Manila Standard - 2024 April 12 - Friday

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippines is poised to receive a $100-billion (P5.65 trillion) windfall of investments from both the United States and Japan in the next 5 to 10 years, which will be announced at the opening of their historic trilateral meeting at the US capital on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

By Darwin G. Amojelar

By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz

ON THE eve of the Philippines-USJapan trilateral summit, two leading US senators on Wednesday introduced a bipartisan bill to provide Manila with an additional $2.5 billion (P141.3 billion) to boost its defenses against Chinese pressure.

Republican Bill Hagerty -- a former ambassador to Japan -- and Democrat

Next page

improved defense ties between the treaty allies under President Marcos, whose predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had sought warmer ties with China.

The bill requires the US Secretary of State, in coordination with the Pentagon, to submit an annual spending plan to Congress on how the USgovernment would spend the grant and an annual report on steps taken to enhance the US-Philippines defense relationship.

Tim Kaine filed a bill authorizing $500 million (P28.3 billion) a year in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to the Philippines over five fiscal years to 2029.

In 2022, the United States said it was making $100 million (P5.65 billion) in FMF available to the Philippines, underscoring greatly

By Rio N. Araja

TRANSPORT groups Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan

The latter would include a description of the capabilities needed tomodernize Philippine defense capabilities. Hagerty's office said areas could include coastal defense, long-range fires, integrated air defenses, maritime security, manned and unmanned aerial systems,mechanized ground

WASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled their countries' biggest ever upgrade in defense ties Wednesday during a White House state visit focused on countering a resurgent China. Biden rolled out the red carpet for Kishida with a lavish dinner, plus music by US singer Paul Simon, as he underscored Japan's importance as a key ally against Beijing in the AsiaPacific region.

“We cannot afford what you (government) are talking about consolidation. We cannot afford what you say is a modern minibus," Manibela president Mar Valbuena said.

"Those who are calling for the modernization of the traditional

ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) on Thursday threatened to go on a two-day transport strike starting April 15 to protest the April 30 deadline for the consolidation of franchises under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

$100-b...

From A1 Romualdez said: “We’re talking about $100 billion in investments in the next 5-10 years. Perhaps 5 years will be more appropriate because we have a lot of areas where we are putting ourselves.”

“A lot of these investments are mostly in the semiconductor industry… and also in the area of energy,” the envoy said.

“The energy exploration, which involves the West Philippine Sea, is part and parcel of what we are looking at to bump up our energy requirements,

Biden,...

From A1

The two leaders even agreed that a Japanese astronaut will be the first non-American to walk on the Moon, as they sought to take the alliance to new heights.

"This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden, 81, told a press conference with Kishida in the White House Rose Garden.

The two leaders unveiled plans to restructure the US military command in Japan, the biggest such change since the 1960s. The move is aimed at making US and Japanese forces nimbler in the event of threats, such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The United States, Japan and Australia would also launch a joint aird-

#ANONGBALITA?

which are increasing every year,” Romualdez added.

Mr. Marcos is also expected to meet with Biden in a separate bilateral meeting, as well as several American businessmen.

Romualdez said American energy firm Ultra Safe is also planning to supply small nuclear power plants in the country.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo would host a discussion with her counterparts from the Philippines and Japan to enhance the trilateral maritime cooperation, trade, and investments of the three countries, according to White House National Security Communications

efense network, while Britain would take part in military exerciseswith Washington and Tokyo.

However, Beijing said on Thursday the US and Japan had "smeared andattacked" China during their summit.

In response to a question on Kishida's visit and the upgrade in ties, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the United States and Japanhad "smeared and attacked China on Taiwan and maritime issues, grosslyinterfered in China's internal affairs, and seriously violated the basic norms governing international relations".

Mao said China was "strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this and has lodged solemn representations with relevant parties".

"The US-Japan relationship should not target or harm other countries'interests, and should not undermine regional peace and stability," she said.

A joint statement issued at the White House said the two sides wantedto

‘Bawal wang-wang’: Marcos bans sirens for gov’t

TWO administrations ago, the phrase “bawal ang wang-wang” was in vogue. Now, President Marcos has again prohibited government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling or flashing devices while on the road to prioritize the welfare of the public.

Administrative Order No. 18, signed by the President before he left for the US, addresses the widespread issue of unauthorized and indiscriminate use of such devices, which has led to traffic disruptions and compromised road safety.

“All government officials and personnel are hereby prohibited from utilizing sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that produceexceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, or other similar signaling or flashing devices,”

Mr. Marcos stated in his order.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin endorsed the AO on March 25, 2024, and its implementation starts

vehicles

immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. President Marcos emphasized that any unauthorized or improper use ofsignaling or flashing devices by government officials and employeeswill be addressed following applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Exemptions to the order include emergency vehicles such as those belonging to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, fire trucks,hospital ambulances, and other vehicles designated for emergency response purposes.

"In this light, all government officials and personnel are herebyreminded that use of sirens, dome lights, blinkers, and other similardevices shall only be under exigent or emergency circumstances or situations or to ensure the expedient and safe passage of emergency responders," Mr. Marcos added. Charles Dantes.

Senator’s SUV caught using EDSA Busway

ANOTHER politician flexing his privilege on the road?

Authorities on Thursday flagged down a black sports utility vehicle with a protocol plate “7” assigned to senators for using the exclusive EDSA Busway in Mandaluyong City.

However, the SUV sped away after the driver handed over a license to a member of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) who apprehended the vehicle.

The presence of a senator on board was not confirmed by members of the media who were present during the operation.

Advisor John Kirby.

President Marcos on Wednesday flew to the United States to participate in the landmark trilateral meeting with the United States and Japan, which would also iron out the agreement between the three nations regarding peace and security in the West Philippine Sea.

"This is essentially an agreement between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines on cooperation in terms of maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. That is the essence of it," the President told reporters before leaving for Washington. Mr. Marcos emphasized ongo-

upgrade their "command and control frameworks to enable seamless integration of operations and capabilities".

The United States has around 54,000 military personnel in Japan, but they currently report to Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, around 6,500kilometres (4,000 miles) away and a time zone 19 hours behind Tokyo.

The new framework will allow for greater "interoperability and planning" between the two countries' forces, the statement said, although details are yet to be finalized.

They said they plan to boost cooperation in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance as well as cybersecurity.

Peace and stability'

For his part, Kishida hailed the Japan-US alliance as crucial for upholding peace and democracy in the region, where China has been increasingly assertive.

He called for "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait -- butalso

More...

From A1

This was lower than the 2.47 million and 2.15 million unemployed individuals in February 2023 and January 2024, respectively.

The employment rate, on the other hand, went up to 96.5 percent, from 95.2 percent in the same month of the previous year and 95.5 percent in January 2024.

In terms of levels, the number of employed persons was registered at 48.95 million, higher than the recorded number of employed persons in February 2023 at 48.80 million and in January 2024 at 45.94 million.

The country’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) in February stood at 64.8 percent, lower than the recorded LFPR in February 2023 at 66.6 percent, but higher than the January 2024 LFPR at 61.1 percent.

ing discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US Vice President Harris in Jakarta last September, and trilateral talks among foreign ministers and national security advisers last year. The President said he would prioritize enhancing economic ties among the Philippines, Japan, and the US to foster resilience and security.

"I intend to explore ways of advancing cooperation, especially in the areas of critical infrastructure, semiconductors, digitalization and cybersecurity, critical minerals, renewable energy, as well as defense and maritime cooperation,” Mr. Marcos said.

took aim at Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. "Ukraine today, maybe East Asia tomorrow," he said.

Biden insisted that the military upgrade in China's backyard was "purely defensive" but has made no bones about his desire to create alliances to counter China.

On Thursday, Biden will host the first trilateral summit between Japan, the Philippines and the United States, to support Manila amid tensions with China in the South China Sea (see related story – Editors).

US officials said the broader boost in ties was also aimed at reassuring allies of long-term support even if Donald Trump beats Biden in November's US presidential election.

The pomp-filled state visit for Kishida was however also meant tounderscore the broader cultural and economic relations between two allied nations who were at war 80 years ago. AFP

in creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment to attract employment-generating investments. We will also continue to implement measures to address bottlenecks and expedite processes to realize investment pledges, particularly in priority sectors holding much promise, such as renewable energy and critical minerals," NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

He added that the Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee is currently managing the formulation of the medium- and longterm Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan.

US...

From A1

mobility vehicles, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and defensive cybersecurity.

Meanwhile, the White House said Thursday (Manila time) that China need not “overreact” to the quadrilateral maritime exercise last weekend among the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press conference, White House National Security CommunicationsAdvisor John Kirby said the quadrilateral maritime cooperation in thePhilippines’ exclusive economic zone is “about freedom of navigation [and] adherence to international law.”

“I can’t speak for the PRC (People’s Republic of China) reaction, oneway or another, except to say there is no reason to overreact to this,” Kirby said.

“It’s about proving the simple point that we and our allies will fly,sail and operate wherever international law permits us to do and itdoes in the South China Sea, and we did,” he added.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the first-ever trilateralsummit is a tacit recognition of the leadership of President Marcos and his foreign policy stance of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

"This historic summit is an unequivocal recognition of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s leadership, bringing the Philippines to theforefront of regional cooperation and diplomacy,” said Romualdez, leader of the 309-strong House of Representatives.

“The outcomes of the trilateral summit affirm our country's commitmentto fostering strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with key allies like the United States and Japan," he added.

Biden's three-way meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Marcos follows repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the hotly contested waterway.

"President Marcos is coming under pressure from the PRC's aggressive tactics," a senior US administration official told reporters, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

"What you'll see is a clear demonstration of support and resolve from both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Marcos."

The three countries are expected to announce new joint naval exercisesalong with Australia, like drills they had in the region at theweekend, officials said. They are also set to unveil new economic cooperation measures.

Ranking members of the House also declared that the historic summit serves as a compelling call for international solidarity in upholding a rules-based order.

The SAICT team has been deployed to assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in apprehending motorists using the exclusivebus lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and to help regulate traffic in other parts of the metropolis.

The Department of Transportation reminds motorists that onlyauthorized buses with a permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are allowed to pass through the EDSA busway.

Authorized vehicles such as service vehicles that assist in the busway project, construction, security, janitorial, maintenance, and people who will do or repair the busway are also permitted. . Joel Zurbano

In addition to the SUV, the SAICT also apprehended four cars with a "Pulisya" marking, which were discovered not responding to an emergency or a legitimate police operation.

Pacquiao’s son sells his shoes for P850,000

MICHAEL Pacquiao has sold a pair of his father Manny’s shoes to popular vlogger Boss Toyo for P850,000 – after asking as much as P3.8 million for both the shoes and a pair of gloves gifted to the legendary boxer and ex-senator by the World Boxing Council.

Boss Toyo, a rap artist whose real name is Jayson Luzadas, has hookedFilipinos with his vlog series "Pinoy Pawnstars", where he buys items owned by celebrities and other prominent personalities.

In the latest episode of his show on YouTube, which Boss Toyo and his wife consider to be their most memorable so far, Michael Pacquiao walked in with the Air Max 90 shoes that Nike made just for the boxer, ABS-CBN Online reported.

According to Michael, his dad wore the one-of-a-kind pair during weigh-ins with Floyd Mayweather Jr., as well as during promotions, and post-fight interviews after he

was proclaimed an 8-division champion. The second item was a case containing green and gold boxing gloves which, Michael shared, was a gift to the “Pacman” by the WBC. He said his mom Jinkee gave the items to him as they had no more space for them at home.

Michael initially offered to sell his father's shoes for P3 million and valued the gloves at P800,000. The amount dropped to P2 millionafter an exchange with Boss Toyo, who then sought the advice of sneaker expert Big Boy Cheng.

In their video call, also shown in the vlog, Big Boy Cheng placed a value of $10,000 or around P550,000 on Pacquiao's shoes. Acknowledging that it could easily double in value when put up for auction abroad,

Boss Toyo said he was willing to buy the shoes for more than P550,000, but not for P3 million.

In a separate statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the government remains firm in prioritizing peoplecentered policies and attracting job-creating investments to support the continued improvement of the Philippine labor market so as to enable Filipinos to earn higher wages from better jobs.

"The government remains resolute

Pasig...

From A1

this ruling on April 11: “After consideration of the arguments brought forth by the parties, the court finds the Motion to Defer/Suspend Proceedings and Hold in Abeyance Issuance of Warrant of Arrest to be a prohibited motion and should therefore be denied.”

Quiboloy earlier asked the Pasig City RTC to defer and suspend its proceedings on the human trafficking case against him "pending the resolution by the Secretary of Justice of their Motion for Reconsideration."

The Pasig RTC, however, said that the reason cited by Quiboloy is not a ground for suspending the arraignment under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules of the Court.

The order reads: "Clearly, from the foregoing, there is no basis for this court to suspend the proceedings by reason of the filing of a motion for reconsideration on the Resolution of the petition for review before the De-

Manibela,...

From A1

jeepneys that are sturdy, wellmaintained and Filipino-made... you who are complaining, you are not taking a public ride," he added. Piston said the deadline must be set aside due to a pending injunction petition against the PUVM at the Supreme Court. "The series of hearings of the

"We also recognize that the fasttracked implementation of the government's infrastructure flagship projects, housing program, and recovery of the tourism sector contributed to positive employment outcomes," said Balisacan. Balisacan added that the government will revisit the existing policy governing alternative work modes, such as the Telecommuting Act, and adapt it to the evolving work landscape to address the growing preference for remote work.

"The government will explore enhancing the potential of part-time work to help promote lifelong learning. A framework for part-time work and similar set-ups can allow workers to retool or upskill without leaving the workforce," he said.

partment of Justice as this is not one of the grounds stated under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure.” The RTC also said, "This court, after personally examining the information and its supporting document, finds probable cause for the arrest of all the accused. Let warrants of arrest be issued against them.”

The Pasig City court stressed that it cannot desist from acting on the case in the absence of any restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court.

Aside from Quiboloy, also subject of the arrest warrant are Jackielyn W. Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada and Sylvia Cemañes.

Earlier on Thursday, Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreo, said the religious leader “is still in the Philippine territory” as authorities try to locate him due to a standing arrest warrant.

As such, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” is currently considered a fugitive.

PUVMP in the Chamber has not yet ended, and that our petition before the Supreme Court against it is still pending but the regime is hastening the seizure of the jobs of drivers and small operators," its statement read. According to Valbuena, about 30,000 jeepney drivers would join the protest in Metro Manila and 100,000 others in the provinces. He maintained only the House of Representatives has the power to revoke franchises.

Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said the meeting aimed to strengthen the enduring alliance among the three nations while emphasizing their shared commitment to international law and order.

“This momentous gathering not only symbolizes unity but also underscores the urgent need for global solidarity in preserving the rules-based international system. Like what our good Speaker Martin G.Romualdez said, such a system forms the cornerstone of lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across nations,” said Suarez.

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales said the trilateral meeting between the three great leaders served as a rallying cry for a rules-based order in the world and is especially important amid the rising tension in the heavily disputed West Philippine Sea.

“We all recognize that the WPS is a vital conduit for global trade, and it should remain that way,” Gonzales said.

The WPS facilitates an estimated $5 trillion worth of trade passing through its waters annually, accounting for over 60 percent of global maritime trade and 22 percent of total global trade.

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipeechoed Gonzales’ statement, saying it is important to focus on thefreedom of navigation in the WPS as an example of a rules-based world system. With AFP

Mody Floranda, Manibela president, said "what the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board released is that during January to Jan. 31 they are saying that our traditional jeepneys will still be allowed to travel but this is part of the LTFRB's procedure to send a summons to our operators and explain why did not comply with the issue of the government's modernization program," he said.

DOH buys 6m doses of vax for pertussis, to arrive July

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday disclosed that six million doses of pentavalent vaccine against pertussis and other diseases are due to arrive in Manila by July.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said pentavalent, a 5-in-1 vaccine, could be administered to children as young as six weeks old to curb pertussis or “whooping cough” incidents in the country.

Aside from pertussis, the pentavalent vaccine is also effective against diphtheria, tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type B, according to the DOH.

Herbosa announced earlier that there may be a shortage of pertussis vaccines by May as government stocks were running low at only 64,400 doses as of March 25.

To address the deficit, the DOH opted to procure an older type of vaccine called DPT which could only be used against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Herbosa admitted however, that the certificate of product registration of the DPT indicated it has already expired, requiring it to be registered once more at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

He said an additional three million doses of DPT vaccines had been ordered.

“Pag nakuha natin itong DPT, mapupunan ‘yung kakulangan natin from May, June, until July bago dumating [ang pentavalent].

Hindi naman siya shortage, ang tinatawag namin diyan, stock out (When we get these DPT vaccines, we will be able to fill the shortage of vaccines from May, June, until July, before the pentavalent vaccine arrives. It’s actually not a shortage, we call it a stock out,)” Herbosa said.

Navy helicopter crashes in Cavite, killing 2 pilots

TWO Philippine Navy (PN) pilots reportedly died Thursday in a helicopter crash close to a public market in Cavite City.

The fatalities were identified as Lt. Jan Kyle Borres and Ens. Izzah Taccad, both from the Naval Air Wing. The Robinson R22 aircraft was on a training flight when it went down in Cavite City at around 6 am, the Navy said in a statement. The victims were taken to the hospital but died from their injuries, the statement said. The Navy vowed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident

its kind in the Navy. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved loved ones. All necessary support will be extended to them,” Alcos added.

NFA ups palay buying price from farmers

By Othel V. Campos

“No stone will be left unturned as we endeavour to prevent this kind of accident from happening again,” said PN spokesman Cmdr. John Percie Alcos said. Alcos said the Robinson R-22 trainer helicopter with tail number NHT-421 tried to make an emergency landing, but crashed near the Cavite City public market at about 6 a.m.

Group eyes expanded tax breaks to include e-MCs

A THINK tank group says “it is time to bring the green” to Philippine roads by expanding current tax incentives to include two-wheeled electric vehicles.

“We commend the government’s issuance of Executive Order 12, which gives tariff incentives to importers of electric vehicles, but these have been limited to four-wheeled units which only affluent Filipinos can afford,” said Professor Victor Andres Manhit, president of the Stratbase Institute.

“Even the National Economic and Development Authority has recommended the amendment of the issuance to include the vehicles that more Filipinos can afford. It will also allow more to make a substantial contribution for the environment,” he added.

According to the Statista Research Department, motorcycle account for approximately

7.81 million registered vehicles in the country in 2022, making them the most popular vehicle type among Filipino motorists.

Experts foresee a growth surge in the electric vehicle industry if the EO is expanded as many sectors are clamoring for. The country’s EV fleet is seen to rise especially since e-motorcycles (MCs) generated over P3 billion in import tax without the incentives.

The Department of Energy (DOE) aims to increase the country’s EV fleet by 50 percent, or an additional 2.4 million units.

According to the DOE, using e-motorcycles is more efficient, as they only cost P0.34 and save 1.72 liters of fuel per kilometer compared to their gas-powered counterpart, which burns P1.20 per kilometer, which makes the e-motorcycles not only cheaper to run but also more eco-friendly.

The ill-starred chopper took off from Sangley Airport on a training flight with Borres and Taccad on board. The victims were taken to the hospital by responding teams from the Philippine Fleet and Naval Air Wing, “but it is unfortunate that they were not able to make it,” Alcos said. The downed chopper was the last of

The crash was the latest fatal training accident for the Philippine military.

Two Philippine Air Force pilots were killed in January 2023 when their Marchetti SF260 turboprop plane plunged into a rice field.

In June 2021, the military temporarily grounded its entire Black Hawk fleet after an S-70i helicopter crashed during a night-time training, killing all six on board.

“We still do not have the exact reason why they intended to land. That will be part of the thorough investigation,” Alcos said . With AFP

More areas likely to declare state of calamity amid El Niño—solon

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) should anticipate more areas in the country to be declared under a state of calamity due to drought and allot its Quick Response Fund (QRF) under this year’s calamity funds so that it can be immediately tapped and released to aid drought-hit farmers.

THE National Food Authority (NFA) announced on Thursday it has raised its buying prices for palay (unhusked rice) to a range of P23 to P30 per kilogram (kg) for dry palay and P17 to 23/kg for wet palay to encourage farmers to sell to the government.

The NFA admitted it still has a long way to go to build up buffer stocks in the face of potential rice supply concerns due to El Niñoinduced drought.

“Our current prices couldn’t compete with private traders. We need to incentivize farmers to keep planting rice and even expand their rice fields, especially with the harvest season nearing its end,” said Agriculture Secretary and NFA chairman Francisco Tiu Laurel.

The significant jump from September’s P19-P23 price range for dry palay and P16-P19 for wet palay was a decision that underwent much deliberation and discussion. Private traders currently offer P27 to P30 per kilo for dry palay, while retail rice prices range from P47 to P57 per kilo, depending on location and quality.

The DA asserted that the NFA has already procured some palay for buffer stocks, and aims to buy more before the harvest season ends in May.

The Rice Tariffication Law mandates the NFA to maintain a buffer stock equivalent to at least nine days of national rice consumption.

The NFA is nowhere near the mandated 330,000 metric tons (MT) of buffer inventory which is crucial for food security in case of emergencies.

The NFA cannot buy from outside sources due to an import restriction in the law.

Rep. Wilbert T Lee of AGRI party-list group made this statement as the local government of San Enrique town in Negros Occidental declared the municipality under a state of calamity following weeks of rising temperatures, dry weather conditions, and lack of rainfall.

A large chunk of the town’s 2,884.75-hec-

Floridablanca,

na ‘yon (We have to expect that in the coming weeks there will be more places that will declare a state of calamity due to extreme heat and drought. So the DA should make sure that the QRF is ready for release and download in their regional offices when the LGUs declare a state of calamity so that immediate aid can be given to the affected farmers in those areas),” Lee said.

PH, US air forces conduct joint exercise

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINES and United States Air Forces have conducted Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) as part of the Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 military exercise on April 11, at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Utilizing the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) FA-50 and the USAF’s F-16, the two air commands engaged in Flight Integration Training, aimed at enhancing pilot capabilities in aerial combat scenarios through tactical maneuvers and techniques.

BFM in Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 emphasizes collaborative learning and interoperability between the two air forces.

Pilots engage in defensive and offensive maneuvers, such as basic fighter maneuvers, air combat maneuvers, and tactical intercepts, to sharpen their skills and enhance combat readiness.

The initial phase of this year’s Cope Thunder PH will concentrate on Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and field exercises in air and ground operations.

This includes logistics and mission support planning and execution which are necessary in large force deployment.

This will prepare the PAF in its anticipated participation in Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia this coming July.

BI ships out Pokwang’s ex-partner

By Vito Barcelo

AMERICAN national Lee O’Brian, an ex-partner of comedienne Pokwang, has been deported for working in the country without a permit, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Pokwang, whose real name is Marietta Subong, previously filed a complaint against O’Brian for rendering work in different production companies without securing the required permits from BI and

Francisco Motors needs to address issues over route request‑ LTFRB

By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday clarified that the request of Francisco Motors for its “TsuperHero” program pilot implementation has been reviewed and was found to have several technical factors that must be addressed before granting the special permits.

Firstly, the agency cited the “proposed route Merry Homes, Caloocan City to Sta. Monica Shop and Ride Novaliches, Quezon City is not an existing route of CAZANOVA Transport Service Cooperative.” Francisco Motors said it intends to work with the CAZANOVA Transport Service Cooperative for its pilot implementation of the TsuperHero program.

The LTFRB said the existing routes are Cielito Homes-Nova via Camarin Road Quirino with 39 authorized units and Almar Subdivision-Gotesco Commonwealth via Regalado with 12 authorized units.

“As seen on the route map, the endpoint of the proposed route Sta. Monica Shop and Ride, Novaliches, Quezon City amounted to a modification of its original route,” it said.

“Memorandum Circular No. 2023037 provides for the Guidelines for the Amendment of Fixed Routes of PUVs in MUCEP Area. Inclusion of the proposed route to any initiatives, like the “TsuperHero Program” is not under any of the conditions specified in the Memorandum Circular,” it added.

Under the existing policy, special permits are issued by the Board once the proposed routes are opened through a memorandum circular as stated in the LTFRB’s Citizens Charter.

On Francisco Motor’s proposal to offer for free their modernized jeepneys to those under the TsuperHero program, the LTFRB found that Franciso Motors “do not have a certificate of compliance from the Department of Transportation.”

As far as the proposal of unlimited ride is concerned, the LTFRB noted “Francisco Motors does not have the authority to determine or prescribe the fares of the units to be used in the pilot implementation.”

DAR: Don’t pit PBBM against Digong on agrarian issues

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said the public should not pit President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte against each other on matters involving agrarian reform, following issues on the Ati tribe members in Boracay Island, Antique. “I just want to make it clear that the

past and the present Presidents have done a lot for the agrarian reform beneficiaries,” DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said. He said Duterte signed and issued Executive Order No. 75 of 2019 to cover unused government-owned lands directing all government agencies to turn over to DAR all government-owned farmlands and place them under the Comprehensive

Agrarian Reform Program coverage for distribution to landless farmers.

Under the Duterte administration, DAR implemented the Support for Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (Project SPLIT) funded by the World Bank.

The project involves the subdivision of collective certificates of land ownership award into individual land titles.

The DAR chief stressed the administration provided more funds to DAR to provide support services to the farmerbeneficiaries.

The Marcos administration also signed the New Agrarian Emancipation Act of 2023 or RA 11953 to condone the unpaid amortization, interest, surcharges and penalties of existing loans of farmers.

Comelec: 80% turnout via online

HB seeks protection of aviation workers’ rights

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Marissa Magsino of OFW partylist group

is pushing for the passage of a bill that seeks to uphold the rights and welfare of the country’s aviation professionals and workers.

Magsino said House Bill 10166, once enacted, shall provide protection to aviation professionals and workers as expressed in international instruments and domestic laws of the Philippines; as well as strengthen accountability of both the private and public sectors in the employment of aviation professionals and workers in the country; and maintain a sustainable pool of the aviation professionals and workers.”

Magsino, in her bill, stressed that “air transport plays a pivotal role in our economy, in our tourism initiatives, and also in labor migration.”

“However, the international aviation community anticipates a shortage of skilled aviation professionals and workers in the near future. Because of the rise of infrastructure, increase in passengers and flights, and overall globalization, there has also been a greater demand for aviation professionals in the country. In order to address this important issue, the government must take initiatives to ensure that enough qualified and competent aviation professionals and workers are available and willing to operate, manage and

maintain the future air transport system in the country. Hence, we need to put a premium on the plight of its professionals and workers, and ensure good working conditions and benefits for them,” she explained in the bill’s explanatory note.

HB 10166 aims to promote and improve the competitiveness, job security, and the socio-economic status of local aviation professionals and workers in the country, including the provision of humane working conditions, just and fair employment terms, and progressive career development, and to ensure a sustainable working pool of the aviation professionals and workers.

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) hopes to achieve a 70 percent to 80 percent overseas voter turnout for the 2025 midterm polls with the pilot implementation of internet voting.

“If we can reach 70 to 80 percent, that is already an achievement for us,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco told reporters on the sidelines of the demonstration of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) at the Comelec office in Manila.

This is a big jump from the 38 percent overseas voter turnout in the 2022 polls, with only around 600,000 of some 1.6 million registered overseas voters casting their votes.

“That was the highest in overseas voting history. But that remains low when compared to local voter turnout. This is why we want to increase this through internet voting,” Laudiangco said.

“We hope to have a similar turnout as the local elections, where we had 84 percent turnout in the last elections,” he added.

He said the OVCS will no longer require Filipinos abroad to physically go to Philippine posts or mail their ballots.

“They can cast their votes at the convenience of their home, workplace, sailors at sea, as long as they have internet connection and enrolled devices,” Laudiangco said.

The Comelec-Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) has declared the joint venture (JV) of SMS Global Technologies, Inc. & Sequent Tech Inc. as having the lowest calculated bid (LCB) for the OVCS at PHP112 million.

The project has an approved budget of PHP465.8 million. Meanwhile, the SMS-Sequent JV demonstrated on Thursday its internet voting system before the SBAC during the postqualification evaluation.

Laudiangco said the SBAC is looking to complete the post-qualification evaluation this month.

By Joel E. Zurbano

OFFICIALS of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Federal Aviation AdministrationAir Traffic Organization (FAA-ATO) have met and discussed collaboration to improve air traffic management in the country.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the collaboration agreement also aimed to explore best practices and technological advancements for System Wide Information Management and procedure design support.

The meeting, held at the CAAP Central Office in Pasay City last April 8, was attended by FAA-ATO Senior Representatives for Asia Pacific Shayne Campbell and Almira Ramadani, CAAP Director General Captain Manuel An-

tonio Tamayo, Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz, and Deputy Director General for Administration Danjun Lucas. Representatives from the Air Traffic Service, Aerodrome and Air Navigation Services Oversight Office, Air Navigation Service, Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS), and Safety and Quality Management Office were also present at the meeting. The FAA expressed its willingness to assist and support in drafting and finalizing the National Air Navigation Plan, conducting a study on parallel runways, enhancing the country’s Air Traffic Management Center infrastructure, and Air Traffic Flow Management. CAAP shared updates on the privatization of their services.

BI intercepts 3 sex offenders in NAIA terminal

Aviation officials hold meeting to tackle air traffic improvement CEB gets ‘great place to work’ award

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted three foreign sex offenders who were not allowed to enter the country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for being undesirable aliens.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three passengers were intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 1 when they arrived as tourists.

The passengers denied entry were identified as Jeffrey William Jewitt, Charles David James Weatherall and Momodu Wurie Jalloh, all US citizens.

Jewittwas, who arrived from South Korea, was convicted of sex offenses in 2012 by a court in Illinois, according to information obtained from the BI’s border control and intelligence unit (BCIU), He was convicted on two counts of child abduction and sexually luring a 16-year-old girl and one count of sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old child.

Weatherall was refused entry after he arrived via an Air China flight from Beijing.

The BI-BCIU said Weatherall was convicted of child pornography for possessing indecent images of children in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Jalloh was turned away after arriving aboard a Saudia Airlines

By Joel E. Zurbano

CEBU Pacific Air (CEB) said it has been recognized as a “Great Place To Work for 2024,” adding that this is the first time that an airline in Southeast Asia has received such an honor.

The Great Place To Work Institute, a leading authority in workplace excellence and employee satisfaction, awarded the certification after conducting an independent assessment that highlighted CEB’s positive employee experiences across key areas such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

“This recognition reaffirms our dedication to providing a workplace where

everyone can thrive. As we move forward, our focus remains on upholding Cebu Pacific’s core values and ensuring that our employees remain at the heart of its success,” Felix Lopez, CEB chief human resources officer, said. CEB has taken various initiatives over the years that have fostered community building, celebrated individuality through diversity and inclusion, and promoted a healthy culture by creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. These initiatives have made CEB a great place to work, where employees feel supported and empowered to excel and contribute to something meaningful together.

flight from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

SUMMER TREAT. A vendor in Bulacan prepares ‘ice scramble,’ a popular summer treat, especially for children. Ice scramble is available in different flavors such as ube and buko salad. Lino Santos

LAND DISTRIBUTION. Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III leads the distribution of land titles and machinery to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Puerto Princesa City. Robert Gines

OPINION

PH as investment magnet

NOT unexpectedly, foreign analysts looking at the Philippine economy from different perspectives would arrive at contrasting conclusions.

On one hand, there’s HSBC Global Research, which said recently the country’s reputation for attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) is “turning for the better” due to continuing reforms and economic stability over the past decade.

The group observed the “bearish view” on the Philippines may be “dated” and perhaps “incommensurate” with what the country has recently achieved because of the administration’s “strong narrative of reform” and “a large sense of macroeconomic stability.”

HSBC said looking at FDI inflows relative to the size of the economy, the Philippines is, in fact, in the middle of the pack in ASEAN.

“FDI inflows may not be as robust as, say, Malaysia and Vietnam, but they are a sizable improvement from the sluggish inflows seen in the 1990s and the early 2000s.

—“—

The Marcos administration appears keen on getting more foreign investment to bankroll vital economic projects

This, we believe, should be enough evidence to show the country’s reputation [for] attracting FDI is, indeed, turning for the better.”

On the other hand, the Californiabased Milken Institute’s Global Opportunity Index (GOI) report for 2024 painted a dark picture of the Philippines as among the least attractive for foreign investors.

The economic think tank’s report measured the conduciveness of an economy to foreign direct investments based on macroeconomic fundamentals, business regulation, availability of financial services, and innovation.

The Philippines placed 91st out of 130 countries when it comes to attractiveness to foreign investors due in part to poor business perception and financial access.

The index showed the Philippines was only slightly better than other countries in developing Asia, beating only the likes of Bangladesh, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.

The group rated the Philippines poorly on business perception, financial services, and institutional framework, saying these are the main reasons that made the country a “less attractive” option to investors.

Our concern, however, is what’s hap-

pening at the ground level and what the current national leadership is doing to attract more foreign investments.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported recently that net inflows of foreign direct investments reached $8.9 billion in 2023.

While this represents a 6.6 percent decline from the $9.5-billion net inflows recorded in 2022, the agency said the country has sound economic fundamentals.

Net FDI inflows hit an all-time high of $10.5 billion in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the government’s lead investment promotion agency reported that it has around P2 trillion worth of investments in its current pipeline, a volume that is more than enough to meet its target for this year.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments said recently these investments were spread out over 331 projects that had come in following the enactment of needed reforms.

“In pursuit of economic growth, the government has enacted a suite of major economic reforms to further enhance the investment climate and economic structure. These reforms include the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, as well as the amendments to the Foreign Investments Act,” it said.

In 2023, the BOI approved P1.26 trillion worth of investments, the highest in the government agency’s 56-year history.

These investments were mostly in the renewable sector, information and communications technology, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure.

The top sources by country include Germany, the Netherlands and Singapore.

For this year, the BOI is targeting at least P1.1 trillion worth of investments, with the government agency still expecting that most of these will be in the renewable energy sector.

And the Marcos administration appears keen on getting more foreign investment to bankroll vital economic projects.

In his recent working visit to Germany, for instance, President Marcos Jr. was able to secure total investment commitments amounting to $4 billion (about P220 billion) in key sectors such as health care, manufacturing, innovation, agriculture, and renewable energy.

The task now is for the various government agencies, led by the DTI, to convert investment pledges in the president’s foreign trips into actual projects that will boost economic growth in the years ahead.

As the President told investors during the 10th Asian Summit in Singapore in September 2023, the Philippines is now a prime investment destination and a nation on the rise, “ready to collaborate with partners who see our potential.”

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Redemption of tax delinquent properties

(Part 3)

Renewed push for legislated wage hike

Dhike in the daily minimum wage.

That may well be our unsolicited advice to the government as we believe labor groups from various political persuasions are unlikely to give up their petition for a legislated wage hike amid highly inflationary times.

The latest initiative along this direction is the move of a big labor organization, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, to ask the House of Representatives to pass House Bill 7871 or the Wage Recovery Act mandating an across-the-board ₱150 wage increase for all private sector workers.

Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza, the TUCP party-list representative in Congress, is relying on the support of several sectors for his group’s proposal for a P150-legislated wage increase.

The TUCP is hopeful his fellow legislators would listen to the economists, academics and civil society representatives who have shared compelling testimonies and expert insights in support

of its proposed P150 legislated wage hike. Mahar Mangahas, president of the Social Weather Stations, believes the minimum wage system is not working because “real wages are stagnant and not increasing.”

Emmanuel Leyco, an economist and

—“—

Will our lawmakers agree to a legislated wage increase, or simply give way to employers’ groups that have raised strident objections to any wage increase at this time...? IN

(or

“On

thereafter),

the

copies of the billing statements containing a handwritten summary of the amount… [T]hus, on September 13, 2006 (or two days later), the Estate delivered a written tender of payment to the City Treasurer and, at the same time, tendered the amount of P5,000,000.00” (G.R. 207791, July 15, 2015).

The City, however, refused to accept the amount which constrained the Estate to file the Notice to Deposit of P5,000,000.00 with the Office of the Clerk of Court of the RTC.

“An action for redemption, consignation and damages against the City was consequently filed by the Estate with the RTC.”

“On June 6, 2008, the RTC ruled in favor of the Estate, finding the latter’s

former DSWD 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

THE recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, particularly concerning territorial disputes between China and the Philippines, has sounded alarms of a potential global conflict.

Amidst these mounting tensions, it is imperative that diplomacy reigns supreme to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

The warning issued by Gordon Chang, a China expert, regarding the possibility of World War III erupting over the Philippines dispute underscores the gravity of the situation.

China’s disregard for treaties and escalating provocations in the region pose a significant threat to the established order.

China’s aggressive actions, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric from certain quarters, only serve to heighten tensions and increase the risk of miscalculation.

The comparison drawn between current tensions and the events leading up to World War I by Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is particularly concerning.

Such historical analogies should serve as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked aggression and brinkmanship.

The recent near-clashes between Chinese and Filipino coast guards, as

—“—

There being no bidders present on the date of the public auction, the City Government of Davao acquired the properties

evidence as preponderantly acceptable in establishing its right of redemption.

Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) cited a study showing “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.”

He added “the purported link between wage hikes and price hikes is grossly exaggerated, if not entirely fallacious.”

Another research by the Ateneo Policy Center said “it would require a daily budget of around ₱693.30 to be able to afford the main ingredients required to eat the Pinggang Pinoy cheapest healthy plate.”

However, the highest daily minimum wage in the country stands at a mere ₱610 in NCR and plunges as low as ₱361 in BARMM, and hence the current daily minimum wage is “clearly inadequate” to satisfy the government-prescribed daily healthy food guide Pinggang Pinoy, which perpetuates pandemic-level of poverty, hunger, and stunting among Filipinos, particularly children.

Given these, will our lawmakers agree to a legislated wage increase, or simply give way to employers’ groups that have raised strident objections to any wage increase at this time, claiming massive closures of mainly small and medium size enterprises?

Flare-up of WWIII in SCS: Diplomacy is decisive

well as China’s persistent harassment of Filipino fishermen, underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to these disputes. The United Nations-backed tribunal ruling in 2016 rejecting China’s claims on “historical grounds” should serve as a basis for meaningful dialogue and negotiation.

—“—

China’s disregard for treaties and escalating provocations in the region pose a significant threat to the established order

The recently concluded joint naval exercise involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines is a step in the right direction towards demonstrating a unified front against Chinese aggression.

However, military shows of strength must be accompanied by diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting mutual understanding.

It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and refrain from

“The City was ordered to: 1) receive the P5,000,000.00 deposited with the Clerk of Court, as full payment of the redemption price of the forfeited properties; and 2) issue a certificate of redemption in favor of the Estate” (G.R. 207791, July 15, 2015).

The Court of Appeals affirmed the findings of the RTC. Hence, the City of Davao filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

The issue in the Supreme Court was “[w]hether the one year redemption period of forfeited tax delinquent properties purchased by the local government for want of a bidder is reckoned from the date of the auction or sale or from the date of the issuance of the declaration of forfeiture.”

“The delay on the part of the Estate to at least inquire into the outcome of the auction and its misplaced reliance on a curious document (billing statements) heightens the belief of the Court that the City may not be deprived of a right that has long been vested in its favor.”

actions that could further inflame the situation.

The South China Sea must not become a theater for great power competition or conflict. Instead, it should be a sea of peace and cooperation, as Yang Xiao rightly pointed out.

The Philippines, as the weakest militarily among the potential targets of Chinese aggression, deserves unwavering support from its allies, particularly the United States. The mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the U.S. should serve as a deterrent against any attempt by China to forcibly assert its claims in the region.

President Biden’s commitment to defending the Philippines and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region must be unequivocal and backed by concrete actions.

Diplomatic channels must remain open and active to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations that could lead to escalation.

The stakes in the South China Sea are too high for diplomacy to fail.

All parties must prioritize dialogue and negotiation to peacefully resolve disputes and uphold international law.

The alternative—a descent into conflict—would be catastrophic not only for the countries directly involved but for the entire world.

Now is the time for wisdom, restraint, and diplomacy to prevail.

“The odd timing in the issuance of the Declarations of Forfeiture and its very contents which observably benefit the Estate to the core form a nagging doubt that may not be easily shrugged off.

“This hinders the Court from applying the exceptions to the rule on estoppel, when doing this would result in more impropriety.”

“In this case, the period to redeem the subject properties of this case had long expired on July 19, 2005, and since then, the forfeiture of the properties had become absolute.

“The failure of the Estate to validly exercise its right of redemption within the statutory period had already resulted in the consolidation of ownership over the properties by the City.”

WORLD

Hamas leader says no change in truce position after sons killed

PLESTINIAN Territories – Hamas

chief Ismail Haniyeh insisted the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike would not influence truce talks in Gaza, as bombardments on Thursday rocked the Palestinian territory.

Israel confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal drag on without signs of a breakthrough.

Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamas’s negotiating stance.

“If they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional,” he said.

US President Joe Biden said Hamas “needs to move” on the latest truce proposal, which the militant group has said it is studying.

Israel’s main international ally the United States has also been ramping up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce, increase the amount of aid flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip and abandon plans to invade the southern city of Rafah.

Biden labelled Netanyahu’s handling of the war a “mistake” in an interview broadcast on Tuesday, before warning on Wednesday that Israel has not allowed enough aid into the territory.

Russia fires 40 missiles at Ukraine

Biden promises Israel ‘ironclad’ support

KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelensky said Thursday Russia fired more than 40 missiles and 40 drones at Ukraine overnight, again hitting the city of Kharkiv and targeting “critical infrastructure” throughout the country.

Kyiv reported a “massive” attack on the country’s major facilities, but said that so far nobody has been reported killed.

“Overnight, Russia fired more than 40 missiles and 40 drones at Ukraine,” Zelensky said on X. “Some missiles and ‘Shahed’ drones were successfully shot down. Unfortunately, only a part of them,” he added.

“There was another vile missile attack on Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region,” he said. The northeastern city has been pounded by Russian attacks -- some deadly -- in recent weeks.

Zelensky said infrastructure facilities were also targeted in Kyiv, the cities of Zaporizhzhia and Odesa in the south, and the western city of Lviv, near the Polish border.

“Russian terrorists once again targeted critical infrastructure,” he said.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel carried out strikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the south of the territory, witnesses said. AFP MOSCOW – Russia said on Thursday that unprecedented flooding had created “difficult” conditions and another major river had burst its banks, submerging roads and villages in the Siberian region of Tomsk.

WASHINGTON, DC – US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) promised “ironclad” support for Israel as Iran threatens reprisals over a strike that leveled an Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed two generals.

Russia says flood situation ‘difficult’ as rivers burst

Fast-rising temperatures have caused snow and ice to melt rapidly, causing a number of major rivers that cross Russia and Kazakhstan to overflow.

Three villages in the Tomsk region -3,000 kilometers east of Moscow -- were cut off from the regional capital when rising waters in the river Tom flooded roads, villages and several houses, state media cited local officials as saying.

Evacuations were continuing in neighboring Kazakhstan, where around 100,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

In Russia, the Orenburg region has been the worst hit and thousands of residential buildings are submerged in water.

“This year’s flood exceeded all historical figures in the entire history of observation,” the Orenburg city administration said on Thursday in a post on Telegram.

Water levels in the Ural river, which flows past the city, have risen nearly one metre (39 inches) since Wednesday morning. AFP

Biden’s promise comes despite his public criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the toll on civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas, especially after a strike killed seven aid workers.

Iran is “threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel,” Biden told a news conference.

“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” Biden said.

“Let me say it again -- ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security,” said Biden, who was speaking

next to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

US officials have voiced alarm over the prospect of an imminent strike against Israeli interests after Israel on April 1 destroyed the consulate building, killing seven members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals.

Amid the heightened risks, German airline Lufthansa on Wednesday announced it had suspended flights to and from Tehran, probably until Thursday, saying it was “due to the current situation in the Middle East.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned in a speech Wednesday that the “evil regime” of Israel “must be punished and will be punished.” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly riposted, in a Persian-language

Vietnam property tycoon sentenced to death over $27-billion fraud case

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – A top Vietnamese property tycoon was sentenced to death on Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in history, with an estimated $27 billion in damages.

The jury in Ho Chi Minh City rejected all defense arguments by Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, finding her guilty of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank over a decade. Her actions had “eroded people’s trust in the leadership of the (Communist) Party and state,” the jury said, according to state media.

More than a dozen police cars and vans carrying the defendants -- a list that includes former central bankers, exgovernment officials and previous SCB executives -- arrived at the colonial-era courthouse in the early morning.

After a five-week trial in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, Lan and 85 others face verdicts and sentencing on charges ranging from bribery and abuse of power to appropriation and violations of banking law. Lan allegedly embezzled $12.5 billion, but prosecutors said Thursday the total damages caused by the scam now amounted to $27 billion -- a figure equivalent to six percent of the country’s 2023 GDP.

She has denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. Most of the accused sat in the courtroom with their heads bowed Thursday, although Lan could be seen fidgeting and looking up from the front row.

Prosecutors have called for Lan to face the death sentence, an unusually severe punishment in such a case. She and the others were arrested as part of a national corruption crackdown that has swept up numerous officials and members of Vietnam’s business elite in recent years.

Lan appeared to say in final remarks to the court last week that she had thoughts of suicide.

“In my desperation, I thought of death,” she said, according to state media.

“I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment -- the banking sector -- which I have little knowledge of.”

Hundreds of people began to stage protests in the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a relatively rare occurrence in the one-party communist state, after Lan’s arrest in October 2022.

Police have identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal, which has shocked the Southeast Asian country. AFP

Heatwaves put children in Asia at risk, says UN

BANGKOK – Massive heatwaves across East Asia and the Pacific could place millions of children at risk, the UN warned Thursday, calling for action to protect vulnerable people from the soaring temperatures. Global monitors have warned that 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record, marked by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

The UNICEF data showed over 243 million children across the Pacific and East Asia were estimated to be affected by heatwaves, putting them at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.

Several countries in the region are currently smoldering in the summer heat, with temperatures nearing record levels as they regularly hit over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Local forecasters are predicting steeper rises in the coming weeks. Some Philippine schools suspended in-person classes in April, with the state weather forecaster saying temperatures could reach a “danger” level of 42 or 43 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. AFP

statement on social media site X: “If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran.”

Iran’s clerical state supports Hamas, which on Oct. 7 launched the deadliest attack against Israel in the country’s history, triggering a relentless six-month Israeli military operation inside the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

The United States since the start of the war has sought to prevent it from spreading, including to Lebanon, where Iran supports the Shiite militant movement Hezbollah.

The United States has been tightlipped in its public reaction to the April 1 strike, saying it has not determined whether Israel struck a diplomatic facility, which would breach international agreements on the inviolability of embassies and consulates. AFP

Moscow has heavily attacked Ukraine’s energy facilities over recent months, launching some of its biggest aerial strikes of the two-year war.

Zelensky called on Ukraine’s Western partners not to “turn a blind eye” and to provide more air defence systems.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said hundreds of rescuers had been deployed at sites across the country after “massive shelling”.

“For several hours, the Russian military attacked five regions of Ukraine, hitting critical infrastructure,” he said. He said Moscow fired “more than 10 missiles” at Kharkiv, leaving parts of the city without electricity.

“Fortunately, according to operational data, today’s attack resulted in no deaths or injuries,” he said. AFP

‘Lame duck’ S. Korean president reels from disastrous election loss

SEOUL – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol promised “reform” and the head of his ruling party resigned on Thursday after a disastrous election increased the opposition’s stranglehold on parliament.

In addition to People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and a string of senior aides also offered to step down, local media said.

The result has turned Yoon into a lame duck president for the remaining three years in office, just as the country is facing challenges including a weak economy and an increasingly aggressive North Korea, experts said.

“There will be even more extreme confrontation between Yoon and the opposition in the next parliament, especially with the election of candidates vowing a very hawkish stance on his administration,” said Shin Yul, professor of political science at Myongji University.

“It won’t be easy for people to see bipartisan cooperation,” he told AFP.

In related developments, South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has offered to resign, Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday, after his party was trounced by the opposition in parliamentary elections and failed to win back a majority.

“Prime Minister Han expressed his intention to resign,” a senior presidential

official told reporters, according to Yonhap, adding that a slew of senior president’s office officials were also planning to step down after the poll defeat, which leaves President Yoon Suk Yeol a lame duck.

Yoon, 63, has taken a tough line with the nuclear-armed North while improving ties with Washington and former colonial occupier Japan.

But the former prosecutor is unloved among voters, with many angry at inequality, sky-high housing prices and youth unemployment in the nation of 51 million people.

The opposition also hammered Yoon after he called the price of green onions, a staple in Korean cooking, “reasonable” and a video of his wife accepting a $2,200 designer handbag was widely circulated.

“I will humbly honour the will of the people expressed in the general election, reform the state affairs, and do my best to stabilise the economy and people’s livelihood,” Yoon said, according to his chief of staff Lee Kwan-sup.

With all votes counted Thursday, results from the National Election Commission and major broadcasters showed Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) and its satellite sliding from 114 seats in parliament to just 108. AFP

MILITARY TRAINING. Members of the Siberian battalion within the Ukrainian Armed Forces take part in a military training exercise on a shooting range in Kyiv region on April Wednesday amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The volunteer Siberian Battalion is a part of the International Legion within the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is made up of Russians who have come to fight against their fellow citizens. They are a varied group -- both ethnic Russians and members of minority ethnic groups. AFP

LAMEDUCK INCUMBENT. Cho Kuk (center), leader of the South Korean Rebuilding Korea Party, reads a speech during a press conference outside the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office in Seoul on Thursday, a day after the parliamentary elections, during which the RKP capitalized on discontent with the two main parties to pick up 12 seats. AFP

Sche er, McIlroy chase history as Masters set for stormy start

AUGUSTA—Thunderstorms are forecast to disrupt the start of the 88th Masters at Augusta National on Thursday as world number one Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Rory McIlroy tee off in a dream first-round pairing.

Rain and scattered thunderstorms are set to move into the region at around 6am local time (1000 GMT) and are expected to last until 1pm, potentially causing havoc to the first round schedule.

Honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson are due get proceedings under way at 7.40am, with the first group teeing off 20 minutes later.

However Masters organizers said late Wednesday that gate openings for Thursday’s first round would be delayed due to weather, a clear sign that play will also be held up.

needs patience at Augusta National.

“This golf course gets you to chase things a little more than other golf courses,” he said. “It always tempts you to do something you think you can do and I’m pretty confident in my golf game. I think I can do most things.

“Sometimes you just have to take the conservative route and be a little more disciplined and patient.”

out a major title.

“It’s definitely what motivates me as a golfer and as a competitor just to keep pushing,” Schauffele said of a major victory.

COPA Series Leg 3 open to all young swimmers

THE search for new swimming phenoms continues as the Congress of Philippine Aquatics (COPA) stages One for All-All for One Swim Series Leg 3 on Sunday at the Teofilo Ildefonso Swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. Sponsored by Speedo Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission and sanctioned by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI), the swim series features the best junior swimmers and inspired novice athletes as part of the extensive program at the grassroots level of COPA, led by swimming icon and Batangas 1st District Congressman Eric Buhain.

Tournament director Chito Rivera, also president of the Samahang Manlalangoy sa Pilipinas, said the competition is open to all young swimmers regardless of their affiliations with swimming clubs or organizations.

“Since Day 1, when the Philippine Olympic Committee and World Aquatics recognized PAI as a legitimate swimming association in the country, PAI’s program has promoted grassroots development. Para sa lahat as we campaign for inclusivity and not exclusivity,” said Rivera. Rivera asserted that the tournament is also part of the swimmers’ preparations for PAI’s national tryouts for teams competing in the Southeast Asian Age Group Championship, scheduled for December in Bangkok, Thailand.

Scheffler, who won twice and finished second last month in PGA events, could join Woods as the only players to win the Masters twice while atop the rankings.

“The winds are going to be pretty high and it swirls like crazy around this place,” he said. “You have to stay so patient and trust in all aspects of your game.”

Fifth-ranked Schauffele hopes to lose the tag as the highest-rated player with-

The feature trio is scheduled to tee off Thursday at 10:42 a.m. (1442 GMT), 12 minutes after Spain’s defending champion Jon Rahm, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and 20-year-old American Nick Dunlap. Rahm could become only the fourth player to capture back-to-back Masters triumphs after Woods, Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

“I do feel fresh and ready for it,” Rahm said.

Reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark, Norway’s Viktor Hovland and Australian Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, are together behind Scheffler and McIlroy. AFP

Mondilla storms ahead as Jahns slips at the finish

Scheffler, seeking his second title in three seasons, was in a group with fourtime major winner McIlroy, who would complete a career grand slam with a Masters triumph, and Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, chasing his first major victory. By taking the green jacket, McIlroy would join a select group including Woods, Nicklaus, Player, Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan. McIlroy has not won a major in 10 years but has learned he Non-disclosure

A SHORT answer to a question has made The Designated Kit Man ponder on a seemingly small detail being required by a certain sporting association from its newly-hired employees. In order for these people to work for the said sporting group, they need to sign a non-disclosure agreement or NDA.

I’m literally confused about the reasons of this sporting association. As the name implies, its concerns are not matters of state affairs. Neither does it engage in any issues that might jeopardize our security and sovereignty as a country. Nor do they have anything to do with what is happening now in the West Philippine Sea, where our gallant soldiers, brave members of the media and local fishermen are being subjected to ridicule, false accusations and water cannons in our territory by those Chinese bullies. Which also makes me wonder until now why these Chinese bullies think lightly or lowly of Filipinos in our territory despite a UN arbitral ruling, historical claims and common sense that these islands are within our exclusive economic zones. ‘Yung Pambansang Traydor ng Pilipinas, nasaan na kaya?

But back to this sporting association that governs a sport

CAVINTI, Laguna—Clyde Mondilla

skillfully turned Keanu Jahns’ misfortune on No. 18 into a lead-grabbing opportunity, capitalizing on a two-shot swing to pull ahead with a 67 in a pivotal third round of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here.

The dramatic shift ensued as Jahns, a stroke ahead over Mondilla after 17 holes of a thrilling shootout in blustery conditions, faced an unlucky break, his drive on the closing par-4 hole landing in a divot, leading to a challenging finish and a double bogey for a 68.

“I was unlucky and couldn’t do so much. With a hazard lying ahead, falling short wasn’t an option,” said Jahns of his last-hole challenge. He ended up overshooting the green, resulting into a difficult position and a 6.

The day underscored both players’ exceptional prowess that separated them from the rest of the bidders in the P2.5 million championship put up by ICTSI, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown for the top P450,000 purse in Friday’s final round.

Mondilla, out to redeem himself from a rare missed cut stint at Palos Verdes last month following a tied for 25th place finish at Apo, recognized the threat posed by Jahns, stressing the need for a solid performance in the concluding 18 holes. “Keanu is a formidable player, so I need to step up my game tomorrow (Friday) to secure victory,” said Mondilla, highlighting the comprehensive skill set required to conquer the Cali-

This unfortunate turn for Jahns propelled Mondilla, who holed out with a regulation par, to the forefront at eightunder 208, narrowly edging out the Fil-German, who remained a strong contender for the title with a 209.

still finding its footing post pandemic.

Section 103 of Republic Act 11975 or the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024 states that “To enhance transparency and enforce accountability, all agencies of the government shall maintain a Transparency Seal to be posted on their websites.”

This fact was reinforced by the answer of an official coming from Vito Cruz. When asked about this peculiar issue, this official, who is always accessible, but hates to be in photo ops and pabibo sessions unlike his boss, simply said: “It depends on the information although there is data privacy, but in fact it is encouraged that the national sporting associations (NSAs) to be transparent under IOC good governance standards.”

So why the signing of NDAs? What is the proper process for this? While opinions vary on whether this is legal or not, one thing is certain, transparency is a must especially for sporting associations using funds coming from the government and international sporting bodies.

The key word, however, is “encouraged” which is not absolute and open to debate. Because sporting associations are also private entities.

One friend told me that if the sporting association is asking employees, who are leaving the company to sign NDAs before they can officially part ways, it is a different issue altogether.

“Better ask a lawyer too,” he said.

Judging from the start of the Philippines Football League, there are at least some key takeaways from the games. First of all, there are many players that have shown so much potential even to the point that some fans are encouraging them to try out for the team formerly known as the Azkals even if they just played one game.

Of course the favorites showed up too in the opening with Kaya Iloilo FC, Stallion Laguna FC, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC and Mendiola FC 1991 notching shutout wins against separate opponents.

Kaya beat United City FC, 2-0; while the Laguna squad routed Don Bosco Garelli United, 7-0. The boys of Men-

raya Springs Golf Club. On the other hand, Jahns, still in pursuit of his first Philippine Golf Tour victory, remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of precision in driving, iron play and putting to create birdie opportunities.

Jahns, runner-up to Tony Lascuña in the 2022 Match Play Championship at Villamor, also acknowledged the course’s challenges in distance control.

“It’s hard to control your distances here even if you’re in the middle of the fairway,” said Jahns, who tied for fifth at Palos Verdes following a share of 11th place at Apo.

The duo’s duel left them ahead of the competition, including the likes of halfway joint leaders Aidric Chan and Tae Soo Kim, alongside Eric Gallardo and last year’s winner Lascuña, who trailed by five strokes with 213s. NU

diola posted the same score against Philippine Air Force, while the Gentle Giants smashed Loyola FC, 4-0. Also victorious were newcomers One Taguig FC (4-1 vs Manila Montet FC); Maharlika Taguig FC (3-2 over Tuloy FC) and Manila Digger FC which buried the Philippine Army, 3-2.

“We are very happy with the turnout. Ang daming goals na na-iscore. From individual players to the whole squads, maganda talaga ang ipinakita ng mga teams. The fans also came and supported the opening weekend,” Coco Torre, Commissioner of the Philippines Football League, said.

Action resumes this weekend as teams continue to scramble to win as many points as possible. The second weekend will also give us a peek on which teams have the capacity and the firepower to mount a deep run in the tournament. Torre also expects more teams to play better after dealing with opening day jitters.

“Expected naman ‘yan kasi mga bago pa lang ang ibang mga teams. Expanded edition kasi tayo so testing ground ito ng mga clubs na gustong sumabak sa premier league natin sa October. So they are also making the most of the platform kahit na may be an obvious disparity among the more established and veteran clubs compared to the new ones,” Torre explained.

The tournament will also help the squads gain muchneeded experience on and off the pitch especially on how to make the clubs sustainable and competitive. Torre said it will also give the PFL the opportunity to assess which teams can really mount a serious campaign in October. As of now, there are two criteria that Torre and company are watching, the clubs’ performances and their sustainability.

Aside from the local talent, several foreign players also figured prominently last weekend, which is good for players based here in the country.

“These foreign players add more competition and raise the level of play in the league. They also bring in new tactics, new skill sets and better understanding of the game,” Torre added. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

FANCIED National University tries to zero in on a group sweep when it takes on San Juan Institute of Technology-Batangas in the 2024 Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championship girls division Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Game time is at 11:30 a.m. with the Lady Bulldogs (3-0) also eyeing to secure the top seed in Pool B with a crucial win against the third-running Batangas bet (2-1).

In other games, Mary Hill College Lucena (1-0) and Gracel Christian College (1-2) jockey for playoff positions in Pool A at 10 a.m., while winless Canossa Academy-Lipa (0-3) and Colegio de Los Baños (1-2) seek to stay in contention in Pool B at 1 p.m. Angatleta Sports-Orion, Bataan also aim to move a win shy from a Pool A sweep in the boys’ play as it clashes with the Philippine Christian University (2-1) in the main game at 5:30 p.m.

Before that are the key battles between the Golden Whiskers Club (02) and Canossa Academy-Lipa (1-2) in Pool A at 2:30 p.m. as well as Colegio de Los Baños (0-3) and Aguaveia Volleyball Club (0-2) in Pool B at 4 p.m. with major playoff implications on the line.

Only the Top 4 teams from each pool of both the men’s and women’s divisions will advance to the knockout quarterfinals featuring a regular bestof-five set play from the three-setter format in the ongoing group phase. The semifinals and finals will also be played in a knockout format for the coveted title of the first youth tourney of the PNVF headed by President Ramon “Tats” Suzara. NU and Bataan moved closer to that goal by smothering their respective foes last weekend.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the first tee during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP

Rep. Eric Buhain

Clyde Mondilla at hole no. 6 Manny Marcelo

Cabatbat

SPORTS

2 junior champion cagers boost NU Bulldogs’ roster

By Peter Atencio

TWO former junior players will fill up the manpower needs of the National University Bulldogs in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.

Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes, members of the Adamson juniors’ squad that won the recent UAAP junior crown, are coming aboard.

The two have replaced one of their prized cagers, Kean Baclaan, who moved over to the La Salle Green Archers’ camp.

The Bulldogs reached the Final Four in the last two

seasons and want to be back for their third season under Jeff Napa’s coaching. They have remained a playoff contender with their intact core, led by Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Reinhard Jumamoy.

“A big step forward na ‘yung nagawa natin nitong nakaraan and sana, sa pagpapatuloy na pag-mature nina Jake, Nash, at Reinhard pati rito sa mga bagong promising player natin, maka-move forward pa tayo lalo,” said NU coach Jeff Napa. Garcia and Reyes were part of the squad that led Adamson High School to its first crown in since 1993.

With Baclaan now undergoing residency with De La Salle University, the leadership of the Bulldogs is now in the hands of Enriquez and Jumamoy.

“Malaking addition ‘yung nakuha natin ngayon kasi itong dalawang ‘to, ‘di lang magagaling na player, kungdi mga winners pa,” said Napa.

Garcia, a 5-foot-11 guard, averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals.

Czech, Latvian pairs crush foes in FIVB Futures

VACLAV KURKA and Krystof

Oliva of the Czech Republic took down a weary pair Sweden—Teddie Almblad Engvall and Fabian Isaksson—21-11, 21-16—in the second round of qualifiers for the FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour

Futures at the Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land in the City of Santa Rosa on Thursday. The Czechs, who drew a first-round bye, made short work of the Swedish tandem which earlier played a tight opening match where they held off Germany’s Niko Meyer and Moritz Klein, 21-18, 21-16.

Toms Liepa and Esnests Puskundzis, the Latvian championship bronze medalists, also had a bye in the first round and pulled off a 21-15, 21-19 victory over Japan’s Ryo Shindo and Shuma Watanabe.

New Zealand’s James Sadlier and Juraj Krajci held off Sweden’s Linus Isaksson and Theodor Grahn,

21-19, 21-19, in the event backed by Smart Communications, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine

Constantino pulls off another comeback

CAVINTI, Laguna—Harmie Constantino, demonstrating her exceptional ability to thrive under pressure, once again showed her knack for dramatic comebacks, repulsing Pauline del Rosario for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship crown here Thursday.

The victory, marked by a decisive birdie-birdie finish at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club, came just three weeks after her remarkable recovery from a five-shot deficit at Palos Verdes in Davao. This time, Constantino overturned a three-stroke deficit to win by two strokes with a final round 69 for a 214 worth P114,000.

Mulling over her consecutive comefrom-behind victories, she said: “It just happened. There’s no particular approach to it. Ideally, I’d like to lead in every round, but the key is just to stay in the moment and play my best.”

Del Rosario, who defeated Seoyun Kim by one here last year, turned in her worst card in three days – a 74, that dropped her to second at 216, that included a 73 and 69. She received P80,000.

Superal also floundered when it mattered most, slipping with a 75 after backto-back 71s to finish tied for third at 217 with 2022 champion Chanelle Avaricio, who charged back with a 71. They halved the combined P122,000 prizes.

Constantino’s latest triumph was even more noteworthy as it came against the best-assembled Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field in years that included past Order of Merit champions.

Starting the final 18 holes three strokes behind del Rosario and Superal, Constantino displayed patience and strategic play, methodically closing the gap on the fancied leaders.

The turning point came midway through the windy final round. As del Rosario and Superal faltered amid their own battle for supremacy, Constantino seized the opportunity, hitting a birdie on No. 11 and tying for the lead after both her rivals bogeyed the next hole.

Despite a brief challenge from del Rosario in the stretch, Constantino’s stunning birdie-birdie finish, highlighted by a clutch 24-foot putt on the 17th and a “lucky” approach shot on the last, secured the victory.

Olympic Committee, Senoh, Mikasa, Foton Motor Philippines Inc. and Seda Nuvali. Ryo Tatsumi and Shiro Furuta of Japan turned back Malaysia’s Ler Wei Chun and Looi Kai Xu, 22-20, 21-14. In women’s play, Rezija Puskundze and Loreta Cabule of Latvia shook off a dismal start to dispatch Korea’s Shin Jieun and Si Eun-Mi, 18-21, 2113, 21-12.

The tournament features 38 teams from 16 countries.

The Philippines has two teams in each division, with 6-foot-4 AJ Pareja again teaming up with 6’2 Ran Abdilla while previous UAAP rivals Rancel Varga and James Buytrago continue their partnership as they vie for honors in the 21-team men’s field.

The 17-team women’s side, meanwhile, features Philippine Air Force Spikers Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor while Army’s Alexa Polidario and the Coast Guard’s Jenny Gaviola.

Elite athletes back at IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu

THE upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu will not only commemorate its 10th anniversary with a dazzling return to Cebu on April 21 but also showcase a formidable assembly of global triathlon talents. The top-level event promises an intense competition, featuring the return of Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo, who will be gunning for a second title after scoring a narrow victory in last year’s edition of the challenging 1.9k swim-90k-21k run distance event in Davao.

Azevedo, 31, is primed for an even more impressive showing, having refined his prowess in premier competitions over the past year. Joining the elite roster is Chinese Taipei’s Tuan Chun Chang, who placed third in Davao, alongside a cadre of international contenders gearing up for a duel of strength, skill

and staying power. Athletes like Daniel Bakkegard from Denmark, South Africa’s Henri Schoeman, Thomas Bishop from England, American Ben Stern, and Michael Tong from New Zealand are poised to ignite the race with their quest for victory.

The presence of these triathletes ensures a fiercely competitive race from the swim through the bike and into the closing run stage under the daunting conditions expected in Cebu.

The spotlight will also shine on a strong Australian contingent, led by Sam Osborne, Caleb Noble, Charlie Quin, Jarrod Osborne, Calvin Amos, Nick Carling and Nathan Dortmann, representing a country renowned for its triathlon excellence. Their participation underscores the global appeal and competitive depth of the event that has marked every triathlon staging in pre-pandemic times.

Local athletes are also gearing up for both the overall championship and age-group accolades across a spectrum of categories. The event welcomes competitors in divisions ranking from 18-24 to 70-74 years old, for both men and women, with registration currently open for those looking to secure their spot in the prestigious race organized by the IRONMAN Group and presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown. For details, visit ironman.com/ im703-cebu-philippines-register.

The last staging in Mactan Newtown, Cebu saw Augusto Benedicto and Ines Santiago clinch overall honors. Their anticipated return adds to the excitement, positioning them as leading figures in the local side’s challenge for the title in what has been billed as the Crown Jewel of Asia.

BATANGAS City and Quezon City met stiff resistance before subduing their opponents on Wednesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna. So unlike South Cotabato which dumped Imus, 105-65, in the opening game. The Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters proved steadier in the homestretch and bested Bulacan, 76-68, while the Quezon City TODA Aksyon rallied past Muntinlupa, 81-74, to join the early leaders in the 30-team league. Levi Hernandez, Cedric Ablaza and Dawn Ochea joined forces as Batangas couldn’t break away and had to thwart Bulacan’s repeated assaults. Hernandez wound up with 19 points, including 5 in the fourth quarter, Ablaza poured 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Ochea ended up with 15 points 6 rebounds and 2 steals for the Rum Masters. Veteran Paolo Hubalde carried the fight for Bulacan with 18 points, including 7 in the fourth, 4 rebounds,

Steve Nash Enriquez

Latvia’s Rezija Puskundze (01) and Loreta Cabule (02) in action

Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo

February exports, imports surged

15.7% 6.3% $3.65 billion

Exports growth in February

Imports growth in February

Trade deficit in February

BIR surpassed collection goal as of February

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Thursday it surpassed its two-month collection target this year.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said the tax agency collected P446.4 billion net of tax refund as of end-February, up by P87.3 billion or 24 percent from the same period last year.

The figure also exceeded the P445.54-billion collection target set by the government. The BIR is the main agency in charge of collecting taxes.

The government imposed a collection target of P3.05 trillion for the BIR this year, higher than the 2023 actual collections by 21.38 percent or P538.182 billion.

“With the continuing intensification of the bureau’s tax enforcement activities, specifically on the campaign against sellers and buyers of fake receipts, and with our concerted efforts to deliver excellent service to taxpayers through our digitalization projects and ISO Certification of the BIR’s frontline processes, we hope to encourage and increase voluntary compliance from our taxpayers,” said Lumagui.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier asked taxpayers to pay the correct amount of tax dues with the BIR before the April 15, 2024 deadline.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE exports and imports surged in February 2024, marking their fastest growth in 16 months, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said February exports climbed 15.7 percent to $5.9 billion from $5.1 billion a year ago, while imports rebounded 6.3 percent to $9.6 billion from $9 billion.

The trade deficit amounted to $3.65 billion in February 2024, lower than the $3.88-billion shortfall registered in the same month last year.

Exports in the first two months of 2024 reached $11.84 billion, up by 12.3 percent from $10.55 billion in the same period last year.

Data from the PSA showed that top exports in February were electronic products, amounting to

ONION HARVESTS.

A farmer’s group in Butuan City proves that onion production in the region is doable.

The Department of Agriculture-Caraga held a ceremonial harvest at the onion trial of the Diversified Agribusiness Farmers’ Cooperative (DAFACO) in Bit-os, Butuan City. For a 36 squaremeter area planted by DAFACO, the group harvested 94.14 kilograms of onions.

$3.42 billion, up by 26.8 percent from $2.7 billion a year ago. Shipments of coconut oil surged 62 percent to $116.5 billion, while sales of fresh bananas climbed 21 percent to $102 billion.

Other manufactured goods posted an export value of $290.31 million, while other mineral products amounted to $208.82 million.

The country’s top export markets in February were the United States which placed orders for $947.83 million, followed by Japan with $849.17 million, Hong Kong with $774.03 million, China with $695.25

million and Thailand with $282.01 million.

Imports in the first two months went down by 0.5 percent to $19.88 billion from $19.98 billion in the same period last year.

Electronics remained top commodity group with the highest import value amounting to $1.92 billion in February, followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with $1.72 billion and transport equipment with $809.73 million. China was the largest supplier of imported goods valued at $2.18 billion or 22.8 percent of the total imports in February.

Completing the top five import sources in February were Japan with $845.23 million, Korea with $719.90 million, Indonesia with $664.57 million and Thailand with $660.86 million. Most vehicles sold in the Philippines came from these five countries.

ADB predicts stronger PH growth, slower inflation in 2024

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicted stronger economic growth for the Philippines this year and next, fueled by easing inflation, rising domestic demand and increased government investment.

The ADB said in its report “Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024” that the Philippine economy would grow 6 percent in 2024, with an even stronger 6.2 percent growth in 2025 following an expected easing of monetary policy after a series of rate hikes from 2022 until October 2023.

It’s forecast this year is within the government’s revised economic growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent. The 2025 forecast is lower compared to the government’s target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. The Manila-based lender said the Philippines would continue to be among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia this year and in 2025.

The report said, however, that severe weather events such as a prolonged El Niño dry weather episode and possible strong typhoons later in the year due to the La Niña phenomenon could result in inflation pressures.

A sharper slowdown in major advanced economies, heightened geopolitical tensions and higherthan-expected global commodity prices could also weigh on growth, the report said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Fitch unit expects Bangko Sentral to reduce interest rates in second half

BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, said Thursday it expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to reduce interest rates by the second half of 2024.

“The bank’s next move will be a cut. But we only expect it to materialize in the second half when other major central banks in the world begin loosening financial conditions,” BMI said.

“However, if inflation in the US were to surprise to the upside, the Fed would push back the timing of its easing cycle. And the BSP would likely follow suit,” it said.

The Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the BSP, kept the overnight borrowing rate steady at 6.5 percent for the fourth consecutive policy meeting since October 2023.

It also maintained the interest rates on overnight deposit and lending facilities at 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively.

E-commerce roadmap to promote PH products

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) discussed the strategies to implement the E-Commerce Philippines 2024-2028 Roadmap that aims to link local products to the global market.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the roadmap marked a significant shift in the country’s e-commerce strategy.

“This roadmap represents a shift from easy commerce to exciting commerce. Our goal is to strengthen the trust between buyers and sellers. By achieving this, we can foster a more complex economic landscape, enhancing connections and establishing stronger relationships,” he said. The roadmap is envisioned as a future-ready plan with 13 strategies and 28 deliverables aimed at building trust between online customers and sellers. It promotes inclusivity in e-commerce with programs geared

towards youth, women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. It aims to propel Philippine products and services onto the global stage, fostering a vibrant and competitive international presence.

An ambitious goal, the roadmap aims to propel Philippine products and services onto the global stage.

Representatives from diverse industries, leading digital platforms, e-marketplaces, digital payment providers and telecommunication companies shared their combined expertise to realize the roadmap’s vision.

“As council members, we play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape of e-commerce in the Philippines, ensuring the integrity and sustainability of our e-commerce processes,” Pascual said, acknowledging the members’ contribution to crafting the roadmap that aims to boost the country’s e-commerce industry.

BMI said the BSP was expected to stand pat at its upcoming meeting on May 16.

“We forecast inflation to average 3.9 percent in 2024. This implies that consumer prices will fluctuate around the 4 percent mark over the coming months especially as the impact of the El-Nino phenomenon continues to feed through,” BMI said.

“While we expect growth to quicken to 6.2 percent in 2024 from 5.6 percent in 2023, that crucially remains below the pre-pandemic average of 6.6 percent in 2015 to 2019,” it said.

BMI said that in the absence of external constraints, the BSP would want to cut interest rates as soon as possible to push growth back to trend levels.

San Miguel plans to raise P20b from bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is returning to the debt market with the planned issuance of up to P20 billion in fixed-rate bonds.

SMC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange

Thursday its board of directors authorized the offering and issuance of fixed-rate peso-denominated bonds amounting to up P20 billion.

The bonds will be issued as the second and last tranche of its P80-billion bond-shelf registration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2022.

The company, which has investments in food and beverage, packaging, fuel and oil, energy, infrastructure and real estate, did not provide other details of the offering.

The bonds will be listed in the Philippine Dealing & Exchange

2028, sevenyear Series M Bonds due 2029 and 10-year Series N Bonds due 2032.

It used the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to refinance dollar-denominated obligations and peso-denominated debts.

SMC has P10 billion bonds maturing in October in 2024. It also has nine other bonds listed in PDEx. SMC also raised P34 billion from the sale of preferred shares in December 2023. It sold 453.33 million preferred shares at P75 apiece. SMC has been undertaking big-ticket infrastructure projects including the Bulacan international airport. It also recently bagged the deal to rehabilitate, optimize and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

London-based Oxford Economics earlier said it expects the BSP to start cutting its interest rate later than earlier anticipated.

“Given upside domestic inflation risks as well as chances that the US Fed might delay its easing cycle, the risk for BSP is tilted to a later start of the rate cuts,” it said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (center) leads a meeting to discuss the future of online commerce in the Philippines as espoused in the E-Commerce Philippines 2024-2028 Roadmap.

Fund manager invests in SM Global Power

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. on Thursday said it executed a subscription agreement with investment fund Azure Venture Investments Limited for the subscription of redeemable perpetual securities amounting to P800 million.

San Miguel Global, the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. disclosed the transaction to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx), but did not give additional details. It said the agreement is subject to certain closing requirements.

Executives of the country’s second largest power generating company did not respond to queries as of press time although the development of San Miguel Global’s 1,200-megawatt liquefied natural gas plant and Mariveles, Bataan coal plants is ongoing.

San Miguel Global has a nationwide market share of 19.78 percent and installed capacity of 5,057 MW based on latest figures from the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Meanwhile, the company’s net income tripled to P9.9 billion in 2023 from 2022’s P3.1 billion despite a 23-percent decline in revenues to P169.6 billion, because of lower contracted volumes and prices due to reduced fuel tariffs. Newcastle coal indices averaged $172.79 per metric ton in 2023, compared to $360.19/MT in 2022.

PH stocks slide, track global market’s decline

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL shares slid down Thursday after a twoday break as investors digested the hotter-thanexpected March US Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,677.65, down 63.42 points, or 0.94 percent, while the broader all-shares index ended at 3,525.87, lower by 33.72 points, or 0.95 percent.

The underemployment rate also fell to 12.4 percent in February this year from 13.9 percent in January and 12.9 percent in February 2023.

DITO expects to pass NTC audit in July

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BALAI Ni Fruitas Inc., the listed bakery arm of businessman Lester Yu, said Thursday its net income reached P59 million in 2023, up 58 percent from P37 million in 2022 on the back of higher sales.

Balai said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its revenues climbed 57 percent to P535 million in 2023 from P341 million in 2022 as gross margin remained strong despite the continuing challenges from inflation.

Balai said all three brands posted year-on-year same-store sales growth amid increased foot traffic in malls and food courts, introduction of new products and more repeat transactions from customers.

The company said it also limited price increases and changed its product mix towards higher-margin products.

“2023 marked significant milestones for Balai as we passed 100 stores and the half-billion peso revenue level. We continue to maximize shareholder value by expanding intelligently and controlling our costs,” said Yu, Balai president and chief executive.

“We responded to the pandemic by acquiring Balai Pandesal and rolling out community stores and we are glad that this strategy paid off. We are now growing same store sales by earning customer loyalty and constantly improving our product offerings,” he said.

Yu said the company would continue to expand its footprint outside Metro Manila and build capacity to serve this market to sustain the company’s growth.

It opened 20 stores to end the 2023 with a total of 118.

“Philippine shares took another plunge as investors assessed a hot US March CPI reading that fueled worries that Fed may implement fewer rate cuts than expected,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. The market traded in the red during the whole session. Analysts said investors also ignored the positive jobs data.

Meanwhile, most markets edged down Thursday after forecast-topping US inflation dealt a blow to hopes for a June interest rate cut and forced traders to re-evaluate the outlook for monetary policy, with a warning that the next move could even be a hike.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that unemployment rate in the Philippines eased to 3.5 percent in February 2024 from 4.5 percent in January and 4.8 percent a year ago.

The losses tracked a sell-off on Wall Street and saw the dollar strike a 34-year high against the yen, fueling speculation Japanese authorities will step in to support their beleaguered currency. With AFP

DITO Telecommunity Corp. said Thursday it expects to pass the final mandatory performance audit by the National Telecommunications Commission by July this year.

DTO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said the company was on track to hitting a national population coverage of 84 percent by July 2024, up from the current 82-percent coverage.

“We are targeting 86-percent to 87-percent coverage before the end of the year,” he said.

DITO earlier passed its fourth mandatory performance audit with a national population coverage of 80.65 percent.

It said that in terms of minimum average broadband speeds (MABS), DITO was clocked at 74.97 megabits per second for 4G and 639.32 Mbps for 5G for all sites with combined MABS of 357.14 Mbps.

The company earlier allotted between P25 billion and P3 billion for 2024 capital expenditures (capex) to fund its aggressive nationwide network rollout.

“Our capex guidance will be tempered a bit. It should be anywhere between P25 billion to P30 billion,” DITO chief executive Eric Alberto said.

The company set aside P27 billion in capex last year.

DITO is targeting 15-percent to 20-percent market share this year from the current 10 percent. DITO had more than 10 million subscribers.

“We are confident that with our better and brand-new network, we have reasons to gain our rightful share of the market,” Alberto said.

EMBARKING on a quest to unlock the potential of Filipino digital animators and game developers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opened the applications for the LikhaSanay: Masterclass Program for the Philippine Creative Industries, aiming to elevate the country’s digital animation and game development industries.

Focus is given to the implementation of the Digital Animation and Game Development Masterclasses for 2023. DTI-Bureau of Industry Planning and Innovation (BIPI) director Lilian Salonga urged artists, animators, game developers and freelancers to send their applications on or before April 19, 2024.

“LikhaSanay was derived from the fusion of two profound Filipino words, ‘Likha’ [Create] and ‘Sanay’ [Skillbuilding towards Mastery]. As an initiative under the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy Program, the LikhaSanay Program gives the masterclass participants the opportunity to enhance their skills in creative design and storytelling as well

Developing economies in Asia and the Pacific are expected to expand by 4.9 percent on average this year as the region continues its resilient growth amid robust domestic demand, improving semiconductor exports and recovering tourism, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Developing Asia’s economies expected to grow 4.9% in 2024

DEVELOPING economies in Asia and the Pacific are forecast to expand by 4.9 percent on average this year as the region continues its resilient growth amid robust domestic demand, improving semiconductor exports, and recovering tourism.

Growth will continue at the same rate next year, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, released Thursday by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Inflation is expected to moderate in 2024 and 2025, after being pushed up by higher food prices in many economies over the past 2 years.

Stronger growth in South and Southeast Asia—fu-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) said Thursday it acknowledges the plight of over 116,000 residents of Samal Island in Davao Del Norte, who have been grappling with severe and continuous power outages.

CERP, a new energy think thank launched early this year, asked the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO) to immediately address the power supply deficiencies in Samal Island, which has been persistent since 2016.

CERP convernors Noel Baga and Dr. Joey Ocon, the convenors of CERP, cited the urgent need for implementing vital projects, such as grid interconnections, to enhance resilience and minimize the impact of unforeseen events.

The group said in a statement Samal residents have endured frequent power outages of up to four to five times a day and high electricity prices of as much as P19 per kilowatt-hour. They said the power disruptions had inflicted substantial economic setbacks on the island, renowned for its picturesque beaches, scenic islets and bat-filled caves.

CERP echoed the sentiments of Senators Christopher Go, Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa in urging a legislative investigation into the persistent power supply issues plaguing Samal Island and congressional review to evaluate NORDECO’s capacity to deliver a stable and dependable power supply to Samal Island’s residents.

CERP said the recurrent power outages in Samal Island highlight broader systemic challenges within the national power infrastructure, and it is crucial to invest in strengthening generation, transmission, and distribution networks, especially in the islands.

“Given the crucial role of distribution utilities, they must be well-equipped to handle the present challenges of their franchise areas and in planning and implementing projects for the future,” it said.

eled by both domestic demand and exports—is offsetting a slowdown in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) caused by weakness in the property market and subdued consumption. India is expected to remain a major growth engine in Asia and the Pacific, with a 7.0 percent expansion this year and 7.2 percent next year.

The PRC’s growth is forecast to slow to 4.8 percent this year and 4.5 percent next year, from 5.2 percent last year.

“We see strong, stable growth for the majority of economies in developing Asia this year and next,” said ADB chief economist Albert Park.

“Consumer confidence is improving, and investment is resilient overall. External demand also appears to be turning a corner, particularly with regard to semiconductors,” he said.

The ADB said policy makers should remain vigilant, however, as there are a number of risks.

These include supply chain disruptions, uncertainty about US monetary policy, the effects of extreme weather, and further property market weakness in the PRC.

as heighten their competencies in using digital tools and techniques,” Salonga said. “The first set of masterclasses is dedicated for digital animation and game development sectors and designed to ensure that creatives gain deeper insights on digital animation and game development through the lens of top

global players experts and help them be at par with international standards,” she said.

Featuring six meticulously curated sessions led by industry luminaries, Masterclasses for Digital Animation and Game Development are set to equip 20 chosen scholars per masterclass with latest tools and techniques.

of the PSA’s campaign against the proliferation of fake civil registry documents in cooperation with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MONDE Nissin Corp. reported a net loss of P625 million in 2023 after it booked P10.1 billion in noncash, non-operating impairment in meat alternative business.

Monde Nissin did not provide comparative figures, but in 2022 the company reported a net loss of P13 billion.

Monde Nissin said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday net sales climbed 9.2 percent in 2023 to P80.1 billion, largely driven by volume growth in Asia Pacific Asia Pacific branded food and beverage (APAC BFB) categories.

APAC-BFB booked P65.94 billion in sales in 2023, up 12.6 percent from a year ago, while its meat alternative business, under Quorn Foods, posted a 4.3-percent decline in sales to P14.22 billion.

The domestic business grew 6.8 percent year-on-year, resulting from volume growth across all categories.

“The APAC BFB business saw strong topline growth and profitability, driving record revenues and translating into strong operating cash flows. This growth was aided by both volume and price across all our categories,” Monde Nissin chief executive Henry Soesanto said.

Soesanto said the positive performance of APAC BFB performance would allow the company to announce another dividend with payment in June, representing a total return of capital to investors of over P4 billion from the January and upcoming June 2024 dividends.

Soesanto said the company’s continued focus on cost reduction and improving efficiencies, coupled with better trends in input costs, would help reduce the risks of further substantial impairments.

Monde Nissin said it would also implement initiatives to sustain strong share in noodles market and address share challenges in biscuits segment.

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) approved a P3-billion loan to the local government unit (LGU) of Mandaue City for the construction of the new city hall, a top executive said Thursday.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the loan was granted under the bank’s pioneering Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) for LGUs Financing Program and would be utilized for the establishment of the city’s one-stop shop government center. “DBP believes in the vision of the Mandaue City LGU of making it easier for all its constituents to transact with the government by building a new government center where all government offices and departments

will be housed,” de Jesus said.

“This is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal to promote transparent and efficient public governance,” he said.

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

Mandaue City is a first-class and highly urbanized city in Cebu prov-

ince with an estimated population of over 364,000 as of latest government data and is home to a number of major manufacturing and export companies in the region.

De Jesus said the office structure would be at least eight stories high and would have green building features. It would be constructed on a 4.3-hectare property in downtown Mandaue City and would house government frontline offices, satellite offices as well as executive and legislative offices.

He said the loan agreement with Mandaue City is one of the key projects this year under the ASENSO for LGUs Financing Program, which assists LGUs in their implementation of various infrastructure projects, including the acquisition of machineries and equipment, and the establishment of smart, sustainable, and disaster-resilient communities nationwide.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) unveiled the Philippines’ first Mobile Plant Food Safety Laboratory, a powerful tool to safeguard food quality and sanitation in the country.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the laboratory-onwheels brings the tools of food safety directly to agricultural communities.

“This enables proactive monitoring and immediate intervention. Its

BATAAN St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center (BSJHMC) has tapped VCON Cath Lab which features a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the treatment of cardiac diseases and vascular anomalies.

The introduction of such technology marks an important achievement in Philippine healthcare, with the technology being the first of its kind in the entire Philippines.

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said VCON Cath Lab not only enhances the treatment of cardiac diseases but also presents new possibilities in addressing various vascular, oncologic and neurological anomalies. “The introduction of the VCON

mobility ensures flexibility and accessibility, allowing us to reach even the most remote areas and respond promptly to emerging crises,” he said.

The P20-million mobile van can navigate through remote areas. The mobile lab has a modular set-up that could accommodate rapid screening and testing for pesticide residue, heavy metals and microbiological contaminants from 20 to 30 samples per day at an affordable cost. The lab is designed to be adapt-

Cathlab with artificial intelligence at BSJHMC demonstrates a commitment to not only embracing advancements in healthcare but also leading the way in pioneering new technologies for the benefit of patients. By investing in such cutting-edge equipment, the hospital has positioned itself as a leader in providing superior care and innovative solutions for complex medical conditions,” the company said.

BSJHMC’s continuous efforts to introduce groundbreaking innovations showcase its commitment to setting new standards of excellence in healthcare. The Healthcare Asia Awards 2024 recognize the hospital as the winner of the Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year - Philippines category.

able and future-proof. New tools can be added to determine and resolve emerging threats.

Tiu Laurel underscored the DA’s unwavering commitment to safe food for all Filipinos. “As we continuously work towards a safer and more resilient agriculture sector, let us not lose sight of the fundamental principle that food safety is not just a task for our government agencies; it is everybody’s responsibility,” Tiu Laurel said.

mobilebased payment option marks a significant milestone, as it is recognized as one of the fare media or fare payment methods under the Philippine National Automated Fare Collection Standards. AFPI chief executive JJ Moreno said the AFPI-Multisys partnership is poised to elevate the Filipino commuting experience to international standards, emphasizing the commitment of both entities to improving and transforming how Filipinos commute.

“By embracing the expertise of Multisys and leveraging their advanced technology, we are broadening our payment solutions, making it simpler and more convenient for commuters to access transportation services through their mobile devices,” Moreno said.

Honda launches powerful boat engine in PH

HONDA Power Products announced the availability of the allnew BF350 large-size outboard engine equipped with powerful V8 350-horsepower in the Philippines.

The flagship model represents the latest in Honda’s marine outboard technology, combining unparalleled power, fuel efficiency and advanced features to elevate the boating experience for enthusiasts across the country.

The BF350 is the latest addition to Honda’s renowned BF Series, known for its exceptional performance and cost-effectiveness. With a newly developed dedicated V8 engine boasting a displacement of 4,952 cm3 (302 in3), the BF350 delivers an impressive maximum output of 350 horsepower. This is complemented by high torque, ensuring outstanding propulsion capabilities on the water. One of the standout features of the BF350 is its emphasis on smooth and comfortable boating. The cruise control function allows boaters to maintain a set speed or engine rpm, while the trim support function automatically adjusts the outboard engine to maintain a preset trim angle, enhancing ease of operation. It also features an automatic tilt function, which simplifies docking and storage, providing added convenience to users.

Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Philip Lo (fourth from left) and DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus (third from left) pose with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes (fifth from left) during the ceremonial signing for DBP’s P3-billion loan to the city government of Mandaue.

Govt unveils multi-pronged approach to resolve traffic woes

By Darwin G. Amojelar

COMMUTERS

in Metro Manila can look forward to a potentially smoother journey in the near future as the government rolls out a comprehensive strategy to address worsening traffic gridlock in the metropolis.

This plan, discussed at a recent Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Concerns, focuses on identifying and eliminating bottlenecks while creating alternative routes for a more efficient flow of traffic.

The urgency for action is evident.

The 2023 TomTom Traffic Index ranked Metro Manila 9th worst globally, with motorists spending an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers in 2023. This translates to a 50-second increase compared to 2022, highlighting the worsening situation.

A 2018 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency also estimated that traffic congestion costs the Philippines a staggering P3.5 billion daily.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, during the meeting, unveiled a strategic transportation improvement plan to decongest Metro Manila, which include expansion and upgrading of transportation infrastructure including the construction of new roads and bridges.

Bonoan said traffic decongestion program is one of the key strategic infrastructure programs of the department that is aligned with the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan and consistent with the President’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda to reduce transport and logistics cost.

The program focuses on the improvement and expansion of the national road network by building

more by-passes, diversion roads, expressways, flyovers, interchanges and underpasses. Bonoan underscored the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the community to implement the decongestion plan successfully.

He said that the agency is prioritizing the construction of new bridges crossing Pasig River and Manggahan Floodway, that will provide alternative linkages between major thoroughfares and increase the number of usable roadways that would decongest traffic in EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila.

Another project that will decongest and bypass EDSA is the 7.7-kilometer NLEX-SLEX Connector Road. This elevated expressway mostly traversing along the PNR rail track from Caloocan to Plaza Dilao in Manila will reduce travel time from SLEX to NLEX from 2 hours to 20 minutes.

The project is already 95 percent substantially completed and now has three (3) interchanges located in C3 Road/5th Avenue in Caloocan, and España and Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila. Targeted to be fully completed this year, the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project will bring great comfort to many of our motorists once fully

THE tollway unit of San Miguel Corp. said it has earmarked P8.06 billion in capital expenditure (capex) for 2024 to partially finance the expansion of their existing expressway network and construction of a new toll road.

SMC SLEX Inc. said a significant portion of the capex will go towards the TR4 project. This 66.74-kilometer toll road will connect Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon. Upon completion in 2026, the P50 billion project aims to significantly reduce travel time between these two points, from 3 hours to just 45 minutes.

The toll road will be divided into

PUV

which covers medical expenses.

“Everyone loves to have fun in the sun.

Adequate planning will save you a lot of stress. To make lasting memories together with your loved ones, it is important to travel safely and responsibly,” Steve Dailisan, AirAsia head of Communications and Public Affairs said.

3. Consider traveling at night to enjoy the

markets and other attractions.

4. Drink more water than usual. Practice sustainable travel by bringing your own water container.

5. Be aware of the following symptoms of heat exhaustion: extreme fatigue dizziness and vomiting headache cold sweat; and rapid heart rate

6. Travel insurance is always recommended

“ We know how much travel means to you. Let us all take care and enjoy the best deals on flights and hotels via airasia Move. Any amount you save on your flights and hotels goes a long way to allow you to spend more at the destination,” he added.

Traveling responsibly is always a shared commitment among guests and airline staff, including the cleanliness inside and outside the airport premises as well as the aircraft.

“Being a responsible tourist also includes keeping the aircraft clean which contributes to our commitment to delivering the best affordable and on time air travel as it saves extra time for any additional cleaning between flights” Dailisan said.

operational to its connection with Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Another project is the 32-kilometer

Mass transport projects to ease traffic in Metro Manila

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) is ramping up efforts to address Metro Manila’s traffic congestion by prioritizing the completion of major mass transit projects. This initiative aims to provide commuters with comfortable and efficient alternatives to private vehicles, ultimately reducing traffic volume.

Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the long term solution to traffic is finishing ongoing rail projects such as the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-7 and LRT-1 Cavite Extension, among others.

“Ang solution natin pang long term ay pagkumpleto ng infrastructure projects,” Bautista said.

“Instead of bringing their cars, they (car owners) can just take these trains, which will be very comfortable and efficient,” he added.

while

will be completed next year. He assured that the DPWH will continue to develop and conduct further study on infrastructure projects that will alleviate traffic in Metro Manila in coordination with various stakeholders.

The agency will also continue assisting MMDA in road clearing and removal of obstructions as well as promote active transport by building more bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said that the construction of railway systems in the country will provide permanent solutions to the traffic problem in the metropolis.

six sections, including Sto Tomas, Batangas to Makban in Laguna (11.32 km); Makban to San Pablo City (12.75 km); San Pablo to Tiaong in Quezon (7.5 km); Tiaong to Candelaria (15 km); Candelaria to Tayabas (10.21 km); and Tayabas to Lucena (9.96

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of mass transit systems during a recent Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting.

Citing data from National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Finance, Marcos highlighted the significant economic losses – P4.9 billion daily – attributed to traffic congestion.

“Ang tanging sagot dito (traffic) talaga ay ‘yung mga mass transit system, kaya’t ‘yun ay aming minamadali. ‘Yun ay aming gagawing priority. Hanggang ngayon ay priority ang mga imprastraktura kontra sa trapiko,” Marcos said. Bautista also cited the 30-year Philippine Railway Master Plan in the Greater Capital Region that will contain plans for various rail systems for Metro Manila and throughout the country.

Philippine-bound ‘Vagabond 2’ to cast local actors

BUSINESSMAN and politician Luis “Chavit” Singson displayed a playful demeanor when he met with the press at the opening of BBQ Chicken in Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig. He arrived early, quipping, “I didn’t use the bus lane on Edsa today,” alluding to a recent incident where his convoy was flagged down for unauthorized use of the EDSA bus lane.

The former Ilocos Sur governor continued entertaining questions and confirmed that the Lee Seung Gi starrer Vagabond (2019) will film its sequel in the Philippines.

“The series that is very popular in Korea, Vagabond , will film its sequel here. They have finished some parts, and then the continuation will be filmed here in the Philippines,” Singson said in the vernacular.

“They are polishing the script first, so they have something to follow. Unlike other productions that tend to predict the story as they go, they don’t want that. They want the story to be complete first,” he carried on.

Singson also teased that Filipino actors will participate in special roles, and he himself will be part of the production.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

“They invited me to be one of the producers and the series will feature local actors. I can’t give any names yet, but we’ll soon know them when they start taping here probably in May,” Singson shared, adding that the team behind the series is looking at going around the country.

“They will shoot first in Ilocos then, similar to how Miss Universe showcased the Philippines, they’ll visit some tourist destinations in the country and will be featured in the story,” Singson said, referring to the Miss Universe pageant that he produced when the country hosted it in 2016. Singson explained how the idea of filming in the Philippines started. He said that his company has been investing in South Korea,

BINI extends sold-out streak for ‘BINIverse’ concert days 2 and 3

By Abigail Adriatico

P-POP girl group BINI continues to solidify its title as the “Nation’s Girl Group” with the overwhelming demand for its first solo concert, BINIverse Tickets for the additional concert dates sold out within two hours, matching the ticket sales performance of the initial show. Fans clamored for more dates and a larger venue after the first day’s tickets sold out in less than two hours. In response, Star Music added two additional shows, and tickets for these also sold out within two hours. The members of the girl group expressed their gratitude through their official social media pages, saying, “Mamahalin. Pagsisilbihan. Aalagaan. Iingatan. LAHAT NA para sa aming magigiting na BLOOM na nagsakripsyo para maka-secure ng tickets! Maraming salamat at kita-kits on June 28, 29, 30!”

BINI members reassured fans who couldn’t snag tickets that there would be more opportunities to see them in the future.

The group recently surpassed indie folk band Ben&Ben as the top OPM group artist on Spotify, fueled by their meteoric rise to fame. Songs like “Pantropiko” and “Salamin, Salamin” from their latest EP, Talaarawan, have been dominating the charts.

BINI is a P-Pop girl group managed by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. The group consists of eight members namely Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, Sheena.

and Vagabond star Lee Seung Gi comes to the Philippines as his partner and celebrity ambassador for his company.

“Lee Seung Gi was happy to know that I’m one of the producers of the series. He’s my friend and has visited the Philippines a few times,” Singson said. Vagabond Season 1 starred Lee Seung Gi with Bae Suzy and Shin Sung-rok . It aired on SBS TV for 16 episodes from September

to November 2019, and later streamed internationally on Netflix.

The series follows Cha Dal-Geon (Lee Seung Gi), a stuntman aspiring to be an action star, who suspects foul play when his nephew’s flight crashes in Morocco. Go Hae-Ri (Bae Suzy), an NIS agent undercover at the Korean embassy in Morocco, joins him to investigate. Together, they uncover a complex conspiracy far beyond their expectations.

AWARD-WINNING anthology

Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko returns to the small screen on April 6 with a two-part episode titled “Smart

The second part, which will air tomorrow, is headlined by Gabby Eigenmann as Owen and Rochelle as Cherry. They are Zonia Mejia as Elsie, Sienna Stevens as Annie, and Matt as Apol. Owen is an insurance agent who works from home. He takes care of his daughters, Elsie and Annie, while his architect wife, Cherry, is usually away from them. Owen and his children share a love for smartphones. Sooner or later, their addiction to gadgets begins to affect their family. Elsie frequently asks for purchases to improve her online celebrity status, while

Annie constantly requests weapons for her online games. Owen, on the other hand, tends to neglect Cherry as he is more focused on his smartphone.

One day, a mysterious man hears and grants Cherry’s desire for her husband and daughters to become just like their smartphones. Owen, Elsie, and Annie suddenly develop keypads on their bodies and produce notification sounds similar to a gadget. How will the “Smart Fam” get out of this curse?

Next on the fresh lineup of Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko is “Mga Hero ni Jiro.” Bannering its three episodes are Althea Ablan as Winnie and Zephanie as Lucy, together with Marco Masa as Jiro. Completing the cast are Chuckie Dreyfus as Dudut, Ariel Villasanta as Manolo, Sean Lucas as Marcus, and Geleen Eugenio as Linda. Girl scouts Winnie and Lucy had sacrificed their lives to save people

trapped in a fire in their school. To commemorate their courage and heroism, the school built them a monument. Twenty-five years later, a student named Jiro becomes a victim of bullying. As he cries in front of the sisters’ monument, his tears surprisingly turn the bronze statues alive. Later on, Jiro asks for Winnie and Lucy’s help to turn him into a brave man.

In return, the sisters request Jiro to get close to their sick and lonely mother, Linda. However, Jiro is afraid of the infamous Linda, whom people consider a witch. How can Winnie and Lucy help Jiro stand up against the bullies? Will he finally be able to show

Chavit Singson (third from the left) at the opening of BBQ Chicken in Ayala Malls Feliz

‘Vagabond’ star Lee Seung Gi (left) and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson

‘Vagabond’ is a South Korean series that follows the story of Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung Gi), a stuntman who gets involved in a plane crash investigation after his nephew’s death

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Aside from its compact and sleek design, iPhones carry a handful

WE ALL love our iPhones for their sleek design and powerful features. But did you know your trusty device is hiding a treasure trove of lesserknown tricks? These features can “supercharge” your productivity and make your life easier.

Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or a recent convert, get ready to be surprised with five incredibly useful iPhone features you might not be using yet:

this

becomes effortless.

on the

the time,

and

are displayed—and you’ll instantly be taken back to the beginning of the page. It’s a simple yet highly convenient feature, especially useful with the prevalence of infinite scrolling on many websites and apps today.

Document Scanner

You no longer need to download a third-party app to scan documents. Your iPhone has a built-in document scanner in the Notes app. This tool allows you to scan, adjust colors, crop, and save documents as PDF files. It’s invaluable for many, particularly business owners needing to digitize receipts, contracts, or handwritten notes quickly.

Hide My Email

In today’s digital age, privacy is crucial, and Apple’s Hide My Email feature is a standout tool. Available to iCloud+ subscribers with an Apple ID, this feature lets you create unique, random email addresses. You can then share these random addresses with individuals or organizations to keep your real email private. Messages sent to these randomized emails will be forwarded to your personal inbox. When used alongside inbox filters and other features, you can easily protect your real email address and receive only the messages you want to see.

Back Tap

In addition to tapping, swiping, and pinching, iPhone users can now interact with their devices by tapping the back. The back tap feature, located in Touch settings, allows you to trigger quick actions with double or triple taps on the back of your iPhone. Whether it’s capturing screenshots or launching apps, these actions are customizable to fit your preferences.

Live Text

the second

Isabelle

the

Live Text transforms how you use your camera and photos by recognizing text within them. This feature lets you interact directly with the text, such as copying restaurant names, dialing phone numbers, or looking up addresses from your photos. It’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips. Planning to upgrade to the latest iPhone soon? Visit the Smart Online Store for a wide selection of iPhone models, from the iPhone 11 to the newest iPhone 15. Get access to advanced features and top-notch performance. Take the first step toward experiencing Apple’s innovation by visiting the Smart Online Store today.

Shaira’s viral hit ‘Selos’ returns to streaming platforms after copyright resolution

By Angelica Villanueva

SHAIRA’S hit song “Selos,” which took the internet by storm, is set to return to online streaming platforms soon.

In a video posted on the Moro singer’s Facebook on Tuesday, April 9, she confirmed the news addressing the copyright issues surrounding the viral hit.

She also mentioned that she and her team reached an agreement with the team of Australian singer Lenka, whose song “Trouble Is A Friend” shared similarities with “Selos”.

“We are close to bringing back the song ‘Selos’ to online streaming platforms along with other songs from our production,” the Moro singer said.

first

and

runners-up, respectively. A native of Capas, Tarlac, Tumang was handpicked as the Philippine representative in the Goa pageant by the Miss United Continents Philippines Organization, the franchise holder headed by national director Jeslyn Tumang’s victory followed Maria ’s recent win in the Universal Woman 2024 pageant in Cambodia. Her experience in beauty competitions includes winning Miss Model of the Universe Philippines 2016 and representing the Philippines at the Miss City Tourism 2017 pageant held in Taizhou, China, where she finished in the Top 10. She also joined the Bb. Pilipinas 2017 search, making the initial cut to 55 candidates but failing to enter the official top 40. Additionally, she competed in Miss World Philippines 2019 but A graduate of Tourism Management at Dominican College Tarlac and holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Tarlac State University, the 31-year-old statuesque, 5-foot10 beauty, currently works as a government employee in Tarlac. With a passion for charity works and public service, Tumang gives support to “A Reason To Smile” project which aims to empower communities to achieve and maintain better dental healthcare care through education and awareness for preventative care and treatment.

Celebrities in Mansion Sports Box Manila opening

Mansion Sports Box (MSB) Manila, a new premium sports and fitness center in Makati, celebrated its grand opening with a star-studded event. MSB Manila is part of the Mansion Sports Entertainment Group (MSEG), which also includes the popular Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge in Legaspi Village.

Located at 2F Pacquiao Mansion on Gil J. Puyat Avenue, MSB Manila offers state-of-the-art gym facilities and equipment, including basketball and badminton courts.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mags Villafuerte, a fitness champion, and Christian Standhardinger, a former PBA finals MVP. ABS-CBN’s Dream Maker finalist, Matt Cruz, also performed.

A

Previously, “Selos” was removed from digital streaming due to copyright concerns.

Despite facing online criticism, Shaira, also known as the “Queen of Bangsamoro Pop,” sees it as a learning experience as a new artist in the music industry. “As a local artist who is still new to the music scene, these events have been a lesson for us,” she added.

She expressed gratitude for the support received since “Selos” went viral, appreciating fans’ renditions of the song.

Shaira hopes the song’s return will benefit not only her but also other Bangsamoro artists and Filipino musicians.

“Let’s just be happy because this is not only for me but also for my fellow Bangsamoro artists and fellow Filipinos,” she said.

She clarified that no legal actions were taken against her and described her discussion with Lenka’s team as calm and peaceful, resulting in an agreement on the song’s release.

By Nickie Wang

FORGET off-the-rack sunglasses. Vision Express, the Philippines’ leader in luxury eyewear, offers the exclusive Cartier Set For You experience, allowing you to customize your sunglasses based on your activity and style. Cartier Set For You offers an unmatched level of luxury and customization by combining Cartier’s renowned craftsmanship with your unique flair to create a pair of sunglasses that reflects your personality.

The program centers around a curated selection of iconic rimless designs, featuring various constructions and a sleek, gender-neutral aesthetic. As the Philippines’ exclusive provider, Vision Express empowers you to design your one-of-a-kind sunglasses.

You can choose from a wide range of shapes, colors, and signature details to create nearly 800 possible design combinations. You can even add a personal touch with engraved initials.

To start, select your preferred model from timeless styles like Premiere de Cartier to bolder statement pieces like Decor

Producer John Bryan Diamante reinvests

earnings to

Random Talk

Kate Adajar

Fcinema

OLLOWING the success of the horror flick Mallari in the Metro Manila Film Festival last December, Mentorque Productions owner John Bryan Diamante revealed that his production studio’s upcoming movie Biringan now has a planned cast.

During a media interview at the recent BarakoFest in Lipa, Batangas, Diamante smilingly declined to reveal the names of the cast members for the upcoming film.

“We have selections, but I won’t disclose them until contracts are finalized. I don’t want to make any mistakes,” he nicely explained. Diamante did confirm that Mentorque Productions aims to continue the unique path established by their blockbuster film Mallari

“We want to carve our own track, the Mentorque way. We want to build upon the niche and market established by Mallari,” Diamante stated in a mix of Filipino and English.

The producer also shared insights gained from Warner Bros. Productions, “Our film industry is struggling, and I learned so much when we went to Hollywood.”

“I’m trying to apply, step by step, how we can further export our films. We Filipinos can make great movies – we have our domestic audience, but it’s a long-standing challenge to break out to the world,” Diamante said. “Personally, at Mentorque Productions, I’m trying to understand the world outside.”

Diamante shared that he is currently talking to a lot of Hollywood producers and even independent filmmakers for prospects and pitches. “We have a lot more work to do, but I think as long as we don’t stop, there are a lot of opportunities. Whatever we earned from Mallari, we’re reinvesting back into the industry. Aside from Biringan, we are greenlighting other films to make sure we provide more jobs.”

* * * Adrian Lindayag shares why he bravely revealed being HIV-positive

“Yes, exactly that, turning pain into power. Also, I just felt so safe in this space, especially

with my Rent family,” actor Adrian Lindayag said when asked during a rehearsal visit what prompted him to reveal that he tested positive for HIV in late 2017.” He added that his loved ones have known from the beginning and he just felt that something so important to him should be shared with others.

poor artists struggling in Manhattan, New York City under the shadow of HIV and AIDS. Lindayag’s portrayal of Angel in the musical stems from a deep personal connection. Like the street drummer bravely battling HIV, Lindayag understands the impact of the health status firsthand. Seeking respite from a corporate career, Adrian discovered a lifechanging opportunity after his diagnosis in late 2017 when he joined Ateneo Blue Repertory’s 2018 Rent production. Despite having no prior acting experience, he took a leap of faith and embraced his newfound passion. “This musical and my role as Angel transformed me,” Lindayag expressed. “I’m compelled to share this story’s message of resilience, particularly with young people and their families.” Sadly, he has witnessed the consequences of fear surrounding HIV/AIDS, with friends succumbing to death because they avoided testing. Adrian emphasized that help is readily available, with clinics offering support and medication often provided free of charge.

few years and I just got so tired of it. At the same time, I was inspired by the story of Angel [in Rent],” Adrian said. The actor is set to portray the character in 9Works Theatrical’s restaging of Jonathan Larson’s Rent, a musical about

Though his first foray into theater was with Rent, Adrian had long dreamed of returning to such a powerful production on a grander scale. Prior to this latest theater project, Adrian topbilled the Boys’ Love film The Boy Foretold by the Stars and starred in ABS-CBN series Kadenang Ginto and Marry Me, Marry You, Star Cinema’s An Inconvenient Love, Prime Video’s hit series Linlang, and Metro Manila Film Festival entry Becky & Badette Now, audiences can see him shine alongside a talented cast in 9Works Theatrical’s restaging of Rent – including Anthony Rosaldo (Roger), Garrett Bolden (Collins), Markki Stroem (Benny), and Guji Lorenzana (Mr. Johnson). Ian Pangilinan and Reb Atadero will take turns portraying Mark, while Molly Langley and Thea Astley will alternate in the role of Mimi. Justine Peña and Jasmine Fitzgerald will also alternate as Maureen, and Mica Fajardo and Fay Castro will rotate as Joanne. Lance Reblando will alternate with Adrian in portraying Angel. This iconic theater production, known for its raw emotion and unforgettable music, will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati from April 19 until the first weekend of June (every Friday to Sunday).

Producer John Bryan Diamante is focused on applying what he learned from Hollywood to Mentorque Productions’ film projects