between her and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
“It will not affect our working relationship with the Vice President, Secretary of Education,” he said.
Mr. Marcos added he would only remove alter-egos who are not doing their job as Cabinet officials,
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US $8.1-b aid bill includes $500m to PH
THE Philippines is set to be one of the beneficiaries of an $8.1 billion aid package from the US government intended for its Indo-Pacific allies.
The US House of Representatives recently approved the Indo-Pacific Supplemental Appropriations Act, granting the said emergency aid package to Taiwan, the Philippines, and other allies in the Indo-Pacific.
US Rep. Darrell Issa introduced an amendment to the bill encouraging the US State Department to allocate $500 million in Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines.
The act is part of a package of bills worth $95 billion in total that will send aid to key allies around the world, including Ukraine and Israel.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez thanked the US House for the grant, saying it would benefit Filipinos amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“This multifaceted assistance package reaffirms America’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and security in the IndoPacific and beyond,” Romualdez said
THE Department of Health (DOH) cautioned doctors on Tuesday that accepting “gifts” in exchange over their preferences of a company’s manufactured pharmaceuticals could cost them their licenses.
According to DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, while
House to focus on nat’l security, economic matters until sine die
By Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo
THE number of Chinese vessels monitored in the West Philippine Sea has surged amid the annual Balikatan military exercises between Manila and Washington, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said for the past two months, the number of Chinese ships in the WPS has remainer at a fairly constant average of 60 vessels.
“Only for this week that we have seen a surge of up to a total of 124. Three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and (China) Coast Guard having 10,” he said.
obligated to prescribe the company’s brand of pharmaceutical to their patients. The DOH spokesperson said in a public briefing, “Based on our code of ethics in the medical profession by the Philippine Medical Association, which has a basis in law because the
MANILA , Philippines—Twelve militants have been killed in the southern Philippines during a gun battle with security forces that left seven soldiers wounded, the army said in a statement.
The firefight happened Monday in Maguindanao del Sur province on Mindanao island, a haven for multiple
armed groups ranging from communist insurgents to Islamist militants.
The Philippine Army said the leader
of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction and his brother were killed along with 10 fighters. Seven soldiers were wounded.
Soldiers seized 12 high-powered firearms, including five M16 rifles, said the army statement released late Monday.
“This coincides with Balikatan. This upsurge is out of the normal,” Trinidad added. He said the significant increase in the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the WPS were seen in Bajo de Masinloc and Pag-asa Island.
From April 16 to 22, Trinidad said 124 Chinese vessels, including three PLAN (Navy) ships and 11 Chinese Coast Guard vessels were spotted in the following
WPS features -- 38 at Bajo de Masinloc, 31 at Ayungin Shoal, 46 at Pag-asa Island, 3 at Parola Island, one at Lawak Island, 4 at Panata Island, and one at Patag Island. As this developed, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry hit the Marcos administration for its repeated denial of what it called a “common understanding” between the two countries on Ayungin Shoal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the deal was not only reached during President Rodrigo Duterte’s time, but also during the administration of President Marcos.
Met Museum PH teases collab with Banksy
METROPOLITAN Museum of Ma-
nila released a teaser of its collaboration with Bristol-based artist Banksy.
The museum posted a teaser of “Banksy Universe Manila 2024” with a drawing of a young girl reaching out for a heart shaped balloon on a white canvas.
The teaser read: “Spraying soon. ‘Art is not a crime.’ #BanksyUniverse #BanksyUniversePH.”
Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon” was earlier renamed “Love is in the Bin” by the artist’s studio Pest Control after it was shredded during a live auction at Sotheby’s in 2018.
Long-time fans of the controversial street artist have pondered over this collaboration as the anonymous Bank-
sy is known for not being represented by any gallery or institution.
The only body that has permission to use and license Banksy’s art is his company, Pest Control Office, which the artist himself manages.
“Only Pest Control Office have permission to use or license my artwork. If someone else has granted you permission, you don’t have permission. I wrote ‘copyright is for losers’ in my (copyrighted) book and still encourage anybody to take and amend my art for their own personal amusement, but not for profit or making it look like I’ve endorsed something when I haven’t. Thanks,” the artist said on his official website.
Abigail AdriaticoIn world first, Venice to trial day tickets
VENICE will this week begin charging day trippers for entry, a world first aimed at easing pressure on the Italian city drowning under the weight of mass tourism.
On Thursday—a public holiday in Italy—day visitors will for the first time have to buy a five-euro ($5.3) ticket, monitored by inspectors carrying out spot checks at key points in the UNESCO world heritage site.
Venice is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with 3.2 million visitors staying overnight in the historic center in 2022—dwarfing the resident population of just 50,000.
Tens of thousands more pour into the city’s narrow streets for the day, often from cruise ships, to see sights including St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
The aim of the tickets is to persuade day trippers to come during quieter periods, to try to thin out the worst of the crowds.
But the scheme is being closely watched as tourist destinations worldwide grapple with surging numbers of visitors, who boost the local economy, but risk overwhelming communities and damaging fragile ecosystems and historical sites.
In Spain, the world’s second-most visited country after France, tens of thousands of people protested in the Canary Islands on Saturday to demand limits on visitor numbers to the archipelago.
Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, has described the city’s scheme as “an experiment, and the first time it’s been done anywhere in the world.” “Our aim is to make Venice more liveable,” he told reporters earlier this month.
Venice, spread over more than 100 small islands and islets in northeastern Italy, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. AFP
Initially, tickets will only be required on 29 busy days throughout 2024, mostly weekends from May to July.
Thai trans people make push to be ‘truly’ accepted
STETHOSCOPE over her white coat, Thai doctor Kachisarah Sridakhot walks hospital corridors hoping to beat a path for other trans women to be fully accepted in the kingdom.
LGBTQ activists won a major victory last month when Thai lawmakers passed a bill that should see samesex marriages become legal later this year—a first in Southeast Asia.
Now campaigners are hoping to push the government to allow trans men and women to have their gender recognized in official paperwork.
Kachisarah knows the problem all too well—despite identifying as a woman, she is still identified by the government as a man.
“This is discrimination,” she told Agence France Presse (AFP).
The 26-year-old said she has fought for years to be able to express her true gender.
“At medical school, they didn’t allow me to dress how I wanted to based on my gender, so I had to wear the male outfit,” she said.
“The reason they gave me was that ‘patients couldn’t accept it’, but in fact, (patients) just wanted to get better and they respected us for who we are.”
It is not currently possible for a person to change their gender on documents such as ID cards and passports.
This can make even routine tasks like visiting the bank or passing through airport immigration a challenging or humiliating experience for transgender people.
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community, hosting yearly pride events attended by locals and visitors from around the world. AFP
“China and the Philippines reached common understandings on properly handling the situation,” Wang said on Monday. “These common understandings were reached not only during the Philippines’ previous administration but also its current administration. This is the plain fact,” Wang added.
The surge in Chinese vessels in the WPS and Beijing’s fresh assertion of a “common understanding” came as thousands of Filipino and American troops kicked off joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday.
PBBM:... From A1
and he would not be swayed by personal conflict to fire someone.
“When you can’t handle it anymore, (if you) get sick (of it), just tell us, we’ll replace you. If you really don’t know or you’re corrupt, we’ll definitely remove you. Inday is not like that,” he said.
Mr. Marcos, however, expressed appreciation for his wife for protecting him against critics of his administration.
“First of all, I feel so lucky to have a wife who is very protective of me. If she hears something bad said about me, she gets really upset. We cannot blame her for that,” the President said.
“The First Lady is not used to politics. We in politics are already numb to insults. But she is not from a political family and she still has to learn to bear a bit hurtful and incendiary words,” Mr. Marcos added.
Mrs. Marcos earlier did not mince words in expressing her disappointment at the Vice President, saying the latter crossed the line for laughing at insinuations that the President is a drug user.
“Bad shot na yan sa akin (She’s a bad shot to me),” Mrs. Marcos said in
Manila signed a peace pact with the nation’s largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in 2014, ending their deadly armed rebellion.
But smaller bands of Muslim fighters opposed to the peace deal remain. Communist rebels also operate in the region.
The restive south of the Philippines is home to a decades-old Muslim separatist insurgency and to extremist gangs that have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group.
The annual drills – dubbed Balikatan or “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog –will be concentrated in the northern and western parts of the archipelago nation, near the potential flashpoints of the South China Sea and Taiwan.
The joint drills involve a simulation of an armed recapture of an island in Palawan province, the nearest major Philippine landmass to the hotly disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The same exercise will be held in the northern provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, both less than 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Taiwan.
an interview.
“I was hurt because my husband will do everything to protect you... You ran together right?” she said.
“But you will go to a rally where they called your President a drug user, right? You’re going to laugh –is that the proper thing to do? Even Leni (Robredo) never did that,” Mrs. Marcos added.
Earlier, Sara’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, accused Mr. Marcos of using illegal drugs in a rally in their hometown Davao City, while her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, called on the President to resign. But Mr. Marcos said this was not something that cannot be resolved by open communication.
“VP Sara and I will talk about that. She shouldn’t take it too personally. She’s not the one who said all those things. It should be easy to iron everything out,” Marcos said.
Duterte earlier said the First Lady’s “personal feelings” were irrelevant to her mandate.
“As a person, First Lady Liza Marcos has the right to feel upset and angry. But her personal feelings have nothing to do with my mandate as a government official,” Duterte said.
Medical Act also states that a doctor can actually have his license revoked or suspended by the Professional Regulation Commission if the code of ethics is violated.”
“What is inscribed in our Code of Ethics? We should never receive any payment or incentive, rewards, or financial inducements from medical and pharmaceutical companies to favor their products,” he added.
On this note, Health Reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon has sought a Senate investigation into the sup -
posed “prescription for sale” perpetrated by some unscrupulous doctors in exchange for luxury gifts—like Rolex watches and Lexus cars—on top of huge cash, plane tickets, and other perks.
Leachon on Tuesday called on Senate Health Committee chairperson Christopher Go, and Senators Raffy Tulfo, and Joseph Victor Ejercito to look into this issue, which a whistleblower from a local pharmaceutical company described as “worse than Pharmally.”
In a phone interview, Leachon—a former consultant of the DOH—assailed the “prescription for sale” scheme, saying that said doctors and everyone involved in this practice reek
By Joel Pablo SaludPEN International celebrated World Book Day on April 23, 2024 by raising the issue of book banning globally.
PEN International is the world’s biggest organization of writers founded in London in 1921, and operates across five continents in over 90 countries, with 130 Centers worldwide, including the Philippines.
The statement also comes days before the second Philippine Book Festival, which will be held on April 25 to 28, 2024 at the World Trade Center in Manila.
According to the group’s statement, they “denounce the alarming surge in book bans worldwide, including Belarus, Brazil, China, Hungary, the Russian Federation, Türkiye and the USA, where authorities are attempting to stifle dissent and criticism by censoring literature, persecuting writers, and suppressing inconvenient truths.”
These recurring patterns of what is turning out to be a global move towards censorship against writers and their works had put at serious risk not only on the books written by literary authors and journalists, but also their lives.
Tuesday welcomed the notable decrease in self-rated poverty and hunger among Filipino families, which he attributed to the pro-poor initiatives of President Marcos.
Romualdez said the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) caravans, Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) projects, and other continuing statefunded measures such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) contributed significantly in terms of improving the lives of Filipinos.
The House Speaker the recent findings indicated a decrease of three percent in both the number of families, who consider themselves poor and their self-rated hunger.
Records also said that self-rated poverty fell significantly in three major areas in the first quarter of 2024 when compared to the second quarter of 2023.
It fell from 40 to 29 percent in Metro Manila, 46 to 28 percent in Balance Luzon, and 57 to 47 percent in the Visayas.
The survey, conducted from March
11 to 14, with 1,200 respondents nationwide, found that 42 percent, or an estimated 11.1 million Filipino families, considered themselves poor in the first quarter of 2024.
This was a “slight” decrease from 45 percent, or an estimated 11.9 million families, in the fourth quarter of 2023.
In the same survey period, the OCTA found that 11 percent, or an estimated 2.9 million families, experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2024.
This was a 3 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of 2023 when 14 percent, or an estimated 3.7 million households, experienced involuntary hunger.
“The 3 percent increase, representing approximately 800,000 families, deviates from the upward trends observed in the fourth quarter of 2023,” the survey said.
Across major areas, self-rated hunger decreased in the Visayas, from 19 to 13 percent, and in Mindanao, from 18 to 12 percent.
Balance Luzon experienced a “modest” decrease in self-rated hunger, from 11 to 9 percent, while Metro Manila saw a slight increase, from 8 to 9 percent.
in a statement.
The four-bill package also includes a measure that imposes new limits on the Chinese- owned social media app TikTok.
The Senate is expected to pass the measure next week, sending it to US President Joe Biden to sign into law.
Earlier this month, the Philippines and the United States held an “unprecedented” bilateral meeting involving its top security officials as the allied countries pushed to “further concretize our deepening security partnership” amid China’s “escalation of its harassment” in the South China Sea.
Philippine Navy Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., received the Commanding General of the United States’ 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm, during his visit at the Navy headquarters on Monday, April 22.
of shameless greed. Leachon stressed this is tantamount to indiscriminate prescription of medical products to patients by doctors involved in this illegal practice. This results in additional expenses for the patients and possible side effects of drugs.
“As a doctor prescribes a drug not needed by patients, the latter incur more expenses,” according to Leachon, the former President of the College of Physicians.
“This is a degradation of moral values and destruction of the nobility of the medical profession and the doctorpatient relationship which is anchored on trust,” he stated further.
Romualdez was the guest of honor and speaker in the said forum. He was introduced by DFA Assistant Secretary Celia Anna Feria, who was also the forum moderator. DFA Undersecretary Antonio Morales delivered the opening remarks.
“These initiatives are critical in maintaining sovereignty and stability, enabling our nation to pursue development goals without the shadow of external threats,” he said.
Romualdez said the House development agenda “is expansive, targeting pivotal areas such as healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.”
“In healthcare, we are committed to expanding access and improving the quality of services, making healthcare affordable and accessible to every Filipino. Our initiatives in education aim to create a more liberalized system that not only meets global standards but also equips our youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a globalized economy.
Farmers, fishermen need more gov’t support--solon
A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Tuesday urged the government to provide more support for farmers and fishermen to boost local production and effectively address inflation.
Rep. Wilbert Lee of AGRI partylist group stressed that local food producers deserve better services from the government which should be an enabler to achieve food security and cheaper basic commodities.
Lee made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 20 to streamline the procedures and policies on the importation of agricultural products and remove non-tariff barriers in a bid to stabilize food supply and curb rising domestic prices.
“We understand the purpose of AO 20 to immediately lower the price of goods and reduce the burden on our consumers. But we can consider this as a short term solution. We see that the long-term solution to inflation is the additional support to our local food producers that will benefit the people—from our farmers and fishermen to our consumers,” he said.
BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. warns the taxpaying public to avoid dealing with unscrupulous individuals that act as “fixers” for their tax obligations. This is in relation to a syndicate that was busted last April 12 while extorting millions of pesos from a taxpayer with the promise of “fixing” their tax issues.
The syndicate, composed of private citizens and not BIR employees, extorted P3.6 million from the taxpayer, using their alleged connection with high-ranking BIR officials. The syndicate even used forged signatures of the BIR commissioner, the deputy commissioner for operations group, the deputy commissioner of the legal group, the assistant commissioner of the large taxpayer service, and a revenue district officer.
“The arrest of this syndicate of fixers serves as a reminder to all taxpayers to avoid dealing with these groups and to always verify the authority of any person in dealing with your tax obligations. We urge the public to report to the BIR these individuals/groups. We will help you entrap and arrest them,” Commissioner Lumagui said
Calamba City marks
23rd anniversary
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna-- Calamba City on Monday marked its 23rd year of cityhood marked by accomplishments and milestone including being ranked as sixth in Southeast Asia to have the cleanest air and topping the list of Philippine cities with cleaners air.
Mayor Roseller Rizal summed up the achievements of his administration over the past two years as a testament of good governance and effective public service. In an interview with Manila Standard, he stressed the importance of collaboration in maintaining the inclusivity, sustainability, and progress of Calamba City.
“I am truly blessed with good people helping the city of Calamba to be better. Let us work together as Lagunenyos, leaders, and citizens,” he said. Resources, Rizal said, should be used wisely to protect the environment and create a better future for incoming generations. Roy Tomandao
By Rio N. ArajaTHE Quezon City government and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have partnered to ensure an “integrated and wholeof-society approach” in tackling the effects of
climate change through Project TRANSFORM.
“We are very grateful to the national government through the DENR for recognizing the city’s environmental action. Through the implementation of Project TRANSFORM in QC, we look forward to developing and enacting more green, sustainable, and inclusive climate initiatives for QCitizens,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. With help from the implementing partners, Project TRANSFORM strengthens local government units’ existing climate actions including bio-
diversity, greenhouse gas accounting, financial literacy, disaster management, and nature-based solutions.
“We welcome the Quezon City government’s 14-point agenda in which environmental protection and climate action are at the core of the city’s interventions. We extend our appreciation for your commitment to sustainable environmental conservation efforts and in building a liveable, green, and sustainable city for present and future generations. The DENR stands ready to engage in a dialogue and possibly collaborate with you on the city’s notable, success-
ful programs,” Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said in her message.
DENR’s Project TRANSFORM
(Transdisciplinary Approach towards Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi Stakeholder Engagement) brings together local government units, organizations, and other groups to ensure inclusive and participative programs that are responsive to the needs of the community.
Belmonte and DENR Undersecretaries Marilou Erni and Jonas Leones led the signing of the pledge of commitment for the program.
THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has delivered over 50 million National identification cards (IDs) to registered persons nationwide and over 45,157,255 ePhilIDs—both printed and downloaded—as of last April 12.
The PSA said a total of 50,063,728 National IDs were sent out across the country.
“This is a significant milestone in the implementation of the National ID system,” said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa, national statistician and civil registrar general.
“With more Filipinos receiving their National ID, the PSA shall continue to promote its use and acceptance among national government agencies and relying parties. It is our goal that the National ID will be on top of every Filipino’s mind to be used in their transactions requiring proof of identity or age,” he said.
Zenaida Lo Armillos of Paracale, Camarines Norte was also able to use her National ID in claiming benefits from the Tulong Pangkabuhayan Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), a community-based assistance package providing emergency employment from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Irerekomenda ko po na magpa-register din sila dahil lahat ng transaksyon talaga kailangan ng valid ID, at itong National ID, libre lang (I recommend that they also register because a valid ID is needed in all transactions, and the National ID is free of charge),” she said.
Padilla said. Padilla issued the statement after visiting Senate employees undergoing the Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC)
this means is that you have allies in the Senate in terms of modernizing the AFP. That is our promise,” he said. “We will not be blind or deaf to the needs of our soldiers,” the senator added. Padilla noted that the AFP, particularly the Navy, can count on the support of reservists from the Senate, once they complete their BCMC.
Padilla also recalled his experience with the Navy when they engaged the China Coast Guard in a chase on the West Philippine Sea in 2021. He said he saw how big and armed the China Coast Guard’s boat was, compared to the rubber boat he and some Navy personnel were riding. He narrated that even when the small boat’s engine conked out, they did not retreat. According to him, when the China Coast Guard personnel asked them why they were there, the Philippine Navy personnel replied, “amin ito (this is ours).”
products, Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday said Filipinos might not feel the decline in the cost of rice due to an increase in the price of imported ones. For this reason, Marcos noted it remains incumbent upon the government to probe the wide gap between farmgate and retail prices of agricultural products. “We should further investigate and intervene against the huge disparity between farmgate and retail prices, thence punishing exorbitant charges and cartelization,” she said. Marcos issued the statement in reaction to Administrative Order (AO) No. 20, which streamlines administrative procedures and policies, and removes non-tariff barriers on the importation of agricultural products. Marcos likewise mentioned that
the harvest season of rice is already over. “It is also impossible for the minimum access volume (MAV) to remedy the high cost of rice,” she noted.
While easing restrictions will not lower the price of rice, Marcos believes it will, however, reduce the prices of products such as onions, fish, pork, and sugar. But she pointed out this will also on impact local producers—particularly onion farmers who now sell way below their production cost.
Frequent and candid consultations between farmers, consumers and other stakeholders, will be essential to monitor and evaluate the effects of AO 20, as well as past MAV measures, Marcos said.
The senator also batted for support to the Filipino farmers with investment, technology, and minimal, well-regulated importation.
SENATOR Grace Poe yesterday said that the water scarcity being experienced by several provinces “is a cause for alarm on top of the killer heat.”
Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said several cities and municipalities have taken matters into their own hands by declaring a state of calamity.
The senator said with the declaration, local government units (LGUs) can tap local funds to buy water for their constituents.
Others would need bigger resources to provide irrigation for farmlands and water for livestock to further avert agricultural losses, Poe said.
“Our people in the provinces thirst for help,” she stressed.
The initiatives of the LGUs, she said, should turn up the heat on concerned national government agencies so they can act with urgency.
“El Nino is here to stay until May. It is not too late to bring in solutions to the provinces to mitigate the impact of this weather phenomenon,” Poe said.
Almost all areas across the country, including the National Capital Region (NCR), have been experiencing belownormal rainfall this April, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
From April 1 to April 16, nearly the entire country felt the impact of the ridge of a high-pressure area (HPA) with 40 percent or less than normal rainfall for the period, PAGASA earlier said. PAGASA said there were only localized thunderstorms in the past days.
THE Court of Appeals (CA) has sustained the dismissal from the service of three Bureau of Immigration officers for their involvement in the controversial “pastillas” scheme.
In a 23-page decision written by Associate Justice Maximo de Leon, the CA’s Special Sixth Division junked the petition filed by BI officers Aurelio III S. Lucero, George V. Bituin, and Salahuddin P. Hadjinoor seeking the reversal of the decision issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on March 21, 2022 ordering their dismissal from the ser-
7. Banadera, Joel y S. L215P-0250
8. Basa, Manuel Jr. y Nicolas @ Jun N215P-2792
9. Batistis,
11. Bismanos, Estanislao Jr. y Inopia N206P-3404 @ Jun @ Jun Brown
12. Bustillo, Jessie y Ambal N207P-0656
13. Cabudbud, Edgar y Lacroa @ Cabudbod N202P-1815
vice after finding them administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
“As the Office of the Ombudsman found Lucero, Bituin, and Hadjinoor to be part of the pastillas group based on the overwhelming substantial evidence against them, We see no reason to de-
part from the same. The ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman as regards Lucero, Bituin and Hadjinoor is affirmed,” the appellate court ruled.
The appellate court gave weight to the affidavits and evidence presented by whistleblowers Allison Chiong and Jeffrey Dale Ignacio, both immigration officers, before the Ombudsman.
Under the “pastillas” scheme, the entry of select foreign nationals into the country, most of whom were Chinese nationals who are actually Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers.
The foreign nationals were allowed unhampered entry into the country without their credentials being checked, in exchange for a monetary consideration.
14. Cabuguas, Welman y Bataycan L215P-0233
15. Camania, Jonathan y Pilloces @ One Eye N206P-0007
16. Canoy, Juan y Cuizo @ Johnny N204P-2766
17. Casilang, Freddie y Parayno N204P-0141 @ Adiw @ Freddie Jr. Casilang
18. Cuenca, Gerry y Medrano N200P-0775
19. Cuesta, Alexander y Valdez L216P-0475
20. Daliano, Alex y Mike N205P-2708
21. Damas, Allan y P. @ Allan Poliran Damas N221P-2587
22. Dela Cruz, Mauro y Iriwan I213P-0038
23. Delicano, Chito y Lebadesus N202P-2567 @ Chito Dalicano y Lebadesus
24. Delima, Jummel y Estrellon N210P-1812
25. Del Prado, Aaron y Reyno N213P-2091
26. De Quiroz, Clemente y Aranzasu @ Mente N202P-3398
27. Dupa, Gil y Jornales @ Bodoy D212P-0397
28. Encina, Flora y Mendoza C223P-255
29. Espejon, Andy y Noguera N213P-2936
30. Estares, Danilo y Halcon N202P-3333
31. Fernandez, Danilo y Demana N202P-2568
32. Flores, Erwin y Sta. Ana L219P-0636
33. Gallos, Ricky y David N213P-1462
34. Garcia, Juanito y Gunay @ Wapog N211P-1748
35. Garzon, Leo y Orit L217P-0050
36. Ginco, Eulito y Alcantara L214P-0224
37. Guevarra, Abraham y Lopez N212P-2633
38. Hugo, Ernesto y Bartolome N98P-1598
39. Kuengan, Gabriel y Payanga @ Kudsiyen N210P-0370
40. Lansang, Gelacio Jr. y Hangad @ Ondoy N207P-1333
41. Lara, Jonathan y Vibar N208P-2215
42. Locsin, Frankie y Hormillosa N221P-0079 @ Manuel Thomas Franklin Mary Hormillosa
43. Luna, Erasmo y Quitara I206P-0005
44. Maceda, Edgar y Bejuan @ Boboy L200P-0193
45. Maderazo, Melchor y Go N216P-3046
46. Maglangque, Jose y Marin @ Seng N211P-0062
47. Marcaida, Rolando Jr. y Barrosa N212P-0316
48. Mendigo, Leonardo y Mueva @ Nelly L215P-0026
49. Modar, Berlito y Marcelo N207P-2984
50. Napudo, Fajardo y Langbayan N200P-3553
51. Nieves, Bernard y pollisco @ Bernardo R207P-099
52. Olasiman, Bobby y Saonoy N211P-3061 @ Bobby Olasiman
53. Olguera, Nestor y Ortillo @ Ben I213P-0039
54. Orina, Johnny y Corona D218P-0929 @Johnny Orina y Hun-ayan
55. Panguilinan, Ronnie y Barsaga N207P-2313
56. Papas, Marcos y Nunez L214P-0205
57. Pascua, Marcelo y Genelazo N205P-3067
58. Patalin, Juanito Sr. y Penaflor I214P-0205
59. Payoyo, Salvador y Splana @ Badong N217P-1399
60. Perez, Mariel y Cueto @ Bimbong N201P-2767
61. Pineda, Rolly y Lansangan N99P-3069
62. Pinon, Manolito y Tumulak L214P-0077
63. Pol, Aurelio y Napalan L215P-0001
64. Pulangco, Victorino y Zalino N205P-0868
65. Roland, Zigfred y Sta Cruz N218P-3036
66. Royo, Bayani y Regala N201P-1927
67. Ruiz, Jeffrey y Dayna R213P-091
68. Salonga, Menegilio y Carbajosa N207P-0978
69. Tazan, Eugenio Jr.y Sonier N209P-3696 @ Dionny Tazan @ Eugenio S.Tazan
70. Tilos, Dioscora y Dagoy @ Babie @ Babies C220P-026
71. Tolentino, Josephine y Mapa/Lim C207P-015 @ Josephine Tolentino y Villanueva
72.
75. Zamora,Janine y Manuel C219P-274
By Darwin G. AmojelarTHE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is urging the Department of Health (DOH) to expedite the disbursement of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for healthcare workers amounting to P91.28 billion.
“Our good news is, the national government, in total, has released P91.283 billion for our health emergency allowances, benefits and compensation. This started in 2021, when we had pandemic, then last year, our budget for 2024, we also allocated P19 billion for this,” Budget Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman said.
To note, the released fund for PHEBA included some P73.26 billion for Health Emergency Allowance (HEA)/One COVID-19 Allowance (OCA), P12.90 billion for Special Risk Allowance (SRA), P3.65 billion for COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, andP1.47 billion for other benefits, such as meal, accommodation, and transportation allowance.
Pangandaman also underscored that the government does not withhold the release of the budget intended for healthcare workers’ benefits and allowances.
“You know, especially now in the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, my order is to release the budget. We have no reason to hold the budget because we want it to reach our countrymen faster. So, day 1, day 1 of the year, I released the funds to the Departments,” she added.
Pangandaman also reiterated her request for DOH to finalize its HEA mapping. “We have something called HEA mapping. I hope we can see what was given and then what was not given, so that it will be easier to see what our balance will be,” she added. ‘
CAMARINEs Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Tuesday urged senators to support the passage of a bill ensuring media persons of their deserved economic benefits as well as creating an environment more conducive to their work.
Villafuerte said he hopes the recent reaffirmation by the President of his government’s commitment to fostering the welfare and protecting the lives of journalists would be “the cue for the Senate to act on its version of the Housepassed House Bill (HB) 454.
The bill aims to guarantee the rights of media workers to self-organization and additional economic benefits due them in their profession; and to create a safe, protected environment more conducive to their productive, free and fruitful work.”
Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, is the lead author of HB 304, which was consolidated into HB 454 that is now known as the “Media
Workers Welfare Act.” HB 454 was passed by the House on third and final reading in November 2022 yet, and then transmitted to the Senate. “Our journalists risk their own lives being exposed to the perils and hazards outdoors just so we can receive our needed information. It is unfortunate that these media workers are usually the ones whose labor rights are ignored, such as those pertaining to security of tenure, hazard pay, night shift differential pay and overtime pay,” Villafuerte said. Hence, he said, the need for the Senate to help the President achieve his goal for a better and safer work atmosphere for journalists by acting on its version of the proposed “Media Workers Welfare Act,” which aims to provide media persons with a package of comprehensive benefits at par with the current benefits enjoyed by those in the labor force in both the government and the private sector. Maricel V. Cruz
SECURING the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory, as the Constitution tells us, is the goal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the protector of the people and the State.
The charter also reminds us that civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.
We cite this particular provision in the fundamental law to emphasize that when national sovereignty and territorial integrity come under grave threat, especially from external forces, then all Filipinos regardless of political persuasions should unite and face the challenge squarely.
We view with much concern the deafening silence of former officials of the previous administration on China’s growing assertiveness and bullying of our resupply vessels in Ayungin Shoal located in our Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea according to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea.
These former officials of the Duterte administration should set aside political partisanship and let national interest prevail.
If these former officials still serving in public office under the Marcos Jr. administration cannot, for one reason or another, firmly oppose China’s inroads in our EEZ, they should at least support efforts to ferret out the truth regarding the so-called “gentleman’s agreement,” apparently forged in utmost secrecy between then president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese leader Xi Jinping ostensibly to allow the status quo to prevail in Ayungin Shoal.
Former key officials directly involved with foreign policy and defense issues would certainly have had intimate knowledge of the agreement supposedly forged in utmost secrecy by Duterte and Xi even before Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assumption as president in 2022.
We’d like to know, for instance, if the “gentleman’s agreement” or what appears to be an ultra-secret pact between the two leaders requires the Philippine government to seek permission from China for our resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.
Does it prohibit the Philippines from transporting construction supplies for the grounded derelict ship BRP Sierra Madre that serves as an outpost for our military to protect our sovereign rights in the area?
These officials have kept silent about the controversial agreement, the existence of which was already confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Duterte has spoken about the deal, calling it a “gentleman’s agreement,: but this admission has only caused more confusion rather than cleared the air. President Marcos Jr. wants to know
everything about the secret agreement, exclaiming he was “horrified” by the fact that such an agreement even took place.
He was emphatic in saying any such agreement violates our Constitution and puts national sovereignty in jeopardy.
The Chief Executive recently returned home from a historic trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C., with President Joe Biden of the United States and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan.
This visit further strengthened our alliance with the US and Japan in the economic and security spheres.
But even after this exceedingly successful visit—the country stands to gain from an unexpected windfall of no less than $100 million in direct investments from US firms, as well as the reaffirmation of the “ironclad” US guarantee that it would come to our defense under the terms of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty —his critics would rather question his commitment to the national interest and the people’s welfare.
While at this, we’re reminded of the truism that invariably politicians think only of the next election, while statesmen think only of the next generation
As the highest elected leader of the land, Marcos Jr. has to defend the national interest at all times.
Part of this is to push back against Beijing’s increasingly aggressive behavior as shown by its naked display of brute force against our resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea where we have our EEZ.
The president is the chief architect of our foreign policy. He has chosen to stand up against Chinese bullying and to assert our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea based on UNCLOS and the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal on our sovereign rights in the area.
While at this, we’re reminded of the truism that invariably politicians think only of the next election, while statesmen think only of the next generation.
Now, we know who are the politicians who do not want to speak out against gangsterism in the high seas because they only want power for its own sake and those in the other side of the spectrum who only want to defend and uphold national sovereignty and the national interest despite overwhelming odds. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
PARIS – Israel’s apparent strike on Iran was deliberately limited in scope but sent a clear warning to the country’s leadership about Israeli abilities to strike at sensitive targets.
Tehran refuses to recognize Israel, and for decades the two countries have waged a shadow war marked by covert Israeli operations inside Iran, and Iranian backing for anti-Israel militant groups including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
But while the surge in tensions over the past weeks has calmed for now, the shadow war has entered a new phase, carrying more than ever the risk of open conflict between the foes, analysts say.
The current escalation comes against the background of Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel followed by the Israeli bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip. It began when Israel was blamed for carrying out an air strike on April 1 against Iran’s consulate in Damascus, killing seven Iranian officials from the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran responded with its first-ever direct attack on Israel, involving hundreds of drones and missiles, though almost all were shot down by Israel and its allies.
Amid fears of a major Israeli retaliation to that attack, which could itself provoke another Iranian response, Israel instead chose a much more limited option in the face of US pressure.
According to The New York Times,
Tmuscle – has a clear message The annual drills – dubbed Balikatan or “shoulder to shoulder – is concentrated in the northern and western parts of the archipelago country, near the potential flashpoints of Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Interestingly, more than 250 contingents from the Australian Defense Force and, for the first time in Balikatan’s history, the French Navy will also join the exercises.
The Philippine Coast Guard will also join Balikatan for the first time following several confrontations between its vessels and the China Coast Guard, which patrols reefs off the Philippines’ coast. The joint drills involve a simulation of an armed recapture of an island in Palawan, the nearest major Philippine landmass to the hotly disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The same exercise will be held in the northern provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, both less than 300 kilometers from Taiwan.
Like last year, there will be a sink-
ing of a vessel off the northern province of Ilocos Norte.
Other training will concern information warfare, maritime security, and integrated air and missile defense.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a key waterway for international trade, and also considers self-ruled Taiwan to be part of its territory.
We endorse Brawner’s idea that cooperation and military-tomilitary collaboration play vital roles in ensuring a safer global community for generations to come
“We’re going to show the people of the Philippines and the world that we’ve gotten better and we’re never going to stop doing so,” Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander of US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, said at the opening ceremony in Manila.
“When we get better the Philippines gets stronger, safer and more secure.”
Participants will execute a range of complex missions across domains, including maritime security, sensing and targeting, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, cyber defense, and information operations.
AS I wrote in a previous column, April is Literature Month and the literary and book-related events are crammed thick over the following two weeks.
Kicking off tomorrow is the National Book Development Board’s 2nd Philippine Book Festival at the World Trade Center Manila, lasting until April 28, running from 8 to 8 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
This year, the NBDB reprises its colossally successful take in cooperation with other government agencies and private companies, as well as publishers, writers, illustrators, and other stakeholders of the book industry.
The Philippine Book Festival 2024 brings together the country’s most popular authors in one event. (Poster courtesy of NBDB)
They are bringing back the four main sections of the Book Festival: Kid Lit (for children of all ages, 14 stalls), Booktopia (various genres, 40 stalls), Komiks Land (graphic book lovers, rejoice! with 34 stalls of komiks), and Aral Aklat (textbooks and educational resources, 22 stalls).
Many of the books will be sold at discounted prices.
which cited Israeli and Iranian sources, the target was the radar system of a Russian-supplied S-300 missile defense system at an airbase in the central province of Isfahan, the region that hosts the Natanz uranium enrichment plant.
The origin of the strike is not entirely clear, but it included at least one missile fired from a warplane outside Iran and small attack drones known as quadcopters that could have been launched from inside Iran itself and were aimed at confusing air defenses, the reports said.
But while the surge in tensions over the past weeks has calmed for now, the shadow war has entered a new phase, carrying more than ever the risk of open conflict between the foes
Israel, in line with its usual policy, has not confirmed or denied carrying out the strike on Iran or the April 1 attack in Syria.
“The purpose of the operation was pre-
This is good news not only for avid readers but also for teachers who will be looking for textbooks that they can recommend to their school librarians for purchase, or for volumes they can add to their personal bookshelves.
In addition, festival goers will enjoy the NBDB Book Bar, the Tabuan Food Hall, Guhit Pambata Exhibition, and the
cisely to remind Iran what Israel could be capable of,” said Arash Azizi, senior lecturer at Clemson University in the United States. “The choice of the airbase near Isfahan was significant because this is the main source of air defence support for all the nuclear installations in the province,” he told AFP.
Israel is long believed to have carried out sabotage operations inside Iran through its Mossad espionage agency.
Most famously, according to US media reports, Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated in 2020 by Mossad using a machine gun that had been assembled close to his home by its agents and then fired remotely after they left.
According to some outlets, including television channel Iran International, Israeli agents have even captured and interrogated Revolutionary Guards inside Iran to obtain intelligence.
There have also been suspicions, after
The Philippine Navy, US Navy, and the French Navy will also conduct a Multilateral Maritime Exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
We are confident the 2024 Balikatan Exercise will underscore the Philippines’ steadfast dedication to amplify interoperability and readiness by collaborating with its friends, partners, and treaty ally.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said: “Together, we speed up our march towards enhancing our military capabilities for maritime security alongside honing other competencies in order to effectively address the dynamic challenges across all domains.”
We endorse Brawner’s idea that cooperation and military-to-military collaboration play vital roles in ensuring a safer global community for generations to come.
Balikatan 2024 includes exercises in protecting key terrain in Luzon and Palawan in support of territorial defense; rapidly moving long range, precision strike capabilities and using them in targeting simulated threats; tracking simulated air threats and targeting them with multiple air and missile defense systems; and integrating multilateral air and land platforms to increase awareness of the maritime security situation.
Washington and Manila are treaty allies and have deepened their defense cooperation since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022.
National Library of the Philippines’ Rare Book Exhibition.
Last year was the inaugural staging of this event, and it was phenomenally successful.
Festival goers will enjoy the NBDB Book Bar, the Tabuan Food Hall, Guhit Pambata Exhibition, and the National Library of the Philippines’ Rare Book Exhibition
The Book Festival was conceptualized by NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, who with her team opened the doors to a wonderfully immersive literary experience that redefined the meaning of ‘bookfest.’ When I say ‘immersive,’ I mean there weren’t just book stalls where one could shop. I mean there were activities for participants that drew them in and at least for several hours made the regular reader an integral part of a vibrant and dynamic book industry, with talks, interviews, forums, storytelling sessions, exhibits, book signings,
mysterious explosions around sensitive sites, that Israel has already carried out drone attacks inside Iran, but this has never been confirmed.
Iranian officials have been at pains to almost laugh off the Israeli strike, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian telling NBC News the weapons used were at the “level of toys”.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, praised the country’s armed forces for their “success.”
But Alexander Grinberg, expert on Iran at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said Israel’s choice and designation of target was in itself indicative of the presence Mossad has inside Iran. “Israel’s message is ‘We can strike anywhere in Iran’ given that Isfahan is in the centre of Iran, relatively far away, and Israel knows exactly where it can strike,” he said.
Grinberg said it was logical that Iran has not confirmed that the air base was hit: “From the moment you recognize the
workshops, panel discussions, and more. I’d never had as much fun at a bookfest and it certainly set the bar higher for the other organizers of such events. NBDB’s success in Manila was followed by a PBF in Davao last July, another exciting engagement of books with readers from the south. This year, the NBDB has arranged even more interesting activities, some of them celebrity-crammed. Actors from the GMA Prime show “Encantadia Chronicles: Sanggre” – Faith da Silva, Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, and Angel Guardian – wil stage a readalong at the WTC Main Stage on April 25, Thursday, at 2:00 p.m.
The following day, April 26, Friday, at 12:00 noon, same venue, the book “Si Gren, ang Kaibigan Kong Alien” will be launched by actors Gabby Concepcion, Marian Rivera, and Raphael Landicho. Esteemed writers will also attend the event, among them National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee and popular historian Ambeth Ocampo, who will also be speaking on the Main Stage on April 26 and 27 respectively.
Literary rock stars National Artist Ricky Lee and best-selling writer/historian Ambeth Ocampo will be speaking about their most popular books. (Photo courtesy of NBDB.) Visit the NBDB Facebook page for the event schedules and registration links.
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true scale of damage, you admit the power of the enemy.”
Holly Dagres, non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, said if Israel’s attack involved small quadcopters, “these small drones were likely launched from inside Iran”. This would highlight “yet another instance in which Mossad has a presence on the ground and how Iran is its playground”, she said.
While the current escalation phase appears to be over, Israel could yet launch more retaliation against Iran, and tensions may also surge again if Israel launches its long-threatened offensive on Rafah in Gaza.
“In some ways, we are now back to the pre-April 1 rules of operation: the realm of grey area and unattributable operations, sabotage,” said lecturer Azizi. “That suits both Iran and Israel well.
But the rubicon crossed on April 1 still matters and makes the stakes higher,” he added. AFP
The Perpetual Help Lady Altas celebrate after their 5-set victory over the San Beda Lady Red Spikers 20-25, 25-11, 22-25, 2517,15-6, in the NCAA Season 99 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday. (Dennis Abrina)
THE Perpetual Lady Altas regained their winning form by defeating the San Beda Lady Red Spikers on Tuesday in the continuation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at the Fil Oil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
The Lady Altas, champions of the tournament in 2014, recorded a hardfought, five-set, third win this season in five games with a score of 20-25,
25-11, 22-25, 25-17, 15-6. Shaila Omipon topscored with 26 points, 21 in attacks and four service aces, while reigning MVP Mary
Rhose Dapol contributed 17 points, 15 in attacks plus two aces.
Libero Marian Andal had 13 excellent receptions, while setter Jhasmine Sapin produced 12 excellent sets
The win boosted the Las Piñas City-based lady Altas’ bid to advance in the second round of the tournament alive.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Altas spikers of coach Sinfronio Acaylar remained flawless in five games, beating the Red Spikers in straight sets, 2514, 25-22, 25-22.
Reigning MVP Louie Ramirez
topscored with 17 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Jefferson Marapoc contributed 13 pts.
Libero John Philip Pepito had 8 digs and setter JC Enarcisco made 22 excellent sets.
In juniors’ volleyball, the Junior Altas Girls completed the Final Four together with Arellano Braves (5-0), Lyceum (3-2) and Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers (3-2).
The seven-peat seeking Juniors Altas Boys’ team is still unscathed with four wins together with Lyceum of Philippines University GenTri.
ANTHONY Castigador and Alexandra Onte flaunted their tennis prowess in the Gov. Fredenil Castro Cup National Junior Championships, securing dual victories for Iloilo City at the Villareal Stadium hard courts in Roxas, Capiz over the weekend.
Castigador, the top seed in his categories, demonstrated his dominance by defeating Francisco de Juan III, 6-1, 6-3, in the boys’ 14-and-U finals, then later fending off doubles partner Rizzjun Labindao, 6-1, 6-4, for the 16-and-U trophy in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.
Meanwhile, Onte asserted her superiority in the girls’ singles events, scoring a 6-3, 4-0(ret.) win over Andrea Malbas in the 16-and-U category, and posting a convincing 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Sam Malbas in the premier 18-and-U division of the event held in conjunction with the Capiztahan celebrations.
Capistrano and Onte’s stellar
with Aleeva Suace to pocket the 18-and-U crown. Other notable winners were Ian Ituriaga, de Juan and Mikaela Chavez, also all from Iloilo, as well as siblings Besper and Theriz Zapatos from Kalibo, Aklan. Ituriaga took the boys’ 18-andU title after a walkover win over Marben Alimarin, while de Juan emerged victorious in the 12-andU side with a 1-0(ret.) triumph over Don Olavides.
Chavez dominated the 10-andU unisex finals with a 4-1, 4-1 romp over Abby Castigador, while Besper Zapatos defeated Theriz in a thrilling three-setter match for the girls’ 14-and-U title.
The tournament, sanctioned by Philta and supported by Slazenger and Universal Tennis Ranking with Rudolfo Suites as the official hotel, also saw Abby Castigador and Chavez win the 10-unisex doubles crown, alongside Ituriaga and Gian dela Cruz (boys’ 18-andU), and Tori de Ocampo and Suarez (girls’ 14-and-U).
THE Smart Sports Scribes leaned on their smothering defense to stifle the Capital1 Solar Boys, 49-32, rising as champions of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday, April 22.
A much larger margin than the two teams’ first two matchups where they split their victories in close fashion, the Sports Scribes took the winnertake-all contest in a wire-to-wire affair.
Following a low-scoring opening frame which saw Smart go ahead, 127, the team outscored the Solar Boys in the next 10 minutes, 18-5, to rip the contest wide open by intermission after a buzzer-beating undergoal stab by Dugout Philippines’ Ivan Saldajeno, 30-12.
The story remained the same in the third period, where the team backed by Danny Espiritu, Headstart Sports Academy, and BaliPure kept their opponents at bay by making timely shots at every juncture.
SPIN.ph’s editor-in-chief Dodo Catacutan extended the lead to 20, 4121, as he successfully scored before the period expired.
With a relentless pursuit to come back, the Solar Boys managed to bridge the gap to 16, before Jeremiah Sevilla knocked down some jumpers to maintain distance.
Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph was hailed as Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after a 12-point, 11-rebound performance, while Cignal’s AJ Bolando had 13 markers, eight boards, and five assists.
Despite just scoring three, UAAP Varsity Channel’s Julio Sampedro collared eight caroms and stole thrice. Christian Jacinto and Bryan Jacinto knocked down 10 points apiece, while Aldo Aviñante had eight for the team supported by Capital1 owners Mandy and Milka Romero, Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, Uratex, and Rebel Sports.
Meanwhile, the Strong Group Athletics Press Row Bros secured their first victory of the tournament after downing the Say Chiz Smileys in the third-place game which needed overtime, 82-81.
Leading by as many as 17, 45-28, during the early goings of the third, the Smileys managed to chip away at the lead, even going ahead, 72-70, after a layup by Cedelf Tupas with 47.2 seconds left in regulation.
SGA’s Eugene Flores forced five more minutes by scoring a gametying layup, but missed the go-ahead bonus free throw at the 12.0 mark.
During the extra period, Flores took over down the stretch, scoring all 10 points for the Press Row Bros.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado had a crack at forcing a second overtime with 1.9 left, but split on his charities for the final tally. Flores of One Sports fired 30 points, while Diego de la Paz and Karlo Sacamos chipped in 18 points each. Lopez, on the other hand, paced Say Chiz’ offense with 24, Tupas added 23, and Terrado poured in 20.
Chen flourished with a stunning backside charge, carding a fourunder 68 in scorching conditions to grab a one-stroke lead over Thai Queen Meesom-us in the first round of the $100,000 ICTSI Luisita Ladies International 2024 here Tuesday. Hsuan spiked her impressive performance with a string of birdies on Nos. 11, 12, 14 and 17 of the Luisita Golf and Country Club course, positioning her at the top of the leaderboard. Despite a slight stumble with a missed par-putt from 12 feet on the 18th, she maintained her lead as Meesom-us failed to sustain a birdiebirdie feat from No. 6 in a frontside finish and shot a 69.
The Taiwanese acknowledged the challenges posed by the unpredictable greens but remained confident in her game. Meesom-us, on the other hand, expressed adaptability to the hot weather conditions, drawing from her experience playing in similar climates back home.
“Although my driver and irons were fairly consistent today (Tues day), I struggled with my putting due to the challenging nature of the greens. Some were fast while others were slower, making it difficult to find a consistent rhythm,” said Chen, reflecting on her ongoing quest for a breakthrough victory after five years on the tour. Her round was marred by a threeputt miscue on No. 4, nestled be tween two birdies, and a mishit ap proach shot on the 18th that resulted in another bogey.
“Understanding the nuances of the speed (of the greens) is cru cial here,” she said, alluding to the critical factor that could determine one’s success or failure in the 54hole championship co-sanctioned by the TLPGA and the Ladies Phil ippine Golf Tour.
Meesom-us also flashed solid per formances from tee-to-green, mirror ing Chen and other early contenders, yet encountered challenges while tends to fall into place,” said Meesom-us.
By Peter Atencio
TOP Philippine bets Hagen Topacio and Eric Ang scored a final total of 116 and 111, respectively, in the men’s trap event of the International Shooting Sports Federation’s Final Olympic Qualification Championship in Topacio and Ang are in 69th and 111th places, trying to stay in contention for the Paris games from a total
Philippine National Shooting Association secretary general Iryne Garcia said Topacio was leading along with four others with perfect scores 50 out 50 after the first day of a three-day Olympic trap event.
Ang was at no. 99 with a score 45
Garcia said they also await the outcome of skeet shooter Enrique Enriquez’s campaign.
Marinero,
semis MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda clobbered Keanzel Basketball, 12767 and Go Torakku-St. Clare dispatched CCI-Yengskivel, 114-106, in the quarterfinals Monday night to advance in the Final Four of the 2024 PBA D League Aspirants’ Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan. Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda set up a rematch against Cenro Escolar University, while Go Torakku-St. Clare will face top seed and two-time defending champion EcoOil-La Salle in the best-of-three series that begin Thursday. The Red Lions and the Saints advanced to the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage but didn’t need an extra game to accomplish their goals.
IN A pivotal moment for Philippine basketball, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio recently sat down with Bennie Boatwright, a promising naturalization prospect, sparking optimism for Gilas Pilipinas’ future endeavors.
Panlilio, accompanied by esteemed figures like national coach Tim Cone, Gilas team manager Richard del Rosario and SBP executive director Erika Dy, engaged in an insightful conversation with Boatwright at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati.
Panlilio was notably impressed by Boatwright’s demeanor, describing him as affable and respectful.
He promptly shared his positive assessment with SBP leaders Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky P. Vargas, hinting at Boatwright’s potential to bolster Gilas Pilipinas’ roster.
“It was a very pleasant lunch, kwentuhan, me just finding out who he is, how he is; it was very relaxed, he even tried halo-halo,” Panlilio said on Sunday, April 21. “Bennie is very mildmannered, maamo ‘yung character
niya, very respectable.”Standing tall at 6-foot-10 and weighing 235 lbs, Boatwright’s journey to the Philippines commenced after his stint in the Chinese Basketball Association, arriving to fill a temporary import role for San Miguel Beer in the PBA. Yet, his aspirations extend beyond the hardwood, as he embarks on the path to Filipino citizenship, inspired by the trailblazing legacy of Justin Brownlee. Panlilio drew parallels between Boatwright and Brownlee, underscoring Boatwright’s eagerness to contribute to Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for basketball excellence.
Although Brownlee remains a key player for the squad, Boatwright’s youthfulness and physicality position him as a formidable asset for future campaigns, including crucial tour-
naments like the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
The process of naturalization was explained to Boatwright during that informal meeting, and he expressed his willingness to return as soon as he is required to, especially when he has to appear before the concerned committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“We’re working on his calendar,” Panlilio said. “But he is really very excited.”Before his professional exploits, Boatwright honed his skills at the University of Southern California, showcasing his prowess with impressive collegiate statistics. Despite going undrafted in the NBA, Boatwright’s journey took him through various international leagues, where he excelled and garnered invaluable experience.
and informative content” to audiences via ALLTV available on Channel 2 on free TV, cable and satellite TV nationwide.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) earlier granted AMBS a provisional authority to install, operate and maintain a digital terrestrial television broadcasting station in Metro Manila and Mega Manila using Channel 16 (482-488 Mhz) with digital ERP of 10 kW for 18 months. ABMSI also secured an authority to test broadcast Analog TV Channel 2 from Jan 6, 2022 until the analog shut off unless sooner revoked or canceled.
The NTC in 2020 ordered ABS-CBN to stop operations due to the expiration of its congressional franchise. Republic Act No. 7966, which granted ABSCBN a 25-year franchise to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations, expired on May 4, 2020.
The Radio Control Law bars the operation of a radio broadcasting station without a franchise from Congress.
The Villar family owns Planet Cable, a cable TV and fiber internet provider, which acquired a controlling interest in Advanced Media in 2019 from the Vera family.
By Alena Mae S. FloresPHILIPPINE
ManufacturingCo. of Murata Inc. (PMM) renewed its agreement with clean energy provider First Gen Corp. for the supply of renewable electricity for its production facility in Batangas.
The supply deal is aligned with the commitment of the Japan-based electronics giant to shift electricity used in all its factories and offices around the world to 100-percent renewable energy by 2050.
“Together, we in First Gen and PMM are not just reducing emissions but also shaping a future where environmental responsibility and growth go hand in hand,” First Gen president and chief op-
THE Philippine government established an interagency team to spearhead its bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board, allowing the country to access more climate financing and open wider opportunities for cooperation.
“The DOF will lead the country’s bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund. We have already begun thorough preparations on this matter, and we believe that the Philippines is more than ready to take on this important role,” said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
The LDF is a global financial mech-
By Jenni er B. Austria
TIt said that while the Binance’s cryptocurrency website was blocked in the Philippines, investors were still able to access the company’s apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The SEC sent separate letters to Google and Apple on April 19, 2024 requesting for the removal of the applications controlled by Binance.com.
“The
erating officer Francis Giles Puno said in a statement.
PMM is the Philippine unit of Murata, a worldwide manufacturer and innovator of electronic components and solutions that supplies parts for some of the world’s largest tech companies.
Its manufacturing facility in the Philippines is located inside the Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) economic zone in Batangas. It is the company’s biggest manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and focuses on the production of multilayer ceramic capacitors which are used for electric vehicles and 6G communications technology. PMM and First Gen initially forged a supply agreement in 2021.
anism designed to provide support to countries that are mostly impacted by climate change.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously expressed the Philippines’ intent to host the LDF Board and called for LDF’s immediate operationalization to assist developing countries.
By hosting the LDF Board, the Philippines will gain significant traction from developed countries and development partners that can pledge voluntary contributions to finance the fund, according to the DOF.
It said the Philippines’ active en-
said the sale or offer of unregistered securities to Filipinos and operating as an unregistered broker constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 8799 or The Securities Regulation Code (SRC).
Aquino said removing and blocking the applications of Binance would “prevent the further proliferation of its illegal activities in the country, and to protect the investing public from its detrimental effects on our economy”. Binance offers a platform for trading financial instruments and investment products— including spot trading using leverage, futures contracts, option contracts, cryptocurrency savings accounts, cryptocurrency staking services and a platform for initial coin offerings. It has an average daily trading volume of $65 billion covering more than 402 cryptocurrencies, with a membership of over 183 million, making it the largest
gagement in the LDF would allow countries all over the world to collaborate with the government in tackling climate-related challenges.
It can also serve as an avenue for the Philippines to showcase its gamechanging initiatives in the adaptation and mitigation front, the DOF said.
The government pushed forward strategic investment and financing frameworks for climate and development positive actions.
It also enabled policies and measures to make the Philippines a destination for sustainable investments
such as the initiatives under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions Implementation Plan (NDC IP) and its Financial Strategy.
“Preparing to win the Philippines’ bid to host the LDF Board won’t be easy, but it is a lofty and worthwhile endeavor,” said DOF Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco.
The Philippines is a strategic international hub with a strong presence of regional and international organizations hosted in the country, the DOF said. Darwin G. Amojelar
percent to 26 percent for banking brands and 4 percent to 54 percent for real estate brands. Chinabank posted the largest brand value percentage increase among banking brands with a 26-percent growth to $350 million, while Ayala Land’s brand value increase of 54 percent to $451 million places it as the largest brand value gainer among real estate brands.
SHARE prices climbed back to the 6,500 level Tuesday on positive cues from the Wall Street and easing tensions in the Middle East.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 62.72 points, or 0.97 percent, to close at 6,506.80, while the broader all-shares index added 21.19 points, or 0.62 percent, to finish at 3,446.90.
All sectoral indices ended in the green led by industrial which rose 1.51 percent; property, 1.23 percent; and services, 1.2 percent.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Mikhail Plopenio said investors cheered Iran’s statement that it would not further escalate its conflict with Israel.
The positive statement also eased worries about rising global crude prices. Plopenio said investors also welcomed the statement from National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rpsemarie Edillon that an uptick in inflation rate in April is unlikely as the country is already in harvest season.
Meanwhile, other Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday and London hit a fresh record, with hopes for earnings this week from tech titans helping to offset worries about the Federal Reserve’s interest rate plans ahead of the release of key US growth and inflation data.
The apparent easing of Iran-Israel tensions after the rivals launched missile attacks against each other continued to weigh on oil prices, while the yen inched slightly higher as Japan again warned authorities had the room to intervene to support the currency.
B. Austria with AFP
JennifferElectric Co.
retailer ManilaPOWER
(Meralco)and the Department of Energy (DOE) called on more companies to join the government’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP) to help ensure power supply sufficiency and avoid outages throughout the dry season.
The ILP is a voluntary and demandside management program where big power consumers temporarily de-load from the grid and use their own generating units or reduce their operations if power supply is insufficient.
Meralco said the support of ILP participants proved to be highly critical in avoiding rotating power interruptions in the Meralco franchise area even after the Luzon Grid was placed under red alert for three days last week.
“Bayanihan continues to be our battle cry this year as we all try to do our part to mitigate the impact of El Niño on the power sector,” Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said. Meralco has implemented the ILP 27 times in its franchise area since 2014. The program successfully spared around 1.9 million households from power interruptions last week.
“We call for your support and cooperation for the country’s objective of having continuous power supply by participating in the ILP and being part of the solution to the power supply challenges,” DOE director of the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Irma Exconde said during a webinar organized by Meralco for its enterprise customers.
developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) said Tuesday it will postpone its planned $1-billion real estate investment trust (REIT) offering amid the current interest rate environment and market volatility.
president Jeffrey Lim
shopping centers across the country. SMPH is the only major property developer in the country that has yet to launch an REIT company. The proceeds from the fund-raising was supposed to fund the planned reclamation project in Pasay City. SMPH’s SM Smart City president Glen Ang said during the same press briefing the reclamation project is on track to be handed over by 2028, “We are following our timeline. We have worked out a concept program in order to speed up, catch up on our timeline. so far we’re on track,” Ang said. The reclamation project, which
will be connected to the Mall of Asia (MOA) complex, is a 360-hectare mixed use development with various components including malls, offices, residences, entertainment arena, hotel and convention center. SMPH allotted P100 billion for 2024 capital expenditures, of which 60 percent will be for the construction development and 40 percent for land banking activities and reclamation project.
It also plans to open four new malls in the Philippines this year, which will provide more than 400,000 square meters (sqm) of gross floor area (GFA).
FEDERAL Land Inc., the property development arm of GT Capital Holdings Inc., launched the low-density Hartwood Village on a prime piece of property in its 48-hectare Meadowcredit township in Biñan, Laguna. “The property has been held by the Ty family for about 27 years, and the time is finally ripe for its development under their Federal Land Communities product line,” Federal Land chairman and chief executive Alfred Ty said in a briefing following the launch.
Ty, or AVT as he is known in the
business community, is a son of the late banking and automotive tycoon George Ty. He and his older brother Arthur have been carrying on their father’s legacy as the second-generation tycoons who are now running GT Capital, the listed Ty-owned conglomerate. GT Capital’s multi-faceted businesses include property through Federal Land Inc.; automotive through Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corp.; dealership through Toyota Manila Bay Corp.; and GT Capital Auto Dealership Holdings Inc.; banking through Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company; and insurance through Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corp. It also has a
ABOITIZ Power Corp. is set to issue a notice to proceed to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors for 1,000 megawatts of solar projects that will be completed by 2025 to 2026.
AboitizPower outgoing president Emmanuel Rubio said the move is part of the company’s efforts to help secure the country’s power supply in the face of increased demand which resulted in the recent red and yellow alerts in the Luzon and Visayas grids. “Hopefully by 2030, AboitizPower has at least 4,600 MW of RE,” Rubio said. He said the recent red and yellow alerts in the power grid occurred because of the El Nino weather phenomenon and aging power plants. “We really need to make sure we are addressing the demand and making sure we have enough reserves in the grid,” Rubio said. He said the construction of Excellent Energy Resources Inc.’s natural gas power plant and the continued operations the 1,200 Ilijan power plant in Batangas where AboitizPower has minority stake will also help secure much-needed supply.
AboitizPower plans to build 3,700 MW of new RE capacity on the way to 4,600 MW by 2030, aligned with the government’s target of a 35-percent RE share in the nation’s energy mix by 2030. This includes projects in solar, geothermal, hydro and soon wind.
AboitizPower is also exploring low-carbon technologies such as liquified natural gas or LNG, nuclear and smart power plants to achieve a balanced portfolio that supports the country’s energy transition while maintaining energy security. Alena Mae S. Flores
stake in Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Ty said the development stands out, reinforced by Federal Land’s commitment to redefining contemporary living experiences. “Hartwood Village will be the first of two distinctive villages in this township,” he said.
Hartwood Village is an 11.3-hectare horizontal residential development that blends the tranquil allure of suburban living with seamless connectivity and urban conveniences. It will be launched next month and will be turned over in the first quarter of 2027. It will have a low-density distribution of 16 lots per hectare, ensuring an
intimate and exclusive living experience for its residents.
“With its exceptional value proposition, Hartwood Village provides the perfect opportunity for discerning homebuyers to seize one of these coveted lots as more buyers see high investment potential in charming suburban developments in prime locations,” said Federal Land president and chief operating officer Thomas Mirasol.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Berba, Federal Land urban planning and design group head, said Hartwood Village will be meticulously crafted with the intent to put a premium on connectivity.
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it launched an in-depth review of the proposed acquisition by the Generika Drugstore operator of a substantial stake in a Northern Luzon drugstore chain.
AHCHI Pharma Ventures Inc. (Ayala Pharma Ventures), operator of Generika Drugstore, and Joleco Resources Inc., operator of St. Joseph Drugstore, notified PCC on Jan. 13, 2024, of the proposed transaction, which would involve Ayala
PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications are teaming up with People in Need (PIN), a global humanitarian organization, to boost disaster preparedness in Mindanao.
The partnership underlines a shared commitment to harnessing innovative technology to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the South, focusing on the Strengthening Resilience through Early Action and Impact Mitigation (STREAM) project.
STREAM, funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action and supported by the UK International Development of the British government, aims to revolutionize local impact forecasting and early warning systems in 12 municipalities in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
These areas, identified as high-risk for flooding, will benefit from the integration of PLDT and Smart’s advanced Smart Internet of Things (IoT) SIM and Smart Messaging Suite.
“Our partnership with People in Need is more than just a technological endeavor; it’s a commitment to safeguarding communities and empowering them with the tools they need to mitigate the impact of natural calamities,” said Roberto Suzon, head of PLDT Enterprise corporate relationship business for Northern Mindanao said.
“By leveraging PLDT’s reliable fiber connectivity and Smart’s cutting-edge solutions, we are setting a new standard in disaster preparedness and resilience,” Suzon said.
The Smart IoT SIMs will be instrumental in remotely monitoring water levels in flood-prone areas, ensuring timely data transmission to PIN’s servers for accurate forecasting.
Meanwhile, the Smart Messaging Suite will play a crucial role in disseminating vital information and evacuation alerts to vulnerable communities, enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to imminent threats.
cannot
By Othel V. CamposTHE Philippines proposed to accede to the critical mineral agreement (CMA) between the US and Japan, leveraging its vast nickel deposits and the capacity to supply the two countries’ requirement for rare minerals.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the Philippines pushed its agenda during the trilateral meeting among the three countries held in mid-April 2024 in Washington D.C.
“We emphasized the fact that we are a major producer of critical minerals now that Indonesia has banned exports of nickel ores. We need to be part of that agreement and I told
in our meeting that if it’s diffi cult to have one on one or bilateral CMA between the Philippines and the US, we have to somehow join their CMA,” he said.
China has a strong hold of the Philippine nickel export market, capturing almost 90 percent of Philippine nickel exports that powers its downstream industry of battery precursors and electric batteries.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
STATE-RUN National Electrifi cation Administration (NEA) said it referred to the Department of Justice its case against the board of Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NOCECO) for allegedly unduly granting themselves P65.5 million in allowances and benefits. The NEA board issued a decision on April 18, 2024, on the basis of the NEA-Administrative Committee’s report and recommendation, slapping certain NOCECO board the penalty of removal; the accessory penalty of disqualification from reinstatement or reemployment in any electric cooperative and the forfeiture of monetary benefits.
Other NOCECO officers were meted the penalty of suspension for their participation in the subject disbursements.
NEA said that on June 1 to June 29, 2023, its EC-Audit Department (NEA-
ECAD) conducted a comprehensive operations audit of the NOCECO as part of its regular operations. It said the audit covered NOCECO’s operations from Aug. 1, 2019 to April 30, 2023.
It said the NEA-ECAD found that improper disbursements were made by the NOCECO management and board of directors during the audit period.
The NEA-ECAD endorsed its fi ndings to the NEA Administrative Committee (ADCOM), which then conducted a motu proprio investigation of the case in accordance with due process and its administrative rules of procedure.
NEA said the NOCECO board admitted to being aware of the NEA’s regulatory jurisdiction over electric cooperatives (ECs) registered with the Cooperative Development Authority.
NEA said that under Republic Act No. 10531, it is granted regulatory jurisdiction over all electric cooperatives in the country.
Pascual said Japan signed a CMA with the US, but it does not produce nickel ores. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., through its local subsidiary Nickel Asia, mines one of the country’s nickel rich areas.
He said Japan showed willingness, and they are open to the proposal, but the US Department of Commerce still needs to take it up with the US government.
The Philippines is keen to accede the US-Japan CMA to be able to encourage American companies to invest mineral processing technologies and facilities in the Philippines.
“Without that, it will be difficult for us to attract American metal processors into the Philippines,” Pascual said.
said
“Its
complements the growth of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind by providing a reliable baseload,” Rubio said. “As a transition fuel, LNG plants can ramp power generation up or down quickly to address the intermittency of renewables, ensuring a stable power system.”
Gas-fired power plants are a natural complement to variable renewable energy sources, especially for maintaining grid stability and energy security. LNGpowered turbines can adjust their output rapidly to compensate for the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy generation.
The Philippine Energy Plan’s Clean Energy Scenario forecasts that by 2040, 50 percent of the country’s gross generation will come from renewables, with LNG contributing 26 percent.
serves as a reminder to all taxpayers to avoid dealing with these groups and to always verify the authority of any person in dealing with your tax obligations,” said Lumagui. “We urge the public to report such individuals or groups to the BIR. We will help you entrap and arrest them,” he said.
The fixers allegedly used acknowledgment receipts with forged signatures for “processing of documents,” “extension of compliance with computerized accounting system” and “processing and fixation of transfer” between Revenue District Offices. The BIR said these processes are already regulated and can be done within their offices. Taxpayers do not
THE Inter-Agency Task Force on Sustainable Finance (ITSF) said it is ramping up efforts to mobilize funding for green investments and drive sustainable growth in the Philippines
“The Department of Finance has been working hard to come up with innovative financing strategies for the Philippines to position itself as a global leader in the climate adaption and mitigation front,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.
“We will set an example for other countries to follow—showing them that real and lasting change is possible through strong commitment and leadership,” Recto said.
The ITSF is co-chaired by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC).
Darwin G. Amojelar
NZ companies eye
PH consumer market
NEW Zealand companies are eyeing the Philippines’ 117 million-strong consumer market, following the recent visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxun to Manila.
“They’re coming in open vistas as to the Philippines’ potential. New Zealand producers are thinking of investing here. Nothing is specific yet, but we highlighted the areas where we wanted them to consider investments,” Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said. With only 5 million people in the whole of New Zealand, Kiwi investors plan to bring in what they have in excess such as dairy products with the possibility of putting up facilities for eventual manufacturing operations in the Philippines.
The two countries may even consider to collaborate on mounting direct flights between them through flag carrier Air New Zealand Limited. Pascual said a good way to strengthen bilateral trade is through cultural goods, “which can be a basis for increasing exports.”
Othel V. Campos
BDO Life introduces online customer portal
BDO Life, a fully-owned subsidiary of BDO Unibank,said its clients can now access their life insurance policy using the BDO Life Customer Portal, where they can also securely pay for their premiums, update their beneficiaries and contact information and file service requests.
Life encourages its
By Othel V. Campos MITSUBISHI Motor PhilippinesCompany (MMPC) is eyeing a 15-percent sales growth in 2024 to 94,000 vehicles from 81,473 units in 2023.
MMPC vice president for marketing Jack Ramirez attributed the projected growth to the company’s newest pickup model, Triton, which expected to sustain its leadership in the truck/pickup category.
“This is actually our target for fiscal year 2024-2025 that starts April and ends March of every year. We only launched Triton in January, so it only contributed two months worth of sales for the previous FY,” he said. He said the previous model, which the company had retired, was not able to gain sales volume because it was on a depletion phase. MMPC said it would introduce anoth-
ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said he is exploring a separate insurance fund under Philhealth to address the fi nancial gap and help ensure senior citizens’ healthcare, especially their medicine costs, other basic necessities and “little pleasures in dignified old age.”
Salceda, who recently succeeded in crafting laws to expand the benefits of SCs and persons with disabilities (PWD), said the problem of access to better elderly
need fi xers as the BIR has established guidelines through revenue memorandum circulars, revenue memorandum orders, and other regulations, it said.
Lumagui said that in February, a BIR employee was caught extorting a bike shop and arrested through an entrapment operation with the help of law enforcement agencies. He said that in May 2023, the agency also filed criminal charges against a BIR employee who tampered with sales machines to help a taxpayer evade taxes.
Lumagui said there is no place in the country for such criminals. He said the BIR is committed to working with other government agencies to apprehend, prosecute and jail these individuals.
er vehicle model in June 2024, which is expected to keep the company’s market share at sustained levels.
MMPC expects to sell 2,000 Triton units in 2024 and over 24,000 units of Mirage and Mirage G4. The small SUV Xpander is estimated to account for 10 percent of the company’s sales this year.
MMPC said it achieved its highest annual sales volume in FY 2023, securing an 18.5-percent market share of the local automotive industry. It said that compared to FY 2022, MMPC saw a 34-percent growth, driven by the continued popularity of the Mirage, Xpander and L300 models.
Increased production capacity at its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant enabled MMPC to manufacture more completely knocked down (CKD) units, resulting in sales of 26,139 Mirage and 13,101 L300 units.
healthcare is structural, brought about by two factors including the increasing need for specialized services and the reduced personal incomes due to retirement.
“Around P1.6 trillion or 18 percent of the estimated P9.1 trillion needed to ensure a more decent life for all seniors remain deficient. We need to fi nd ways to address this elderly welfare financial gap, but it should be tackled alongside other issues in SCs’ welfare,” said Salceda.
“That is why, together with SC Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes,
I think the economy is in great shape obviously there are risks from external factors, there are some risks from inflation, maybe coming from fuel and food,” he said.
Non-interest income reached P9.7 billion, up 28.1 percent, boosted by the underlying strength of the bank’s businesses led by insurance, credit cards and wealth management.
Earnings per share in the first quarter reached P2.90, an 18.1-percent increase from last year’s P2.46, reflecting the strong income growth and the increased number of outstanding shares arising from the merger with Robinsons Bank on Jan. 1, 2024.
said its first-quarter net income climbed 25.8 percent to P15.3 billion, driven by higher revenues which more than offset the impact of higher operating expenses and provision for probable loan losses. BPI said this translated into a return on equity of 15.7 percent and return on asset of 2.02 percent. Total revenues climbed 24.6 percent in the first quarter to P39.5 billion, led by by a 23.5-percent increase in net interest income to P29.8 billion. It reported an 18.5-percent increase in the average daily balance of loans and a 25-basis-point rise in net interest margin to 4.19 percent.
and National Unity Party-list Rep. Alfel Bascug, representing PWDs, I have been working on issues concerning all aspects of senior citizen needs, not just health,” he said. He said that “within the 18-percent gap, there are chronic conditions that require primary and supportive healthcare, where Philhealth primarily devotes its resources.” “The unfi lled gap is an acute or catastrophic health care issue. Without insurance, such medical expenses can be ruinous
bers, including active and retired members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed personnel. The ACDI MPC is the largest cooperative in the country in terms of assets. LandBank’s support will help the co-op offer more loan packages at friendly rates to help members buy their dream home and vehicle, establish a business or send their kids to school. “Since 1996, we are proud to have supported ACDI MPC’s growth and expansion into one of the largest
“I am exploring a separate insurance fund under Philhealth to address this gap. The risk profi le is different, so the fund also has to be different. The fiscal resources for health are not yet exhausted,”
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna-- The city government of Calamba in Laguna on Monday marked its 23rd year of cityhood, citing its accomplishments and milestones.
Recently, Calamba City was recognized as the least polluted city in the Philippines and the sixth cleanest city in the entire Southeast Asian region, in terms of air quality based on the 2023 IQAir World Air Quality Report.
Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal summed up the achievements of his administration in the past two years as evidence of good governance and effective public service.
In an interview with Manila Standard, he stressed the importance of collaboration in maintaining the inclusivity, sustainability, and progress of Calamba City.
“I am truly blessed with good people helping the City of Calamba to be better. Let us work together as Lagunenyos, leaders, and citizens,” he said.
Resources, Rizal said, should be used wisely to protect the environment and create a better future for incoming generations.
He said innovation can also fuel the city’s growth, entrepreneurship, and education. He assured that the increasing city’s income would enable the local government to expand public services.
Calamba is the top among the three cities in the Philippines that ranked among the cleanest in terms of air pollution levels in Southeast Asia, according to a 2023 international report on air quality.
The Swiss air-monitoring company IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report provides a global review of air quality, citing PM2.5 air quality data from 7,812 cities spanning 134 countries, regions, and
Palawan capital braces for fires amid heat wave
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is anticipating the consequences of an unprecedented heat wave and is ramping up its preparedness to address a possible surge in fires.
The statement came in the wake of a wildfire in Barangay San Rafael that destroyed at least 60 hectares of open fields on April 18.
CDRRMO head Earl Timbancaya told reporters on Monday that his office has readied early warning systems to ensure that first responders can proceed to the site before the situation becomes uncontrollable.
Additionally, he said local firefighters have been issued equipment for quenching forest fires, such as personal protective gear, specialized tools and 10-cubic meter water tankers.
“In terms of equipment for mechanical advantage, like high-angle equipment, we now have a man bucket that can extend up the fourth floor of a building fourth floor of a building. We are also planning to acquire a rescue ladder that can reach the tallest building here,” Timbancaya said.
Village personnel are also being provided with sirens and public address systems so they can sound the alarm in case a fire lights up, alerting authorities and residents alike, the city official added.
Timbancaya noted that the city government is also anticipating the heat wave’s negative impact on agriculture and people’s health.
However, he explained that the city’s Incident Command System (ICS) for extreme droughts is already in place but has not yet been activated.
The ICS harnesses employees from city hall’s various departments to work collaboratively to minimize the risks of calamities not just for the victims but also for the responders.
The CDRRMO reported that the heat wave experienced in the city from March 27 to April 22 may be the most severe in recorded history, surpassing temperatures reached during the 2016 and 2019 dry spells.
From April 17 to 22, the heat index in Palawan’s capital was never lower than 42 degrees Celsius.
territories for 2023.
M2.5 concentration describes the amount of fine particulate aerosol particles up to 2.5 microns in diameter and is used as the standard air quality indicator for the World Air Quality Report. Measured in μg/m3, PM2. 5 is one of six major air pollutants commonly used in the classification of air quality.
Anniversary celebration at the Jose Rizal Coliseum, in lieu of parades and floats, Rizal led the city officials and staff in the awarding of incentives for the Drug-Cleared Barangays; awarding of Medalists of Regional Athletics Association Meet; groundbreaking for the construction of Multi-Purpose Building that will house a dialysis center, diagnostics center, and sectoral offices; and blessing and inauguration of Rizal Building.
BALER, Aurora—Newly installed Governor Reynante Tolentino said he will prioritize infrastructure and health programs to propel Aurora to new heights of development.
He told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that his office is reviewing all the records of the provincial government, particularly on finances.
Tolentino assumed the top provincial post late Monday afternoon.
He replaced Christian Noveras after the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) enforced the Ombudsman order dismissing the latter, along with his father, Vice Governor Gerardo Noveras, and Michael Tecuico, a casual capitol employee, for grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and conduct unbecoming of public officials.
The dismissal stemmed from a complaint on the printing of election campaign materials of the Noveras father and son during the 2022 campaign. The printing was led by Tecuico
using government properties such as printers, toners, and shredders inside the printing room at the Aurora Training Center, a government facility in Baler. DILG Provincial Director Eno Cambronero delivered the dismissal order.
After an hour, Tolentino took his oath of office at the capitol before his brother, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo Tolentino. Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Jennifer Araña is the new vice governor.
AS PART of the celebration of Earth Day and efforts to bolster the city’s learning recovery initiatives, the Quezon City government launched the first-ever permanent store for the “Kilo/s Kyusi: Kilo Store ng Bayan, Tulong para sa Kinabukasan” at the Quezon City Hall Park and Lagoon. Spearheaded by the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO), the Kilo/s Kyusi Kilo Store features preloved and brand new items, which are sold in two ways: either by kilo, in which the price is dependent on the weight of the
pre-loved items, or individually, in which customers may find newer and higher quality items.
Mayor Joy Belmonte sounded the alarm on the
lang at nagiging basura. Uso ang fast fashion lalo na at mas mura ito, pero kapalit naman ay dagdag-kalat na hindi mabilis matunaw,” Belmonte said.
UNITED States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn joined the government and private sector partners for the expansion of the agency’s Responsible Seafood Sourcing Program for blue swimming crabs in Iloilo City.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the domestic market for responsibly sourced seafood and reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the province.
“Through the responsible seafood sourcing program, businesses can consistently provide quality seafood products while ensuring the health of the marine environment and supporting the livelihoods of local fishing communities,” Washburn said at the event attended by representatives of the local government of Iloilo, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the local seafood industry.
Under its Fish Right Program, USAID and BFAR will work with the local community, the private sector, and government partners to develop direct market linkages between fishers, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets to grow the local market for responsiblycaught blue swimming crabs, create livelihoods for fisherfolk, and incentivize sustainable fishing practices. USAID’s work with BFAR and the private sector to expand responsible seafood sourcing in Iloilo connects responsible fishers to Philippine seafood businesses, buyers, distributors, and communities and improves the transparency of the seafood supply chains. Through USAID’s support, crab fishers from Igbon Island are now able to supply whole chilled crabs to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Iloilo City.
This program will also help small fishers find new local markets to lessen their dependence on the volatile export market. The Philippines is a major exporter of blue swimming crab and is the second largest exporter of this species to the United States.
“Responsible Seafood Sourcing is the way to go as we endeavor to achieve conservation and sustainability of our fisheries resources while ensuring that livelihood and welfare of fishing communities are appropriately taken care of,” Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Bayate said in a statement.
Navotas signs pact with CWC on ‘Makabata’ line
By Jun DavidTHE city government of Navotas has entered into an agreement with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) for the implementation of the “Makabata Helpline 1383” in the city. Mayor John Rey Tiangco signed the memorandum of understanding with CWC undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales.
Under the MOU, the city will adopt the Makabata Helpline as an additional hotline service that is accessible to the public for child-related concerns.
“Our city treasures its young population. Through the Makabata 1383, we encourage people, especially the youth, to report instances of child abuse and violence, and help to immediately resolve these cases,” Tiangco said.
The mayor added that the city’s public school children will benefit most from the Kilo/s Store.
“Proceeds from the Kilo/s Kyusi Kilo Store are geared towards bolstering the city’s learning recovery initiatives through various tutoring programs focusing on the numeracy and literacy skills of the city’s youth,” Belmonte said.
In culmination of the Earth Day celebration, a fashion show by up and coming designers featuring garments made of recycled and upcycled textiles will be held on April 26 at SM Novaliches.
The CWC, in partnership with Navotas, aims to popularize the child helpline service and maximize its operations to benefit more Filipino children and families. The Makabata Hotline, launched in November 2023, was developed by the CWC to provide a platform for children to report any form of violence, abuse, and exploitation.
It also seeks to address child rights violation through immediate coordination and prevention measures. Also present during the ceremony are lawyer Karen Gina Dupra, CWC Project Management Office Head; and Jennifer Serrano, City Social Welfare and Development Officer.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer By Nickie WangTHE Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) and ABS-CBN Corporation have joined forces to make ALLTV Channel 2 the new home of some Kapamilya shows.
Through the content agreements executed during the contract signing ceremonies held at the Brittany Hotel Villar City yesterday, ALLTV will host the airing of classic Kapamilya shows under the Jeepney TV brand and likewise simulcast the longestrunning primetime newscast in the country, TV Patrol “There’s a bit of a sentimental note for us today because we are bringing one of our longestrunning programs, TV Patrol , back to Channel 2. I know there are some who feel that, who feel something over our return to our former channel. A home that was once ours,” said ABSCBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak
Beginning May 13, ALLTV
viewers can catch selected all-time favorite Kapamilya teleseryes from Jeepney TV in different parts of the day, including primetime, and get the latest important news from TV Patrol.
Present at the contract signing were Chairman of Villar Group Manny Villar, Senator Mark Villar, Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. president and CEO Paolo Villar, All Value Holdings Corp. president and CEO Camille
SOCIAL media has been on fire speculating about Puregold collaborating with the hottest names in the local music scene. The buzz started after Puregold made two teaser posts on their social media this past April 12th that seemed to hint at an announcement involving major Pinoy pop artists.
The first post from that morning showed the following letters flashing on screen: SL, SB, FG, and BN. Finally, the following letters settled on the screen: GRFSB. These same letters were also in the video’s official title, #Puregold_ GRFSB . This first video made it clear what those letters meant: Get ready for something big.
Later that day, another post would drop that provided more clues. Once again, labeled #Puregold_GRFSB , this time the post offered glimpses of multiple silhouetted figures. A close look at the video showed four images: three groups and a singular figure. The video ended by promising more to come in May 2024. Luckily for curious fans and followers, Puregold served more.
On April 17, a video snippet of a song from the band SunKissed Lola was released. Best known for their hit song “Pasilyo” with over 204 million streams on Spotify alone, SunKissed Lola is now officially the first announced band to be part of this major music venture from Puregold.
Fans of the band were thrilled to find that the snippet teased brand-new original music from SunKissed Lola. Even from just the 20 seconds shared in the video, it’s clear that fans will have much to look forward to when SunKissed Lola drops an original new song in collaboration with Puregold.
With lyrics like “ Burahin ang anumang duda sa sarili mo ,” the song promises to be an uplifting and inspiring anthem about confidence and believing in one’s self. Already, this teaser has given a glimpse of the always “ panalo ” vibe that Puregold has always put out through its various forms of marketing campaigns.
Seems like Puregold is looking to accomplish something massive in this music collaboration. Music fans all over the country are already waiting with bated breath for further announcements and confirmations about which artists will be next to link up with the retailer.
By Angelica Villanueva
MA’s hit series Black Rider continues for a second season with new characters joining the action drama. One of the new faces is actress Angeli Khang, who will play Nimfa. She’ll be shaking things up for Elias, played by Ruru Madrid
Ruru even shared a fun fact about filming his first scene with Angeli. It turns out it was a kissing scene. He joked that he was surprised when he read the script and had to explain it to his girlfriend, actress Bianca Umali, later.
“Our first meeting was actually when we first met because our very first encounter involved a kissing scene. So that became our initial bonding. I was surprised when I read the script and realized that this was going to happen,” said Ruru.
The Black Rider star also praised Angeli for being professional and dedicated to her craft.
“We are happy that she has become part of the ‘Black Rider’ family,” he added.
With his intimate scene with Angeli, Ruru was asked in a separate interview if his girlfriend and actress Bianca was aware of his kissing scene.
“I immediately told her because, to be honest, it wasn’t clear to me that there was a kissing scene. When I arrived on set, I just read that there were kissing scenes. I thought they were just joking with me,” shared Ruru.
“There was no signal in Tanay, so I had no choice but to do the scene
without her knowing. After that day, when there was a signal, I explained it to her,” he added. The action star then said that Bianca appreciated his honesty and replied with, “Okay.” Ruru also emphasized the importance of transparency in their relationship when it comes to things like this.
“We are more transparent with each other. That’s the secret we found to make our relationship smoother. We should be aware of what’s happening with each other, especially when it comes to these things so that we know each other’s expectations,” explained Ruru.
The actor also shared that transparency had helped them build trust in each other, reaching a point in their relationship where jealousy is not an issue.
“Bianca is very transparent, so, of course, she also expects me to be the same. That’s how the dynamics of our relationship are,” he said.
“We’re at that point in our relationship. Not that there’s no jealousy, but our level of trust is complete,” continued Ruru who in a relationship with Bianca for over six years now.
Joining Angeli in the second season are Lianne Valentin, Luke Conde, BJ Forbes, Epy Quizon, Madam Inutz, William Lorenzo, Yul Servo, and Matet de Leon Black Rider airs from Monday to Friday, at 8:00 p.m. on GMA Prime.
TO EXPLORE the dichotomy of life, award-winning Filipino creative Lynyrd Paras delves into the dualities and complexities of human existence in a solo exhibit entitled LYNYRD
By Nickie WangWHILE G! LU might have its fair share of topless scenes, the true crowd-pleaser at the film’s red carpet premiere turned out to be a different kind of scene altogether.
The audience erupted in cheers when Teejay Marquez and Carl Guevarra shared a kiss in the movie. The scenes following this kiss resonated deeply with viewers due to the film’s heartwarming portrayal of friendship and acceptance.
G! LU, directed by Philip King, is a touching story about six best friends, known on campus as the Valley Boys Club (VBC). After getting in trouble at school, their parents threaten to send them all to different countries.
Not wanting to be separated, the VBC decides to take one last road trip
A 2018 Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) 13 Artists awardee, he features 34 artworks that simultaneously portray the intersection and contrasting realities through his unique blend of mixed graphics and painting.
The personal show depicts images of beauty and grotesque. It reveals bodies of smoothed skin ravaged by bones and innards.
The showcase likewise unveils powerful emotions through compelling text that immerses the viewers in the depths of life-and-
together to the beach town of La Union, known for its surfing and parties. This trip becomes more than just some fun in the sun. It’s a chance for the friends to grow closer, find love, and face a big secret. The movie shows how strong friendships can be.
The VBC guys are always there for each other, especially when Raymond (Teejay) needs their support as he figures out his feelings. The scene where Raymond kisses Carl’s character had everyone cheering at the premiere. It’s a beautiful moment that shows how much Raymond’s friends love and accept him for who he is.
Meanwhile, Kiko Estrada was still missing at the red carpet premiere Kiko is one of the six leads in this summer barkada movie
alongside David Licauco, Ruru Madrid, Derrick Monasterio, Enzo Pineda, and Teejay.
It can be recalled that Kiko was also absent from the media conference held at KAO Manila on April 17, and fans hoped he would show up at the red carpet premiere at SM Megamall Cinema last Sunday.
Ruru was also missing from the media conference but made up for it by attending the premiere night, while Derrick was absent from the premiere night.
Despite only four of the leads attending, their fans still showed full support and enjoyed the film thoroughly.
death confrontations.
Paras is a renowned painter whose work offers a fresh perspective on self-representation. His pieces provide styles with a sense of melancholy. It engages the spectators to be critical of their own actions in the current modern age. The show is produced by the Center for Campus Art (CCA) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and curated by its Director Ar. Gerry Torres. The event is Paras’ second installation
at Benilde. This is after his one-day show as part of the CCA’s Music X Art and To Differ Digitally 2 , all digital presentations of masterpieces for online audiences during the height of the pandemic. His creations have been shown in individual and group exhibitions across the different parts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. LYNYRD is presented at the Greenway Gallery of Benilde Taft Campus, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, until April 30.
G! LU is ALV Films’ latest movie project, in tandem with Benchingko Films and Rein Entertainment. The film is now showing nationwide. THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) is bringing back the Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest traveling book fair, for its second year.
Held from April 25 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay, the PBF promises a four-day extravaganza showcasing the best of Philippine literature, culture, and arts. It’s a familyfriendly event that seamlessly blends education, entertainment, tourism, and shopping – all under one roof.
This year’s festival boasts a wider variety of talks and workshops featuring some of the Philippines’ most celebrated authors and artists. Highlights include book signings and meet-and-greets with bestselling author Gwy Saludes and historian Ambeth Ocampo. Renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee will present Trip to Quiapo, while a special tribute will be paid to National Artist Nick Joaquin
The PBF brings back crowd favorites like the Rare Book Collection showcasing historical treasures, and the Book Bar – a library filled with award-winners. Unleash your inner geek at Cosplay Filipiniana, or marvel at the artwork of talented children’s book illustrators at Guhit Pambata
The PBF caters to all interests. Explore Kid Lit, a haven for children’s books; Komiks, a spotlight on Filipino comics; Booktopia, brimming with fiction and non-fiction titles; and Aral Aklat, dedicated to textbooks and educational materials. Each realm will host exciting talks, activities, and workshops tailored to its audience.
The Philippine Book Festival goes beyond entertainment. It’s part of the NBDB’s initiative to foster a love of reading and support the local publishing industry. With free entrance and extended hours, the festival aims to make books accessible to all Filipinos. Visit www. philippinebookfest. com for more information and free registration.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
IONCE spoke with National Artist F. Sionil Jose , both of us hailing from Pangasinan. He often invited me to his bookstore in Ermita to converse in Ilocano, although I’m not fluent. I learned Ilocano during my high school years when my family moved to Pangasinan, but Filipino remained our main language at home, sprinkled with occasional Ilocano expletives and phrases.
Our conversation centered around writing. He advised me to pick up a dictionary and learn new words daily.
“Pick a word, write five sentences using it, and you will own that word,” he told me. He encouraged me to read books and write daily to improve my skills. I mentioned that I write every day for a national daily with strict deadlines. He responded, “News writing is your livelihood. Write fiction. Write stories or poems. They are for the soul.” For a while, I dabbled in writing poems and short stories, but I haven’t fully
signifying the aspiration or dream of a better country through a deeper and critical reflection on our history and culture and interactions with cultural products.
“All of these are recent products of my ponderings, including Lemlúnay. I am now creating a literature for myself, which will combine my poetry, and my critical mind to form a new what I call theory about our literature, a new way of seeing our literature that is more authentic, Filipino, and not much influenced by colonialism and Americanization,” he said in the vernacular.
The book launch of Lemlunay, last December 2, 2023, was aptly a literary celebration attended by esteemed writers, artists, historians, academicians, and cultural workers including National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes , National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee , National Artist for Music Ramon Santos , UP Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II , and former Vice President Leni Robredo, who the Philippine culture and the arts community supported in a historic and unprecedented move.
mastered it. It’s been a long time since I wrote fiction, and I’m unsure if I still have the imaginative spark. Nonetheless, I occasionally attempt it when my daily responsibilities permit. But I do love reading good stories and poems. Metaphors in poems draw me in. Lemlúnay: Pagunita sa Gunita ( Lemlúnay: A Reminder for Memory ), the latest collection of poetry by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario certainly has tons of metaphors. Published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and carrying his
poems, written from 2018 to 2023. The poems are accompanied by English translations by poet Marne Kilates One of Almario’s most visual books, it contains photographs by journalist and publication designer Roel Hoang Manipon , and book design by Mervin Concepcion Vergara , adding a way of seeing and interpreting. The title of the book is a term that denotes the concept of paradise in the mythology of the T’boli people of southern Philippines,
The launch was organized by the NCCA, Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda , Filipinas Institute of Translation, and Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo at the Ignacio B. Gimenez Gallery in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
On his birthday this year, last March 12, Almario launched his other books: Mga Póon, Mga Piyón, Mga Pusóng, Isang Púsong , a collection of poetry published by San Anselmo Publications, Inc.; Ang Wikang Pambansa at Amerikanisasyon: Isang Kasaysayan ng Pakikihamok ng Filipino para Maging Wikang Pambansa published by Ateneo de Manila University Press; and the third edition of Si Balagtas at ang Panitikan Para sa Kalayaan , published by University of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
In his speech, Almario provided the context in which the book was written, saying that Lemlunay, along with his most recent books, is a product of his search for new methods and ways of writing poetry and seeing our history and culture that are more Filipino and divested of colonial influences.
“Lemlúnay is a remembrance of our history. The difference of this book is that I reflected on the history of the Philippines through cultural objects, from primitive art objects, relics, and recently discovered fossils and others, as well as works by our great painters and writers, which we must return to, study diligently and correct our perception about them,” said Almario.
Going back to my conversation with the National Artist, I’m still not sure if I have the calling in fiction writing. Who knows, but for now, I would surely enjoy reading fiction works by Filipino writers and celebrating the richness and diversity of Philippine literary heritage.
Happy National Literary Month, everyone!
and Arts (NCCA).
With the theme of “Engaging the Youth in Shaping the Future of Philippine Culinary Heritage and Gastronomy,” explore and savor the rich flavors and colorful history behind 11 featured dishes by Newport World Resorts’ award-winning restaurants.
From the Visayas and Mindanao islands comes a regional dish called Sinuglaw that captivates the taste buds with a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. Known for its innovative approach in the kitchen, Casa Buenas at Newport Garden Wing’s version of Sinuglaw shows off a creative flair through succulently grilled pork, tuna ceviche, and toyomansi gelee.
Sheraton Manila Hotel brings the culinary heritage of Cebu to the metro with its iteration of the slow-roasted pork belly known as Cebuchon, seasoned with
aromatic herbs and spices.
Taste the savory flavors of the North with Hilton Manila’s Kapampangan Sisig, a beloved dish made of diced pork originating from Pampanga and served sizzling hot on a cast-iron plate.
Experience an elevated bistek with Hotel Okura Manila’s Wagyu Bistek Tagalog made of thinly sliced premium Japanese wagyu and marinated in Yamasa soy sauce and Yuzu juice.
At Newport Garden Wing, regional delicacies take the form of hearty courses and sweet desserts. Marriott Manila’s Siquijor Style Chicken Matar reflects the culinary traditions of the province of Siquijor through tender chicken simmered and then garnished with fresh herbs. Specialty restaurant Garden Wing Cafe boasts a gourmet twist to the Filipino favorite cured beef tapa dish with the Beef Tenderloin Prime Tapa.
Silogue shares the taste of comfort with Ginataang Bilo-Bilo or sweet glutinous rice balls in creamy coconut milk broth. Holiday Inn Express ManilaNewport City takes the sweetness to the next level in the staple Filipino fluffy meringue and custard dessert, Brazo de Mercedes. Filipino Food Month also takes over Newport Mall. Cafe Mary Grace adds a home-cooked touch to its signature Sirloin Beef Tapa, marinated in a special blend of garlic and spices, and perfected with garlic fried rice and eggs.
The Red Crab Alimango Food House shares the country’s love for seafood and spice with a fresh and flavorful Chili Kangkong Crab. Last but not least, Rafael’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant elevates the traditional beef stew into the exquisite Wagyu Brisket Caldereta, celebrating the richness of the prime beef and the bold flavors of Philippine cuisine.
For the second year, Newport World Resorts is thrilled to partner with the NCCA for Filipino Food Month, kicking off last March 20 at Casa Buenas. This April, embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the country’s delectable heritage and innovative future through these 11 featured dishes, prepared by award-winning chefs. A taste of tradition: Filipino Food Month at Newport World Resorts
