Manila Standard - 2024 May 9 - Thursday

By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar

DOJ preps ICC options for PBBM

Brief includes steps in case arrest order issued vs. Rody

By Rey E. Requejo

THE

Department

of Justice said it is preparing a legal briefer to give President Marcos options in connection with the International Criminal Court, including the possibility of allowing ICC prosecutors into the country as well as the steps to take should arrest warrants be issued against Filipinos, including on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The department is now preparing a legal briefer for the President which will describe to him the options available in relation to any arrest warrants by the ICC,” Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said in an interview.

“The briefer will be an objective statement or analysis of the pros and cons of each option because we are aware that the policy of the government

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• More Pinoys favor military action in WPS

• Balikatan ends with strike on ‘enemy’ ship

Expel snoops, says DND chief

DEFENSE Secretary Gilbert Teodoro sought the expulsion from the Philippines of all those who recorded the supposed “new model” deal surrounding the Ayungin Shoal.

In an ambush interview at a Philippine Navy’s Maritime Security Symposium held in Quezon City, he also said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will soon be conducting an investigation on what can be considered a violation of the wiretapping law.

“We will leave it to the DFA to find out the truth of what really happened. And if it really happened because allegedly the Chinese embassy violated the law of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

Teodoro’s statement came in the wake of reports alleging a leak of a recording on the “new model” between Armed Forces of the Philippines’s Western Command (AFP WESCOM) commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos and a Chinese embassy diplomat.

However, Teodoro doubts the authenticity of the said reports, even the “propensity of the Chinese government to engage in malign information activi-

FOR PROGRESS. President

the

Lagdameo

Lakas-PFP alliance to field full slate in 2025

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s LakasCMD forged a political alliance for the upcoming midterm election in 2025.

During the signing ceremony held in Makati City, President Marcos hailed

the PFP-Lakas-CMD alliance as a pivotal moment for Philippine politics and public service, envisioning it as a catalyst for the country’s transformation.

“We mark today a significant moment not just for Philippine politics, but also for the field of public service, as members of both parties formalize and build an alliance that will propel our country

towards the Bagong Pilipinas that we envision,” President Marcos said. Called, ‘Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’, the alliance aims to elevate the lives of the Filipino people under a unified vision of “Bagong Pilipinas.”, according to the President. President Marcos, serving as the

She

Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Intramuros Administration

the Manila Central Post Office. (PCO)

camp gives up token guns

THE camp of fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy surrendered at least five firearms after their licenses were revoked, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Wednesday morning.

PNP Chief Rommel Marbil told reporters the weapons were submitted to the civil

to end school year in March 2025

By Ratziel

Rains douse Metro Manila’s heat

RAINSHOWERS poured on parts of Metro Manila, much to the delight of some Filipinos, who were reeling from extreme heat over the past few weeks. The weather was consistent with the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which said the hottest temperatures are about to end.

“All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides,” the state weather bureau added.

PAGASA had earlier forecast that one or two cyclones may enter or form within the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) in May.

PAGASA released a thunderstorm advisory on Wednesday noon, saying that “moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Metro Manila, Rizal, Quezon, Laguna and Bulacan within the next two hours.”

ALLIANCE

Marcos, Jr. witnesses

signing of the alliance between Lakas-CMD and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) represented by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (Lakas-CMD President) and Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. (PFP President) Wednesday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. Other signatories to the pact are Majority Leader Manuel Jose Mannix Dalipe (Lakas-CMD executive vice president), Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (Lakas-CMD Chairman), Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio “Anton”

(PFP executive vice president), and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Ferdinand Marcos (PFP vice chairman).

URBAN RENEWAL. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins the inspection of the ongoing Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) urban renewal and development project in the Intramuros area.

was accompanied by Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

head Atty.Joan Padilla. Inset photo shows the planned development behind

First Lady inspects urban renewal projects

By Rio N. Araja

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined the inspection of an ongoing urban renewal and development project in the Intramuros area under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

The project is part of the administration’s “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM)” initiative.

Along with DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Intramuros Ad-

ministration head Joan Padilla, the First Lady walked through the PBBM project’s phase 1C portion connecting Intramuros to the showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office.

health emergency allowance to our heroic frontliners,” Mr. Marcos said in a Facebook post late Tuesday evening.

“On Health Workers’ Day, we really appreciate the sacrifices of our frontliners who serve with all their hearts and show the world the skill and compassion of Filipinos,” he added.

On Tuesday, healthcare workers from both public and private hospitals held a nationwide protest, calling for higher living wage and the release of their unpaid benefits.

The Health Workers United for Wage Increase (HWUWI) coalition said healthcare workers must have an entry-level salary of P33,000.

“Instead of celebrating, we are here on the street protesting because of the government’s continued negligence when it comes to health workers and people’s needs,” said HWUWI convenor Robert Mendoza.

St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association president Roldan Clumia said healthcare workers are still waiting for their “much deserved and long-overdue health emergency allowance.”

As this developed, the Department of Budget and Management said it is on track to finalize a comprehensive study on potential salary adjustments for government workers by mid-2024.

This initiative, spearheaded by the DBM and the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), aims to ensure a competitive and equitable compensation package that aligns with the administration’s commitment to a resilient and future-ready civil service.

“We recognize that the rising cost of the basic commodities and services in the country highlights the need to review the current state of compensation of government employees. It is for this reason that the DBM and the GCG engaged the services of a consultancy firm this year to conduct a Compensation and Benefits Study in the Public Sector with the end in view of setting a competitive, financially sustainable, and equitable compensation package for government personnel,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

“The proposed compensation adjustment should consider not only the inflation rates and cost of living adjustments, but also standard market practices to ensure that working in government remains desirable and comparable to working in the private sector. Further, the additional costs must be within the government’s financial capacity to ensure its long-term viability, which shall be maintained at a realistic level in proportion to the overall expenditure of the government,” she added.

not to allow the ICC into the country may change,” he added.

Clavano said the briefer will also include the option to have the Philippines return to the ICC.

“What are the implications of staying out? What are the implications of going back? What are the legal obligations that may arise? The briefer includes everything as well as the arrival of the ICC arrest warrants,” he said.

Pressed for details, Clavano declined to provide more information about the briefer.

“That’s something that will have to be confidential for now because these discussions and legal analysis are only for the eyes of the President until he chooses a direction or he has a decision, then it will have to be kept confidential,” he said.

Acuzar provided the First Lady with updates on the project’s progress and highlighted key features of the area.

He expressed his appreciation for the First Couple’s staunch support in rehabilitating the Pasig River.

“I am very grateful to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for their full support in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. The visit of the First Lady is a strong proof of her advocacy for the Pasig River,” he said.

He stressed that the PBBM project

goes beyond rehabilitation. It also aims to provide renewed hope to residents along the Pasig River.

“Also included in the order of the First Lady is to preserve the cultural and heritage value of Intramuros.

That’s why the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development continues to communicate with the Intramuros Administration and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The work will continue so that together we can achieve the dream of reviving the Pasig River,” he noted.

Ombudsman suspends Cebu mayor, 7 others

with the possible non-covering of some competencies,” Bringas said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The education official nonetheless reassured stakeholders that DepEd will implement several interventions to cover all the necessary competencies despite the circumstances.

“This is exactly the same reason why our Bureau of Learning Delivery is making a concrete plan on the implementation of the curriculum for a shortened number of school days,” Bringas said.

guest of honor, presided over the signing event attended by approximately 300 PFP and Lakas-CMD members.

He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the Filipino people during the 2022 presidential elections, leading to the formation of the ‘UniTeam’ with Vice President Sara Duterte.

Emerging victorious in the 2022 presidential elections with 31 million votes, President Marcos highlighted the nation’s faith not only in the promise of improved public service but also in the shared vision of a better Philippines.

“We saw that the people really accepted our message about unity. And besides that, when we were successful in our campaign, we continued our unity because we started what we call a whole-of-government approach,” he emphasized.

The President emphasized the implementation of a ‘whole-of-government approach,’ wherein all government agencies collaborate alongside the legislative and executive branches, promoting what he termed as “transformative politics.”

In an ambush interview, Romualdez was asked about the possibility of an

Clavano said the President gave the directive to the DOJ and the Office of the Solicitor General to craft a legal briefer even before former senator Antonio Trillanes IV disclosed Tuesday the ICC might issue the arrest warrants this June.

A recent OCTA Research Survey showed at least 59 percent of Filipinos support the Philippines rejoining the ICC, with 55 percent also in favor of investigating allegations of crimes against humanity during the previous administration.

In 2019, the Philippines, under thenPresident Duterte, withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, after the tribunal began a probe into his bloody drug war, followed by a formal inquiry in September 2021.

But the Hague-based tribunal said it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was a member from November 2011.

alliance between Lakas-CMD and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), he stated, “Anything is possible”. Romualdez also mentioned the possibility of forging a pact with Vice President Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago. He declined to speculate when asked about other potential parties for the alliance.

Romualdez and the Dutertes’ relationship has deteriorated in the past months following the lawmaker’s push for charter change and the elder Duterte’s tirades against the current administration.

On the potential senatorial slate, Romualdez said the alliance would be fielding a full slate in the 2025 elections, citing that the full line-up is still being processed.

“There are many, many considerations there, we leave it to the collective wisdom of the alliance leadership,” Romualdez stated.

He, however, added that he would prefer candidates who support the constitutional amendment.

Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president, said aside from promoting their governance agenda, the alliance would support the socio-economic roadmap of the Marcos administration.

“We aim to advocate and pursue measures that will sustain the country’s economic development, attract

Duterte carried out his war on drugs from 2016 to 2022. Under this campaign, law enforcement authorities pursued suspected drug dealers and users, several of whom ended up dead by way of summary executions.

Government records showed more than 6,000 have been killed in antidrug operations since June 2016 until May 31, 2022, a month before Duterte’s term ended, but human rights groups estimated the death toll may be as high as 30,000.

“You do not scare me that you will jail me in the International Criminal Court. I will never allow myself to answer these whites,” Duterte said in 2019.

“I will never, never, never answer any question coming from you. It’s bullshit to me. I am only responsible to the Filipino (people). Filipinos will judge… And if you hang me for all what I did, go ahead. It will be my pleasure,” the then President said.

more foreign investments, create more job and income opportunities, build up food supply, and in general, improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He also said the Lakas-CMD-PFP alliance aligns with the goal of President Marcos to unite diverse sectors of the country.

“Unity of aspiration and purpose can propel us to economic advancement,” the Speaker said.

In forging their “Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Lakas-CMD and PFP said they believe that “public service should be conducted with utmost integrity, transparency, accountability, people participation, effectiveness, and efficiency.”

They said they share this common vision in pursuit of the common good and economic progress.

They also “have a shared vision that will guide and lead the nation in the goal to achieve sustainable growth and development.”

“In view of the shared vision of the PFP and Lakas-CMD, the parties have agreed to forge their alliance that will pave the way for strength and continued positive change for the country to usher in a Bagong Pilipinas,” the parties’ leaderships stressed.

Romualdez and PFP president Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. signed the alliance agreement for their respective parties with President Marcos as witness.

THE Office of the Ombudsman placed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and seven other officials of the Cebu City government under preventive suspension for six months. In a 10-page resolution, the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to put the mayor and the seven officials for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public officer, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public officials and employees.

Rama, in a TV interview, said he is yet to receive a copy of the resolution. He added that he does not know of any preventive suspension order. “I don’t have the copy yet. My lawyers will take care of it,” Rama, who was in Manila, said.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint pursued by four employees of the City Assessor’s Office who have been reassigned to other offices but have been unpaid their salaries and benefits since July 2023.

The other seven officials are Collin Rosell, city administrator; Maria Theresa Rosell, the officer in charge of the City Assessor's Office; Francis May Jacaban, designated assistant Department head for Administration/Legal Office; Angelique Cabugao, designated assistant Department head for Operations; Jay-Ar Pescante, designated Administrative Division head; Lester Joey Beniga, designated Assessment of Records Management Division head; and Nelyn Sanrojo, designated Computer Division head.

The four employees who worked as tax mappers and local assessment operations officers with salary grades ranging from P16,000 to P35,000 have been moved from the Office of the City Assessor, and reassigned to the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office, South Road Properties Management Office, Cebu City Operation Second Chance, and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources, respectively.

ties. Now, this is what we should focus on and our countrymen should understand.”

But the Chinese embassy insisted that the AFP WESCOM clinched the agreement with China after multiple rounds of discussion, with the goal of de-escalating the tensions brewing in the South China Sea. Officials from the Philippines’ side have denied the existence of the said agreement.

“If what they say is true, they have also violated international relations and violated the law as they failed to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs as they have operated underhandedly if this is true,” Teodoro stressed.

The AFP said that it has nothing to do with the deal. As of this writing, the AFP WESCOM Vice Admiral is on leave.

Meanwhile, OCTA’s 2024 First Quarter TUGON NG MASA (TNM) Survey released on May 7, 2024 revealed that a huge percentage of adult Filipinos want President Marcos to prioritize the problems in the West Philippine Sea.

The question: “On what measures should the Marcos, Jr. Administration prioritize to effectively address the is-

sues related to the conflict in the West Philippine Sea?”

Survey said that 73% favored solving first the problem at the WPS through military action, compared to the 72% who favored diplomacy, based on the 1st Quarter Tugon ng Masa survey conducted last March 2024.

The list of prioritized measures are as follows:

Rank 1. Further asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through military action defined for survey respondents as “expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea” (73%),

Rank 2. Further asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through diplomacy and other peaceful methods (72%),

Rank 3. Modernizing and strengthening the Philippine military’s capability to protect the country’s territories (68%)

Rank 4. To conduct joint maritime patrol and exercises with ally countries (43%)

Rank 5. To expand diplomatic efforts with the countries within and outside of the region to reduce tension in the area (32%)

Rank 6. To shelve the disputes for joint economic development of the area (12%)

OCTA noted that this is the second time that “asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through military action”

as a priority measure overtakes the top-ranked measure in previous TNM surveys, “which is ‘asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through diplomacy and other peaceful methods’”.

The survey added: “Be that as it may, most adult Filipinos in NCR prefer asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through military action (85%). Across major areas, it is in the Visayas where the lowest percentage of adult Filipinos who favor further asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through military action defined as expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea was observed (70%), but Balance Luzon and Mindanao has about the same percentage. A higher percentage of adult Filipinos belonging to Class ABC prefer further asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through military action, defined as expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea (76%), compared with other socioeconomic classes.

As for asserting diplomacy and other peaceful methods, there are 78% in the NCR, while Balanced Luzon, 70% and Mindanao, 72%. “Over half of adult Filipinos support this measure across all major areas despite this.”

“Furthermore, more adult Filipinos

security unit of the Police Regional Office in Davao.

“We implemented our notice (for them) to surrender firearms and they gave it this morning,” Marbil said. He noted that the Quiboloy camp has committed to turn over the other weapons soon.

Quiboloy has a standing warrant of arrest from law enforcement authorities in both the Philippines and the United States for crimes related to human trafficking and labor violations.

belonging to Class ABC prefer further asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through diplomacy and other peaceful methods for the conflict in the West Philippine Sea (78%) compared to other measures and other social-economic classes,” it added.

As for the Balikatan exercises, the AFP and the United States Armed Forces successfully executed maritime strike exercises at La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag on May 8, as part of the Exercise Balikatan 39-2024. A maritime strike exercise is a strategic military operation conducting integrated land, sea, and air platforms to simultaneously sense, target, and strike against simulated targets at sea. This aims to strengthen maritime security capabilities and proficiency in naval interdiction and deterrence operations. Participating units from the AFP included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the Philippine Air Force’s 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which flew the FA-50.

Additionally, they utilized SSM700K C-Star anti-ship missiles and a fast attack interdiction craft armed with Spike missiles, to target the decommissioned BRP Lake Caliraya.

CHR decries

‘degrading’ acts on prisoners’ wives at Bilibid

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) raised concern on Wednesday over the reported “humiliating, degrading, and traumatic” strip searches on the wives of political prisoners and other visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

The CHR said it has mobilized personnel from its Investigation Office and the Prevention Cluster to look into the issue and take appropriate actions.

The human rights body was responding to a problem raised by KAPATID—a support group for families of political prisoners—which received at least three different complaints about the strip searches being done on PDL visitors.

T he complainants described the policy as “humiliating, degrading, and traumatic.” Some visitors were reportedly asked to bend over while being inspected, according to reports.

T he CHR reminded the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to improve its search guidelines, adding these “should not be applied arbitrarily and that searches should not be directed at the families of political prisoners.”

T he same was communicated to BJMP on Jan. 19, 2023, when the CHR received a similar incident report involving PDL visitors at Metro Manila District Jail Annex 4. In light of these recurring incidents, the CHR reiterated some precepts under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, or the Mandela Rules, which stated that security searches ‘shall not be used to harass, intimidate or unnecessarily intrude upon a prisoner’s privacy.’

SC: Red-tagging threatens people’s right to life, security

By Maricel V. Cruz and Ratziel San Juan

THE S upreme Court (SC) has ruled that red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association all threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security.

The SC also said that these could justify the issuance of a writ of amparo, whose privileges can include a permanent protection order.

This is based on the SC’s en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, which granted the writ of amparo in favor of former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Siegfred D. Deduro.

The High Tribunal found prima facie (on first appearance) evidence in Deduro’s petition warranting the issuance of a writ of amparo.

“Labeling a person ‘red’ often comes with frequent

ANTIRABIES. Department of Health Secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa witnesses a health worker administer an anti-rabbies vaccine at the San Lazaro Hospital in Quiricada Street, Sta Cruz Manila. Norman Cruz

surveillance, direct harassment, and in some instances, eventual death. As being associated with communists or terrorists makes the red-tagged person a target of vigilantes, paramilitary groups, or even State agents, it is easy to understand why a person may fear that being red-tagged puts their life and security at risk,” the SC wrote.

Makabayan Bloc member, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, has since lauded the landmark decision.

“We commend the Supreme Court for this courageous decision that protects the rights of activists, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens from harassment, intimidation, and violence,” Castro said.

Castro urged the government to immediately act to stop the red-tagging of individuals and organizations, appealing to the House of Representatives to take concrete steps by passing House Bill 1152

“The struggle for human rights and justice is far from over, but this decision is a significant step forward. We will continue to fight for a society that values human life, dignity, and freedom,” Castro said.

House leader backs call to prioritize natural gas

bill for stable power

IN BRIEF

DILG: Northern Samar brgys. free from rebels

ALL barangays in Northern Samar are now free from the influence of guerilla fronts and communist terrorist groups, according to the Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. “These barangays are now CTG-influenced free, there are no guerrilla fronts here according to the Philippine Army (PA),” Abalos said.

According to the PA, while there are still sightings of seven roving vertical formations of the New People’s Army in the province, the barangays are no longer supporting these CTGs. Abalos was in Catarman, Northern Samar where he led the distribution of over P160K worth of livelihood and financial assistance under the DILGadministered Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) program to 16 former rebels.

The 16 former rebels each received P15,000 immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration. In his address, SILG Abalos stressed the importance of providing the basic needs of a community such as water, electricity, schools, and well-paved road to usher sustainable progress and peace, after being declared insurgency-free. Vince Lopez

Work permits not for POGO workers—DOLE

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarified that the foreign workers given alien employment permits (AEP) from January to April this year were employed in licensed internet gaming operators and not foreign workers employed in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGO.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma made the clarification following earlier reports that the department has stopped issuing AEP to foreign workers in POGO since May 2.

Based on Advisory No. 2404, DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Mirasol said they shall no longer issue AEPs to foreign employees of companies still identified as a “POGO.”

The DOLE recently issued 8,000 AEPs.

In an interview during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, Laguesma said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or PAGCOR streamlined its regulations and transitioned into internet gaming licenses.

“We are strictly implementing the requirements and we are no longer accepting POGO applicants,” he said.

The Labor chief admitted that the department is still issuing AEPs but with stricter requirements, adding “we also now ban the work-from-home setups to foreigners.”

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader

Jude

A. Acidre, a nominee of Tingog partylist group said he iis joining others in supporting the appeal for the Senate to pass legislation to put in place state policy for the full development of the Philippine natural gas industry. Acidre said the House has already passed on third reading the proposed Philippine Downstream Natural Gas

Industry (PDNGI) Development Act, a legislative priority of the Marcos administration.

“With humility, I urge our fellow lawmakers in the Senate to prioritize the deliberation on the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Development Act,” Acidre said.

“While this is not a silver bullet that will address all the problems in the energy sector, I am certain that it will alleviate the conditions of our energy supply,” the House majority leader added.

“More importantly, its inclusion as one of the LEDAC priorities of this administration needs no further explanation or plea for its immediate passage,” he said, referring to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

“This proposed law is one of the important policies under Bagong Pilipinas,” Acidre said. Acidre is one of the principal authors of the measure’s version in the House, HB 8456, which the chamber already approved on third reading on Aug. 3, 2023 by a 215-3 vote It seeks to establish the PDNGI to promote indigenous natural gas as a “safe, environment-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective source of energy.”

“We directed regional implementers to monitor and inspect their areas so that we will be able to determine if the firms are adhering to our country’s regulations,” Laguesma added. Vito Barcelo SM

Its counterpart bill in the Senate, SB 2247, authored by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, is now being reviewed by a technical working group.

City Bataan commits to sustainability; rolls out new EV charging stations

Bataan school tops mid-wifery exams

BATAAN Vice Gov. Cris Garcia congratulated the Bataan Peninsula State University Main Campus School of Midwifery for being the top performing school in the Midwifery licensure examination in April 2024. Out of 65 midwifery examinees from BPSU, 64 passed or equivalent to a 98.46 percent passing percentage.

“Ang aking taos-pusong pagbati sa mga nakapasa sa nakaraang April 2024 Midwifery Licensure Examination at sa napakahusay na BPSU President Dr. Ruby Santos-Matibag, sa buong Midwifery Department, at sa mga estudyante na nagpuyat at nagsikap para maabot ang kanilang pangarap,” Garcia said. “Ipinagmamalaki po kayo ng lalawigan ng Bataan”, she added. She also congratulated BPSU midwifery graduate Raiza Pantino for ranking 9th in the examination. Butch Gunio SM City Bataan has just rolled out more charging stations, giving e-vehicle owners added convenience and peace of mind while on the road. The newly installed 80kW DC Charging Station Dual Gun GBT port CCS2 and Wallbox Pulsar Plus AC charger offers rapid charging capabilities, catering to a wide range of EV brands including Audi,

WPS BUOYS. In a press briefing, Atin Ito convenors led by former associate justice Antonio Carpio

zone near the Bajo de Masinloc. Atin  Ito--a

civilian

to the West Philippine Sea. Danny Pata

IN BRIEF

PSA: Camiguin’s agri sector declines by 4.5%

THE island province of Camiguin saw a contraction of its agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) sector in recent years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA data showed that the three agriculture sub-sectors in Camiguin declined by 4.5 percent, while the industry sector growth slowed down by four percent in 2022.

Overall, Camiguin’s provincial economy was predominantly driven by services (60.2 percent), followed by industry (26.7 percent) and AFF (13.1 percent).

This collectively resulted in the province accounting for the least share to Region X’s (Northern Mindanao) Gross Regional Domestic Product at only 1.2 percent. Meanwhile, the economic share of other areas in the region range from 6.4 percent to 28 percent.

Camiguin is one of the four local economies in Northern Mindanao that registered a decline in agriculture, along with Lanao del Norte, the City of Iligan, and Misamis Occidental.

To sum, Camiguin’s AFF only had 0.8 percent share of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Aside from having the least Industry share of 1.2 percent, Camiguin was also one of the four economies that grew slower than the average regional growth of 6.6 percent.

CAAP: Rehab of Davao Airport runway finished

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced the completion of the repair works on the Davao International Airport’s runway. (DIA)

“Flight operations at the airport are set to return to normal following the substantial completion of runway repairs on Wednesday, May 8,” the CAAP said in a statement.

The remaining works on the runway were completed on May 7, and an inspection was conducted to check all completed segments of the asphalt overlay repair.

CAAP Area Center 11 manager Rex Obcena said some portions require minor rectifications, and work will be conducted during the daytime when there are no flights, in close coordination with the air traffic control tower. The Notice to Airmen for this project was scheduled to be lifted on Thursday, May 9, or once all remaining concerns are adequately addressed. This is ahead of the original target date of May 31.

Since April 8, the DIA runway has been closed for four hours each day, from midnight to 4 a.m. to expedite the rehabilitation process. This involves a 1,200 square meter affected area, including the removal of two-inch thick damaged asphalt pavement, application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, laying of hot bituminous asphalt mixture, and repainting of existing runway markings. Joel E. Zurbano

High heat prompts QC schools to adjust classes

QUEZON City’s Schools Division Office (SDO) has adjusted its learning modality due to the persistently high heat index affecting the students, according to Mayor Joy Belmonte.

SDO superintendent Carleen Sedilla issued a memorandum order saying the adjustment was due to weather forecasts that a heat index of 40 degrees Celsius or above would be experienced in the coming days.

Belmonte said classes will shift to limited face-to-face classes once the forecast temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher.

“This will give public school students ample time to complete their essential year-end activities like performance tasks and final examinations, especially now that classes are winding down,” said.

School administrators and principals are expected to devise a new schedule for the students depending on the capacity of the classrooms and schools. Rio N. Araja

House bill requires business owners to install CCTVs in their shops, offices

By Maricel V. Cruz

APARTY-list lawmaker bats for the speedy passage of a bill that requires business establishments to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in and around their premises.

Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group said that as a former official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), he recognizes the necessity of using CCTV cameras and other modern technological tools to help keep the public safe and aid police investigators in solving crimes.

Yamsuan, a co-author of House Bill (HB) 8068, said the measure mandates business establishments with 20 or more workers or those

with transactions amounting to at least P50,000 a day to install CCTV cameras in their premises notably entrances and exits, and the workplaces.

Yamsuan recalled that back in 2022, the DILG issued a memorandum circular urging cities and municipalities to enact ordinances prescribing the installation of CCTV systems for certain business establishments, such as banks, office buildings, gasoline stations, pawnshops, supermar-

kets and medical facilities.

“HB 8068 takes this one step further by making this a requirement, rather than a preference, for all businesses that have more than 20 employees or those engaged in large transactions on a daily basis. T he private sector can play a key role in helping law enforcers secure public places and prevent crime by installing CCTV cameras in strategic locations,” said Yamsuan, a former DILG assistant secretary.

“The goal is to make CCTV cameras effective tools in helping deter, detect and solve crimes,” he added. Yamsuan said CCTVs also help check abuses committed by law enforcers as shown in some instances when CCTV footage played before the House Committee on Pub-

lic Order and Safety showed police officers committing irregularities in conducting drug buy-bust operations. Under the bill, “the installation of surveillance/CCTV cameras shall be a mandatory requirement before business permits or permits to operate are issued.”

The establishments covered by the measure include restaurants, hospitals, malls, shopping centers, movie houses, theaters, supermarkets, groceries, entertainment centers, office buildings, warehouses, and cockpit arenas. These and other similar establishments are required to maintain their CCTV cameras in good working condition, and ensure such devices are turned on and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Customs captures P56-m shabu at North Harbor

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized shabu worth more than P56.3 million, stashed in in balikbayan boxes that landed at the North Harbor Manila from Thailand.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenidor Rubio commended his men from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service assigned at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) for this latest accomplishment.

According to Rubio, the shabu packets, weighing a total of 8,294 grams, tested positive for illegal drugs upon testing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“The bureau has caught and seized quite a number of balikbayan boxes using the same modus of these individuals or organizations trying to pass on illegal drugs and other items in a seemingly harmless balikbayan box. Thankfully, our agents are on their toes and acted promptly after receiving the information,” he said.

Customs chief intelligence officer Verne Enciso disclosed that the CIIS-MICP received the information about the shipment declared by the importers to contain “household items, shoes, and motor parts” from Thailand.

The shipments arrived in the Manila seaport last April 7.

The prohibited substance and misdeclared items were discovered in the shipment after being verified through x-ray scanning and physical examination by Customs examiners.

“We’ve seen this before. This is nothing new to our agents. It only intensifies our desire to get to the bottom of this modus and put an end to the individuals, groups, and organizations who think they can bend our laws to their will. We work hard every day not only in big operations such as this but in ensuring that we will prosecute these people,” said Enciso.

Chikiting Ligtas anti-polio vax drive breaches 100% mark in Navotas

NAVOTAS City has breached the 100-percent mark in its intensified polio vaccination program for children as spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH).

The nationwide campaign dubbed Chikiting Ligtas 2024 involved the administration of bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity under the auspices of the DOH.

Navotas became the first among cities in the CAMANAVA to hit its target.

The City Health Office recorded a total of 16,062 children immunized against polio in the city. Of this number, 661 children were 0-23 months old, while

15,401 were 24-59 months of age. These children were targeted for immunization after missing some doses or not receiving any doses in the past year.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco encouraged parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated against the polio virus, which is a potentially debilitating disease that affects the spinal cord and muscles. It is especially dangerous for children five years old and below.

“The polio vaccine is safe and effective. Let us ensure that our children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases by making sure that their immunization is updated,” he said. Jun David

BI alarmed over surge of aliens in Baguio City

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI), expressing concern over the rising number of illegal aliens in Baguio City, called on the general public to help in curbing criminality being perpetrated by foreigners in the so-called Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the call during the third leg of their “Bagong Immigration” caravan, emphasizing the crucial role community vigilance plays in maintaining border security and upholding immigration laws.

“As we embark on our service caravan, we urge the community to report suspicious activities or individuals in their respective areas,” he said.

Tansingco stressed the agency’s commitment in addressing concerns related to illegal immigration and highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the fight.

“Community members are highly encouraged to report foreign sex predators and sex tourists, which the BI is prioritizing under the it ‘Shield Kids’ campaign,” he added.

ANTI-POLIO DRIVE. A very young girl in Navotas City gets her dose of antipolio oral vaccine from a member of the Chikiting Ligtas 2024 teams that go on

house-to-house drive to make sure that all children in the city are inoculated.

RICH SHABU HAUL. Customs agents take stock of more than P56 million worth of shabu from Thailand they confiscated at the Manila North Harbor.

FINAL TRIBUTE. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri hands a copy of a Senate resolution, expressing profound sympathy and sincere condolences on the passing of former Sen. Rene Saguisag, to the late senator’s son, Rebo. Zubiri and other members of the Senate cited Saguisag for upholding the highest standards in public service and for ‘tirelessly working for the rights of the oppressed.‘ Red Santos, OSP

OPINION

Let’s get real

BIGAS na naman!

The first quarter surveys tell us a very clear political and economic situation: the public’s biggest concern is food inflation, particularly -- rice.

Solutions always begin with defining the problem. And the best way to do that is by looking at the numbers.

In the mid-seventies, when we were under an authoritarian system, we did achieve rice self-sufficiency, which as the numbers later showed, was achieved at a huge cost in terms of government subsidies and unpaid loans that broke the back of our rural banking system.

So compare the numbers then, and now.

In 1978, we had a population of some 44 million; Thailand had 43 million, roughly equal. Today we have 114 million, while Thailand, because of pro-active population management, has 71 million.

Thailand has all of 51 million hectares, plenty of flat land in a mostly contiguous whole with great river systems. We are all of 31 million hectares, dispersed in thousands of islands, with few large rivers as source of irrigation water.

Thai and Vietnamese students went to our UPLB and the IRRI in the 60s and 70s to learn agricultural techniques which they studiously implemented.

With more mouths to feed, we need to produce more food. But we have limited land suitable for rice. We have only a few, mostly shallow rivers to draw water for irrigation.

Then Senator Bongbong Marcos, in a budget hearing of the DA in 2010, asked the NIA how many hectares of irrigated land we have. The answer was a tad more than 1.5 million hectares.

The senator was bowled over, recalling that in his father’s time, we had 1.4 million hectares of irrigated land. The incremental gain in more than two decades was that small.

For years and years, from Macapagal and Marcos I through Macapagal II to the present Marcos II, our leaders chanted about self-sufficiency in rice.

Still, “rice is life,” or so they say. Food security is national security as well.

Realizing the awesome disequilibrium between population versus land area, market economists have pushed for doing away with quantitative restrictions on rice imports which gave government a monopoly through the NFA.

Due to huge annual government subsidies, free trade advocates wanted to give the rice trade entirely to the private sector, leaving the NFA to mere buffer stocking for use in calamity relief.

And in late 2018, using a rice shortage and price spike caused by inefficient inventory control, they got Congress to rush the enactment of the Rice Tarrification Law.

Using the proceeds from a 35 percent tariff for ASEAN-sourced imports, they

generated 10 to 14 billion pesos annually since 2019 which was earmarked for production support to our fast aging farmers.

In its first year, RTL tamed consumer prices, but by 2021, the imbalance between demand and supply made rice more expensive, even as the volume of imports increased considerably.

And in 2023, the world supply for staples constricted, so 3.2 million tons of imports could not stabilize prices.

Despite the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund drawn from the tariff imposed on huge import quantities, and despite the 2023 middling market intervention of the resurrected Kadiwa to bolster the chimera of 20-peso-per-kilo rice, all efforts failed at stemming the price, which at its lowest and worst quality is 45 pesos and more edible is 60 per kilo.

The SBAC also refused to look into what could be regarded as the ridiculously low bid of SMS Global Technologies-Sequent Technologies

Our HoR now wants to return the “good old days” of huge government losses from subsidies, their bleeding hearts chanting the mantra -- “rice is life.”

RTL’s principal authors, economist Stella Quimbo in the House, and realtor Cynthia Villar in the Senate are losing support in their chambers, at a time when PSA and opinion surveys point to rice as the biggest culprit in inflation that has fueled massive disenchantment with the current government.

So now the same legislators who rushed RTL with the promise of rice security are rushing its dismantling with encouragement from an embattled presidency.

This is so typical of Congress. It has a history of reaction; rarely does it analyze the problem well, and almost always, it never pro-acts because it has an “august” dislike for studying the numbers.

Bueno, vamos a ver.

Eerily silent are our newly-minted finance secretary, Ralph Recto, and our agronomist NEDA DG Arsi Balisacan on this RTL volte face. We await their response with bated breath, and how Cynthia and Stella try to stem the tide in their houses.

Lastly, how the final legislative compromises are ironed out, and more, whether or not these will redound to lower prices amid the political turmoil as we run into another election season.

Taiwan’s indispensability in preparing for future pandemics

By Dr. Hsueh Jui-yuan

THE three years of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a terrible loss of life and exacerbated health inequalities, a slump in global economy and, worldwide, people’s lives were affected. This experience demonstrated the present global health governance framework is not effective in responding to threats to global health.

Although COVID-19 is no longer labeled a public health emergency of international concern and trade and economic activity have returned to normal, the World Health Organization cautions against the threat of a Disease X pandemic. It is critical that countries across the globe unite to bolster health governance. WHO and many countries began reviewing response strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weaknesses in the International Health Regulations as concerns managing this crisis were revealed. As a result, changes are afoot. Proposed revisions include enhanced surveillance, reporting, and information sharing; improved response readiness; and revised criteria for declaring PHEICs or public health emergency of international concern.

There is also vigorous debate around a new pandemic agreement, which aims

to craft a robust global pandemic governance framework grounded in accountability, transparency, and equity. It may be approved at the six-day 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva ending on June 1, 2024.

As Taiwan is not a WHO member state, we cannot directly influence revisions to the International Health Regulations or drafting the pandemic agreement. Nevertheless, we remain greatly concerned about the content of and developments regarding these central documents. We are eager to contribute our insights into pandemic management and learn from international best practices.

Taiwan was the nation that initially identified the epidemic risk and promptly executed adaptive measures.

Taiwan also proactively shared vital information with global partners and garnered public trust through a commitment to openness.

This was crucial to effectively implementing pandemic policies.

To address future pandemics, we will strive to refine approaches to obtaining vaccines, managing medical resources, utilizing technology, safeguarding human rights, and addressing misinformation.

We strongly endorse the passage and implementation of amendments to the International Health Regulations and the

Press freedom under siege

THIS is not encouraging at all for media practitioners in the country.

That the Philippines placed 134th among 180 countries in the press freedom index of the international media organization Reporters Without Borders, or Reporters Sans Frontières, reflects the challenges faced by the government in upholding freedom of the press as guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution.

In its report released on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the international media watchdog said the country’s index decreased from 132nd in 2023, while it had a score of 43.36 for 2024.

While RSF said in its report there have been fewer attacks against the press during the Marcos Jr. administration, these attacks are cause for concern.

“There seem to have been fewer and less violent attacks of this kind, but they are still worrisome.

“Harassment by means of threats and ‘red-tagging’ persists, while defamation and cyber-defamation are still punishable

by prison sentences,” RSF said. The organization also observed libel is still criminalized and that women journalists still face work-related violations in the country.

The Philippines certainly can draw lessons from the experiences of the top 10 countries with the highest levels of press freedom

The Philippines certainly can draw lessons from the experiences of the top 10 countries with the highest levels of press freedom, namely Norway, Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, and Germany.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly established May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. As the government marked

WE ARE now experiencing global warming and climate change in real time.

Never has the temperatures been as high and will only get worse to become the new normal.

The world’s climate has gone bonkers.

We are witnessing flooding in desert cities where there used to be very little rain and agricultural lands in countries with enough rain becoming parched like ours.

People dying due to extreme temperatures are also no longer uncommon.

Even in Baguio City whose temperature has always been comfortable the whole year round has become much hotter and uncomfortable.

We have been talking about global warming and climate change for more than two decades now but, as usual, it was all about attending international climate conferences and issuing communiques and not much action.

We, like many other countries, did not believe in our own warnings and consequently failed to prepare to deal with the challenges of global warming more effectively.

The scorching temperatures the past few weeks is now wreaking havoc to our agriculture, power supply, education, and productivity.

Yet, all that the DENR can do is to perform cloud seeding.

Is that really the best that we can do?

Why don’t we just do a rain dance?

It might prove to be better.

Besides, we do not have to spend anything because it is free.

It is really a shame that in spite of all the natural disasters that strikes the country every year, we have not done our homework and prepared to mitigate the adverse effects that climate change will do to our country’s well-being.

pandemic agreement.

We call on WHO to include Taiwan as a signatory to these documents.

This would enable us to collaborate on monitoring new virus strains, reporting and exchanging pathogen diagnosis data, and sharing novel vaccine and antiviral research or clinical trial results.

—“—

Taiwan is working to share its experience and expertise in achieving universal health coverage to help the international community realize health for all

This would further collective global action against future pandemics and more resilient antipandemic efforts by the international community.

We urge WHO to support Taiwan’s in-

the occasion, President Marcos Jr. cited the critical role of journalists in fighting fake news and misinformation

“As the fourth pillar of our democracy, their words serve as our strongest defense against misinformation and fake news. Now, more than ever, their commitment to their work is crucial,” the Chief Executive pointed out. For its part, the Presidential Communications Office reaffirmed its commitment to uphold “freedom and independence of the press” and ensure their rights and welfare are protected. It gave assurances the current administration “remains steadfast in fostering an environment where journalists can practice their profession free from fear of threats, reprisals, and violence.”

In its 2024 World Press Freedom Day statement, the UN stressed the important role of journalists in combating disinformation and misinformation campaigns on the “triple planetary crisis,” namely climate change, biodiversity, and air pollution. In the concrete Philippine context, that also means government should uphold the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press as a strong foundation of our democratic system.

Let’s just do a rain dance

Our country’s total power capacity remains inadequate to service surges of additional power due to the boiling temperatures that we are now experiencing.

Damage to our agriculture due to the El Nino is driving prices up and if the scorching temperatures will last two or three more weeks, there is no telling how much more damage it will do to our agricultural crops.

And how are we preparing for the rains and floods that will come due to the La Nina phenomenon?

In spite of us humans being the most intelligent of all species that have roamed this vulnerable planet of ours, we might end up being the ones to destroy it

Even our educational instruction whose quality is already being criticized is further under threat because DepED had to mandate on line learning instead of face to face instructions due to the heat.

This is not to mention the loss of productivity which is undoubtedly substantial.

To be fair, no country is immune to the destructive effects of climate change but the fact that we are more vulnerable than other countries, we should have done our homework better.

As we know, this is a problem that can only be mitigated with every country par-

clusion in overseeing global health.

Taiwan remains committed to participating based on the principles of professionalism, pragmatism, and making contributions and seeks to cooperate with WHO to remedy geographic gaps in global health security and to construct a comprehensive global health framework. The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as a fundamental human right in their constitutions.

Despite this, many nations have not passed and implemented laws to ensure that their citizens have access to healthcare services.

Taiwan has worked hard to reach universal health coverage and has consistently improved the quality of health care over the past few decades in line with WHO recommendations.

Taiwan has effectively integrated and allocated social welfare resources to enhance primary and oral health care for all, implement mental health programs, and strengthen the social safety net.

It has put in place an agile and resilient healthcare system able to combat both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

ticipating.

But with all the developed countries unwilling to make the sacrifice to reduce carbon emissions at a much faster rate, the problem can only get worse.

This was clearly shown in the last climate conference convened in the Middle East earlier this year.

Oil producers refused to set a date when they will stop exporting fossil fuel and transition to renewable energy.

Developed economies also refused to stop using coal for power generation ensuring that climate goals will not be attained as scheduled.

The resulting communique amounted to nothing.

It is, therefore, all but certain that global temperature will go up by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius before this century is over. In fact, the rise will almost be much higher.

The biggest losers are developing countries like us but those countries in the South Pacific whose lands are now being swallowed by the ocean due to rising sea level are in a much worse predicament.

The future is grim but there may be still time to mitigate what is coming if all countries will only cooperate.

Unfortunately, in spite of us humans being the most intelligent of all species that have roamed this vulnerable planet of ours, we might end up being the ones to destroy it. Powerful countries continue to think of themselves instead of cooperating to try to save the world from the impending climatic catastrophe.

For those of us still alive today, we probably can cope with warmer temperatures. But how about those who will follow after us?

What kind of a world will we be leaving them?

Taiwan is working to share its experience and expertise in achieving universal health coverage to help the international community realize health for all.

The theme for World Health Day 2024 is “All for Health, Health for All.” Proceedings will be webcast live from this web page.

This is a way to advocate for every individual, everywhere, to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as enjoy safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. Through a public-private partnership, Taiwan has been contributing to global efforts to realize the right to health in collaboration with partner countries and international organizations.

Taiwan, which believes health is a human right, has provided humanitarian assistance through post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts that have helped people get through disasters in the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Türkiye, and Indonesia.

(The author is Minister of Health and Welfare of Taiwan)

Ukraine says it thwarted plot to kill Zelensky

KYIV – Ukraine has said it had unravelled a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to the group, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on Tuesday.

“The terrorist attack, which was supposed to be a gift to Putin for his inauguration, was in fact a failure of the Russian secret service,” Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said in a statement.

Kyiv says Zelensky has been targeted by Russia on multiple earlier occasions, including at the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

The SBU said it had exposed a network of agents set up by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) tasked with identifying individuals close to Zelensky’s security detail who could take the Ukrainian leader hostage and kill him.

“The network, whose activities were supervised by the FSB from Moscow, included two colonels of the State Department of Protection who were leaking classified information to Russia,” the SBU said.

Ukraine’s State Department of Protection is in charge protecting the president and other senior officials and their families.

A source in Ukrainian law enforcement told AFP that the suspects were detained “a few days ago”.

“They were really highly placed men. One of them was a head of department,” the source said.

The SBU published photos of masked operatives in camouflage uniform arresting several suspects at night. AFP

Israel launches fresh Gaza hits as mediators work for ceasefire

RAFAH, Palestinian Territories – Israel struck targets in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after seizing the main border crossing with Egypt, where negotiators were working to make good on their “last chance” to cement a ceasefire deal.

After weeks of vowing to launch a ground incursion into the border city of Rafah despite international objections, Israeli tanks moved in Tuesday, capturing the crossing

that has served as the main conduit for aid into the besieged Palestinian territory.

The White House condemned the interruption to humanitarian deliveries, with a senior US official later revealing Washington had paused a shipment of bombs last week after Israel failed to address US concerns over its Rafah plans.

In related developments, Qatar called on the international community on Wednesday to prevent a “genocide” in Rafah following Israel’s seizure of the Gaza city’s crossing with Egypt and threats of a wider assault.

In a statement the Gulf state, which has been mediating between Israel and militant group Hamas, appealed “for urgent international

action to prevent the city from being invaded and a crime of genocide being committed.”

The push into the southern city, which is packed with displaced civilians, came as negotiators and mediators met in Cairo to try and hammer out a hostage release deal and truce in the seven-month war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

A senior Hamas official, requesting anonymity, warned this would be Israel’s “last chance” to free the scores of hostages still in militants’ hands. Egypt’s state-linked Al-Qahera News reported Tuesday that mediators from Qatar, the United States and Egypt were meeting with a Hamas delegation. AFP

Stormy Daniels details alleged sex with Trump

NEW YORK – Stormy Daniels, the porn star at the heart of Donald Trump’s historic criminal trial, testified Tuesday -– in sometimes explicit detail –- about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter with the former president in a hotel penthouse suite.

Trump, 77, is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels on the eve of his 2016 elec-

tion against Hillary Clinton, when the lurid story of marital infidelity could have sunk his campaign.

“The people call Stormy Daniels,” prosecutor Susan Hoffinger said as Trump, who is seeking to recapture the White House in November, sat at the defense table in the Manhattan courtroom flanked by his lawyers.

Meanwhile, the judge in Donald Trump’s hush money trial said the former president was “cursing audi-

bly” during testimony on Tuesday by porn star Stormy Daniels and directed his lawyers to temper their client’s behavior.

“I understand that your client is upset at this point, but he is cursing audibly, and he is shaking his head visually, and that’s contemptuous,” Judge Juan Merchan told Trump attorney Todd Blanche during a sidebar conversation, according to excerpts of the official trial transcript posted online Tuesday evening. AFP

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

with masterminding the cult of the Kim family dynasty, and Pyongyang’s state media on Wednesday described him as “a veteran of our Party and the revolution, a prestigious theoretician and a prominent political activist”. An image released by the Rodong Sinmun showed leader Kim Jong Un, dressed in a dark suit, solemnly paying his respects alongside high-ranking party and military officials, in front of what appeared to be a flower-decorated bier. AFP

BOCA RATON, United States – Americans Harold Terens and Jeanne Swerlin promise their courtship is “better than Romeo and Juliet”: He is 100, she’s 96, and they marry next month in France, where the groom-to-be served during World War II. US Air Force veteran Terens will be honored on June 6 at a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, the historic Allied operation that changed the course of the war. Two days later Harold and Jeanne will exchange vows in Carentan-les-Marais, close to the beaches where thousands of soldiers waded ashore -- and many died -- that day in 1944. The town’s mayor will preside over the ceremony.

“It’s a love story like you’ve never heard before,” Terens assures AFP.

During an interview at Swerlin’s home in Boca Raton, Florida, they exchange glances, hold hands and smooch like teenagers.

“He’s an unbelievable guy, I love everything about him,” Swerlin says of her fiance. “He’s handsome -- and he’s a good kisser.”

The youthful centenarian is also cheerful, witty, and gifted with a prodigious and vivid memory, recalling dates and locations and events without hesitation -- a living history book of sorts. AFP

Parents mourn slain surfers; bodies on long journey home

SYDNEY– The devastated parents of Australian brothers killed on a surf trip to Mexico urged wellwishers to use their memory as an inspiration to “live bigger, shine brighter and love harder”, as the pair’s remains began the long journey home Wednesday.

Speaking from California, Debra and Martin Robinson said that “the world has become a darker place” since the death of their sons Callum and Jake, and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad.

The trio had been scoring waves along Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast, when prosecutors allege they were the victims of a murder-robbery.

Their bodies were found in a cliff-top shaft with bullet wounds to the head on Friday. Three people have since been arrested in connection with their deaths.

A Mexican judicial source said “the bodies have left” for a funeral home in Ensenada, Baja California and will be transferred to Tijuana on the Mexico-California border for embalmment before going on to San Diego.

Speaking from a San Diego beach, father Martin Robinson thanked friends and family in Australia and the United States who have offered “overwhelming support” since the men went missing.

With the ocean at their backs, mother Debra then struggled to read through prepared remarks.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Callum and Jake have been murdered,” she began, her voice cracking with emotion.

“Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us.”

She described Callum, aged 33, as a “lovable, larger-than-life character” who played professional lacrosse in the United States, where he became known as “the big koala”.

Jake, aged 30, was described as a “happy, gentle and compassionate soul, who was pursuing a career in medicine” and had a keen love for surfing and cricket.

“They were young men enjoying their passion of surfing together.”

“Now it is time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia,” she said breaking down.

“Please live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their memory.” AFP

SPORTS

Champion FEU seeks return trip to football nals

DEFENDING champion Far Eastern

University will look to return to the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Final as it takes on Ateneo de Manila University in the Final Four today (Thursday) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After topping the league table with 28 points, the Tamaraws will face No. 4 Blue Eagles, who finished the ons with 18 points at 4:30 p.m.

The other semifinal pits No. 2 University of the Philippines and third-ranked University of Santo Tomas at 7 p.m.

The winners will clash in the onematch Final on May 16.

“We’re confident going into the Final Four. The team’s been very strong this year. There are a few lapses in terms of mentality sometimes,” said FEU coach Albert Besa.

“In a few games, they became overconfident. The Final Four is knockout na so there’s no room to be overconfident or to have any mental lapses.” FEU swept Ateneo in their elimination round head-to-head this season.

The Tamaraws are tipped to enter the Final for the fourth time in 10 seasons, but the Blue Eagles are not going to be pushovers.

Ateneo enters the Final Four on a high after battling fabled rival De La Salle to a 2-2 stalemate on the final day of eliminations last May 2.

Kofi Agyei, who scored and provided an assist against the Green Booters in that match, has nine goals so far in this campaign and is expected to cause problems in the final third against the Tamaraws.

“We need to prepare. It’s a tough game against the team at the top of the league. We lost both matches in the first and second round. I think ‘yun ang kailangan naming ayusin going to the semifinal,” said Ateneo coach JP Merida.

“This is a challenge. Simple mistakes nila, we need to capitalize. Playing FEU is very hard but we will try to win the game on Thursday.”

Tiger, world’s top 103 named in PGA Championship lineup

WASHINGTON—Tiger Woods and the world’s 103 top-ranked golfers were among those named Tuesday as the field was announced for next week’s 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Woods, a 15-time major winner, has struggled to walk four rounds in tournaments since suffering severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash but finished 60th in last month’s Masters and says he hopes to play once a month through the US and British Opens.

Woods, ranked 801, has accepted a special invitation into next month’s US Open.

He withdrew after three rounds in 2022 in his most recent PGA

Championship start, skipping last year after ankle surgery.

Woods and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland have each won PGA Championship titles at Valhalla -- Woods in 2000 and McIlroy in 2014 in his most recent major triumph.

The PGA field includes 33 major winners, 16 of them former PGA Championship winners.

Two vacancies remain in the field of 156, awaiting winners

of this week’s PGA Tour events if they are not already qualified for the showdown at Louisville, Kentucky.

The lineup includes top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, who won his second Masters title last month, and the rest of the top 103 players in the official world golf rankings.

Scheffler is skipping this week’s PGA Tour signature event to be with wife Meredith as she prepares to have a baby.

Defending champion Brooks Koepka of the United States is among 16 players from the LIV Golf League who will compete in the year’s second major tournament.

Other LIV players from the world’s top 100 include fifth-

Jr Altas tossers eye 8th straight finals appearance

By Dennis Abrina

THE defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas target an eighth consecutive finals’ appearance when they take on the Mapua Red Robins in the Final Four of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 Juniors’ Volleyball Tournament on Thursday at the Arellano Gym in Pasay City. Meanwhile, the Arellano Braves face Lyceum of the Philippines University GenTri in the other semifinal pairing at 9 a.m. Coach Sandy Rieta’s Junior Altas and Arellano University both hold twice-tobeat advantages in the semis, where they only need to win once, while Mapua and LPU have to beat them twice to enter the best-of-three finals on May 16.

In the girls’ division, the Arellano Lady Braves will face off against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Brigadiers, while the Junior Altas Girls battle

the LPU Junior Pirates.

Arellano finished no. 1 and while Perpetual coach Jason Sapin’s Junior Girls finished at no. 2 at the end of the six-team elims.

LPU and EAC were ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the tournament.

Both Arellano and Perpetual hold the twice-to-beat edge in the girls’ division.

The EAC Girls were champions in the first edition (Season 98) with four entry schools, including Perpetual, Arellano and EAC.

If the Junior Altas advance to the finals, it will be their eighth consecutive year of making it to the championship round since 2014. They were defeated by EAC during the Season 89 finals.

The Junior Altas captured their seventh win in eight games at the expense of the La Salle Greenhills-Greenies (25-14, 2516) in the single-round elimination, to clinch the no. 2 spot and twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four at the end of the elimination round last Monday.

Philippine Badminton Open 2024 set to showcase PH’s top players

THE Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) proudly announces the upcoming Philippine Badminton Open 2024, set from June 5 to 11.

Organized by the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) in collaboration with Smart, Mizuno, and other esteemed partners, the Super 500 tournament promises thrilling matches and fierce competition. Qualifying rounds leading to the semifinals will unfold from June 5 to 10 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo.

The finals, where champions will be crowned, are slated for June 11 at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.

According to Jude Turcuato, Vice President of the Philippine Badminton Association and Executive Director of MVP Sports Foundation, “The Philippine Badminton Open is the tournament that proves who the best of the best in the country is. Badminton is one of the sports that MVPSF identified where the Filipino can be a world-class athlete. Organizing tournaments like this will get our athletes busy as this tournament kicks off our local calendar.”

This year, the tournament boasts a prize pool of P1,000,000 across five divisions: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Winners in the singles categories will receive P100,000 for the champion, P50,000 for the runnerup, and P15,000 for the third- and fourth-placers. In the doubles tournaments, champions will take home P120,000, runners-up P60,000, and third0 and fourthplacers P30,000 each.

Melvin Nubla, Head of Development at PBAD, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “This tournament is a Super 500 tournament, meaning it will have huge implications not just in the national rankings but also identify who can be part of the national team.”

Badminton aficionados can catch the action live on the Facebook pages of Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD). Christopher Quimpo, AVP for Sports at Smart, emphasized the significance of badminton in the company’s endeavors, stating, “In recent years, badminton has experienced significant growth, with several national team players achieving success in international tournaments. This includes Mika De Guzman’s recent triumph in Kazakhstan. Smart is dedicated to nurturing and developing both current and future members of our national team through events like the Philippine Badminton Open.”

ranked Jon Rahm, England’s 17thranked Tyrrell Hatton, Australia’s Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert, Poland’s Adrian Meronk, Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and American Patrick Reed.

Other major winners from LIV include Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Martin Kaymer. American Talor Gooch, last year’s LIV season champion, was invited into his fifth consecutive PGA Championship. His best result was a share of 20th in 2022 but he missed the cut last year. The field includes 21 club professionals, 20 qualifiers and Michael Block, who returns after sharing 15th last year at Oak Hill. AFP

Flying Titans, Cool Smashers clash in PVL war of attrition

IN A role reversal that perhaps caught many by surprise, Choco Mucho finds itself as the slight favorite against the multi-titled Creamline, a scenario quite unlike last year when the Flying Titans were clear underdogs in their first-ever finals appearance in the Premier Volleyball League.

However, the narrative has shifted dramatically with Choco Mucho’s remarkable sweep of the semifinal round, proving themselves as top contenders even in the absence of three key players sidelined due to various reasons during the course of their campaign in the AllFilipino Conference.

“Alam niyo naman na kulang kami, pero sa ngayon, masarap ang feeling namin kasi ‘yung pinagpaguran namin… nandito na kami sa finals (Despite our limitations, reaching the finals feels incredibly gratifying. It’s a testament to the hard work we’ve put in),” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, credited with crafting a championship-caliber system that has unified his players towards a common goal.

As the finals commence, all eyes will naturally gravitate towards the explosive talents of Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina and Creamline’s Tots Carlos. However, the performances of the supporting cast and the bench players will be equally crucial in the best-of-three series.

Game One is set to kick off at 6 tonight, promising a thrilling showdown that is expected to draw a sellout crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Matches Thursday (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

4:30 p.m. - FEU vs Ateneo

7 p.m. - UP vs UST

Christopher Quimpo, AVP for Sports at Smart

Tiger Woods of the United States walks to the ninth green during the nal round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. iWoods and the world’s 103 topranked golfers were among those named Tuesday as the eld was announced for next week’s 106th PGA Championship.

The defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas in a huddle with coach Sandy Rieta Dennis Abrina

THURSDAY,

RIERA U. MALLARI, RANDY M. CALUAG, EDGARD HILARIO,

Fil-Am Hoffman continues

PH record-breaking spree

Junior PH Golf Tour unveils

THE Junior Philippine Golf Tour is set to ignite the passion and skills of young golfers across three age categories through a challenging 14-leg circuit beginning May 14 at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

The tour, featuring 18-hole competitions and managed independently under the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. banner, promises an electrifying journey for aspiring talents ready and eager to showcase their talents and abilities on the fairways and greens.

The JPGT aims to cultivate players’ development and aid them in reaching their golfing aspirations. It also strives to nurture the next generation of international representatives for the Philippines, akin to renowned players like Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, among others.

Distinct and free from affiliation with the existing junior golf organizations, the JPGT fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring minimal scheduling conflicts and maximizing opportunities for young players to flourish.

Open to all youngsters within three age brackets, the tournament structure varies based on age. Players aged 15-18 engage in four-round clashes, while those in the 8-10 and 11-14 divisions compete in 36-hole and 54-hole tournaments, respectively.

The event boasts a stellar lineup featuring talents like Javie Bautista, Mona Sarines and siblings Lisa and Vito, Tiffany Bernardino, Jacob Casuga and Angelica Bañez, all anticipating the circuit’s challenges, particularly praising the 18hole format.

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO-AMERICAN

Lauren Hoffman smothered a Philippine record for the second time in a month, while FilMoroccan standout Yacine Guermali won his first local race on Wednesday as the ICTSI-Philippine Athletics Championships 2024 got going at the Philsports track oval in Pasig.

The early morning weather was manageable when Hoffman went below an existing Philippine national record again in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

Getting up early some two hours before the heats to practice, an energized Hoffman went on to clock 13.61 seconds to get the top spot in the finals.

This will be the second time that the 25-year-old

Hoffman went below the 17-year-old national mark of Sheena Atilano, who established the Philippine record of 13.65 seconds, back in the 2007 Asian Grand Prix in India. Hoffman, whose entry into the national team was made possible with help of the Fil-Am Sports group, was in front of Army sprinter Jelly Paragile, who finished second overall at 14.24 seconds, and Sarawak runner Emma Yu Wei Ling in third at 15.78 meters.

On April 14, Hoffman recorded a 13.41-second performance when she competed in the Duke Invitational Athletics meet in Durham, North Carolina to shatter Atilano’s feat for the first time.

“I feel great,” said Hoffman before heading for practice, with the sun still peeking from behind light clouds.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Jasper Tanhueco said they are updating their records, still ratifying Hoffman’s performances in the past months.

NU Bulldogs earn trip to finals for 9th straight season

FOR the ninth straight season, National University is in the Finals.

The second-ranked Bulldogs finished third seed De La Salle Green Spikers in just one game, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, to advance to the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball bestof-three finale on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

NU’s dominance in the division continues as in the past eight seasons, it secured five golds and three silvers. It is gunning for a fourth consecutive crown now.

The Bulldogs now await the winner in the do-or-die match between top seed FEU Tamaraws and fourth-ranked UST Golden Spikers, currently battling as of publishing time.

Game 1 of the best-of-three title series is on Saturday at the Big Dome. NU swept FEU in the eliminations while UST won both times against NU. “Ngayong season talagang hindi naging madali yung daan namin papuntang Finals. Credit sa players ko and coaching staff ko pati sa management,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

In the tight endings of the third and fourth frames, Jade Disquitado and Michaelo Buddin delivered for NU. Disquitado, who did not play a single minute in the past two games, showed his readiness when he was called upon, drilling a kill from the pipe that put the Bulldogs at set point in the third followed by an attack error by Vince Maglinao for the NU 2-1 set lead. Then Buddin, who missed the first nine games of the season, brought the Bulldogs at match point in the fourth with a sharp crosscourt hit while Disquitado ended the match with a push shot for the win in two hours and five minutes. Buddin led NU’s offense with 23 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, he laced with 11 excellent receptions.

Nico Almendras was also solid in three sets with 14 points while Leo Aringo had 11 points to his name.

Disquitado posted eight points in limited minutes while Joshua Retamar tossed 21 excellent sets along with a team-high five blocks. Mano Sumagui was also spectacular with 19 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Vince Maglinao backed him up with 17 points but Noel Kampton was held to just 12 points.

La Salle out to deliver KO punch vs. CEU

NEEDING just a win to accomplish its goal, EcoOil-La Salle sets out to deliver the knockout punch Thursday when it clashes with Centro Escolar University in Game 2 of their best-of-three titular series for the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, City.

And the Green Archers appeared unstoppable from claiming their third straight championship in style in the 7:30 p.m. showdown as Scorpions may be without big man Abdul Wahab Olusesi for the second straight game.

The two-time defending champs took advantage the absence of Oluse-

si in Game 1 and walked away with 98-76 demolition of CEU to stay unbeaten in seven games.

So far, Hoffman has smashed three Philippine marks, after she ripped the women’s 400-meter hurdles time last March and the indoor women’s 400-meter clocking twice last February. Game Thursday (Ynares

Another victory on Thursday will earn the Green Archers the distinction as the second winningest team in the league next only to NLEX, which holds the record for most tiles won at six.

“Winning a three-peat is the end goal. But Game 1 doesn’t give us the championship (yet),” said La Salle deputy mentor Gian Nazario, who will once again count on MVP candidates Jonnel Policarpio and Mike Phillips to get the job done.

“We still have to win one more

game. It’s gonna be a feat if we get it but ayaw muna naming isipin ‘yun.”

That means the Green Archers have no room for complacency whether CEU plays with or without Olusesi.

The Nigerian big man sat out Game 1 due to sprained knee he suffered in the Scorpions’ 78-56 Game 3 win in the semifinals against Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda.

But the Scorpions are not throwing

the white towel just yet. They vowed to give their best shot and give their foes a run for their money. Afterall, nobody had expected them to reach this far.

“We are preparing without him, obviously we are undersized compared to La Salle,” noted CEU coach Jeff Perlas, who has tapped his small but terrible crew led by Franz Ray Diaz, Daniel Marcelo, Dylan Darbin and Jerome Santos to lead mission impossible.

“I told them we are in the finals and we belong here. We just have to play with more passion and a big heart.”

PH boxing team bags 4 bronze medals in Asian youth boxing

By Randy Caluag

THE Philippine boxing team concluded its campaign in the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, with four bronze medals.

Kicking off the medal tally was Robert Malunoc, Jr., who clinched Team Philippines’ first bronze in the men’s youth 48-kilogram division. Malunoc showcased his superb skills, but narrowly missed a spot in the final, falling to Tajikistan’s Muinkhodzha Muminov in the semifinals.

In the men’s under-22 48 kg division, Jay Bryan Baricuatro added to the team’s medal count by securing another bronze.

Baricuatro absorbed a decision loss in the semifinals against eventual champion Vishvanath Suresh, settling for the bronze medal. Mark Anthony Fajardo fought another close bout in the men’s U22 63.5 kg division, clinching yet another bronze for Team Philippines. Fajardo fought valiantly, but was edged out in the semifinals by Kazakhstan’s Yerasyl Tankay. Rounding up the country’s medal tally was

NU’s Jade Disquitado, who did not play a single minute in the past two games, showed his readiness when he was called upon, drilling a kill from the pipe that put the Bulldogs at set point in the third.

Lauren Ho man

The Philippine delegation with the coaches and four medalists

ICC MEETING. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and the rest of the economic team convene for the fourth meeting

$2 billion

Size of dual-tranche bond issue

T+80 bps

Price of 10-year tranche bonds

5.60% at par (T+99bps)

Price of 25-year Sustainability bonds

Global investors flock to $2-b PH bond offering

THE Philippine government returned to the international capital markets for the first time in 2024, successfully placing $2 billion in dual-tranche 10year and 25-year fixed-rate global bonds.

The Department of Finance said in a statement Wednesday the government took advantage of improving market sentiment following a softerthan-expected US labor market print which alleviated concerns over the Fed rate path. The success of the offering illustrated the Philippines government’s ability to navigate an uncertain policy rate environment and respond efficiently to capture conducive market conditions, it said.

The transaction attracted robust demand and strong orderbook momentum carried across markets, with interest from a diverse pool of high-

quality global accounts, showcasing investors’ confidence in the Philip

pine government’s credit profile and long- term outlook.

“The enthusiastic response we saw from the global investor commu

nity for this offering underscores the strength of the Philippine economy and the strong vote of confidence international investors have in President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s sound eco

nomic and fiscal policies,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

“We secured funding from the market at very cheap rates, which allowed us to save on borrowing costs. The

10-year spread has been the tightest among all our similar issuances since 2022, while the 25-year sustainability tranche achieved the second-best rate in the government’s history. The tight pricing, especially compared to higher-rated peers, serves as an indication of the country’s exceptional performance beyond its current credit rating and makes a good case for a rating upgrade,” Recto said.

National Treasurer Sharon Almanza said the strong reception and record tight pricing levels attained on the transaction “reaffirms the Philippines position as a true watermark for quality emerging market credit stories, and the success of the offering in the face of various market uncertainties over the past few months shows the continued confidence of the broader investor community in the progress of our economic development”.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) and its property arm SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) created a $3-billion European MediumTerm Note (EMTN) program to fund expansion plans.

“This EMTN program will allow SMIC and SMPH to tap the offshore bond market to fund its continued growth and expansion,” SMIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday. SMIC did not disclose other details of the EMTN program.

The conglomerate reported plans to spend up to P115 billion in capital expenditures for 2024 primarily to fund the mall, residential and reclamation projects.

SMIC chalked up a net income of P18.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up 6 percent from P17.3 billion in the same period last year.

The group’s banking business accounted for 52 percent of reported net earnings from core businesses, followed by property at 29 percent, retail at 12 percent and portfolio investments at 7 percent.

Consolidated revenues rose 4 percent to P144 billion from P138.3 billion in the same period last year.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE watchdog group Power for People Coalition (P4P) expressed support for the move by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to appeal before the Supreme Court (SC) the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) that allowed two power generating arms of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to walk out on power supply deals with Meralco that have set fixed rates.

SMC last year won a ruling from the CA which reversed the ERC decision denying its petition to raise prices from its Ilijan gas and Sual coal power plants, despite both being covered by fixedrate power supply agreements (PSAs).

The Office of the Solicitor General confirmed that the ERC filed an appeal on Feb. 29 this year.

“We welcome the move of the ERC and its chair, Monalisa Dimalanta, to uphold its duty of protecting consumers from the attempt by SMC to profit

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE farm and fisheries output rose marginally by 0.05 percent in the first quarter of 2024 to P428.9 billion at constant 2018 prices, on the back of improved poultry production, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Wednesday. Growth was noted in poultry production, the PSA said, but there were declines in crops, livestock and fisheries output.

Crop production, which makes up 57.6 percent of the sector’s total value, declined by 0.3 percent annually. Rice production specifically fell by 2.0 percent.

off the rising price of coal and gas by passing them on to consumers,” said P4P convenor Gerry Arances.

“We hope the Supreme Court will see reason and rule that SMC must abide by its contract and cannot raise prices on electricity,” Arances said.

SMC sought to collect an extra P5 billion from consumers in 2023 in a petition before the ERC to raise prices, which was denied due to the clause in the contract which prohibited changes in rates.

Livestock production, representing 13.9 percent of the sector’s value, contracted 3.6 percent. Hog production saw a steeper decline of 4.3 percent. Poultry output, however, increased by 5.9 percent, contributing 16.0 percent to the total value. The PSA reported increments in the value of production for all poultry commodities except duck eggs. Fisheries production, which makes up 12.5 percent of the sector, contracted by 1.3 percent.

The agriculture and fisheries sector accounts for a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product.

Cebu Pacific’s profit doubles to P2.2b amid strong travel

CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it recorded an operating income of P2.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up by 114 percent year-on-year amid strong travel demand. Net income also grew 108 percent over the same period to exceed P2.2 billion.

“As Cebu Pacific steps into 2024, the airline is committed to sustaining the positive momentum it has started in the past year. Given its widest network in the Philippines, with over 35 domestic and 24 international destinations, we will continue our mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable flights to every Juan,” said Cebu Pacific chief financial officer Mark Cezar.

Cebu Pacific generated P25.3 billion in revenue in the first three months, a 21-percent increase from the previous year. Passenger business grew strongly, generating almost P18 billion in revenue, which was 25 percent higher year-on-year. From January to March, CEB flew over 5.5 million passengers, marking a 14-perccent increase from the same period last year and a 3-percent growth from the preceding quarter. Growth was supported by returning travelers over the Christmas holidays and Easter break, as well as other Philippine festivals and events. Higher frequencies on popular destinations and the expansion of international footprint through the launch of Manila-Danang route also supported growth.

Ancillary business generated over P6.2 billion in revenue, up by 14 percent from a year ago, driven by higher passenger count. The cargo business showed improvement from last year as CEB carried 35 million kilograms of cargo, or 16 percent higher year-on-year.

This generated almost P1.3 billion revenue, 11-percent higher than in the same period last year.

TARI ESTATE. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (third from right) describes the groundbreaking ceremony of Aboitiz InfraCapital’s TARI Estate in Tarlac City as a breakthrough in the region’s economic landscape. Held on May 7, the ceremony highlighted the crucial role economic zones play in attracting foreign investment, fostering job creation, and enhancing the nation’s competitive edge.

ACEN’s income climbed to P2.7b in Q1 on higher power output

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ACEN Corp., the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, said Wednesday its consolidated net income climbed 34 percent to P2.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024 from P2 billion in the same period last year, owing to a 49-percent rise in attributable renewable energy output.

ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its revenues, comprised of the consolidated Philippine and Australian businesses, increased 8 percent year-on-year to P9.9 billion for the quarter from P9.1 billion a year ago.

The revenues included P389 million in cash value realization proceeds from the partial sale, at a premium, to Acciona Energia of the company’s loan to The Blue Circle’s Mui Ne Wind project in Vietnam.

“The company’s solid first quarter result reflects the steady realization of our long-term strategy. We will continue to build on this momentum as we focus on excellence in execution.

Having passed the 5 GW [gigawatt] goal almost two years ahead of schedule, we are in a strong position to realize our vision to reach 20 GW of renewables by 2030,” ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said. Its core attributable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which includes ACEN’s share of EBITDA from nonconsolidated operating projects, grew 32 percent to P5.3 billion from the same quarter last year.

EV STATION.

ACMobility

Medical consultations, surgical operations such as circumcision, dental extractions and treatments, optical check-ups with the distribution of free reading glasses and a supply of medicines were among the services offered to the

Ayala Land posted double-digit income growth in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY

developer Ayala Land Inc (ALI) booked a double-digit growth in first-quarter profit and revenues on the back of the robust performance from its residential, mall and hospitality businesses.

ALI said in a disclosure to the stock

exchange Wednesday its first-quarter net income grew 39 percent year-onyear to P6.3 billion as consolidated revenues increased 33 percent to P41 billion.

“Our first-quarter performance reflects our commitment to delivering on our operational targets this year, focused on high value market opportunities and our drive for quality,” said ALI president and chief executive Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy.

“Anchored on the resiliency of the local property market and consumer activity, we look forward to executing our plans to support our growth aspi-

ration for 2024,” she said.

Property development revenues went up 47 percent to P25 billion, driven by robust residential and commercial lot bookings. Residential revenues surged 51 percent to P21.4 billion, while sales from commercial and industrial lots rose 59 percent to P2.8 billion. Office for sale revenues fell 26 percent to P826 million as the lower incremental percentage of completion of the projects offset the sales bookings during the quarter.

Residential reservation sales totaled P33.3 billion in the first quarter

Trade

deficit

of 2024, up 20 percent from a year ago. This was led by the strong demand for products in the premium and vertical segments.

The first-quarter sales performance translated into a monthly sales average of P11.1 billion, an acceleration from P9.5 billion in 2023.

ALI said it launched four projects in the first quarter valued at P13.7 billion, composed of horizontal developments such as Alveo’s Sereneo in Nuvali, Laguna and Caleia in Vermosa, Cavite and Amaia’s Scapes Rizal Sector 2B and Scapes San Fernando Sector 2 in Pampanga.

narrowed

to $3.2b

as exports, imports fell in March

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE country’s trade deficit narrowed in March 2024, despite a contraction in overall international trade, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

Data showed the Philippines’ total external trade in goods amounted to $15.44 billion, down 15.4 percent from $18.25 billion in the same period last year.

The country’s balance of trade in goods (BoT-G) resulted in a deficit of $3.18 billion in March, an annual decrease of 36.6 percent.

Export sales in March fell 7.3

percent to $6.13 billion from $6.61 billion in the same month last year. Total exports in the first quarter rose 4.8 percent to $17.98 billion. Electronic products continued to be the country’s top exports in March with total earnings of $3.59 billion, followed by other manufactured goods with an export value of $294.13 million and machinery and transport equipment with $204.40 million.

Imports in March also dropped 20 percent to $9.31 billion from $11.63 billion a year earlier. Total imports in the first quarter also went down by 7.6 percent to $29.22 billion from $31.61 billion a year ago.

Alert levels mean PH power supply still vulnerable and not diversified

THE red and yellow alerts hoisted over the electricity grids in the Philippines are the symptoms of a poorly planned power supply management. The warnings confirmed our fears—the Philippines does not have enough power capacity for distribution in the country’s major electricity grids.

Aging old power plants, the unfavorable hot weather and El Niño, over-reliance on baseload coal-fired generating stations and the reluctance to tap renewable energy sources to fill in the gap during peak demand periods have all contributed to thin reserves. Energy authorities, perhaps, should recast their outlook on power supply given the country(s growing population and expanding economy. One industry source noted that better planning, forecasting and management are needed to avoid being caught off guard, like what happened in recent weeks.

The dry season comes every year, along with reduced power reserves because of the limited output of our hydro-electric dams, and authorities have all the time to assess the electricity outlook and pinpoint the supply gaps.

The Department of Energy, thus, should encourage more investments in the sector and the private sector is more than willing to answer the call. It should be at the forefront of pursuing energy policies, focus more on renewable sources and adopt stricter regulatory measures that resonate with the country’s unique tropical environment.

A big problem plaguing the energy sector is the reliability of the current crop of generating facilities—mostly old, dilapidated coal

It is time to rely more on flexible renewable power plants that provide cheap and secure electricity during peak demand.

plants. It is time to rely more on flexible renewable power plants that provide cheap and secure electricity during peak demand.

The government must draw up strategies to address these reliability issues and, at the same time, ensure long-term sustainability and resilience aligned with our environmental thrust as a nation close to the equatorial line.

More importantly, consumers should not shoulder the burden of supply lack and suffer from power interruptions during this intense dry season because of poor planning and foresight.

More power plant projects are in the pipeline, including a planned liquefied natural gas facility bankrolled by three of the country’s biggest energy players. This $3.3-billion integrated project will play a crucial role in boosting supply and give the Philippines some level of relief come the next dry season in 2025.

The project spearheaded by businessmen Manny V. Pangilinan of the Metro Pacific Group, Ramon S. Ang of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. and Sabin Aboitiz of the Aboitiz Group is sure to brighten the power outlook.

This project, though, will not be enough. The electricity interruptions that Filipinos are now experiencing and the current thin power reserves as a result of higher demand should prompt our energy authorities to speed up the approval process on new generation plants.

Electricity demand normally increases during the dry season and peaks in May. As early as last week, however, demand surpassed last year’s peak and this year’s forecast.

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) again placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert status on May 7 due to insufficient reserves. NGCP put the available capacity at 15,167 megawatts (MW) compared with a peak demand of 13,714MW. NGCP issues a yellow alert when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

“Four plants have been on forced outage since 2023, between January and March 2024, and 9 since April 2024, while another is running on derated capacity, for a total of 1406.8MW unavailable to the grid,” says NGCP. With the higher-than-expected demand eclipsing an already crippled supply, NGCP and distribution utilities are implementing manual load dropping (MLD) or rotating power interruptions to protect the grid system’s integrity. Metro Manila and other areas covered by the franchise of Manila Electric Co. were luckily spared from widespread rotating power interruptions due to the activation of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) partners. Big power users like malls and commercial buildings under the government’s ILP use their own generator sets, instead of drawing power from the grid, to lessen the demand and save households from electricity interruptions. But the ILP does not add to the power capacity—it is an admission of a deteriorating supply situation.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

MEDICAL MISSION. Residents of Talim Island in Barangay Subay, Cardona, Rizal receive medical and dental services from a medical mission organized by Okada Manila in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 107th Squadron on April 20, 2024.

648 residents of the community.

chief executive Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala (fourth from left) joins Clifford Manlegro, chief engineer of Ayala Center Cebu; Janra Montilla, senior marketing manager of Ayala Center Cebu; Carla Buencamino, head of mobility infrastructure of ACMobility; and Emmylou Torrepalma, Cinema operations manager of Ayala Center Cebu during the launch of the electric vehicle charging stations at Ayala Center Cebu on April 29, 2024.

Stronger partnership sought to boost responsible mining

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine mining industry is calling for increased collaboration to strengthen responsible mining practices.

Industry leaders said during the launch of documentary “Living with a Brighter Future” Tuesday the collaboration could unlock the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, support social development, and promote environmental stewardship.

“Mining companies have made substantial contributions to local communities through its Social Development and Management Program or SDMP. Additionally, the industry’s environmental commitments have been significant,” said Chamber of Mines of the Philippines

(COMP) chairperson Mike Toledo.

Mining companies pledged P31.81 billion towards SDMP initiatives from 2002 and 2027, with P20.3 billion earmarked for the period spanning 2002 to 2024.

The program has invested billions in various initiatives since 2002, positively impacting over 1,160 barangays.

The documentary highlights collaborative efforts between mining companies, local communities, and local government units across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Constant consultations with host communities ensure mining projects address resident needs and deliver long-term benefits on employment creation, healthcare investments, education support and infrastructure development.

Montinola quits as Roxas & Company director

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROXAS & Co Inc.

(RCI) independent director Aurelio Montinola III resigned from his post after Stonebridge Corp., a company associated with his wife, acquired a 9-percent stake in the company.

RCI said in disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday its chairman of the board received on May 7, 2024 Montinola’s letter dated May 6, 2024, where he expressed his intent to resign as an independent director of the company effective immediately.

“The company recently sold treasury shares to a real estate company associated with his wife which consequently disqualifies him from serving the company as an independent director,” RCI said.

Among the qualifications of

Chip maker expands production capacity at Mactan economic zone

AM SWISS Microtec Inc. expanded its production capacity for micro and nano chips in its facility at the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) to further beef up export revenues beyond $8.9 billion annually.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director-general Tereso Panga cited the company’s contributions to the Philippine economy including job generation for over 300 Filipinos who are now working in the company.

“The expansion is a testament to the successful outbound missions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., promoting the country to global investors, particularly with increasing investments and strategic industries from Switzerland and the EU,” Panga said.

Panga was on a three-day visit at the MEZ from May 2 to 4 to help the ecozone identify challenges, assess potential economic opportunities and further improve the investment cli-

mate on Mactan Island.

PEZA also visited companies such as watch manufacturer TMX Philippines Inc., toxic wastes treatment company Pacific Mactan Renewable Environmental Systems Inc. (PMRESI), Lear Corporation, E-Safe Facilities & Management Inc., Metro Wear Inc. and Topline Properties and Development Corp.

Panga said PEZA is supportive of the plans of the locators aimed at driving potential valuable investments and create more economic opportunities not just in the province of Cebu but for the entire country.

“Under the present leadership, PEZA will be open, innovative, and above all, protective of our locators.

I look forward to your sustained presence and expansion plans because these have a direct impact on generating employment for our LGUs and improving the local economy of the Philippines,” Panga said.

Othel V. Campos

an independent director, under the Securities Regulation Code, includes not being a substantial shareholder of the company or its related companies or any of its substantial shareholders and not being a relative of any director, officer or substantial shareholder of the corporation, any of its related companies or any of its substantial shareholders;

Montinola has been an independent director of the RCI since 2017.

RCI reported on Monday that Stonebridge acquired 250 million

shares in the company, which is equivalent to 9 percent of its outstanding capital stock. This will entitle Stonebridge to get one board seat in the company.

The shares form part of the 299.43 million treasury shares that RCI sold on Friday at P2 per share, a steep discount to the stock’s current market price.

The acquisition will make Stonebridge the third largest shareholder of RCI after the Roxas-Elizalde families and businessman Leandro Leviste.

The acquisition will also enable Stonebridge to expand its presence in the real estate sector.

RCI has investments in real estate sector through wholly-owned subsidiary Roxaco Land Corp. and sugar business through Roxas Holdings Inc.

RCI said it secured ownership rights over huge track of land in Batangas in February, after it ended a four-decade long land dispute with agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) over its three haciendas –Palico, Banilad and Calaway.

NGCP seeks help to complete Amlan-Dumaguete line

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines asked stakeholders and Negros Oriental government officials for assistance as it expedites the completion of the Amlan-Dumaguete 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line to mitigate potential power interruptions due to the overloading of the Amlan-Siaton 69kV line.

NGCP said Wednesday the existing Amlan-Siaton 69kV line serving Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete City, was already overloaded at 69 megawatts as of April 25, 2024, beyond the normal limits of 58 MW. It said localized manual load dropping or rotating power interruptions might occur at any time if the project would not be finished soon.

NGCP’s project application to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) initially targets completion

LABOR TIES.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (right) engages in a discussion with Dr. Sadre Alam, the chargé d’affaires and head of the Economic and Commerce Wing of the Embassy of India in Manila at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila on May 3, 2024 for a possible cooperation that can create job opportunities for Filipinos by Indian companies.

by September 2024.

The transmission operator said local resistance to the project compelled the grid operator to file a motion to extend the completion date to January 2026.

“NGCP is working with the provincial government of Negros Oriental, local distribution utilities, and local stakeholders to complete and energize this line as soon as possible,” NGCP said.

NGCP also lauded Governor Manuel Sagarbarria for supporting the company “and we are eagerly awaiting the issuance of the needed permits.”

NGCP said the Amlan-Dumaguete line, an energy project of national significance, would address the limitations of the existing Amlan-Siaton 69kV line, the low voltage incidents, and mitigate potential recurring and prolonged power interruptions in the area.

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines chairman Mike Toledo delivers the welcome remarks at the launch of the ‘Living with a Brighter Future’ documentary which aims to raise awareness about the responsible mining practices of mining companies in the Philippines.

ERRING COOPS. National Electrification Administration (NEA) administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda (second from left) endorses several of the agency’s administrative cases to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 6, 2024. Almeda met with DOJ Undersecretary Jose Cadiz Jr (left) to refer several cases for the proper determination of possible criminal liabilities.

GSIS provides debt relief for housing borrowers

(GSIS) said Wednesday it is providing a debt relief program to help borrowers who are struggling to make payments under its housing loan program.

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said the program aimed to quickly provide relief to the worst hit among its members.

“The GSIS envisions to help thousands of families under the debtrestructuring program, to lessen the pressures from other financial obligations. This will remove a large amount of stress for many, many families,”

gets BSP nod to issue peso stablecoin

By Othel V. Campos

COINS.PH, a leading cryptocurrency

exchange, said it achieved a major milestone by securing an approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to issue PHPC—the first Philippine Peso stablecoin available for retail use.

Unlike other cryptocurrencies, PHPC maintains a 1:1 peg to the peso and is fully backed by cash equivalents in local banks. This ensures stability and allows users to redeem PHPC for Philippine pesos at full value.

“PHPC will empower Filipinos to transact seamlessly and securely in the digital economy, while also providing a stable store of value as they participate in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape,” said Coins. ph chief executive Wei Zhou at the launch Wednesday.

PHPC provides convenience, costefficiency and speed in a variety of financial activities including remittance, trading, and payments, making ideal for peer-to-peer and B2B transactions The benefits of PHPC for remittances are particularly promising as it allows people to transfer funds at any time of the day, any day of the week. This reduces the cost and time associated with sending funds back home, thus making it more convenient for OFWs, and ultimately putting more money in the pockets of their loved ones.

said Veloso.

GSIS said that as of the first quarter of 2024, it has processed debt relief for about 1,143 housing loan borrowers under its Housing Accounts Restructuring and Condonation Program (HARCP).

The program has forgiven P1.6 billion worth of penalties and provided 121 million in interest discounts, directly offering relief to homeowners struggling to meet overdue payments.

“Our priority at GSIS is to ensure the well-being of our members and our pensioners. We are fully committed to help our members success-

fully manage their housing loans and secure their homes. Our mission is to offer support — eviction is not our goal. We continuously support them and ceaselessly provide viable solutions in times of need,” Veloso said.

The condonation program is part of the broader 4PH initiative of the Marcos administration under the Pabahay para sa Bagong Bayaning Manggagawa ng Pamahalaan (PBBM), which includes constructing high-rise residential buildings—making home ownership more accessible and affordable for every government worker.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TThe BSP said the latest GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It was also about 5.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.6 times based on residual maturity.

“The month-on-month decrease in the GIR level reflected mainly the National Government’s (NG) net foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP to settle its foreign currency debt obligations and pay for its various expenditures,” the BSP said.

The net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets and reserve liabilities (short-term foreign debt and credit and loans from the International Monetary Fund, decreased by $0.6 billion to $103.4 billion as of end-April 2024 from the end-March

SAN Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) said Wednesday it posted strong financial results in the first quarter of 2024, with consolidated operating income climbing 13 percent to P13.1 billion, fueled by increased sales in its food and spirits divisions.

Consolidated revenues grew 2 percent to P95.4 billion from the previous year, while net income rose 1 percent to P10 billion.

“Our solid performance in the first quarter demonstrates our strategic resilience and ability to adapt in a complex market landscape. We remain committed to leveraging our strengths to address challenges and continue delivering exceptional value to

our stakeholders,” said SMFB president and chief executive Ramon Ang.

The first quarter marked a positive start to the year for the food business, sustaining top-line growth and delivering strong profits.

Consolidated sales for the period reached P43 billion, up 2 percent from last year, driven by higher volumes across most segments. The food business’s operating income surged 78 percent to P2.7 billion, buoyed by higher gross profits as key raw material prices eased and efficiencies at company-owned facilities improved.

The processed meats, dairy and coffee segments were key drivers

of top-line growth during the period. Processed meats revenue rose 10 percent, supported by strong sales of Tender Juicy hotdogs, Purefoods luncheon meat and corned beef. Similarly, the coffee and dairy segments also delivered higher volumes.

Meanwhile, the poultry and animal nutrition and health businesses maintained revenue levels from last year due to stable chicken supply.

Volume gains in poultry and strong performance from freerange fowl feeds offset the adverse impact of low chicken prices, which resulted from an influx of imported chicken and the lingering effects of African Swine Fever on hog feeds.

2024 level of $104 billion.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the country’s latest GIR was still above the minimum international threshold of 3 to 4 months, which “could still provide greater buffer/ support/cushion on the peso exchange rate vs. any speculative attacks.”

“For the coming months, the country’s GIR could still be supported by the continued growth in the country’s structural inflows from OFW remittances, BPO revenues, exports, relatively fast recovery in foreign tourism revenues as well as continued foreign investment/FDI inflows coming from among pre-pandemic highs,” Ricafort said.

He said the still relatively high GIR could strengthen the country’s external position—a key pillar for the country’s continued favorable credit ratings for the second straight year, mostly at 1 to 3 notches above the minimum investment grade.

IN BRIEF

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group on Wednesday reported a 9-percent decline in attributable recurring net income to $81 million (P4.5 billion) in the first quarter of 2024 from $89 million (P4.9 billion) from a year ago.

“As we expected, First Gen started the year slow with the expiration of San Gabriel’s contract with Meralco. Prices in the market were also generally lower with adequate supply available in 1Q24,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno said.

“This was cushioned by our takeover of Casecnan last February. San Gabriel likewise went on a major maintenance outage as soon as its

contract with Meralco expired in order to be ready for the current extreme weather condition that’s amplifying the need for more power. San Gabriel is currently supplying crucial capacity to the grid after coming back online on April 6,” Puno said.

First Gen’s geothermal arm Energy Development Corp.’s (EDC) produced lower recurring net income versus the same period last year mainly from the combined decline of its revenues due to lower power prices and an increase in its operating expenses.

First Natgas Power Corp., the owner of the 420-megawatt San Gabriel natural gas-fired power plant suffered from a drop in revenues as its power supply agreement with Meralco

Business leaders promote HK-PH economic cooperation

HONG Kong business leader

Dr. Jonathan Choi Koon-shum recently visited Manila to promote Hong Kong-Philippines economic cooperation.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) led by FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, honorary president Ambassador Francis Chua and executive vice president Victor Lim welcomed Dr. Choi Koon-shum,

Filipino-Chinese writer receives literary award

THE Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) or the Writers’ Union of the Philippines held its 50th National Writers’ Congress on April 27, 2024 at the Gimenez Gallery, University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

One of the highlights of the event was the 2024 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, a prestigious lifetime achievement award bestowed on Filipino writers. Jim Chiu Hung, a renowned essayist and poet in the Filipino-Chinese community, is one of the nine Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas awardees this year.

Hung was born in Jinjiang, Fujian, China, on Dec. 6, 1951. He moved to Hong Kong at the age of 9, lived there for 18 years, and then migrated to the Philippines. Upon relocating to the Philippines, he balanced work, business and writing.

For four decades, Hung has contributed to Chinese-language newspapers in the country and cofounded the Association of Chinese Columnists of the Philippines.

As a columnist, Hung is known for his honest and daring articles that tackle and critique social issues, especially within the Filipino-Chinese community. He stands out for his boldness, particularly considering the carefulness and caution that Filipino-Chinese writers often exhibit when addressing societal issues.

who is the chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong (CGCC).

Dr. Choi received a copy of the FFCCCII 70th anniversary commemorative coffee table book from Dr. Pedro during his recent courtesy visit at the FFCCCII Building in Binondo, Manila.

The book takes readers on a journey showcasing the unique blend of Filipino and Chinese heritage, highlighting the cooperation, social and economic progress championed by the group over the past seven decades.

Dr. Pedro personally coined the

70th anniversary theme “Dugong Tsinoy, Pusong Pinoy” to represent the unique identity of Filipinos with Chinese ancestry dedicated to fostering the economic and social progress of the Philippines.

During the visit, Dr. Choi and Dr. Pedro discussed increasing economic cooperation between the international financial hub of Hong Kong and the Philippines as well as promoting economic progress of Asia.

Hong Kong is one of the main export markets of the Philippines, which shipments amounting to $12.6 billion in 2022. Top Philippine exports to Hong Kong are integrated

circuits, office machine parts and metals.

Dr. Choi is chairman of the Hong Kong-based Sunwah Group, the Toronto-listed Sunwah International Limited, the Hong Kong-listed Sunwah Kingsway Capital Group and the Vietnam-based VinaCapital Group.

FFCCCII, the umbrella federation of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce and diverse industry associations, has been at the forefront of promoting the Philippines as ideal trade, investment and tourism destination for international investors.

By Julie Ann Lope

CHIANG Kai Shek College hosted its Business Expo 2024 on May 3 to 4 at the college’s Narra Campus on the seventh floor.

Themed “Resurgence Amidst Change,” the expo offered a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative and sustainable products alongside small and mediumsized businesses (SMEs) and companies from various industries.

The School of Business, Accounting and Hospitality Management organized Business Expo 2024 in collaboration with the University Students’ Union, High School Students’ Association, Rotary Youth Association, Secondary School Management Association, High School Marketing Association, Philippine Young Accountants Association and Hospitality Management Students’ Association. The event highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit within the college community. Student exhibitors included Kapi Pen, Canvas Crafts, Nature Sip, Bite Bye, Atomic Notebook, Blazing Ice and Travelentials.

“The expo is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity and the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship,” CKS College said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and media partners for their support.”

Participating exhibitors included Xiaomi, Dairy Queen, King Sue, True Boss, GIF Manila, Milky Mangoes, District Takoyaki, Yummy Yokemi Sushi Bar, Big Boss Chicken, Celeste Jewelry, BPI, Paperaica, Kaibakes, Klio, MNG Stationary, International Fine Paper Exchange, GemRaphael’s Pan de Soliman, Cranbaby, Liberty Foodmart Inc., and Cafenilia. The university’s esteemed media partners, ChinoyTV and ChinatownTV, also provided coverage. Event sponsors included Triton Paints, Flowerstore.ph, Motivo, Alveo, GMW Graphic Design Corp., Prime Pacific Foods Corp., Aezer, Simply G, Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, C & E Adaptive Solutions, Cenage, Sysu International Inc., Balducci, Treetop and Clara Ole.

PH welcomes Malaysian group for Guandi Temple Torch Relay

THE Philippines welcomed a delegation from the Malaysia Guandi Culture Promotion Center on May 4 for the arrival of the Guandi torch relay.

The chairman of the Philippine China Guandi Charity Foundation, Xu Mou Jing, hosted a luncheon for the delegation led by chairman Sun Lun Hua at the President Grand Palace Restaurant in Binondo, Manila Sun outlined the torch relay’s itinerary, which has traversed mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and several Southeast Asian nations. He expressed plans to collaborate with Philippine Guandi Temples and their devotees to ensure

a successful Philippine leg of the relay.

Manila City Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto attended the event and lauded the torch relay as a valuable opportunity to strengthen cultural exchange and foster friendship between the Philippines and China. Guandi, also known as Guangong, was a revered military leader during China’s Three Kingdoms period over 1,800 years ago. He is admired for his virtues of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and courage. His legacy has spread worldwide, with over 300,000 Guandi Temples dedicated to him across the globe.

Binondo’s rich legacy explored at Chinatown Museum

BINONDO, established in 1594, became a cultural melting pot as Chinese immigrants brought their traditions, customs and beliefs. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a thriving commercial center, attracting traders, artisans and entrepreneurs from around the globe.

Its strategic location along the Pasig River made it a vital link in the global trade network, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between Asia, Europe and the Americas.

To integrate arts, culture, history and heritage into its developments with Lucky Chinatown as the focal point, property developer Megaworld Corp. opened the country’s first cultural museum dedicated to Binondo’s rich history - the Chinatown Museum.

The museum, on the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown’s north wing along Reina Regente Street, is recognized by the National Historical Commission and National Commission for Culture and the Arts as a community space and heritage project. It visually retells the area’s rich history. Upon entering, visitors are immediately immersed in a world of discovery. The stories of the past come alive through a meticulously curated collection of artifacts, artworks and interactive exhibits.

The museum comprises 18 galleries that highlight key events

The author at the Chinatown

and economic

the area’s

from a settlement of Christianized

commercial

to a

After purchasing tickets, visitors are greeted with a short video presentation on Binondo’s history and other details about the place. An interactive map showcasing historical and current street names also welcomes them. The history of Binondo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, is displayed. The Spanish

government encouraged the Chinese to convert by offering social and economic privileges. Social integration was symbolized by a new haircut. The Chinese Pagoda exhibit replicates the annual fluvial procession of San Nicolas de Tolentino, patron saint of Chinese mestizos. Starting from Binondo, it travels via the Pasig River to Guadalupe.

Another gallery is devoted to the Alcaiceria, which translates to “Silk Market.” The Real Alcaiceria de San Fernando was built in 1752 following a royal decree by Ferdinand VI. Items on display include housewares, textiles and various commodities traded during that time.

A dark and dingy representation of an opium den is also featured. Opium dens were establishments where opium was sold and smoked. The museum highlights the diverse industries of the era. Among the exhibits is a faithful reproduction of an antique bed from Eduardo Athay’s Taller de Carpenteria, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the time. Binondo’s industrial history, including tobacco factories, is showcased. One wall displays cigar covers from Edward de los Santos’ private collection, while the opposite side focuses on La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory. Julie Ann Lope

influencing Binondo’s cultural, social

Officials of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) welcome Hong Kong business leader Dr. Jonathan Choi Koon-

shum (second from left) in Manila. With him are [from left) FFCCCII honorary president Ambassador Francis Chua, FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro and executive vice president Victor Lim.

The Philippines welcomes a delegation from the Malaysia Guandi Culture Promotion Center on May 4, 2024 for the arrival of the Guandi torch relay.

Museum in Binondo, Manila

landscape. It explores

evolution

Chinese

vibrant

hub in colonial Manila.

Jim Chiu Hung

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Kiana Valenciano drops ‘Sweet Release,’ sets May 10 performance with Gary V

KIANA Valenciano, also known as Kiana V, is making waves in the music scene with her latest single, “Sweet Release.” Co-written with Rosemarie Tan and Philippe dela Pena, this dance track highlights her distinctive vocals and songwriting talent.

Produced by De’La, the single is bound to set the dance floors ablaze with its infectious rhythm.

Drawing from personal experiences, Kiana’s songwriting shines through in “Sweet Release,” which she dedicates to her best friend.

In a recent interview at Kenzo’s spring-summer 2024 launch in Makati City, Kiana hinted at her evolving sound, leaning towards a pop vibe reminiscent of her father Gary Valenciano’s style, with a focus on Tagalog songs.

“I’ve started writing, and some of my favorite songs are in Tagalog,” says Kiana who has been exploring writing in Tagalog since she started creating songs in English. “I’m really, really excited. It’s different to express ourselves in our native tongue. It’s really moving, a different experience. I’m having too much fun.”

Her excitement was palpable as she talked about her upcoming album. However, she refrained from giving away too many details. She’s been writing and recording with an eye toward releasing a new batch of songs by the end of the year, if not early next year.

“It’s kind of two years in the making,” Kiana says of the album. “So you’ll hear a lot of my growth through my storytelling, and also sonically; the sound of the music, the genre, has been changing as well. It’s different from what I’ve released in the past, but a good kind of different.”

Although she’s been busy working on new music, she made time to perform at the National Diversity Coalition’s 21st Annual Economic Development Conference at The Landmark in Mission Hills, California.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Unveiling the Future,” focused on harnessing diversity and inclusion to foster economic growth and prosperity. The event was well-received, drawing a sold-out crowd and featuring discussions on how these critical elements contribute to economic development.

Apart from Kiana, performers at the conference included soul singer April Velasco, the internationally acclaimed all-male hip hop dance group Junior New System, and Nonie Belarmino’s iDance Line Dancers

Most recently, Kiana joined her father Gary onstage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last April 26 and 27 for the musical extravaganza Pure Energy: One Last Time

Like her brother Gabriel, who also performed on both nights of the show, Kiana is now based in the US, where she is charting her own career with Gary and his wife, Angeli, cheering her on from thousands of miles away.

Since Kiana moved abroad in 2020, this journey has led to tremendous growth in her career and personal life. Her notable achievements include performing at SXSW; opening for Yuna in LA; winning Female R&B Artist of the Year at the 2022 PMPC Star Awards for her song “Corners;” and collaborating with renowned artists like Jesse Barrera; and writing songs for younger independent artists from different songwriting camps.

Gary has spoken at length about how proud he is that Kiana is forging her own path in the world, though he admits he misses her. That’s why it’s so heartwarming that Kiana made time to be by her father’s side for what will likely be remembered as the most memorable concert of Gary’s 40-year career thus far.

Pure Energy: One Last Time was so well-received that a third night has been scheduled at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 10. Kiana will perform alongside her father again. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Valenciano family’s Shining Light Foundation, continuing Gary’s legacy of giving back through his music.

Singersongwriter Kiana V dedicates her latest single to her best friend

SHOWBIZ

‘Running Man Philippines’ races back for more

THE most-watched reality game show on Philippine TV in 2022, Running Man Philippines , is back on GMA Network for a more hilarious, entertaining, and fun-filled season.

Returning to the show beginning May 11 and 12 are Mikael Daez, Glaiza De Castro, Lexi Gonzales, Buboy Villar, Kokoy De Santos, Angel Guardian, and the newest addition to this season’s runners, Miguel Tanfelix

Coming from the highly successful, action-packed first season, this new installment is set in the winter season and promises more extraordinary locations in South Korea, such as Seoul, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Mokpo, and Jeju Island, that will surely deliver fun and good vibes for the viewers each episode.

In this new chapter, runners and celebrity guests will compete in 12 races under stone-cold weather. Fans should watch out for the iconic name tag challenge and games with an overarching theme, such as the Winter Olympics, Haunted School, Korean Military Training, Beauty Pageant, Prison Break, and more.

THE news about the possibility of Sir Paul McCartney doing a concert or two in the Philippines as part of his Got Back tour is obviously making a shockwave, especially among Beatles die-hards regardless of age.

Whether this is a mere drum-up to the release of a restored Michael Lindsay-Hogg-directed Let It Be film or another fake news entry by content creators desperate for intriguing material, there’s a nice ring to it — the idea of one of the Fab Four setting foot in Manila again, or since their fateful visit in July 1966.

So much has been said about that infamous The Beatles apparently snubbing an invitation from then-First Lady . Or should we say of the miscommunication that led to a hostile reaction from “citizens loyal to the Marcos regime,” or as Wikipedia described those who manhandled the leaders of the cultural revolutions in the 1960s.

The regime here refers not to the current Philippine president Bongbong Marcos, but to his old man former President Ferdinand Marcos who was the elected leader at the time of the fateful visit where

The Beatles performed two concerts at the Rizal Memorial

On the bright side, the combined audience of 80,000 that saw The Beatles performing in person on July 4 was a single-day turnout record for them which magnified their immense popularity. One of their front acts was a group called Downbeats, which featured a young Pepe Smith who would turn out to become the pioneering poster boy of Pinoy rock. These things were overshadowed by what happened right before when the group watched themselves not coming to an invitation at the Malacanang Palace. They were not informed of this

Also much-awaited are this season’s celebrity guests who will surely add excitement to the chaos, including no less than Korean superstars

Sandara Park, Nancy McDonnie, and Haha of Running Man Korea

Pinoy pop stars Josh of SB19 and Unis members Gehlee and Elisa, Pinoy athletes Eric “Eruption” Tai and Mark Striegl, award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi , and stars Rochelle Pangilinan, Herlene Budol, Paul Salas, Archie Alemania, Michael Sager, and Bianca Umali are also joining in the fun this season. Original Pinoy runner Ruru Madrid is also appearing in the season for a special participation.

Who will bring the most competitive spirit in this season and be deserving of the title “Ultimate Runner?”

“Running Man Philippines” is a co-production of GMA Network and SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System). The most globally successful South Korean reality-game show, Running Man is known for its outrageous missions.

As the whole country continues to experience scorching heat, Running Man Philippines Season 2 promises to provide a welcome and cool relief for everyone by taking them on thrilling adventures.

The show airs weekends at 7:15 p.m.

The Beatles in Manila effect

occasion and it was actually declined but not relayed properly.

Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles, naturally had to take the blame for the fracas. If one is to analyze, the incident was the final straw that led to the group abandoning live concerts, which added to his frustration as the decision would lessen his group’s dependence on him.

The Beatles last performed live in front of a paying audience a month after the Manila incident and Epstein died of an accidental drug overdose a year later.

While Filipinos take pride in being hospitable, the Manila experience of The Beatles, of all people, reflected some poor showing on the part of some of those who had the opportunity to interact with them.

At the airport on their way out the day after the headline-grabbing snub and the packed concerts, George Harrison recalled they were beaten and kicked by “thugs” he saw on their arrival a couple of days back. The airport manager whose name does not deserve to be mentioned was said to have bragged of knocking Epstein to the ground and punching both John Lennon and Ringo Starr. How in the world could you end up being physically attacked because you didn’t attend a welcome party.

McCartney was quoted as saying, after learning about the EDSA Revolution of 1986, that they “must have been the only people who’d ever dared to snub Marcos.”

One can wonder what kind of treatment the celebrated singer-songwriter would have if and when he decides to make a return trip to the Philippines, given that BBM had won a landslide victory in the 2022 national elections.

One may expect, thanks in part to the power of today’s woke generation and the fact that Paul, or Macca as he is cutely called, is an octogenarian Beatle, it will be a lot kinder than what was accorded to him and the rest of the lads back in 1966, or just before they put out the groundbreaking album “Revolver” and faced the anger of the bible belt in connection to Lennon implying they’re “more popular than Jesus.” Macca appearing at the huge, indoor Philippine Arena will go into record books, and prove that no matter how awful something was,

we can let bygones be bygones. An unpopular opinion should insist that McCartney shouldn’t do it given their collective reaction after the jolting experience to a place Lennon described as “nut houses.” Still, it was also Paul who sang that “when the brokenhearted people living in the world agree,” the answer would be “let it be.” Back in 2015, a campaign to lure Starr back to the country, led by Ely Buendia of Eraserheads which is hailed as The Beatles of the Philippines, did not pan out. Starr described his group’s Manila ordeal as “the most frightening thing that’s ever happened to me.”

In the meantime, real avid fans and the curious ones may enjoy streaming Let It Be , launched on Disney+ on May 8 -- the day in 1970 when it was originally released. This restoration contains footage not seen in the Peter Jackson-treated Get Back docuseries

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Asian stars steal the show at Met Gala

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Met Gala, the annual fashion extravaganza at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, never fails to impress with its star power and unparalleled style. This year’s theme, “The Garden of Time,” inspired a global guest list, but Asian celebrities truly blossomed, showcasing their outstanding style and fashion sense.

From established icons to exciting new faces, these Asian A-listers brought their A-game, gracing the red carpet in unforgettable ensembles.

Blackpink’s Jennie

Korean idol Jennie of the girl group Blackpink is back on the red carpet of Met, stealing the show as she graces the charity event wearing a custom blue Alaïa mini dress.

Stray Kids

Septet Stray Kids, consisting of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N., makes history as the first K-pop group to attend the Met Gala together, looking dapper in matching custom looks with Tommy Hilfiger ensembles.

Bright Vachirawit

Thai actor-singer Bright Vachirawit is also making his Met Gala debut shining in his customed-design Burberry black pleated georgette jacket with floral embroidery, gold mesh tank top, and black tuxedo trousers.

Michelle Yeoh

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh knows how to bring the house down as she rocks the red carpet with her foil Balenciaga gown.

Liu Wen

Wearing an elegant black one-shoulder Saint Laurent dress, Liu Wen attends this year’s Met Gala with a simple yet elegant look.

Steven Yeun

Korean-American actor Steven Yeun struts down on the red carpet while donning an understated floral Thom Browne suit and a black cane.

Greta Lee

Another fresh face on the red carpet is KoreanAmerican actress Greta Lee who looks stunning in a Loewe transparent lace gown with floral embellishments by J.W. Anderson.

Alia Bhatt

British-Indian actress Alia Bhatt brings a touch of her heritage with a stunning embroidered sari by renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Laufey

Grammy-winning singer Laufey is a bride in pink at her Met Gala debut, wearing a Prabal Gurung gown as she struts down the red carpet.

Simone Ashley

All eyes on British-Indian star Simone Ashley as she makes her way to the red carpet wearing a Prabal Gurung gown.

He Cong Chinese model He Cong brings an elegance and classy look with her slinky, gold Burberry dress as she walks down the Met Gala red carpet.

Awkwafina star Awkwafina steals the show when she enters the venue wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress with a tulip skirt silhouette from H&M.

‘New Hollywood’ swansong set for Cannes

IT IS an offer they still can’t refuse:

Francis Ford Coppola will lead a parade of veteran American movie titans back to the Cannes Film Festival next week in a likely swansong for the “New Hollywood” generation.

The director of The Godfather will be joined by Star Wars creator George Lucas and Taxi Driver writer Paul Schrader on the French Riviera for the world’s most famous film gathering, where all three men enjoyed success in their 1970s heyday.

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Chew Shou Zi and Vivian Kao

Tech entrepreneur and TikTok CEO Chew Shou and wife, Vivian Kao are also present at the prestigious event delivering elegance with Chew rocking a sharp white suit while Vivian is stunning in a captivating ensemble.

Laufey sports a look made in collaboration with NepaleseAmerican designer Prabal Gurung and her twin sister and creative director Junia Lin Jónsdóttir

The surprising perks of pregnancy

PREGNANCY, though accompanied by challenges like morning sickness and hormonal changes, is celebrated by expectant mothers.

Makati Medical Center highlights the positive aspects beyond cute babies. Dr. Martin P. Manahan from MakatiMed’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department notes that pregnancy prompts women to embrace healthier lifestyles for their well-being and that of their children. The responsibility of motherhood motivates moms to make better choices and adopt healthier behaviors, recognizing the profound impact maternal health has on the baby.

What else are the pluses of pregnancy?

Easier periods. Many women find that they get less painful menstrual cramps after giving birth. “Dysmenorrhea goes away with pregnancy, regardless of the type of childbirth, “ says Dr. Manahan. Improved intimacy. Mothers-to-be aren’t the only ones unleashing hormones at this stage.

“That little bun in the oven is producing the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone,” reveals Dr. Manahan. “Together with its mom’s hormones, it may explain the ramped-up sex drive.” For moms, knowing that they’re already pregnant eases any tension, allowing them to

Bright Vachirawit wears a custom-made Burberry outfit designed by the luxury brand’s chief creative officer Daniel Lee

Apart from the usual challenges of pregnancy, expectant mothers also enjoy a lot of advantages as they wait for their bundle of joy to arrive

fully enjoy intimacy with their significant other. Lower risk of disease. “From breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, to multiple sclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, pregnancy is said to reduce your chances of developing these life-threatening diseases,” shares Dr. Manahan.

“When you’re pregnant, you get your period less, which cuts your exposure to estrogen and progesterone, hormones that trigger cell growth, boosting a woman’s risk of cancer. The immune system also adjusts itself to prevent it from ‘attacking’ the baby. This change lessens inflammation that may cause nerve damage,” the doctor added.

Better mood. After the hormone-powered journey that is pregnancy, most women find that their moods tend to stabilize. Dr. Manahan notes, “The hormone oxytocin plays a big role during mom and baby bonding. You’ll likely feel surges of love or just have positive, wonderful emotions whenever you hold or nurse your baby.”

Pregnancy doesn’t just result in the eventual birth of a baby. It means the birth of a mother too.

“The process of becoming a mother is known as matrescence,” Dr. Manahan explains. “It’s at this stage that a woman begins to reflect on her life, specifically the choices she made and her long-held beliefs. Matrescence can signal a new chapter in your life, a chance to be and do better for yourself and your family.”

Half a century later, Coppola and Schrader will compete head-to-head for the festival’s coveted Palme d’Or with their new films Megalopolis and Oh Canada , while Lucas receives an honorary award for his blockbuster career.

“It does have the feeling of the old gunslinger coming back into town for one last showdown,” said Hollywood historian Thomas Doherty

“It’s like an exclamation point on their careers,” agreed veteran US movie journalist Tim Gray

“Yes these guys are brand names, they’re well known, but they’re artists, and they’re recognized by the film community around the world.”

The trio were central figures in a pack of rebellious filmmakers, dubbed the “New Hollywood”, who upended the staid Hollywood studio system in the 1970s.

It borrowed arthouse styles from the previous decade’s French New Wave, along with its idea of the director as a visionary “auteur”.

They also fundamentally changed the way films were funded -- most notably Coppola, who split from the traditional Hollywood studios and poured vast sums of his own money into colossal movies like Apocalypse Now.

That film won Coppola one of his two Palmes d’Or, and he hopes lightning will strike for a record third time with Megalopolis, another epic passion project that cost $120 million.

Coppola, 85, sold part of his California winery estate to fund the movie, about the feud between two men struggling to rebuild a crumbling metropolis.

It does not yet have a major Hollywood distributor.

“As a filmmaker and as a showman, Coppola has always swung for the fences... he’s defied career logic,” added Gray.

The presence of so many ageing American cinematic giants saying a potentially final “adieu” to Cannes is expected to be a deeply emotional and sentimental affair.

Lucas – one of cinema’s wealthiest and most famed directors of all time – has received relatively few accolades in his native America.

“With his return to the Croisette coming on his 80th birthday, Lucas “doesn’t need money, he doesn’t need anything,” said Gray. “But it is a kind of a recognition of him as an auteur.”

And it will not just be the directors.

Several stars who likewise broke through in the New Hollywood era will join them.

Meryl Streep, another key figure of the era for her parts in The Deer Hunter and Manhattan , is also receiving an honorary Palme d’Or at the festival. It promises to be an important final send-off, said Doherty: “We need to give them the final salute.”

The 77th Cannes Film Festival begins next Tuesday and runs until May 25. AFP

With two Palme d’Ors to his name, director Francis Ford Coppola is slated to go against Paul Schrader for another one as their latest films go head-to-head at the Cannes Film Festival

Members of the K-Pop band Stray Kids arrive together brandishing custom looks curated by Tommy Hilfiger

Jennie

Blackpink stuns the crowd with her all-blue outfit by renowned designer Pieter Mulier

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Angelica Villanueva

WEARING a simple navy blue dress, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar arrived at the venue where she invited some members of the press for a get-together. She quickly went to each table to say her “hi’s” and “hello’s.”

During the event held at Brittany Hotel in BGC, Camille sat down with the media to answer some questions – about herself, her family, her family’s businesses, and even her time in show business.

Speaking to Manila Standard Lifestyle, the public servant opened up about how her mom, Senator Cynthia Villar, has touched her life and influenced her now that she is slowly building her own family.

Motherhood and leadership

Camille Villar honors mom’s legacy

Camille had nothing but good words and praises for her mom as she reflected on how well Senator Cynthia had handled motherhood and her career at the same time.

“Actually, when I became a mom and the older I got, I understood and admired my mom, Senator Cynthia, more and more, because when I look at everything that she did, the things that she achieved, and what she did for her family, I realized it took a lot of effort,” said Camille.

The congresswoman also expressed her admiration towards her mom and hoped that she would be able to do what the senator had done for her family.

“And so right now, where I wanna be is like, that if I could be half the woman that my mother was or half the parent that she was, then I would consider myself successful,” she continued.

Camille also shared how wonderful Senator Cynthia, whom she described as her “first role model as a woman”, was in terms of supporting her in whatever she wanted to do.

“My mom was the very first person to encourage me that, you, being a woman or a girl shouldn’t stop you from pursuing anything you want to pursue. So, if you want to study abroad, if you want this kind of career, if you want to work, go for it. You and your brothers should have the same dream. Nothing should stop you,” stated Camille.

“And so, she always pushed me. She always pushed me in school to do the best that I could and then to pursue a career

and to build something for yourself. And then when the time came to have a family, she was an excellent example because my mom is a wonderful mother,” she added.

As she reflected on what her mom had done for her and her siblings, Paulo and Mark, the congresswoman sometimes wondered if she could be that same driving force for her two kids – Tristan and Cara. Yet, she thought of Senator Cynthia and her wisdom, and there, she remembered what she had learned from her.

“So now, sometimes when I have challenges about being a parent, I just look back towards how my mom was, and to me, I hear her voice in my head telling me what the right thing to do is or which direction to go. So, I thought that she did pretty well in the three of us,” shared Camille.

Now being a mother of two, Camille went deeper on how her kids had changed her life – from someone who highly thought of herself to someone who wanted to make the world a better place for her children.

“I think it made me a

better person. I think before I became a mom, I would really think of just myself…I always thought of myself. And then when I had two kids, almost instinctively, you realize that you have this whole other person to care for,” she continued.

“And I really thank my children for expanding my horizons, for making me a better person, and actually giving me purpose. Because after that, you just want to make the world a better place for your kids. And you want to give them the best life that you possibly can. So, you work harder,” the 39-year-old public servant added.

When asked about her plans for the upcoming Mother’s Day, Camille wanted to keep it simple.

“For me, I really enjoy quiet celebrations. So, I want to spend it with my mom. And at the same time, I want to spend it with my kids and my husband. So, quietly at home. Because you’re so busy now, you really cherish the times that you can just rest and relax at home with your loved ones,” ended Camille.

Aspiring designers transform rehabilitation shelter for people living with HIV

TO PROVIDE innovative design solutions and compassionate care, aspiring Filipino artists renovated the spaces of the Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc. (PAFPI), a non-government organization that offers medication and more for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Established in 1998 by Founding President Joshua Formentera the HIV shelter located in San Andres Bukid in Malate, Manila, grants free antiretroviral treatment and other support services to individuals with HIV and their concerned families.

Dubbed as Project Alpas, the rehabilitation initiative aims to restore the PAFPI facilities into a dedicated home with comfortable and secure furnishings to nurture better wellness and health.

The project was spearheaded by the students of the Interior Design Program from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Environment and Design (SED).

To ensure the safety of its patients, the PAFPI’s testing and recuperating areas were integrated with acoustic padding, curtain screens, chairs, desks, and shelves. These are selected to uphold privacy during confidential conversations.

The working stations were likewise refurbished to accommodate additional storage for important files and documents. The layout of wooden partitions, with tables and cozy chairs, was created to support

flexible productivity.

The waiting lounge, on the other hand, was designed with accent seats to foster calmness and tranquility among guests.

The center was incorporated with effective ventilation systems. It is also equipped with designated sanitary stations to enhance cleanliness and hygiene. To cultivate an eco-friendly experience, indoor plants were placed to stimulate a vibrant and sustainable environment.

The team of young creatives was comprised of Athina Ababafha, Kristel Azada, Lyka Bayoca, Kaia Mikaela Berena, Lord Andrei Colby Braga, Mary Margareth Calvo, Lianna Eunice Chua, Sophia Katrina Chua, Shanne Glyndel Dandan, Cheska Domingo, Hateya Christiane Damole, Lyra Gaye Dela Rosa, and Rhoda Lorie Dumaligan

Completing the roster were Maria Rocio Gonzales, Bea Victoria Negre, Angela Palagnas, Miguel Angelo Palma, Edrian Glen Propalde, Frances Allysa Ramos, Aliya Josianne Raymundo, Adrian Kenneth Salazar, Krishaine Serrano, Manuel Sy IV, Derick Vigilla, Caitlin Villacruz, Alexandra Sophia Villanueva, and Melani Wang

They facilitated educational campaigns to raise awareness about HIV and promote measures for its avoidance.

“Project Alpas envisioned a united society that is driven on panic

The redesign

Senator Cynthia Villar (right) is a living inspiration for Camille

Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar is keen on instilling the learnings she gained from her mother to her children

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. Camille with husband Erwin Genuino (rightmost) and their children