future ahead.

Passenger traffic skyrocketed 63.31 percent in 2023, reaching a total of 53.77 million passengers compared to 32.33 million in 2022.

The impressive growth was driven by the strong performance of domestic travel. A record-breaking 28.96 million passengers flew domestically in 2023, marking the highest number in the past three years. International travel also saw a significant upswing, surging 152.39 percent in 2023 to 24.81 million from just 9.83 million in 2022. Industry leaders are optimistic about the future of the local aviation sector. Christoph Gartner, vice president of network planning for Philippine Airlines (PAL), highlights the Philippines’ strong economic growth, rising middle class and strategic location as key ingredients for continued expansion.

“So I think all the ingredients are there for the Philippine market to grow in the future,” Gartner said.

RETURN TO NORMAL GROWTH

Adding to the positive outlook, Anna Isabel Bengzon, PAL’s chief financial officer, projects a return to “normal growth” for the airline in 2024, anticipating a high single-digit passenger increase.

The flag carrier reported a net income of $379 million (P21 billion) last year, up 92 percent from $197

TOTAL AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC FOR 2023

19.6 million

Cebu Pacific Group

14.03 million PAL Group

Airlines ramp up expansion

TO capitalize on this momentum, local carriers are embarking on a massive fleet expansion to serve the anticipated rise in travel demand. PAL is progressively renewing its fleet, with orders for nine Airbus A350-1000s for North American routes (deliveries starting in 2025) and 13 Airbus A321neos for regional routes (deliveries from 2026 to 2029).

Additionally, they recently acquired an additional 777-300ER aircraft as a first step towards strengthening their long-haul capabilities.

Source: Civil Aeronautics Board

million (P11 billion) logged in 2022.

PAL’s total net revenues grew 27 percent from $2.6 billion (P139 billion) to $3.2 billion (P181 billion).

Rival Cebu Pacific of the Gokongwei family also said that the prospects for the airline industry in the Philippines remain promising.

The budget airline said the demand for air travel is projected to increase in the coming years, underpinned by infrastructure developments toward easing airport congestion and improving connectivity.

“This will be further supported by the

optimistic economic growth outlook for the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asia region,” it said.

“A return of the global aviation industry to normal growth patterns is expected in 2024. International recovery will still be a major focus for most Asia-Pacific airlines, with mainland China’s demand and traffic rebound considered as crucial factors toward the region’s return to prepandemic levels,” Cebu Pacific said.

Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao said Cebu Pacific expects to grow its capacity by 5 percent to 8 percent this year.

5.9 million

AirAsia Philippines

“We’re pretty confident in reaching the higher end of that growth projection in terms of overall capacity. Normally, we would grow our passenger count by maybe 1 or 2 points higher than capacity,” he said.

The budget airline posted a net income of P7.9 billion last year, a turnaround from the P14-billion net loss in 2022.

Cebu Pacific generated P90.6 billion in revenue in 2023, a 60-percent increase from the previous year.

Ricky Isla, chief executive of AirAsia Philippines, said the airline would continue to strengthen its

Cebu Pacific is also poised for fleet expansion as they are currently in talks with Airbus and Boeing for a potential $12 billion order of 150 aircraft.

Throughout 2023, the airline actively increased their fleet size by taking delivery of 18 new aircraft, enhancing their operational resilience and capacity. This year, they’ve already taken delivery of their third brand new Airbus A321neo.

AirAsia Philippines is another player joining the expansion race. Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes, the company’s CEO, pledged a $1 billion investment to grow their Philippine operations. Their plan involves increasing their aircraft fleet from 23 to 50, with the inclusion of wide-body aircraft for longer-haul destinations.

domestic presence this year while leveraging on its strong route network across Asean and beyond.

“The full return of our pre pandemic fleet this 2024 is seen to optimize flight frequency, re-activate previously shelved destinations, and open more international routes that will satisfy the travel needs of our guests,” Isla said.

Isla earlier said AirAsia Philippines plans to reactivate its entire fleet in the third quarter of the year as it reopens more domestic and international routes

PAL bares wishlist for privatized NAIA under San Miguel Group ATI sets P2.7b capex in 2024

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has outlined its wishlist to San Miguel Group, the winning bidder for the privatization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which includes connectivity and digitalization of the airport.

“First of all is the connectivity of all terminals. This will significantly improve passenger convenience.

. Imagine not having to leave the airport entirely to catch a connecting flight at another terminal. That’s our number one wish,” Capt. Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer said.

The PAL executive also wants to improve the efficiency of the air traffic control at NAIA that can significantly reduce the fuel consumption.

Beyond connectivity, Ng emphasizes the importance of airport digitalization. He mentioned facial recognition, biometrics,

and streamlined terminal entry as potential areas for improvement. These digital solutions could expedite security checks and overall passenger processing.

Ng also said that PAL is working with various government stakeholders, San Miguel Group and other airlines to achieve a more efficient and passenger-centric NAIA.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier awarded the 171 billion contract to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to SMC SAP Company Consortium.

The SMC SAP Group, which is formed by San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc. and Incheon International Airport Corp. had offered a highest bid of 82.16 percent revenue share to

the government at the opening of financial proposals for NAIA.

SMC president Ramon Ang earlier vowed to improve air conditioning, elevators, walkalators, escalators as well as boarding bridges at NAIA.

Ang added that the consortium will address the problems in the airport’s power system by fixing its generators, capacitors, and wiring

He also said that the SMC Group will build a new passenger terminal building that can handle 35 million passengers annually with 50 concourse boarding bridges. “It will add 30 percent more space in our existing terminals 1, 2 and 3,”Ang said. At present, NAIA is operating beyond its designed capacity of 35 million passengers, clogging air traffic and causing frequent flight delays.

PPA reports over 2-million passengers during Holy Week

Oriental/Siquijor (183,963) and PMO Bohol (178,726). Other PMOs that gathered the greatest number of passenger traffic includes PMO Davao, MarinduqueQuezon, Surigao, Bicol and Western Leyte/Biliran. The huge number of passengers based on the data collected during the said period is a reflection of more individuals utilizing maritime transport services after the pandemic, reaffirming the critical role of the PPA in ensuring efficient and secure port transportation during peak travel season. PPA general manager Jay Santiago commends the recently concluded over-all peaceful and safe exodus of

(213,036),

(212,515),

(205,704), PMO

passengers during the Holy Week period, a testament to the robust planning and execution by the authority a month earlier than the peak season.

Despite the success of the port operations, PPA is not exempted to some challenges encountered during the Holy Week exodus that were swiftly addressed by the agency’s personnel. In particular, issues such as inadequate online booking or advance booking were identified and managed to ensure smooth operations.

Furthermore, the PPA responded

ASIAN Terminals Inc. said it is set to invest an estimated P2.7 billion in 2024, aligning with its growth strategy and commitment to the Philippine port authorities.

“The capital investment will support the expansion of seaside and landside facilities, acquisition of more modern and greener equipment to boost its carbon reduction program, progression of its autogate infrastructure and other smart TI systems, and execution of integrated logistics solutions leveraged on ATI’s port infrastructure,” ATI said.

promptly to a bomb joke incident at Puerto Galera involving a 23-year-old woman en route to Batangas Port. PPA personnel went above and beyond their duty to assist the travelers heading to various provinces. In addition to ensuring orderliness at the ports, the PMOs also made preparations for passengers during the recent Holy Week. For instance, PMO Lanao del Norte not only distributed Easter eggs but also PPA Lugaw to passengers waiting for their trip. Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX promotes road safety for children with ‘Ang Bida ng Kalsada’ picture book

IN A move to promote road safety awareness among children, NLEX Corporation launched a Filipinolanguage picture book titled “Ang Bida ng Kalsada” at the National Library of the Philippines.

“The ‘Ang Bida ng Kalsada Picture Book’ is our modest contribution and response to UNICEF’s

of caution, compassion, and cooperation,” she said.

“In line with its long-term sustainability, ATI explores new business growth drivers, including developing smart cargo storage spaces within and outside port zones, offering ancillary services anchored on its core competencies and exploring new port operations locally or overseas, given the right opportunity,” it added.

In 2023, ATI invested a total of P2.2 billion capital expenditures in line with its investment commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority. This includes the substantial completion of the Batangas Passenger Terminal Phase 2, expansion of existing port facilities, acquisition of additional modern equipment, implementation of smart IT systems as well as the construction of Cavite Barge Terminal which were completed in 2023.

The decrease in actual investment ni 2023 of P 2.2 billion versus plans for 2023 of P5.2 billion is mainly due to delay ni expansion projects such as Pier 3 Berth

cargo handling equipment (due to delay in Pier 3 Berth Extension).

Capt. Stanley Ng

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Jon Red pushes boundaries in new sexy thriller ‘Stag’

DIRECTOR Jon Red returns with Stag, a new film exploring themes similar to his previous works, but with a fresh twist. Red credits the film’s collaborative and fun atmosphere for allowing him more creative freedom than ever before.

“Working on Stag was a breath of fresh air,” Red says. “I had the freedom to really play with the material without losing sight of the core story.”

Lizzo clarifies ‘I Quit’ statement

By Abigail Adriatico

AMERICAN rapper and singer Lizzo took to Instagram to clarify a previous statement where she said she was quitting. In a video posted on her official account, the pop sensation emphasized she wasn’t abandoning her music career.

“I just need to clarify [that] when I say I quit, I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention. What I’m not gonna quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting with people ‘cause I know I’m not alone,” said Lizzo.

Lizzo acknowledged she wasn’t alone in facing negativity. “I hope to inspire at least one person in a similar situation to stand up for themselves,” she said. She concluded by expressing gratitude for the support and vowing to keep moving forward.

“With that being said, I’m going to keep moving forward. I’m going to keep being me,” said Lizzo.

Previously, Lizzo expressed frustration with public negativity, a sentiment not helped by a lawsuit filed by three former backup dancers alleging sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, and weight shaming. While some claims were dismissed, the case is ongoing.

Lizzo is known for her hit songs like “About Damn Time,” “Good As Hell,” and “Truth Hurts.” She has also received several accolades for her work from

While the film retains the intimacy of Red’s previous projects, he promises a more intense experience.

“There’s nudity given the platform where it’s streaming,” Red admits, “But it’s all done in a natural way that serves the story. I worked closely with the actors to understand their comfort levels and create powerful performances within those boundaries.”

Red emphasizes the film’s visual storytelling. “It’s a very visual experience,” he says, “but we haven’t sacrificed emotional depth. The audience will be with the characters, feeling everything they feel.”

Stag follows the story of Leon (Gold Aceron) who has been in a stable relationship with Ara (Arah Alonzo). But the two haven’t tied the

knot, and Leon still has no plans of committing to his girlfriend. This has been an issue, not only for the two of them but also for their close friends and relatives.

On the other hand, Leon’s best friend, Carl (Aerol Carmelo), is getting married, and Leon and their group of friends prepare a stag party for him. On the way to the party, Leon gets lost and crashes his car in a remote area.

Out of nowhere, a young and attractive girl named Lara (Denise Esteban) comes to help Leon and invites him to their mansion to pass the time while his car is getting fixed by a mechanic. Leon meets the rest of Lara’s family, and they serve Leon delicious homecooked meals and good wine. But despite their hospitality, there’s something very odd with

BEFORE they swooned audiences as the unlikely yet lovable tandem of Snoop and Irene in the hit primetime series Can’t Buy Me Love , Anthony Jennings and Maris Racal have etched their name under the limelight for their acting prowess

their whole family.

Leon spends the night at the mansion, and in his sleep, he dreams about Ara and him doing their sensual and wildest fantasies to each other, but as he wakes up, Leon is shocked to see Lara making a move at him. Unknown to Leon, this is only one of the many bizarre and unsettling things that will happen to him inside that strange and eerie mansion.

Will Leon realize the kind of nightmare that he’s in? And when he does, how will he escape this secluded place?

“The film is a representation, a microcosm of the real world. It’s a surreal film,” says Red. Stag, which streams today exclusively on Vivamax, also stars Allan Paule, Yda Manzano, and Jaime Fabrigas

Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings

From solo successes to onscreen sweethearts

with their previous onscreen portrayals—and as a treat to all SnoRene fans, iWantTFC, the home of Filipino stories, features their notable shows for them to enjoy on-demand and for free.

Prior to her impeccable portrayal as a spoiled socialite in Irene Tiu,

Maris has been known to many for her diverse acting range, making her stand out in various genres, whether comedy, romance, drama, or horror. To fully immerse in Maris’ total-package acting chops, viewers can watch some of her best titles on iWantTFC. Relive Maris’ role as a techsavvy millennial looking to make a name for herself in social media in I’m Ellenya L. Then, get a glimpse of her as the “Bitter Hopia” when it comes to love in the hugot-fest iWantTFC original The Goodbye Girl, and be spooked with her portrayal in the 2017 slasher film Bloody Crayons Meanwhile, Anthony has proven himself as an up-and-coming actor in the industry. Before becoming known as the well-loved wacky

Gerard Butler races against the end of the world in ‘Greenland’

ACCLAIMED actor Gerard Butler straps on his metaphorical armor for Greenland , a gripping sci-fi disaster film that premieres today. The film throws Butler into a harrowing scenario – a world teetering on the brink of annihilation. A deadly comet hurtles towards Earth, leaving governments scrambling and families fractured with fear. Butler portrays John Garrity, a structural engineer thrust into the ultimate test: protecting his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin) and young son amidst global chaos.

Faced with societal breakdown and the relentless approach of the comet, their journey becomes a harrowing race against time. The family’s desperate quest for safety leads them to a last-minute opportunity for salvation, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of an impending global apocalypse. “Rather than the typical kind of action movie where you’re focusing on the bigger thing,

rakitero Snoop Manansala, he made his presence felt with his previous portrayals that audiences can stream anytime on iWantTFC. Among his featured titles streaming on-demand is the youthoriented iWantTFC original Tara, G! where he plays Rocky, the charming and ambitious leader of his barkada who whole-heartedly helps his town’s coffee business get back on track. Viewers can also relive more of his comedic chops in the iWantTFC anthology series Touch Screen and his actionpacked role in the primetime action series The Iron Heart Catch Maris and Anthony’s captivating performances for free on the iWantTFC app (iOS and Android) and its official website (iwanttfc.com).

the comet, that’s almost in the background… I felt like the themes in the movie, that it was incredibly emotional and fraught and it’s just this family going through hell… It wasn’t your typical hero who’s going up there to punch the comet in the face,” Butler spoke of how the film focuses on personal stories rather than the apocalyptic background.

“This is just a simple man and a family. The hero here is almost the family unit themselves. The mother is the hero, the son is the hero. And sometimes heroism is literally just fighting enough to survive. So I really enjoy the subtleties and it took me by surprise,” he added. Greenland starts streaming today on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home.

Jon Red’s ‘Stag’ stars Gold Aceron (left) and Arah Alonzo as lovers

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Makeup brand tackles gender-based violence

By Abigail Adriatico

WOMEN’S Month is traditionally dedicated to empowering women in a world historically geared towards men. While the festivities celebrate womanhood, they also offer a platform for important, often-overlooked conversations concerning women’s rights and experiences.

This year, beauty brand Avon took the celebration a step further. Its launch of a new makeup line coincided with a panel discussion aimed at shedding light on the critical issue of gender-based violence, which continues to plague women around the world.

The speakers for the panel discussion included representatives from Avon’s partner organizations which were Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE) Executive Director Onna Rhea C. Quizo and Lynn Pinugu, co-founder of Mano Amiga Philippines and She Talks Asia. Also gracing the discussion were social media personality Mimiyuuuh and pageant queen Pauline Amelinckx

Throughout the discussion, the ladies expounded on the various kinds of gender-based violence that unfortunately occurs all over the world. According to Quizo, the most common type that occurs in the Philippines is violence against women, and the four categories under this were physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse.

“For us at GWAVE, usually our highest case is usually psychological abuse but that is because a lot of women when they go to us, they don’t have enough evidence to file for physical abuse because every time they were physically abused

BEAUTY queens shone brightly in their colorful ballgowns during a starstudded Mardi Gras evening party and cover-launching event for the latest issue of Profiles Asia Magazine, held recently at North Forbes Pavilion in Makati City. The latest issue of the magazine features 53-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist Eimee Cragun, crowned Elite Mrs. Universe Official 2023 in October.

Over the past decade, Profiles Asia Magazine has continued to expand its coverage, featuring a wide array of inspiring stories and personalities to further enhance its content.

The event was graced by Mrs. Universe Philippines national director Charo Laude, Noble Queen of the Philippines national director Sheralene Shirata, Mrs. Asia Pacific Tourism 2018 Mitzy Go-Gil, Mrs. Universe Philippines 2023 Arlene Damot, Mrs. Asia Pacific Global 2019 Avon Morales, along with Aficionado CEO Joel Cruz, and fashion designers Bench Bello, John Guarmes, and California-based Emily Sy

*

* * MUPh calls for support against cyberbullying

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPh) condemned all forms of cyberbullying targeting the organization, delegates, and anyone involved with the pageant. This includes bullying, threats, and derogatory comments on their social media platforms. MUPh recognizes the lasting mental and physical harm cyberbullying can inflict on delegates.

To combat this, MUPh will actively monitor their platforms, deleting offensive comments and blocking repeat offenders. They call for public support to end the normalization of cyberbullying and will pursue legal action under the Anti-Cybercrime Law (Republic Act No. 10175) for documented cases.

AWARD-WINNING news

The panel discussion delves into the importance of supporting survivors of gender-based violence through creating safe spaces

in the past, they had no one to turn to and they try to hide it,” said Quizo. Pinugu pointed out that the Philippines has some of the best laws and regulations in the world when it comes to gender-based violence but it is hindered by its implementation as well as the country’s culture.

“I think what we’re really fighting against is culture [like the normalization] of the culture of abuse… for some industries, some people… they’ve accepted that [abuse is] a fact of life and that’s so wrong,” said Pinugu.

Mimiyuuuh pointed out the presence of victim-blaming in the country which has allowed certain issues such as violence against women to continue for the longest time.

Kaya parang hindi na-e- end yung cycle because hindi natin ginagawang… accountable yung mga abuser so I think that’s the culture that we really need to end right now,” said Mimiyuuuh.

“It’s important for us to also believe when a person or a victim or survivor rather, comes up and speaks up with her story and with [the] collective help of different people, that story can make a difference and that cycle can then end. We need to be able to realize… [that] safe spaces don’t just exist. They are created by us and we all have a part in creating those safe spaces for people to feel free to speak out and shine bright,” said Amelinckx.

In support of the efforts made towards mitigating the issue of gender-based violence, Avon announced that a portion of each sale of the Hydramatic Shine Lipstick from its new Makeup +Care range will be donated to the beauty brand’s partner charities that aim to help survivors of such acts.

Avon’s new makeup line includes hydrating lipsticks as well as serum foundations which have active skincare ingredients that treat and protect one’s skin in an instant and in the long run. The Make-up +Care range’s lipsticks have the world’s first matte lipstick that has a patented hydrating core which allows lips to stay moisturized. The hydramatic shine lipstick line has 10 shades while the hydramatic matte line has 12. The makeup line also has a new 3-in-1 skin-improving foundation which has five shades. The #SpeakOutShineBright with Make-up That Treats You Well event was held on March 7 at the Powerplant Mall in Makati.

this 2024. She has also been an integral part of GMA Integrated News’ special reports and coverage on various national and global concerns.

Gozon underscored Tiangco’s undeniable contribution to Philippine media.

“Mel Tiangco was already accomplished and popular before she joined Channel 7 in 1996, 28 years ago. But since then, her skills as a news anchor, particularly on the top-rated program 24 Oras, have only improved. Today, fondly known as Tita Mel, she’s not just an icon but an institution,” the top executive says.

Duavit likewise praised Tiangco’s credibility and commitment to delivering top-notch news and unwavering public service.

“I’ve known Mel for years, and hearing her colleagues’ messages reminds me of her exceptional qualities. She’s gifted, kind, and dedicated to her work. She’s an inspiration not only to her colleagues but also to me. Thank you for being who you are and what you’ve become. We’re inspired and motivated by you, knowing we have Mel Tiangco as a Kapuso,” says Duavit.

Yalong, on the other hand, praised Tiangco for humility throughout the years.

“I’ve known Mel since our previous station.

Negotiating with her was smooth, like a casual chat. She’s the country’s most credible journalist, as even the late Mike Enriquez would confirm,” he shares.

Amoroso likewise thanked Tiangco for being an inspiration to the GMA Integrated News team.

“GMA Integrated News is grateful for your dedication, from our work in the GMA Kapuso Foundation to our current collaboration.

You’ve remained a pillar of

Magpakailanman

others via the network’s socio-civic arm Kapuso Foundation where she currently serves as its ambassador and special adviser.

Why P3,500 was enough to build a beauty empire

Random Talk

Kate Adajar

A“NAK , you know I’m a very proud Mama because I have a child like you,” Pacita Anicoche beamed with pride last year as she gave a quick speech for her daughter Rhea Anicoche-Tan

“Continue to be a blessing to others especially those in need,” the 71-year-old proud mom added.

In January 2023, Rhea, President and Chief Executive Officer, unveiled the building that now serves as the main headquarters of her company Beautéderm Corporation in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The establishment is also home to Rhea’s other businesses –A-List Avenue, Beautéhaus, AK Studios, and Beauté Beanery.

Beautéderm’s story shines with constant sparks of love, passion, and determination. This is the story of how a beauty empire was built from a starting capital of 3,500 pesos and a set of invaluable teachings learned at home. Rhea has fond memories of her loving late father but it is her mom who has witnessed and inadvertently guided her daughter’s growth as a go-getter and entrepreneur. Without a doubt, Pacita is instrumental in Rhea’s success.

As I delve into Rhea’s journey, I discover how she has been guided by three paramount virtues her mother instilled in her. I recall Mama Pacing saying, “I love you, anak. Keep on working hard and do not forget the three things that I am always telling you – the 3Hs.”

Humility

In the heartfelt speech, Pacita shared insights into her daughter’s character, describing her as an achiever, a dreamer, and a leader, even as a young kid and she was always inspired by her favorite news anchor (now Beautéderm ambassador), Korina Sanchez Early on in life, Rhea learned the value of humility.

Rhea’s humble beginnings, coupled with her mother’s guidance, taught her the value of staying grounded and approachable regardless of success. This humility has allowed Rhea to navigate the competitive beauty industry with grace. It has also empowered her to not feel jealous when other people’s plates are fuller than hers.

“I do not have the time to be envious when the grass is greener somewhere else. I take the situation as an inspiration to replicate the same success,” Rhea said. “My mom taught me to be grateful even for the smallest things, to not hold grudges, and to have faith in God,” Rhea added, joking about how her mom almost

became a nun.

Hard Work

“Work hard and do not forget,” Pacita advised her daughter, putting a premium on hard work as a non-negotiable trait for success. Rhea’s journey from starting Beautéderm with modest capital to unveiling its headquarters in Angeles, Pampanga, is a vivid illustration of her relentless dedication and hard work. Her mother’s teachings underscored that success requires more than just dreams; it demands a commitment to excellence. Rhea’s then-and-now photos of her first beauty sets and store location are sources of inspiration. Rhea’s journey is replete with challenges, from product development to expanding her market reach. Yet, it is her hard work, deeply ingrained by her mother’s wisdom, that propelled Beautéderm into the beauty brand it is today. Through her dedication, Rhea has proven that obstacles can be overcome and that with enough effort, the smallest seed of a dream can flourish into reality.

Honesty

The final virtue, honesty, has been the cornerstone of Rhea’s business philosophy as Pacita described. She emphasized the significance of honesty not just as a moral principle but as the bedrock of trust and integrity in business.

Cutie on the road

Arion Crosby is a rising superstar on the kart racing track

By Nickie Wang

ARION Crosby is a name to watch in the world of kart racing. This 14-year-old Filipino racer is quickly becoming a rising star in this field, living up to his moniker, “Superstar.”

While his good looks – a dead ringer for young Richard Gomez and Gab Valenciano –could easily be his ticket to the world of show business, Arion’s focus is firmly on the track. He’s currently exploring opportunities that come his way, but his main priority is training and making a name for himself in kart racing.

Despite his skills behind the wheel, he has to wait a few years before hitting the road legally. “I’m excited to get my driver’s license,” Arion admits with a smile, hinting at his eagerness for future independence. “But for now, I don’t mind being behind the wheel competing.”

This April, Arion will be making his international debut, racing alongside the prestigious Resultado Racing Team in Pattaya, Thailand. According to Arion, joining the team is an important step in his young career, and he hopes to use his platform to revive interest

In an industry where skepticism is common, Rhea’s commitment to honesty is much appreciated. Her transparency in product development, marketing, and customer relations has cultivated a loyal following, with customers trusting Beautéderm not only for its quality but also for the values it represents.

Legacy of Love and Learning

Based on observation, another H has been evident in Rhea’s ascent in the beauty industry. As she continues to lead and expand her business, Rhea carries forward the legacy of her mother’s teachings in her heart. This is a beautiful reminder of the power of maternal wisdom and of course, love.

The story of how a modest investment blossomed into a thriving empire that provides employment serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating that with the right values and perseverance, any dream is attainable.

In reflecting on her journey, Rhea acknowledges the pivotal role her mother played in shaping not only the CEO she has become but the person she is today. It is a testament to the belief that behind every successful individual is a foundation of love, support, and lessons along the way.

Beyond a strong foundation, Rhea’s success is hugely based on taking action. Rhea lovingly reminded me, “Always operate with good intentions.”

in kart racing within the Philippines.

“I believe the sport can teach valuable lessons about discipline and focus to young people. I started kart racing when I was five years old,” Arion says.

“It’s helped me develop a sense of caution and focus, which is important not only on the track but also in life. It also teaches me how to manage my time between studying and training.”

Arion’s commitment is evident. He recently relocated to the Philippines from the United States and balances his studies as an eighth grader with rigorous training. And his dedication has paid off. In 2023, he was named the International Junior Karter of the Year, solidifying his status as a top talent.

“Winning this award was a dream come true,” Arion says. “It required a lot of hard work, and I’m grateful for the support of my family, team, sponsors,

and fans.” Arion’s impressive list of achievements includes consecutive wins at the Rotax Max Challenge Philippine Series. His dedication and talent have earned him the respect of his peers and a growing fan base.

“I’m proud to have Arion on the team,” says Resultado Racing Team Principal and Owner Theo Zaragoza. “Winning the next race is a strong possibility. Arion is very focused and disciplined.” Inspired by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, Arion dreams of following in his footsteps. He aspires to see more facilities built in the Philippines to give young people a chance to experience the excitement of kart racing, a sport that enjoyed immense popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s.s Arion’s ultimate goal? “I’m aiming to be the first Filipino to reach Formula 1,” he declares confidently.

Arion Crosby’s booming racing career continues as he joins the Resultado Racing Team in Thailand

Arion aims to be the first Filipino to race in the prestigious Formula 1

The racing prodigy bags a podium finish at the Rotax Max Challenge Philippine Series Arion (right) with his mother Champion Bodybuilder Gemmalyn Bonghanoy-Crosby

Beautéderm President and Chief Executive Officer Rhea Anicohe-Tan (left) with celebrity endorser Piolo Pascual

Pacita Anicoche (back) plays a big role in Rhea’s success Entrepreneur Rhea Anicoche-Tan’s business endeavors have been guided by the values imparted by her mother