Manila Standard - 2024 May 31 - Friday

PH new suit vs. China nearly done Case focuses on environmental damage in WPS

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel Cruz and Ratziel San Juan

THE environmental case the Philippine government intends to file against China over the maritime destruction in the West Philippine Sea may be completed “in a few weeks,” the Department of Justice on Thursday said.

“We are confident that in a few weeks, the complaint and the attached evidence will be completed. Hopefully with the help of the Solicitor General, we will be able to file an environmental case against China,” Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano IV said.

The National Security Council earlier said the evidence includes images of how Chinese activities destroyed the already fragile marine environment in Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

Marcos pushes for retraining of returning OFWs

IN A bid to address the employment challenges faced by returning overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), President Marcos has announced plans to bolster the retraining programs aimed at reintegrating these workers into the local workforce.

The initiative is a direct response to the difficulties that many OFWs encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were forced to return home for health and safety reasons. President Marcos noted

By Charles Dantes and Rey Requejo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos said he would discuss today the Philippines’ legal and geopolitical position on the West Philippine Sea at the International Institute for

Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The President’s keynote address this evening, which the Palace described as “historic,”would tackle the escalating tension between the Philippines and China in WPS, which he described as crucial to global trade and

the economy.

“The fact that they asked the Philippine President to come and speak on that very subject is significant in the sense that it is a recognition that there are challenges that are facing the Philippines, specifically,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview with the media in Bru-

nei before he left for Singapore. “And not only the Philippines –this affects the region and it affects the world. So, what I will present in the Shangri-la forum is going to essentially try to explain the position of the Philippines for both legally

House holds divorce bill transmittal to Senate

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives has put on hold the transmittal of the approved divorce bill to the Senate.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said he was unable to sign the measure for Senate transmittal because he is currently on official mission abroad.

“I may be able to sign the letter of transmittal to the Senate as soon as I return to Manila this weekend,” Velasco clarified.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the authors of the bill, said on Wednesday that he was informed that the Office of the Secretary General deferred the transmittal of the bill to the Senate to correct the voting cast on the measure.

Senate deep dives into Guo’s alleged criminal ties

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Senate has scheduled a multi-executive session next week to get to the bottom of the issues hounding Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who is being investigated over money laundering charges with links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO). Invitations to the meeting were extended to representatives from the national security agencies, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

“This is a transnational crime with many facets... everything is possible. We saw everything that can possibly happen, especially when you talk about money laundering,” said Gatchalian on Thursday, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations against Guo.

Gatchalian elaborated on the sources of laundered money, indicating it could stem from state-sponsored activities, illegal drugs, or other unlawful enterprises. “It did not pass through our regular banking system to avoid being traced due to illegal or irregular sources,” he said.

Similarly, Manila Rep. Benny Abante Jr., who voted against the bill, said that the House deferred its transmission to the Senate “to allow those like myself to raise our concerns regarding the vote taken on this measure.” But Velasco clarified “It was not deferred. I wasn’t able to sign the letter of transmittal because of my official

DEFIANT ONES. Members of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) yesterday set out from Masinloc, Zambales to fish at Scarborough Shoal despite the Chinese fishing ban but had to turn back because of bad weather. Danny Pata

Timor ministry backs Teves extradition

By Rey E. Requejo

TIMOR-LESTE’S Ministry of Justice has endorsed to its Court of Appeals (CA) the request of the Philippine government to extradite former Negros Oriental congressman and designated terrorist Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. to the country so he could face trial for several murder cases, including the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March 2023.

Department of Justice spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV asked the public for more patience as the government has no control over how and when Timor-Leste’s CA will decide on the Philippine government’s request.

“If they see that our request is legitimate and all the supporting documents are attached, they will grant it. We are confident because all requirements are attached. All clarifications of the government of Timor-Leste are addressed

by the legal division of the DOJ,” Clavano said in an interview.

“So, we are just waiting for the formal and official announcement that the case has already been decided on,” Clavano added. It has been two months since Teves was arrested in Dili, Timor-Leste while playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar.

His arrest came three weeks after the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) placed him on its red notice system and his passport cancelled by a trial court in Manila.

The DOJ official said he is optimistic the Timor-Leste’s CA would be able to decide on the request within the next few weeks.

Teves is facing trial for several counts of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder in connection with the killing of Degamo and nine others last March 4, 2023.

Aside from Degamo’s murder, Teves, along with several other individuals, have also been charged in connection with several other killings in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Teves has been declared a fugitive from justice following the issuance of arrest warrants by the local courts in connection with the criminal charges filed against him.

He left the country for the United States for medical purposes on February 9, 2023 up to March 9, 2023.

NGO wants more safeguards for vape consumers

THE Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) pushed for stronger regulations on the vape industry to safeguard consumers from potential harm in a forum in Makati City.

The statement came in the heels of rampant smuggling and illicit trade of e-cigarettes, putting at risk government revenue coming from legal sales. Atty. Karry Sison, BK3 convener, said that policies and regulations in place under the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act are hardly implemented, let alone followed.

These regulations require vape products to carry health warnings on their packaging and mandates safeguards to keep them out of children’s reach.

and geopolitically and diplomatically. And how we see the ways forward for the Philippines and for the region,” he added.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by IISS since 2002, gathers defense ministers, military chiefs, and security experts to discuss worldwide security challenges.

Previous keynote speakers have included Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Days before his back-to-back trip to Brunei and Singapore, President Marcos condemned China’s order to arrest any foreign nationals trespassing in the South China Sea, which includes areas that fall under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

“That kind of action would be completely unacceptable to the Philippines,” he said.

“That is unacceptable, and we will take whatever measures to always protect our citizens,” Mr. Marcos added.

China, for its part, said the Philippines should not be worried about the new rules on trespassing foreigners in the South China Sea for “as long there is no illegal behavior.”

In a regular press conference Wednesday night, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the rules aim to standardize law enforcement and better uphold maritime order.

Mao added that the new rules are consistent with universal practices, and “individuals and entities have no need for concern as long as they have not done anything illicit.”

Mao said China is open to a dialogue with the Philippines to address sea concerns between the two countries.

“China’s door of dialogue and communication with the Philippines remains open. But it’s important to note that dialogue requires sincerity and whatever is agreed in dialogue must be acted upon, rather than talking about the need for dialogue while continuing to make provocations,” the Chinese official said.

“It is the Philippines, not China, that has escalated the situation and made repeated provocations in the South China Sea,” Mao added.

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla first broached the idea of filing a case against China in September 2023 after the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command confirmed there were cases of massive coral harvesting along Rozul (Iroquois) Reef in the WPS.

House leaders threw their support behind the plan to file a new case against China.

“I guess we are already tired [of] the diplomatic approach, asking China to stop this and stop that... This is a positive development on the part of the administration to collect pieces of evidence so that we can file a case against China,” Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon said Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles said the maritime destruction in the WPS “cannot be taken lightly.”

Marine scientists at the University

of the Philippines Diliman - College of Science (UPD-CS) have recommended the long-term monitoring of resources at the West Philippine Sea.

The college recently facilitated a public forum where UP professors discussed the geopolitical and ecological situation in the WPS, promoting strategies that scientists and researchers can use to protect and preserve the area’s marine resources.

UPD-CS Marine Science Institute (MSI) Director Dr. Laura David listed the following threats to the West Philippine Sea: climate change, overfishing, oil spills, land use, plastics, and reclamation of islands.

David said the number of living coral reefs declined as the number of occupations rose.

Dr. Fernando Siringan, MSI professor and National Academy of Science and Technology academician, likewise encouraged long-term monitoring activities involving marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the WPS region.

Earlier, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio urged the Philippine government to sue China

anew over the destruction of Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef, which he said are within the Philippines’ EEZ.

The retired SC magistrate made the call after the Philippine Coast Guard accused China of building an artificial island in Escoda Shoal. It said the dumping of crushed corals near the shoal may be in preparation for China’s reclamation activities.

Former Supreme Court Justice Francis Jardeleza also supported the government’s to file an environmental damage suit against China.

Jardeleza was the solicitor general and acted as the agent of the Philippines when the case against China was filed and eventually won in 2016 with the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, Netherlands.

“For the last nine years, China continues to encroach on our exclusive economic zone. In doing so, this hegemon has acted with impunity, destroying thousands of hectares of irreplaceable marine life which took nature eons to create, thereby depriving many of our fishermen and their families of their livelihood,” Jardeleza said.

“Health warnings do not appear in most vape products, since these are usually smuggled into the country. Since these products enter the market illegally, there are also no safeguards in place to ensure that their ingredients are safe and regulated,” Sison said.

“Lack of proper oversight has allowed harmful substances to find their way into vape liquids, endangering the health of consumers. Many users, particularly the youth, are unaware of the potential risks associated with vaping,” she added.

A commissioned Pulse Asia survey conducted in the last quarter of 2023 showed that 57% of Filipinos are aware of the illegal sale of cigarette products in the country. According to the results presented by Pulse Asia President Dr. Ronald Holmes, consumers are drawn to these products primarily due to their lower prices. Many are worried these would lead to health risks (46%), spike in the use of cigarettes (41%), and lower tax revenues (11%).

“I think the Senate should listen to the people’s voice. New Senate President Francis Escudero should do what his predecessor failed to do, and they should do it as soon as possible,” he said.

The House of Representatives had passed the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, its version of economic Charter change, in March. The Senate version, RBH 6, is still pending. Gonzales said RBH 6 “is now in limbo in the wake of the recent Senate shakeup.”

He said the public consultations that the Senate special committee on constitutional amendments has been conduct-

ing have been disrupted with the resignation of committee chairman Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, who belongs to the bloc of former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“We don’t know what will happen to RBH 6, since that resolution is authored by Senators Zubiri, Angara and Loren Legarda, who has also resigned her Senate post,” he said.

Suarez said the Escudero leadership “should pick up the pieces from the recent Senate ruckus and work on the passage of RBH 6 as early as possible.”

“So far, new Senate President Escudero has spoken on a lot of things, except the proposed economic constitutional amendments,” he said.

For his part, Dalipe said the Senate

can pass RBH 6 shortly after the convening of the third and last regular session of the 19th Congress in July.

“But senators have to realize that the window of opportunity for them to approve economic Charter reforms is fast closing,” he said.

He said lawmakers and the public would be on campaign-election mode once candidates file their certificates of candidacy in October for the May 2025 elections.

The Tangere survey, with 1,500 participants nationwide, showed that support for economic Charter amendments increased by two percentage points from the previous month’s level.

Tangere noted strong support among respondents from Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and Bicol Region.

“As we sit in the intersection of public health and economic prosperity, we must further endeavor towards active implementation of policies set in place to regulate the vaping industry. Effective regulation of vape products can yield significant economic benefits, not just through taxes, but more importantly by safeguarding public health,” Sison said.

Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles, supervising head of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Consumer Protection Group, said the agency is dedicated to overseeing the registration of vape products and ensuring they do not get in the hands of minors.

At present, importers of vape products can obtain a certificate of exemption, Nograles said. But to bolster regulation, the DTI is implementing the mandatory certification and registration of vape products beginning June 5.

Leading the Senate investigation, alongside Gatchalian, is Sen. Risa Hontiveros. The ongoing probe focuses on Guo’s involvement in the POGO hub in Bamban, the largest of its kind, recently raided by authorities.

Complicating matters further, the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed

they are investigating intelligence reports suggesting Guo’s possible membership in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Hontiveros has accused Guo of espionage and highlighted her connections to convicted criminals in other countries.

Guo has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her Filipino citizenship based on her birth certificate and passport. She also refuted claims of involvement in POGO activities and dismissed espionage allegations.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros disclosed on Thursday documents potentially identifying Guo’s mother as Lin Wen Yi, who is intricately involved in several of the mayor’s businesses.

Hontiveros pointed out that Lin, a Chinese national, was known as Guo’s mother by Valenzuela residents when they lived in the city.

Further scrutiny reveals that Guo’s businesses, including QJJ Group of Companies, QJJ Farms, QJJ Embroi-

dery, QJJ Meat Shop, 3LIN-Q Farm, QJJ Slaughterhouse, and QSeed Genetics, list her siblings Shiela L. Guo and Siemen L. Guo, her father Jian Zhong Guo, and Lin as co-incorporators.

“As Sen. Win also noted, travel records show that Jian Zhong Guo and Lin Wen Yi traveled together at least 170 times in the span of six years. Is she just a business partner or a wife?” Hontiveros asked, casting further doubt on Guo’s claims.

The House approved on final reading House Bill 9349 or the “Absolute Divorce Act” by a 126109-20 vote.

But Velasco reported the next day that a total of 131 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill.

But Lagman said that there was “no need to wait” because “the irreversible fact is that the affirmative votes got the majority of those who voted, with the presence of a quorum and without the abstentions being counted.”

how a lot of them struggled to find alternative sources of livelihood.

“We had to find jobs for the OFWs that had come back,” the President stressed.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector to provide incentives and better opportunities for these workers. The goal is to equip them with new skills and ensure their successful reintegration into the workforce.

Mr. Marcos cited the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Project as a key program addressing this issue.

TUPAD supports not only displaced OFWs, but also local workers who have

lost their jobs for various reasons.

TUPAD is being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has also expanded its role in providing retraining and upskilling opportunities.

Highlighting the importance of private sector involvement, President Marcos pointed to the maritime industry as an exemplary model of successful collaboration.

By enhancing these retraining programs and fostering public-private partnerships, President Marcos aims to ensure that returning OFWs have the necessary skills and job opportunities to thrive in a post-pandemic economy.

On Wednesday, President Marcos engaged in a strategic discussion with major players in the energy sector of Brunei, where he expressed

the Philippines’ intention to embark on waste-to-energy (WTE) projects amid the global shift from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives.

In a high-level dialogue in Bandar Seri Begawan, President Marcos tried generating potential investments in the Philippine renewable energy (RE) sector and enhancements on oil and gas collaborations.

Present during the meeting were key representatives from Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG Sdn. Bhd (BLNG), Total Energies in Brunei, Serikandi Oilfield Services Sdn Bhd, and Adinin Group of Companies.

Mr. Marcos said there is significant interest in WTE solutions though it’s currently at the micro level, primarily involving local governments. He mentioned that the traditional method of exporting waste

to landfills is no longer viable, particularly in large cities, where innovative solutions are most needed.

The President emphasized the necessity of developing the right infrastructure to harness energy from landfills, noting ongoing challenges such as legal and regulatory hurdles, and the need for scalable waste management systems by local government units (LGUs).

He highlighted the complexities of organizing effective garbage collection and the political intricacies involved. But he expressed optimism that legislation is being made to address this problem, with a growing recognition of viable, clean solutions to waste disposal. Brunei is actively exploring renewable energy-based connectivity with neighboring countries, although oil and gas remain central to the regional energy mix during this transitional period.

DOJ closes over 500 FB accounts for illegal sale of babies online

By Rey E. Requejo

OVER 500 Facebook accounts were taken down over their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of babies online, the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Thursday.

DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV disclosed the information, emphasizing that the agency’s efforts to fight online human trafficking are far from over.

Despite the considerable number of accounts already deactivated, Clavano highlighted the persistent nature of this

Comelec to raise number of party-list nominees to 10

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections

(Comelec) has said it plans to require party-list groups participating in the 2025 national and local elections to submit at least 10 nominees, increasing the current limit of five nominees.

Comelec chairman George Garcia in a press briefing said that once 10 names are submitted, the poll body will no longer accept any substitution.

“It is highly unlikely that all 10 will die, that all 10 will get sick, and all 10 will have excuses. We will require 10 so that there will be somebody sure to be left on the list and that fielding 10 new nominees will be unnecessary,” Garcia said.

The poll chief said party-lists should be able to comply with this new rule due to their large memberships. He said with 10 nominees, this will ensure fairness and prevent controversies, which took place in past elections over the substitution of partylist nominees.

Some party lists opt to field an entirely new set of nominees in the middle of the campaign period or before Election Day after the withdrawal of their initial set of nominees.

CAPTURED NPA ARMS

CACHE.

Acting on information from concerned citizens, a composite team of policemen and Army troopers retrieved this arms cache buried by communist rebels in the hinterland of Oas, Albay. Photo by Police Regional Office 5 and AFP-Bicol

illegal activity.

“It is still prevalent. There are still many accounts that have to be closed down,” he stated in a television interview, citing prevailing challenges.

In a bid to tackle the problem more effectively, the DOJ is currently in discussions with the Office of the

BUMPER TOBACCO HARVEST. A female tobacco farmer in Sudipen, La Union raises her harvest of fresh high quality tobacco leaves which command good prices at the market. Revoli Cortez

President (OP).

President Marcos expressed a strong desire to address this issue, recognizing its implications for our society, according to Clavano.

This crackdown follows the recent DOJ approval of criminal charges against Arjay Malabanan and Ma. Chariza Dizon for violating provisions stated in Republic Act (RA) 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and RA 7610 or the law that protects children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

Malabanan and Dizon were arrested on May 15 in Dasmarinas City, Cav-

ite, during an entrapment operation by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNPWCPC). They were caught attempting to sell a new-born baby through Facebook for P 90,000. Clavano also issued a stern warning to potential buyers, emphasizing that purchasing babies is a criminal act and those found guilty will face prosecution. He pointed out that legal adoption processes are available and free, urging the public to follow proper legal channels. “It just needs to undergo the right process,” Clavano stressed.

Private sector confidence in gov’t housing program cited

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has cited the growing private sector confidence in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar welcomed the entry of Megawide Construction Corp. to the 4PH project in Imus City, Cavite as a “clear manifestation of the private sector’s confidence in the government’s housing program.”

NPA

“The trust that 4PH is getting in our private sector is heart-warming. This clearly shows that we are on the right track in addressing the country’s housing need,” Acuzar said.

He recently joined Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula and Megawide chief executive officer Edgar Saavedra in breaking ground for a 4PH project in Barangay Malagasang 1-G composed of mid-rise condominium buildings to be developed by PH1 World Developers, the real estate arm of Megawide.

The project is a five-tower, 1,100-

arms

By Rosas Olarte

unit mid-rise residential community to rise inside a 1.7-hectare property.

“The participation of reputable private contractors like Megawide, is key to the success of 4PH as the program is anchored on tapping private funds for the development of government housing,” Acuzar said.

“It will significantly contribute to the current administration’s objective of addressing the country’s housing need by providing Filipino families with safe, decent and affordable housing in sustainable communities,” he added.

cache retrieved in Albay

IN a significant victory against insurgency, government forces have retrieved in Barangay Tablon, Oas, Albay. a substantial arms cache believed to be owned by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Acting on information provided by local residents, a coordinated operation was launched by the Philippine Army in cooperation with the Bicol Police Regional Office and other law enforcement units in Albay.

The composite teams unearthed the hidden cache containing: seven M16 rifles, one M16 rifle upper receiver with incomplete accessories, one M203 grenade

IN BRIEF

QC gears up for storms, aims for zero casualty

THE Quezon City government through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) has declared its readiness for typhoons with the country expected to experience between 13 to 16 weather disturbances this year.

Zero casualty remains the city government’s target, according to Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“Everything we need for the onset of the rainy season and when La Niña hits the country is ready,” Belmonte was quoted saying in Tagalog, in a news release posted on the Quezon City official website on Thursday, May 30. Belmonte said every department in the local government unit was given specific tasks to ensure the safety of QCitizens and to speed up the delivery of public services.

Quezon City’s readiness was quickly put to a test during the recent onslaught of Typhoon Aghon, the first storm to hit the country in 2024, and this level of preparedness will be maintained throughout the year.

In times of typhoons, the QCDRRM Council will be immediately activated with all memberoffices on standby, while the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will closely monitor the movement of typhoons, wind strengths, and the amount of rainfall in Quezon City.

“Our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team members will also be placed on full alert and ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies,” Belmonte explained, adding the teams are equipped with rescue boats, protective gears, sonar equipment, rescue cans, and other life-saving equipment.

Suspected TB cases in Pasay jail alarms CHR

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday raised deep concern over the reported case of suspected tuberculosis symptoms observed among over 400 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Pasay City Jail. The CHR cited Rule 1 of the Nelson Mandela Rules or the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners providing that “all prisoners shall be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.”

It asserted that all PDLs must have access to medical care and treatment as the general population, including preventive measures and health screenings.

“To prevent similar health problems in jails, the Commission hopes that the Bureau of Correctiom will implement routine and comprehensive medical screenings for all PDLs upon entry and periodically during their incarceration to detect TB and other infectious diseases early,” it said. Rio N. Araja Ex-beauty queen graces PAF’s gender, dev’t forum

THE renowned actress and former beauty queen Pilar Pilapil, along with other female speakers, shared their experiences as mothers and career women at a Gender and Development Forum spearheaded by the Office of Air Force Gender and Development on May 29, at the Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The speakers recounted their journeys in overcoming challenges in womanhood and motherhood, and life in general to the Philippine Air Force personnel, who attended both physically and virtually.

launcher, one M14 rifle, one sniper rifle, assorted magazines and ammunition, and bandoliers.

The recovered weapons are believed to have been buried by highranking NPA commanders Romeo Nepalis alias “Ka Bokno/Mar”), Noel Olavides alias “Myra”), and Jeffrey Sesno alias “Encrypt/Fox”), according to the officials.

Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon of the Bicol Police Regional Office emphasized that the recovery of these weapons has preempted potential threats to innocent civilians. He also praised the local citizens for their vigilance and the operating teams for their performance in carrying out the mission.

Joining Pilapil were Karen De Leon-Galiste, project development officer of DSWD; Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson and the first female pilot of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; and Col. Rudith Vivienne Villanueva, chief nurse of the PAF.

Mrs. Agnes Parreño, wife of the PAF commanding general, attended the forum as the guest of honor. She emphasized the importance of women supporting each other to create a society where they are valued, respected, and have opportunities to thrive.

She added that empowerment starts with recognizing one’s strengths and bravely facing challenges. Vince Lopez

DAWNING OF MOTORCYLCE TAXI ERA. Motorcycles crowd out four-wheeled vehicles in this image captured by the lens of Standard photographer Manny Palmero, a portentous sign that the era of motorcycle taxis has descended on the Filipino commuters.

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Team vs. moonlighting cops

THE Philippine National Police and other government agencies would create a special team to crack down on police officers moonlighting as security escorts as well as on the unauthorized use of marked vehicles

The measure was tackled in the meeting between PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), PNP

IN BRIEF

Priest who documented DDS killings dies at 69

BIKING priest and peace advocate Fr.

Amado Picardal who helped document the killings related to the so-called Davao Death Squad passed away on Wednesday. He was 69.

Picardal’s death was announced by his congregation The Redemptorists, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported Wednesday night.

The Redemptorist Province of Cebu said Picardal died of cardiac arrest.

His remains will lie in state at the Redemptorist Church in Cebu City. Wake Masses will be held starting 8 p.m. Thursday.

The funeral service will also be held at the Cebu Redemptorist Church on June 6 at 9 a.m.

Picardal in 2017 wrote a detailed report on the so-called DDS from 1998 to 2015, which he said became part of the information submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC has been investigating former President Rodrigo Duterte over the killings that took place under his administration’s anti-drug crackdown.

The provincial superior of the Redemptorist Province of Cebu, Fr. Edilberto Cepe, described Picardal as a “brilliant and courageous missionary.”

‘Rainbow’ graduates to march in Quezon City

QUEZON City is taking Pride March to the next level.

The city government is inviting “Rainbow Graduates” to register for Graduation Rights: March with Pride in QC on June 22. The said initiative is a special ceremonial graduation that aims to celebrate students’ right to graduate freely and march according to their own presentation.

Graduation Rights is among the special activities lined up in celebration of Quezon City’s 85th anniversary.

The program welcomes registrants who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, 18 years old and above, a resident of Quezon City or otherwise graduated from a school located in Quezon City, and “want to march based on their gender and desired self-expression.”

Interested individuals may register until June 7 through this link: bit.ly/GraduationRightsRegistration

“In Quezon City, the rights of everyone regardless of their SOGIE are recognized. In QC, graduation rites are everyone’s rights, regardless of expression!” the city government posted on social media. Ratziel San Jua

DMW to boost OFWs’ Nihongo proficiency

THE Department of Migrant Workers and key Philippine and Japanese stakeholders met to identify and address current Nihongo (Japanese language) training and examination challenges for workers.

DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the first-ever “Consultation Meeting on the Japanese Language Training Course” focused on collaborative efforts to equip Filipino workers with the necessary language skills to excel in the Japanese workplace.

“This meeting served as a valuable platform for open dialogue. By collaborating with all stakeholders, we can ensure Filipino workers receive the best possible Japanese language training, ultimately boosting their competitiveness for jobs in Japan,” Caunan said. Representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine recruitment agencies taking part in the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSWP), and language training centers nationwide actively participated in the consultations.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila, represented by First Secretary and Labor Attaché Chihiro Kanno, and the Japan Foundation Manila also joined the consultation–dialogues.

“This marks a promising step towards a more streamlined and practical pathway for Filipino workers in Japan with stakeholders working more closely to ensure Filipino talent has the necessary language skills and knowledge to succeed in the Japanese workforce,” Caunan added. Vito Barcelo

spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Thursday.

“Our IMEG (Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group) and HPG (Highway Patrol Group) would run after those who are using marked vehicles who are not really legitimate police officers... Our IMEG might also catch moonlighting police officers,” she said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

She said the team would be initially activated in Metro Manila.

“Hopefully by next week, we are just finalizing guidelines and as to which units will be involved. Particularly in the PNP definitely, the IMEG and HPG will be included in that team,” she said.

‘Two MMDA personnel illegally used police marks while escorting Tolentino’

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is currently investigating two of its personnel who were caught by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for the unauthorized use of police markings while escorting Senator Francis Tolentino in Parañaque City on Wednesday.

HPG-NCR director Col. Neil Francia said the two were nabbed in an operation targeting unauthorized escorts and illegal blinkers and sirens.

Based on the report, the HPG observed clear “Police” and “Master Rider’s Badge” markings on the widescreen and both sides of the saddle box of the motorcycles of the two personnel.

“They said they were escorting former MMDA chairman, Senator Francis Tolentino. They were authorized as escorts as we provide security to senators and also to local government unit chief executives,” Francia said.

However, the two MMDA personnel, now under the custody of HPG-NCR, will be charged with the violation of Article 177 (usurpation of authority) and Article 179 (use of uniform or insignia) of the Revised Penal Code while their motorcycles are temporarily impounded at the field unit.

“We are coordinating with PNP-HPG and waiting for the official report. We will investigate the matter and act accordingly,” MMDA chairman Romando Artes said.

Barbers seeks revival of

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LAWMAKER on Thursday called on Congress to reconsider proposals to revive the death penalty following a shooting incident at the Makati EDSA tunnel.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Barbers, chair of the House committee on dangerous drugs, also thanked the Philippine National Police for arresting Raymund Yu, the Chinese suspect in the killing.

death penalty law

“The justice system must not relax its processes. The PNP must ensure that thorough investigation is conducted and the guilty perpetrator is put behind bars,” he said.

“We must never put our guard down and make sure that the suspect will not be able to exert any pressure or influence in the investigation up to the conclusion of this case. All eyes are on our law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that justice will be served,” Barbers added.

Barbers said it is time for the government to revive the death penalty and include more crimes to be punishable by death.

“If we are to save the future generations, we have to show them the right way of governance. Leniency and indifference will erode confidence and faith in government. Already we have seen how these criminals run roughshod over our laws because they know that they can get away with it with their money and influence,” he said.

SANTACRUZAN. The vibrant and festive spirit of the Santacruzan comes alive at SM City Grand Central, delighting visitors with its colorful pageantry, music, and traditions. Jun David

By Joel E. Zurbano

GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted smuggled shipments of kush, cannabis oil, and vape pens worth more than P4.5 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

The eight parcels came from Canada and the United States and were consigned to certain individuals residing in the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Pasig, Makati, and Taguig, and the provinces of Cavite and Laguna.

The shipments were misdeclared as toys, sports cards, and jewelry – a clear case of technical smuggling.

Customs agents and members of the NAIA - Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) conducted the operation on Wednesday in line with the directive of President Marcos to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in the country.

The Bureau of Customs noted that despite the government’s comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign, international drug syndicates continue to use the country’s postal system for smuggling prohibited substances and other “anti-social goods.”

Commissioner Bien Rubio reiterated the agency’s commitment to preventing the entry of illicit goods into the country.

‘Flu, pneumonia vax needed vs. FLiRT strains’

By Maricel V. Cruz

A FORMER health secretary turned legislator urged the public – especially healthcare workers, senior citizens and the immunocompromised – to have themselves vaccinated to protect them from threats of the new COVID-19 variant “FLiRT.”

“Having flu and pneumonia vaccines will help the vulnerables have uncomplicated cases. It will help us manage patients by reducing concurrent infections among covid patients,” Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said.

Garin said the mutation of the virus is expected and the spread of the new variant can be addressed through awareness and proper management of cases.

“It is expected that a virus will keep on mutating but what’s important is the capability of our health workforce to manage cases and for the general public to be aware, hence allowing early consultation, diagnosis and management,” said Garin, a doctor by profession. She also reminded the public to frequently wash hands, practice proper hygiene, and have adequate rest and nutritious balanced diet as these are essential weapons of Filipinos to crush and flatten the variant.

“Ensuring proper hygiene and being healthy are still two of the best ways to prevent from acquiring the virus,” Garin said.

Based on reports, FliRT variants have been detected in Singapore, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and 14 countries in Europe.

The Department of Health – Bureau of Quarantine earlier went on a “heightened alert” for the new variants.

Director Ferdinand Salcedo directed all BOQ stations and other concerned agencies to “conduct thorough screening at points of entry for arriving visitors originating from countries where COVID FliRT incidents have been detected.”

“We are facing a new COVID-19 strain that has the KP.1 and KP.2 variations, which are parts of the newlydiscovered subvariant identified as FLiRT, a novel virus spreading globally,” Salcedo said.

FUSION PAELLA. Chefs and culinary arts students of the University of Baguio prepare Cordilleran-inspired paella made with heirloom rice, smoked meats, and fresh organic vegetables from the region’s six provinces. Dave Leprozo

Smuggled shipments of kush are seized at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.

OPINION

Peace talks with Reds going pfft?

NO DOUBT, peace advocates rejoiced when last year, on Nov. 23, the national government and the National Democratic Front signed a Joint Statement in Oslo, Norway, agreeing to a principled and peaceful resolution to the 55-year-old armed conflict.

Now, six months later, there’s no clear indication either side is preparing for the resumption of the peace talks that began in 1987 under the Cory Aquino government and proceeded in fits and starts under succeeding administrations.

The Duterte administration tried to strike a deal with the NDF and even went to the extent of releasing from detention some of the leaders of the rebel group so they could serve as “peace consultants.”

But Duterte terminated the talks in 2017 after it became clear the talks were going nowhere since the New People’s Army kept up the armed struggle in the countryside even as rebel leaders faced the government representatives across the negotiating table.

While the November 2023 announcement by President Marcos Jr. of his intention to resume peace talks with the CPP-NPANDF was met with approval by various sectors, even the government’s security cluster consisting of the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, reports indicated that there was grumbling within the military establishment over the wisdom of resuming peace talks with the rebel troika.

But the AFP Chief of Staff has given assurances the military would follow the chain of command and defer to the policy decision of the Commander-in-Chief.

At this point, while the NDF has agreed to hold peace talks with the Marcos Jr. administration, the CPP and the NPA do not appear eager to come to the negotiating table.

“The Oslo Joint Statement is a first halfstep in the long march leading to the resumption of formal peace negotiations, and in the even longer road of achieving the people’s aspiration for a just and lasting peace,” CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena said. He explained to allow the negotiations to move forward, the government should release all the NDFP peace consultants and repeal the “terrorist designation” of the CPPNPA-NDF.

These, he said, are “critical and practical measures, without which it is doubtful that peace negotiations can even proceed.”

The CPP also urged Marcos to dismantle the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and to release all of the more than 800 political prisoners locked up in various jails. The dismantling of NTF-ELCAC and the release of political prisoners will make “the march towards peace to move forward quickly,” it

said. Will the government accede to these demands of the rebel side?

We think that’s highly unlikely.

The anniversary statements of the CPP on Dec. 26 last year and of the NPA on March 29 indicate that the rebel forces are in fact being urged to intensify the armed struggle so that the revolutionary situation can advance to the next higher phase, which is the advanced stage of the strategic defensive, which means they aspire for parity with the AFP at sometime in the future.

The AFP will most probably scoff at this as a pipe dream of the Maoist rebels.

In fact, the military is saying that the 55-year-old armed insurgency is on the decline and it is only a matter of time—the end of this year, we’re told by press dispatches of the DND and the AFP—before the government attains “strategic victory” over the NPA.

The government says ‘total victory’ shall have been achieved only if the last NPA fighter has been neutralized, whether in the battlefield or by surrendering

The government is close to “strategic victory” by the end of this year because it claims the communist rebellion is left with about 1,500 members and 11 “weakened” guerrilla fronts as of the end of 2023.

That’s according to a report by the NTFELCAC, which said the number of rebels stood at 1,576 by the end of last year, lower by 21.5 percent than the 2,008 recorded in 2022.

Rebel firearms, meanwhile, dropped by 22.6 percent to 1,406 in 2023 from 1,817 two years ago.

The agency also claimed only 11 “weakened” guerrilla fronts remained as of the end of 2023. “No active guerrilla fronts remain,” the task force said, adding that 78 guerrilla fronts have been dismantled as of 2017.

The government says “total victory” shall have been achieved only if the last NPA fighter has been neutralized, whether in the battlefield or by surrendering.

When that will come, however, is still up in the air. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

By Melandrew T. Velasco

Protecting the Verde Island Passage

IN FEBRUARY last year, the oil tanker MT Princess Empress sank off Mindoro, spilling the industrial fuel oil it was carrying into Philippine waters.

The waters of Tablas Strait as well as adjacent water bodies like the Verde Island Passage – a major waterway within the Coral Triangle that separates southern Luzon and northern Mindoro – were affected including areas within its Marine Corridor covering Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro and Romblon. For several months, the incident became the focus of discussion especially among advocates for environment protection.

Meanwhile, the Senate and the House of Representatives conducted hearings in aid of legislation on the cause and effects of the oil spill.

The Verde Island Passage, hailed as the center of marine shore fish biodiversity, spans more than 1.4 hectares and has the highest marine biodiversity globally.

One of the busiest sealanes in the country serving as shipping route between Manila and the Visayas, and farther to Mindanao, it connects Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon and provides surrounding communities with food and livelihood.

In a resolution filed by Rep, Joey Salceda, he noted “Dr. Kent Carpenter and Dr. Victor Springer published a scientific study in which they coined the Verde Island Passage as the “Center of the Center” of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity.”

The study found the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean Waters also converge and probably exchange properties within the Passage, bringing nutrients that sustain over 300 species of corals that host nearly 60 percent of the world’s known shore fish species.” Protection of the country’s biodiversity is mandated in several laws like RA 7586

(National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992), RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), RA 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act), RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998). Executive Order 533 issued in June 2006 adopted the Integrated Coastal Management as a national strategy for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources. On Nov. 8, 2006, Executive Order 578 was signed which established the national policy on biological diversity, prescribed its implementation particularly in the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem and the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor.

The MOU, which provides the three conglomerates to take on joint stewardship of the Passage, will be for five years with possible extension

It mandated for the creation and organization of an Ad Hoc “Task Force on Verde Island Passage to ensure the protection, conservation and sustainable use of biological, diversity in the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor.”

House Bills filed during the 19th Congress include proposed legislations to declare the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor as a maritime protected area and eco-tourism zone. At the Senate, a bill referred to as the “Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape Bill of 2022” has been filed. Once enacted, these proposed legislations

Drug war probe: Better late than never

THE inquiry by the House committee on human rights on the bloody war on drugs waged by the Rodrigo Duterte administration from 2016 to 2022 is a step in the right direction.

It’s about time.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman was entirely correct in saying it is “better late than never,” as the crackdown and the alleged extra-judicial killings would have been conveniently swept under the rug by authorities had Congress not taken the initiative.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, the committee chair, has clarified the House inquiry was being conducted in aid of legislation and “will not in any way work with the ICC.

“It will focus on human rights violations [within the country] and the ICC will be the one to conduct the investigation however they want, but not with the (help of the House) committee on human rights,” he pointed out.

During the first hearing, lawmakers sought to retrace the actions taken by the

Department of Justice as the death toll rose and complaints piled up over irregularities in police anti-drug operations.

Former Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra explained during the committee hearing the DOJ only looked into 52 of the more than 6,000 drug-related deaths officially acknowledged by the government.

The Philippine government has often cited the 52 cases of drug killings that have been investigated as proof that the country’s justice system is working

Guevarra said the DOJ actually investigated more than 900 complaints against police officers, but eventually prioritized 52 cases since these had the strongest chances of going to trial. He acknowledged “there have indeed

AT WHAT should have been a celebration of intellect and achievement, Harvard’s recent Commencement turned into a battlefield for free speech and the complex politics of academe.

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, known for her courageous journalism, found herself at the center of a storm when Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi confronted her on stage, accusing her of antisemitism.

The incident began as Ressa delivered a speech highlighting the pernicious effects of technology and social media on free speech.

Ressa, who has faced relentless persecution from the Duterte regime in the Philippines, spoke from a place of deep personal experience.

Her message was clear: free speech, while a powerful tool for truth, can also be weaponized to silence dissent.

Yet, it was her remark about being “called antisemitic by power and money” that sparked immediate controversy.

Rabbi Zarchi, reacting to what he perceived as an antisemitic trope, demanded Ressa clarify her statement.

The confrontation culminated in Zarchi walking off the stage when Ressa did not respond as he had hoped.

This dramatic exit underscored a deeper issue: the fraught intersection of free speech and political sensitivities in academic settings.

Ressa later clarified on social media her comment referred specifically to US Rep. Elise Stefanik, who had accused her of antisemitism based on a mischaracterized editorial.

Ressa’s media outlet, Rappler, had been accused by Stefanik of comparing Israeli actions to Hitler, a claim Rappler vehemently denied. The context, lost in the heat of the moment, revealed how easily miscommunication can escalate into public conflict.

In her speech, Ressa’s broader narrative was one of resistance against the forces of repression.

She lauded the student speakers who ex-

will help in the campaign to protect the ecosystem at the Passage.

The drive to protect and conserve the Passage biodiversity got a big boost early this month when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between national government agencies Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Energy and business conglomerates San Miguel Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

The MOU, which provides the three conglomerates to take on joint stewardship of the Passage, will be for five years with possible extension.

The partnership underscores the collective commitment to environmental preservation.

The parties are required to “establish a marine science biological research station with facilities” in VIP and across the five provinces nearby in partnership with higher educational institutions.

been incidents of human rights violations not just during the drug war, but also incidents of … extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and other serious violations of the right to life, liberty and security…the executive department has done its share in accordance with procedure in prosecuting and investigating these abuses.”

Guevarra said the allegations of rights abuses “must be established by means of competent evidence. This means it’s a case-to-case basis as we cannot really say all police operations led to human rights violations.”

The Philippine government has often cited the 52 cases of drug killings that have been investigated as proof that the country’s justice system is working.

The Philippine National Police has officially acknowledged that more than 6,000 have been killed in the war on drugs but human rights groups believe the actual death toll from the crackdown may range from 12,000 to 30,000.

The House hearing should leave no stone unturned in finding out what really happened in the course of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs as this would hopefully lead to closure to this violent episode in the nation’s contemporary political history.

Maria Ressa, free speech and the politics of academe

pressed solidarity with their peers blocked from graduating for pro-Palestine protests, illustrating her unwavering support for free speech, even when it disrupts the status quo.

This support was met with criticism from Zarchi, who argued the students had hijacked the ceremony and Harvard had failed to include pro-Israel voices.

This incident highlights the treacherous terrain of university politics, where the struggle for ideological dominance often overshadows the pursuit of truth.

In this era of increasing polarization, we must remember that the true test of free speech lies not in protecting the uncontroversial but in safeguarding the contentious and provocative

Academia, ideally a bastion of free thought and rigorous debate, frequently succumbs to the pressures of partisanship and censorship.

The clash at Harvard is a microcosm of the broader societal tensions over free speech and the role of institutions in moderating discourse.

Ressa, who has faced imprisonment and threats for her fearless journalism, embodies the spirit of free speech. Her presence at Harvard was a testament to the power of truth in the face of oppression.

Her ordeal in the Philippines, where she exposed the brutalities of Duterte’s regime, serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in safeguarding free expression.

The signing of the MOU is a testament of the government and private sector’s commitment to promote environmental goals as the county participates in the observance of the United Nations Decade n Ecosystem Restoration that runs from 2021-2030.

On the partnership, SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said “We are grateful for this opportunity to join forces with the Aboitiz group, MVP group and various stakeholders in protecting the Verde Island Passage.”

“Preserving our marine resources is crucial not just for today but for future generations,” RSA added.

Under the leadership of RSA, SMC takes an active role in programs for environment protection and natural resources conservation. It has reforestation programs throughout the country which are being carried out by its subsidiaries.

It undertakes flood mitigation projects such as the desilting and rehabilitation of the

Her message at Harvard was not just about technology’s role in surveillance but a call to action for the new generation to uphold the principles of justice and open dialogue.

Yet, Ressa’s experience at Harvard also exposes the vulnerabilities of free speech within the ivory towers.

The polarized reactions to her comments reflect the growing chasm in academic institutions where diverse viewpoints are increasingly seen as threats rather than opportunities for growth.

The demand for ideological conformity stifles genuine discourse, turning universities into arenas of conflict rather than forums for enlightenment.

The political drama surrounding Ressa’s speech at Harvard should prompt a reevaluation of how academic institutions handle controversial subjects.

The role of universities should be to foster an environment where challenging ideas can be expressed and debated without fear of retribution.

This means embracing a diversity of perspectives, even those that make us uncomfortable, and ensuring that free speech is not selectively upheld.

Maria Ressa’s ordeal at Harvard is a clarion call for the defense of free speech against both external repression and internal censorship. Her courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to truth should inspire us all to protect the sanctity of free expression.

The politics of academe must evolve to support, rather than suppress, the fearless voices that challenge us to think deeper and fight for justice.

In this era of increasing polarization, we must remember that the true test of free speech lies not in protecting the uncontroversial but in safeguarding the contentious and provocative.

Only then can we ensure that our institutions remain true to their highest ideals, fostering a society where freedom and truth prevail.

Tullahan River, San Juan River and Pasig River.

It is also into the planting of mangroves along the shorelines in Bulacan and other Central Luzon areas not only to prevent coastal erosion but also to preserve the mangrove ecosystem. In February this year, SMC launched the first biodiversity offset program in Bulacan with the inauguration of the Saribuhay sa Dampalit project.

The various environment programs undertaken by SMC demonstrate that sustainable development is a primary consideration in all its businesses.

(The author, book author and publisher, is president and chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)

Trump criminal trial jury ends first day of deliberations

NEW YORK

– Jurors completed opening deliberations Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) on whether to convict Donald Trump in the first criminal trial of a former US president -- a decision that could upend the November’s election, in which the Republican seeks to return to power.

The 12-strong New York jury huddled for almost five hours before the judge sent them home for the night, ready to resume on Thursday.

Jurors -- whose identities have been kept anonymous for their own safety -- worked in a separate room, leaving 77-year-old Trump and the rest of the court to wait and guess at any developments. Before being dismissed, the jury asked to reexamine testimony from two witnesses and also to hear again the judge’s instructions on how to interpret the law.

After weeks of testimony from more than 20 witnesses, the piercing glare of the legal spotlight is now entirely on the dozen ordinary New Yorkers.

“You must set aside any personal opinions you have in favor or against the defendant,” said Judge Juan Merchan, before sending them to their work. AFP

NATO meets as pressure on to let Kyiv hit Moscow

the

in

visit to Spain and Portugal comes as Ukraine has been battling a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which began on May 10 in Moscow’s biggest territorial advance in 18 months. AFP

IN BRIEF

Korea fires ballistic missiles across border

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – NATO foreign ministers meet in Prague on Thursday in the face of growing calls for leading allies to lift restrictions stopping Kyiv from using Western weapons to strike inside Russia.

The two-day gathering in the Czech capital is meant to focus on efforts to hammer out a package of support for Ukraine at NATO’s summit in Washington in July.

But the swirling debate over whether to let Kyiv use arms sent by Western backers to strike inside Russia risks overshadowing the meeting.

Ukraine has been pressing its supporters -- chiefly the United States -- to allow it to use the longer-range weaponry they supply to hit targets inside Russia.

The United States and Germany have so far refused to permit Kyiv to strike over the border out of fear that it could drag them closer to direct conflict with Moscow.

In Moscow, meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry on Thursday said it neutralised 13 Ukrainian aerial drones in the southern Krasnodar region and close to the annexed Crimean peninsula.

On Thursday morning, “five Ukrainian aerial drones were shot down by anti-aircraft defence systems in the Krasnodar region,” the ministry said in a statement.

Another eight drones were intercepted during the night “over the Black Sea, close to the Crimean coast”, the statement added.

The Russian army also said it had destroyed two Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea that were “heading for Crimea”.

Eight tactical ATACMS missiles were shot down by Russian air defence systems over the Sea of Azov, near Crimea.

Ahead of the NATO meeting -which starts with a dinner on Thursday -- alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said repeatedly it was time for members to reconsider those limits as they hamper Kyiv’s ability to defend itself.

French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to shift the dial on Tuesday when he said Ukraine should be allowed to “neutralise” bases in Russia used to launch strikes. German chancellor Olaf Scholz, however, remained less committal, saying Ukraine should act within the law -- and Berlin had not supplied the weapons to hit Russia anyway. AFP

UN warns of disease risk after PNG landslide as residents dig through tons of earth for kin

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guin-

ea – Survivors of a deadly Papua New Guinea landslide face a “significant risk of disease outbreak” and are yet to receive sufficient food and clean water supplies, a United Nations agency said Thursday.

Six days after a mountainside community was buried in a sea of soil, boulders and debris, the United Nations’ migration agency said water sources had become tainted and the risk of disease was soaring.

Much of the area’s water flows

through the landslide site -- now a 600 meter-long graveyard.

“The creeks now flowing from the debris are contaminated, posing a significant risk of disease outbreak” the UN’s migration agency told partners in a rapid assessment report.

“There are no methods being used to treat the water to make it safe for drinking,” it said, warning of diarrhea and malaria.

For much of the past week, residents of Yambeli and Lapak wards have been digging through countless tonnes of

earth in the search for buried relatives.

Eyewitnesses reported the stench of dead bodies had become overwhelming.

Local officials said between six and 11 bodies had been recovered.

Getting clean water, purification tablets and “lifesaving food supplies” to the site were listed as top priorities by the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The landslide also severed the main road to and from the community and the link has yet to be cleared. AFP

Rafah battles intensify as Israel takes over Gaza-Egypt border

RAFAH, Palestinian Territories – Rafah residents reported intense artillery shelling and gunfire Thursday in Gaza’s farsouthern city after Israel said it had seized a strategic corridor on the Palestinian territory’s border with Egypt.

The Israeli military launched its incursion into Rafah in early May despite international objections over the fate of Palestinian civilians sheltering there. A strike over the weekend that started a fire and killed dozens in a displacement camp drew a wave of fresh condemnation, including a social media campaign with the slogan “All eyes on Rafah” that has been shared by tens of millions of users. Israel, which has repeatedly vowed to

destroy Hamas after the Palestinian militant group attacked southern Israel on October 7, said on Wednesday its forces had taken over the 14-kilometre (8.5mile) Philadelphi corridor on the GazaEgypt border, which it suspects was used for weapons smuggling. Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced Israel had taken “operational control” of the narrow border area, where he said troops had “discovered around 20 tunnels”. Egypt, a longtime mediator in the conflict which has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of the Israeli operation, has rejected claims of smuggling tunnels running beneath the buffer zone. AFP

for the South in a statement, saying they were justified retaliation for anti-Kim propaganda sent northwards by activists.

North Korea also hit back at the UN Security Council, which will hold a meeting Friday to discuss the failed satellite launch, which violated a raft of UN sanctions on Pyongyang’s use of ballistic technology.

Early Thursday, Seoul’s military said it had detected the launch of what is suspected to be “around 10 short-range ballistic missiles,” fired into waters east of the Korean peninsula.

The missiles flew around 350 kilometers, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, calling the launch a “provocation” and saying it was analyzing the specifics alongside the United States and Japan. AFP

Taiwan detects 38 Chinese warplanes

TAIPEI – Taiwan’s defense ministry said Thursday it detected 38 Chinese warplanes and 11 navy or coastguard vessels around Taiwan in the past 24 hours, a week after Beijing encircled the island in a massive two-day military drill. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it will never renounce the use of force to bring it under Beijing’s control.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said 28 of the Chinese aircraft had crossed the median line, referring to a line bisecting the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China.

The military deployed planes and ships in response, a ministry statement said.

The latest report comes during visits by United States congressional delegations, the first since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te on May 20. Days later Chinese warships and fighter jets encircled Taiwan in drills that Beijing said were a test of its ability to seize the island.

During the two-day exercise, China vowed that “independence forces” would be left “with their heads broken and blood flowing”.

Beijing has in recent years upped military pressure on Taiwan, maintaining a near-daily presence of warplanes, drones and naval vessels around the island.

Experts say these are “grey zone tactics,” which stop short of outright acts of war but serve to exhaust Taipei’s military. China said Lai’s inaugural speech amounted to calls for independence, “pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a perilous situation of war and danger”. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

UNO-R sepak takraw bets soar high in ROTC Games

BACOLOD—The University of Negros OrientalRecoletos Airmen soared high at the expense of their Western Visayas State University counterparts in the debuting sport of sepak takraw in the Philippine ROTC Games Visayas leg here Thursday.

Carried by the core of its varsity squad, UNO-R outclassed WVSU 157, 15-6 in the regu finals at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University in completing a golden treble at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University High School gym.

It was the third gold for the charges of UNO-R sepak takraw varsity coach Richard dela Cruz after ruling the men’s double and quadrant competitions of the meet backed by the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education.

On the other hand in the Army division, Iloilo Science and Technology University, University of Antique and Carlo Hilado Memorial State University took top honors in the doubles, quadrant and regu contests, respectively, of the sportsfest also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Bacolod City government led by Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.

“This was really a team effort by my players for these victories. They played well in all three sepak takraw events,” noted Dela Cruz of the success of his team’s success as it gets to play in all three contests in the Philippine ROTC Games nationals in Indang, Cavite in August.

“I would like to thank all of my teammates for our victories. Our hard work and sacrifices paid off,” said

team captain and tekong (server) JunEyr Padua, whose consistent serving also served as key to UNO-R’s last triumph. The coach also revealed that his team will likewise get to represent the Negros Island Region in the Private Schools Athletic Association nation-

als scheduled in late July in Legazpi, Albay. In boxing staged at the Robinson’s Bacolod Activity Center. Army cadet James Darwin Masangya won by unanimous decision over Jhunren Ignacio in the men’s bantamweight finals while Gilbert Vere Jr. also out-

classed Christian Moses 5-0 for the gold in the men’s featherweight class. John Paul Bullido stopped Vaness Liboon in the first round for the mint in the lightweight division while Bene Tabaco-an was just as impressive in knocking out Jobert Caramohan in the second round of the light welterweight finals.

Altas Spikers aim for 5th straight title in season 100

By Dennis Abrina

LAS PIÑAS CITY—After capturing their fourth straight title in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament recently, the Perpetual Altas Spikers made a courtesy call on their Team Owner, Dr./ BGen. Antonio L. Tamayo, Chairman/ CEO and Founder of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on Tuesday at his office.

Multi-titled coach Sinfronio ‘Sammy’ Acaylar and back-to-back Most Valuable Player Louie Ramirez led the Altas’ tribute to the team owner and his son Anton Tamayo, who is the current team manager of Perpetual Altas Athletes.

“You have achieved history in the NCAA and in our school to record 14 titles in men’s volleyball under the leadership of Coach Sammy. We are all honored for this as a true-blooded Perpetualite,” said the elder Tamayo.

Generals. Dennis Abrina

Acaylar and Ramirez presented their elegant NCAA Season 99 trophy, which they secured after their thrilling championship series against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, whom they swept in two games in a best-of-three

showdown to formally annex their 14th title in the 40-year-old tournament.

“It’s an honor to be able to play and bring honor to the entire Perpetualites, so this is all for you,” Ramirez said. The NCAA MVP played his 5th and

final year for the team. Ramirez said he is transferring the leadership mantle to Season 99 Finals MVP Jefferson Marapoc in preparation for the league’s centennial celebration next year.

With an eye on a 15th overall title in NCAA season 100, the Altas Spikers also hope to match their “five-peat” record achieved from 1985 to 1989.

Along with Ramirez who will graduate this year are Michel Medalla, setter

JC Enarciso, libero John Philip Pepito and Paul Teodoro, while still with the team are 2nd middle blocker awardee

JC Andrade, Kirth Rosos, Klint Mateo, James Pascua, Kobe Tabuga, Exequiel Lituania, Dexter Arrozado, John Castil, Christina Tayonton, Dave Lares and Christian Taytayon.

“For now, we are celebrating, we are on our break. But after two weeks, we are back in training again in preparation for the next season. Our new recruits are coming in to join the training,” Acaylar said.

Nueva Ecija grabs share of cage lead, Batangas wins

NUEVA Ecija shared the lead while Batangas showed its depth on Wednesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. As expected. the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards overpowered the Muntinlupa Cagers, 86-57, in the opener to tally their eighth straight victory and join San Juan and Quezon Province at the helm of the 29-team tournament.

The Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, on the other hand, bucked the absence of four key players to subdue the Bataan Risers, 73-69, in the nightcap. Despite missing Levi Hernandez, Cedrick Ablaza, Jeckster Apinan and MJ Dela Virgen due to various injuries, Batangas still managed to control the tempo of the game and even surged ahead, 51-37, midway through the fourth quarter.

Juneric Baloria, the lone starter left, carried the load for Batangas with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, while CJ Isit backed him up with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

Other Rum Masters who delivered were Darwin Lunor with 9 points and 4 rebounds, Mark Cruz with 8 points, and Kris Porter and John Ambulodto with 7 points each.

They are there for good reasons PERPETUAL High School (Las Pinas City) Batch 88 invites bowling enthusiasts

I see people who are happy to join the team and are really eager to be here and that’s the most important thing I always said for your country. You can be a brilliant player, but if you are not spiritually with the team, then forget it,” head coach Tom Saintfiet said.

Monis, Kristoffer Reyes, Zico Bailey, Adrian Ugelvik, Scott Woods and Finn McDaniel. There is no better way for them to wear the uniform than making their debut against formidable and perennial foes. The men’s national football team, at least most of the players, are in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates for a training camp in the last four days as part of their preparations for the away games in Vietnam on June 6 and against Indonesia on June 11. Fifteen players plus two goalkeepers are already in the camp. The rest will follow after finishing club commitments.

“We have added players who really love to play for the country. I see smiling faces,

Saintfiet explained they based the list on the games against Iraq and acknowledged the disappointment of some people including players who were not included. Again, he came up with the perfect answer.

“My goal is not to win tomorrow. My goal is to build a legacy for Philippine football for the coming five to seven years. We want to play in the 2027 Asian Cup and to aim for the 2030 World Cup,” Saintfiet said.

As of now, no friendly or tuneup game has been announced before the crucial games in hostile territories nevertheless the Philippines needs to win both matches to entertain any thoughts of advancing to the next round of the World and Asian Cup qualifiers.

“We know it will be tough and I won’t say that we are gonna win but the intention that we have is to face Vietnam first and try to get three points there,” Sainfiet added. The call up list, as always, was met with

mixed reactions. There were several names present and some more popular names were not included. Some people likewise pointed out that at least two players are nursing injuries but still their names were called. Some also questioned the presence of another player who barely saw action for his mother club over the more established names in the position. I also heard that no invitations were sent to the Pabebe Azkals Wannabes which is for me, a big step forward by Coach Tom Saintfielt and company. Let’s concentrate efforts to bring those who really want to play for flag and country rather than waste another minute on those who have remained non-committal for the longest time. But then again, it is Saintfiet’s call to make.

“I’m very happy about the level of training. I’m very happy with the quality of players, of the organizational infrastructure so I can’t complain as a coach. I’m a happy coach,” he explained.

Rather than dwell on the perceived negatives, I would rather see the positives in the lineup assembled by and his coaching staff. Of course, there are several reasons why these are the players who will play against Vietnam and Indonesia. And one of them probably is that they are the ones who said yes.

Meanwhile, another basketball league is set to unfold in July. The Perlas ng Silangan Basketball League or PSBL, hopes

to be several notches above the usual cage league in the country by tapping into communities not only obsessed by the country’s number one sport but also bringing into the fore opportunities to benefit residents and small businesses of local government units (LGUs) fielding teams in the league.

“Perlas ng Silangan Basketball League hopes to provide the venue for young basketball talents in the country and we will do this by partnering with LGUs and local businesses. Our partners will then set up their teams from as young as eight years old all the way to 21 years old. We have at least six age brackets,” said Christian Ensomo, founder of PSBL. Ensomo also said that the PSBL is not only supporting grassroots programs for basketball but whole communities as well. LGUs which are participating can also showcase their local micro small medium enterprises, tourist destinations and local brands during the tournament. The league aims to have at least 16 teams competing in several age brackets initially in the National Capital Region for its initial tournament. Eventually they aim to bring the league to other regions within the year. PSBL will have a formal media launch on June 12, 2024 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

‘Four-peat’ champion Perpetual Help made a courtesy call on University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Founder and Chair Dr./BGEN Antonio Tamayo on Tuesday to present the crown it won in the recent NCAA Season 99 men’s indoor volleyball tournament against the Emilio Aguinaldo College

CJ Isit delivers for Batangas.

UNO-R’s Reinmar Caribala scores a point near the net against Western Visayas

State University in the Air Force sepak takraw regu finals yesterday of the Philippine ROTC Games Visayas leg at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University High School Gym in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Swiatek survives Osaka fightback

PARIS—Defending champion Iga Swiatek escaped from match point down against Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open third round on Wednesday, while Carlos Alcaraz overcame a scare of his own as persistent rain caused widespread disruption to the tournament.

Swiatek outlasted fellow fourtime Grand Slam winner Osaka 7-6 (7/1), 1-6, 7-5 in a breathtaking second-round clash, livening a gloomy day in which 23 singles matches were postponed until Thursday.

World number one Swiatek won the last five games of the match to keep her bid for a third successive Roland Garros title on track. Justine Henin was the last woman to achieve the feat in 2005-07.

She is attempting to become only the fourth woman in the Open era to lift four Roland Garros titles and just the second -- after Serena Williams -- to complete the clay-court treble of Madrid, Rome and French Opens in the same season.

“This match was really intense, much more intense for the second round than I ever expected,” said Swiatek, who fought off a break point on Osaka’s serve while trailing 5-3 in the deciding set.

“Naomi played amazing tennis and maybe she is going to be a claycourt specialist in a while!” Osaka, appearing at only a second Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter last July, was on the cusp of her biggest win since returning to tennis at the start of the year but took a philosophical view to an agonising defeat.

“I cried when I got off the court, but then, you know, for me, I kind of realise I was watching Iga win this tournament last year, and I was pregnant. It was just my dream to be able to play her,” said Osaka, now ranked 134. AFP

Alas Pilipinas to remain intact, eyes strong finish in SEAG ‘25

THE Alas Pilipinas’s breakthrough bronze medalclinching performance in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women that ended on Wednesday was the first stop of the rejuvenated women’s volleyball program’s mid- and longterm goals.

“The intention is to keep this team intact with additional athletes from the college ranks,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara on Monday, the morning after Alas Pilipinas repeated over a taller Australian side, 25-23, 25-15, 25-7, to secure a historic podium finish fash-

ioned out before another wildly-cheering jampacked crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“It’s a breakthrough, it’s historic, and the obvious next step is to keep this team intact and make it stronger and much more competitive,” Suzara said. “And next year, in the SEA Games, I believe we’ll have a very strong fighting chance.”

The 33rd SEA Games will be in Thailand in late 2025. Suzara also reiterated that the federation wanted Jorge Edson Souza de Brito to remain as head coach of the women’s program—the Brazilian is due to end his tour of duty in the country next month and has been assigned to Chinese Taipei under the FIVB empowerment program.

De Brito is serving out the last of his three-year FIVB contract and saved his best for last—the Alas Pilipinas were put together barely two weeks before the AVC Challenge Cup for Women but immedi-

ately created an impact with their chemistry and teamwork.

Staying put in the national team are Jia Moradode Guzman, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Eya Laure, Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, Jennifer Nierva, Sisi Rondina and Vanessa Gandler who all play in the Premier Volleyball League. From the collegiate ranks are De La Salle’s Angel Canino, Julia Coronel and Thea Gagate and joining them are National University’s Aly Solomon and Bella Belen and University of the East’s Casiey Dongallo. “It’s a potent mix,” said Suzara of the Alas Pilipinas’s combination of veterans and youngsters who will guarantee succession in the organization.

Before Sunday night, the Philippines never finished better than fourth place in an Asian level competition but had its hey days in the SEA Games as gold medalist from 1977, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1987 and the last in 1993.

Zamboanga puts top contender status on line vs. Grandjean

SECOND-RANKED atomweight MMA

contender Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is sticking to the positives despite losing yet another shot at a ONE World Title.

With ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex pulling out of their championship showdown last week because of a torn meniscus, Zamboanga will now put her top contender status on the line when she battles Noelle Grandjean at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on 8 June at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Zamboanga could’ve easily waited for Stamp to recover and take her chances then, but the Filipina isn’t built that way. Always betting on herself, “The Menace” opted to stay active and is grateful that ONE still gave her the chance to compete.

“Let’s pray for a fast recovery for our champ,” Zamboanga said.

“We didn’t expect these things to happen. [To all my fans] thank you for

IRONKIDS gears up for Subic Bay adventure Sarines, Tan coast to Junior PH Golf Tour Pradera romps

LUBAO, Pampanga – Lisa Sarines triumphed in the girls’ 11-14 category of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon

all your messages, I’m doing okay. I’m thankful that ONE Championship and Khun Chatri [Sityodtong] has given me a chance to still fight on [June 8],” she added.

“We will not give up on this dream. We will still continue to work hard to get the chance to fight for the World Championship again. God has purpose in everything. Just keep on trusting him.”

With this move, Zamboanga risks once again losing her status as this division’s next title challenger, with Grandjean planning to use her as a stepping stone to the division’s elite.

For Zamboanga, such is the name of the game. People can either sulk or power through unexpected roadblocks.

This fight will prove her desire to overcome all obstacles and make her case for greatness even more undeniable.

“I don’t have any choice. I have to take it. I’ve been in this position before, I just have to suck it up and keep going,” Zamboanga said.

Series 2, scoring a wire-to-wire victory with a 72, while Geoffrey Tan dominated the boys’ side at the Pradera Verde

Golf and Country Club here yesterday (Thursday).

Sarines, who finished third in the JPGT’s kickoff leg at Splendido Taal, secured her first series win by holding onto her overnight four-stroke lead over Levonne Talion, despite a shaky front nine stint that featured three birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey. Her even-par card in the final round brought her to a 54-hole total of 223, five strokes clear of twin sister Mona.

Talion, who seized solo second with a 76 Wednesday, fell five strokes behind with a frontside 37. Despite a birdie on the 12th, she missed opportunities to close the gap, bogeying two of the last five holes for a 74 for a 229, enabling Mona Sarines, who also matched par 72, to snatch runner-up honors at 228. Series I champion Precious Zaragosa struggled to an 82 and ended up fourth with 248.

“There was pressure because Mona started making more birdies than me, and I knew she could catch up if I made a mistake on any hole. I was aware

she could easily take advantage,” said Lisa, 12. Despite this, she relied on her mother’s advice “to just manage the pressure.”

“I was able to handle it (pressure) in the end,” added Lisa, who acknowledged the need to improve her long game, putting and course management.

“This win means a lot to me, and I’m happy that I won.”

Tan, meanwhile, marked his JPGT debut with a resounding 19-stroke victory over first leg winner Vito Sarines with a closing 70. He took a commanding 12-stroke lead after 18 holes following an impressive two-under 70 and stretched it to 18 with a 73 in the second round. Despite some struggles, including dropping two strokes on the fifth hole and bogeying the next, Tan’s closing two-under card secured a total of 213, well ahead of the 19-player field, setting a record early in the series.

Vito Sarines finished way back at 232 after a 71, while Zianbeau Edoc placed third at 237 after a 76.

to showcase their skills in a non-timed race focused on fun and participation when the Choco Hero IRONKIDS is held on June 8 in Subic Bay. Open to kids aged 6 to 15, the swimbike-run features various categories. Participants in the 13-15 age group will tackle a 250m swim, 6km bike and 2km run race. Younger age brackets include 11-12 (200m swim, 4km bike and 1.5km run), 9-10 (150m swim, 4km bike and 1.5km run), and 6-8 (and 100m swim, 2km bike and 1km run). Adding to the weekend’s excitement is the relay competition, with mixed team categories for ages 11-15 (200m swim, 4km bike and 1.5km run) and 6-10 (100m swim, 2km bike and 1km

“This event goes beyond competition; it’s about providing exposure for these enthusiastic

said Princess Galura, Regional Director of the organizing The

Group. “We are proud to nurture the future stars of Philippine triathlon.” Registration continues until race week. For details, or visit http:// ironkidsphil.com/site/ or social media accounts ironkidsphil on Facebook and Instagram.

The IRONKIDS, which serves as a prelude to the highly anticipated Century Tuna full-distance IRONMAN Philippines and the IM 70.3 Subic Bay on June 9, has long complemented the IRONMAN series, nurturing talent and promoting an active lifestyle among children, fostering values like discipline and sportsmanship while curbing gadget addiction.

Meanwhile, registration for the main events, the full

Members and coaches of the Alas Pilipinas show off their Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women bronze medals. They are joined here by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino.

Lisa Sarines (left) and Geoffrey Tan display their ICTSI JPGT Luzon Series 2 medals. Manny Marcelo

WHAT’S INSIDE?

RCI defends treasury share sale

Diesel plant shutdown averted

Alternergy gets P2-b green

Recto supports trucks’ exemption from toll increase

Secretary Ralph Recto

FINANCE

said he supports the exemption of trucks transporting agricultural products from toll hike and providing them with rebates starting June 1 ,2024 to reduce food inflation and ensure stable food prices for Filipinos.

“I thank our government agencies as well as our partner toll expressway concessionaires and operators for their full cooperation. This measure will prevent the second-round effects of toll rate increases onto food inflation and ensure that we keep food prices stable and affordable for our consumers,” Recto said.

The initiative was led by the Department of Finance (DOF), the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), with the support of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Tollways.

The Agri-Trucks Toll Rebate Program caters to truckers that are accredited by the DA and have valid Autosweep and/or Easytrip RFID accounts.

Once enrolled and approved into the system, toll rebates will be credited to the truckers’ RFID accounts every Wednesday of the following week. Darwin G. Amojelar

Gov’t debt surpassed P15-t mark as of April

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE national government’s debt breached the P15trillion mark for the first time as of end-April 2024 because of new fund-raising activities and the depreciation of the peso against other currencies, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said Thursday. P15.02 trillion

Data from the Treasury showed that outstanding debt amounted to P15.02 trillion as of end-April, up 0.61 percent from the end- March 2024 level.

This was due to government net financing and the impact of local currency depreciation on the valuation of foreign-currency-denominated debt, the BTr said.

It was also up 7.95 percent, or more than P1 trillion, from P13.9 trillion in April 2023.

The Treasury said of the total debt stock, 31.36 percent was external debt and 68.64 percent represented

BRUNEI VISIT. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual shakes hands with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Pascual expressed strong support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Brunei Darussalam, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit underscores the enduring strength of the economic relationship between the Philippines and Brunei which encompasses political, defense and sociocultural ties.

domestic debt.

The end-April domestic debt level of P10.31 trillion was 0.30 percent higher than the end-March 2024 level. The increment resulted from the P27.23billion net issuance of government securities and the P3.78 billion effect of peso depreciation on foreign-currencydenominated domestic debt.

Since the beginning of the year, domestic debt increased by 2.90 percent and by 9 percent from a year ago.

National government external debt increased 1.3 percent to P4.71 trillion from the end-March 2024 level. Al-

though there was a net repayment of

P32.91 billion in foreign loans within the month, the considerable depreciation of the peso caused a P109.31-billion upward adjustment in the local valuation of US dollar-denominated debt.

This was partly offset by the P15.91-billion downward adjustment brought about by the opposite movement of third- currency debt. External debt also increased P110.38 billion, or 2.40 percent, from its end- December 2023 level and by P255.42 billion or 5.74 percent on a year-on-year basis.

The government guaranteed obligations increased by 2.89 percent from its end-March 2024 level to P356.06 billion as of end-April 2024.

The BTr said the growth was due to the net availment of domestic guarantees amounting to P7.54 billion and the impact of peso depreciation on foreign-currency-denominated guarantees amounting to P3.80 billion.

Gov’t debt as of end-April 2024

P14.93 trillion P13.91 trillion

Gov’t debt as of end-March 2024

Gov’t debt as of end-April 2023

Cement makers laud DTI for suspending non-compliant importers

LOCAL cement manufacturers lauded the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for bolstering the Philippine manufacturing sector through its enforcement action against noncompliant cement importers.

The Department of Trade and Industry said its Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) suspended the permit and issued a show cause order to Newgate Import Export Corp., relative to their importation of blended hydraulic cement under Bill of Lading No. N23.2/23.

The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) said the recent action of the DTI-BPS sends a resounding message that non-compliance and unfair trade practices would not be tolerated. It said the suspension was made after the DTI’s action in Iloilo to conduct an intensified monitoring of cement imports coming in to the country.

“The impact of the DTI’s actions extend beyond the cement industry itself. A strong and competitive local

cement sector is vital in supporting the Philippines’ continued infrastructure development and economic growth,” CEMAP said in a statement.

CEMAP said it has been sounding alarms about the excessive and unfairly priced volume of cement importation that heavily harms the already beleaguered local cement industry. It said local manufacturers invested billions in ensuring local construction and cement products meet the highest quality and safety standards, as

BAY REHAB. The Department of Public Works and Highways marks on May 24, 2024 the 5th anniversary of the ‘Sagip Manila Bay Program’. Since the launching of the DPWH Sagip Manila Bay Program in 2019, thousands of projects were undertaken by the department in various areas including water management, solid waste management, social preparation and relocation and habitat and ecosystem management. To improve Manila Bay’s water quality, the DPWH Bureau of Equipment, Unified Project Management Office – Flood Control Management Cluster dredged 26.53 million cubic meters of silt and sediments along Manila Bay and its tributary waterways in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon in five years.

Business

group

supports amendments to CREATE law to help manufacturers

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it supports Senate Bill 2654, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) bill. PCCI president Enunina Mangio said in a letter to Senate committee on ways and means chairman Sherwin Gatchalian that the CREATE MORE bill is crucial for the survival and growth of businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The bill is also seen to attract more

foreign direct investments (FDIs). Mangio pointed out inconsistencies in the CREATE Act specifically the limit on the applicability of value added tax exemption on importation and VAT zero-rating on local purchases by registered export enterprises.

“This situation not only disincentivizes local suppliers of manufacturers inside freeport zones; it also puts manufacturers/exporters at a disadvantage as they must now absorb the VAT passed on to them by their local suppliers, and which they pass on to the consumers making them uncompetitive in the global market,” she said.

mandated by Philippine regulations.

The cement manufacturing sector generates more than 1 percent of the gross domestic product, providing 130,000 direct and indirect jobs to Filipinos across various sectors.

CEMAP said the influx of substandard, carbon-intensive cement products from cement importers had undermined the industry’s progress, creating an uneven playing field, stifling economic growth and endangering countless livelihoods and end-users.

Cebu Pacific to start Kaohsiung flights in August

CEBU Pacific said Thursday it is expanding its reach in Taiwan with new direct flights to Kaohsiung starting Aug. 16, 2024.

Kaohsiung will be the CEB second destination in Taiwan, granting passengers more affordable options to visit Taiwan. The airline also flies twice daily to Taipei, the capital city and economic center of Taiwan.

Cebu Pacific is offering for as low as P1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges from May 30 to June 13 for the Kaohsiung flights. The travel period is from Aug. 16 to Oct. 25, 2024.

“We are very excited to launch direct flights to the wonderful city of Kaohsiung. With the growing interest among passengers to travel to new destinations, we hope that this launch will encourage them to add another destination to their itinerary or cross off one they’ve been looking to visit,”

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said.

The budget airline earlier expanded its operations to Thailand with the launch of direct flights to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) starting July 16, 2024.

The launch of direct flights to DMK further increases the budget airline’s flight frequencies between Manila and Bangkok to 17 times weekly.

Cebu Pacific flies between Manila and Bangkok through Suvarnabhumi Airport twice daily.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Pacific Online lone bidder in PCSO’s digital betting platform

PACIFIC Online Systems Corp., an online lottery equipment provider, emerged as the lone qualified bidder for Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s five-year e-lotto digital betting platform.

Pacific Online said in a disclosure in a stock exchange Thursday it received a notice from PCSO that its bid was declared as the “single calculated bid for the procurement of fiveyear lease for web-based application betting platform”.

“As the single calculated bid, the bid submitted by the corporation will be subjected to post-qualification review by the PCSO-SBAC (Special Bids and Awards Committee). Should there be no issues raised during postqualification, it is expected that the PCSO-SBAC will be issuing its Notice of Award,” Pacific Online said.

Pacific Online signed a memorandum of agreement with PCSO for the one-year trial implementation of a web-based application betting platform in August last year. The trial period started Dec. 31, 2023.

PCSO aims to develop and promote more marketable, adaptable, resilient and trendy betting platforms through the e-lotto digital betting platform, taking into account the evolution of the gaming market and the advancements in technology.

PCSO has no facility that sells lotto ticket online. Interested lotto players will have to purchase lotto tickets to over 7,700 lotto outlets nationwide.

PCSO earlier said it expects to double its revenues and charity fund with the launch of e-lotto.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PSEi

THE country’s main composite index plunged deeper Thursday, falling below the support level of 6,400, on continued concerns about lingering high interest rates.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 39.66 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 6,371.75, while the broader all-shares index dropped 26.17 points, or 0.76 percent, to end at 3,425.57.

“The current environment is becoming a concern, a far departure from the optimism we saw at the start of the year,” veteran stockbroker Jonathan Ravelas said.

“Not only yields are rising again in the US but they are moving higher in other parts of the world. That is not good news for any stock market,” he said. US stocks also tumbled as higher Treasury yields fueled pessimism.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said while the odds for US Federal Reserve to raise rates are currently low, it is not completely off the table.

Value turnover remained moderate at P5.06 billion.

Among the sectoral indices, only the holding firms ended in green, rising by 0.38 percent.

Property declined by 1.49 percent followed by industrial and services, which dropped by 1.27 percent and 1.14 percent, respectively.

Asian markets fell Thursday, with traders tracking losses on Wall Street fueled by concerns over rising Treasury yields and fading hopes for US interest rate cuts.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Roxas & Co.: Treasury share sale ‘above board’

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROXAS & Co. Inc.

(RCI) affirmed to shareholders that its recent treasury shares transactions were “above board.”

“The matters related to the disclosure of the shareholders is subject to the Data Privacy Act and does not have to be disclosed,” RCI chairman Pedro Roxas said. Roxas responded to a question by a shareholder about recent treasury shares, which were sold at discount, and the identity of the buyers during the firm’s annual stockholders’ meeting Wednesday.

He also said the Securities Regulation Code only requires a company to disclose the identity of a buyer if the shares acquired exceeded five percent of the company’s outstanding capital stock. The treasury shares sold at that time did not reach this threshold.

“We respect the privacy of our counterparties in our transactions. However, we can assure the shareholder that the treasury share transactions are above board. They were properly approved. The terms and conditions were armslength,” he said.

RCI sold 66.93 million treasury shares on Jan. 16, 2024 at P0.44 per share

Meanwhile, Roxas also said the sale of treasury shares to Stonebridge Corp., equivalent to 9 percent of the company’s capital stock, was sold on installment payments.

His advances, on the other hand, were converted into shares under a special contract approved by the RCI board.

Stonebridge is owned by wife of then RCI independent director Aurelio Montinola. It purchased 250 million common shares in the company on May 3, 2024 at P2 apiece.

Montinola resigned as director of the company, but was elected as a regular director of the company’s board for 2024.

Roxas also said that the sale of treasury shares at P2 per share was not sold at a discount.

“At the time that the sale was agreed upon, the P2 per share is a 35-percent premium to 30-day VWAP or volume-weighted average price, and also a 60 percent premium to the 60-day VWAP,” Roxas said.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Megaworld Corp. signed an agreement on May 21, 2024 officially designating the P817.5-million Arcovia City a certified IT park.

“Megaworld’s commitment to nation-building is evident through their active participation in the country’s ecozone program. By establishing

new zones, we can host global players in the IT-BPM industry, thereby giving more opportunities for Filipinos,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

Megaworld’s chief strategy officer Kevin Tan emphasized the partnership’s role in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a top investment destination as he sees ecozones as key drivers of growth.

Both parties aim to generate inter-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LISTED SPC Power Corp. expects an additional 500 megawatts of new power generation capacity in the next five years.

“As the government continues to pursue its thrust in building-up the country’s renewable energy mix in the coming years, SPC is currently developing several solar power projects in various locations in the Visayas, as well as in a hydropower plant in Mindanao,” SPC chairman Alfredo Henares said.

Henares did not disclose other project details but said SPC is also evaluating a stand-alone battery energy storage system (BESS) to support the

est, engage and entice housing more local and international investors through the establishment of cuttingedge ecozones.

They expressed the shared dedication to advancing the ecozone initiative, which ultimately contributes to the nation’s economic growth and job creation for Filipinos.

GRAB Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz was named Business Leader of the Year at Campaign Magazine’s Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific.

The award-giving body recognized Vera Cruz said pivotal role in achieving and maintaining the strong growth momentum of the leading superapp in the Philippines post-pandemic.

Under Vera Cruz’s helm, alongside Grab Philippines’ all-Filipino leadership team, the superapp grew its presence in over 100 cities across the country.

The growth was instrumental in promoting a more balanced regional development, primarily through the introduction of GrabCar and GrabFood in more areas in the Visayas and Mindanao regions – with offerings that are tailor-fitted to the needs of the local communities.

As Grab continues to expand its presence, its economic contributions have consequently grown substantially.

A recent study by the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Center for Research and Communications (CRC) found that every peso spent on Grab generates an additional P3.42 for the economy, highlighting the platform’s notable economic multiplier effect. Activities on Grab also translated to an estimated GDP contribution of P37 billion to P165.6 billion from 2019 to 2021.

Grab Philippines said it would continue to focus on the creation of affordable product solutions like GrabCar Saver and GrabFood Saver Delivery, and the generation of viable livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.

The recent UA&P-CRC study also found that the Grab platform reduced unemployment by 1.1 percent to 1.6 percent between 2019 and 2021, which aligns with Vera Cruz’s focus on driving Grab’s role as a key engine of the Philippines’ economic growth.

“I am both honored and humbled to be named Business Leader of the Year at the Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific. I share this honor with the many Filipina business leaders and changemakers, as well as with all Grabbers,” Vera Cruz said.

Arcovia City’s designation as an IT park is one of 13 proclaimed by President Marcos Jr. in the first half of 2024. These designations represent a total investment of P4.85 billion. PEZA said Megaworld’s participation is expected to inspire other real estate developers to join the government’s ecozone program.

grid power stability and prepare for any related market potential.

“Overall, SPC is targeting an additional 500 MW of capacity in the next five years...The company will remain steadfast in seeking out potential acquisitions or new projects that will ensure the sustainability of our business over the long term,” he said. SPC executive vice president James Roy Villareal said the company would focus this year on sustaining current operations and RE projects.

Megaworld, with its affiliates, manages nine economic zones. The economic zones house 221 registered businesses that generated $3.29 billion in exports in 2023 and employ over 160,000 Filipinos.

“The board as of last year has approved a capex of P2 billion for its projects and this will be funded through cash and other financing activities. We will be spending it on RE growth projects,” Villareal said. He

Alsons’ diesel plant gets ERC clearance, averts shutdown

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS Consolidated Resources, Inc. received a provisional approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the Western Mindanao Power Corp. (WMPC), a diesel facility in Zamboanga City, thus avoiding its imminent shutdown.

“We are pleased to announce that we have received a resolution from the Energy Regulatory Commission in relation to our ancillary service procurement agreement, or ASPA, with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines,” Alsons deputy chief financial officer Philip Sagun said

MAP throws support for Meralco franchise renewal

By Othel V. Campos

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said it strongly supports the renewal of the Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) franchise, citing the electric company’s commitment to reliable electricity service, green energy initiatives, customer empowerment programs and social responsibility efforts.

“We urge the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises to favorably consider Meralco’s positive impact and approve its franchise renewal, thereby ensuring stability in the power sector and ultimately serving the best interests of the Filipino people and the Philippine economy,” the group said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, former Senate committee on energy vice chairman, earlier said they would scrutinize Meralco’s performance once its franchise application is submitted to the Senate.

“These franchise renewals, my view always is that we have to use this opportunity to review the performance of the grantee. And that’s a good way of putting accountability to the grantee,” Gatchalian said.

“So, I will look at the performance of Meralco. The price, for example, since they buy power, and the service which includes connection, brownouts, speed of repairing lines etc,” Gatchalian said.

“For me, I have to look at the performance of Meralco before I can say whether to support it or not,” the senator said.

during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

“This interim relief provides us the opportunity to implement the firm ASPA contract awarded to WMPC for dispatchable reserve, reactive power support, and black start service,” he said. Sagun said that once clarifications

are made with the ERC on certain matters pertaining to the ASPA, the WMPC could continue providing electricity, supporting the muchneeded grid stability and Zamboanga Peninsula.

“We are in the process of procuring the necessary fuel to ensure the uninterrupted operation of WMPC,” he said.

WMPC warned last week the diesel plant might cease operations, causing rotating brownouts in Zamboanga City and nearby areas due to fuel constraints.

WMPC said its non-firm ASPA expired on April 25, 2024, and while NGCP awarded a new firm ASPA to WMPC in April 2023, its implementation was pend-

ing approval from the ERC. Under a non-firm ASPA, power plants are not guaranteed to provide ancillary services to the power grid at all times.

WMPC faced P50 million in losses from January to March 2024. Power plants holding new firm ASPA contracts receive provisional authority from NGCP while power plants with non-firm ASPAs, such as WMPC, were deprioritized in the arrangement.

Alsons chairman Nicasio Alcantara said the company anticipates a continued rise in power demand, aligned with the country’s projected economic growth of 6 percent to 7 percent this year.

PIPELAYING PROJECT.

DTI: Dali stores comply with SRP, price tags

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said all 82 branches of Dali Everyday Grocery complied with the suggested retail price (SRP) and Price Tag Law during routine checks from January to April 2024.

The DTI said retail establishments undergo routine monitoring to ensure compliance with the Price Act and other relevant trade and industry laws.

It also said it took decisive actions in response to complaints raised by the Malayang Konsyumer group against Dali.

The DTI reassured Malayang Konsyumer spokesperson Simoun Antonio Salinas in a letter dated May 20, 2024 that the agency was actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices at Dali stores.

It said the investigation is part of DTI’s commitment to upholding consumer protection by ensuring fair and ethical business practices across the market.

The DTI also forwarded a portion of Malayang Konsyumer’s concerns to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), seeking further action in inspecting sanitary regulations, weighing scale issues, and other relevant matters.

The DTI, as the lead agency enforcing the Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, is responsible for monitoring the prices and supply of essential products like canned fish, marine products, processed milk, coffee, bread, salt, laundry soap, detergent, and candles, as well as prime commodities including flour, processed and canned meats, poultry, noodles, condiments and school supplies.

Dairy companies raise awareness on milk consumption for balanced diet

MILK companies are stepping up to raise awareness about the importance of dairy consumption for a balanced and healthy diet during a forum hosted by Alaska Milk Corp. (AMC) in celebration of World Milk Day Thursday.

“We, as milk brands, have a pivotal role to play. By educating consumers and ensuring access to high-quality yet affordable dairy products, we can significantly contribute to building healthier communities,” said AMC marketing director Star Estacio

The forum, titled “Celebrating the Goodness of Dairy,” brought together government

officials and industry experts.

The participants agreed on the necessity of a collaborative approach to improve both milk consumption and the development of the domestic dairy industry.

“Milk is white gold. Dairy creates an impact from end-to-end in any community, whether you are in the farms raising cows or at home preparing a nutritious meal,” said AMC managing director Tarang Gupta.

Local milk production reached 28.86 million liters in 2023, said National Dairy Administration (NDA) officer-in-charge Gavino Alfredo Benitez. Othel V. Campos

DA creates group to eliminate red tape, boost agriculture sector

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday it formed a technical working group (TWG) tasked with reviewing and reforming existing regulatory policies to streamline processes, eliminate red tape and ultimately support the growth of the agriculture sector.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel appointed Undersecretary for policy, planning and regulations Asis Perez and Undersecretary and chief of staff Alvin John Balagbag as co-chairs of the TWG. The group will build upon previous reviews conducted by DA regulatory

agencies, focusing on identifying areas for improvement.

“I created this technical working group to harmonize regulations of various agencies of the DA to promote efficiency, trim red tape, and plug loopholes and clarify ambiguities that could be exploited and abused by unscrupulous individuals,” Tiu Laurel said.

The TWG will prioritize regulations with significant impact on stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. Their recommendations, including potential repeals and amendments, will be for-

warded to the DA Regulatory Clearinghouse System for further review.

“We expect this process to lead to faster service delivery for our stakeholders, a more business-friendly DA, and increased agricultural investments,” Tiu Laurel said.

Perez said the review process may take about a year. “Our mandate is to make the DA not just a fair and efficient regulator but, more importantly, an enabler to promote the growth of agriculture,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:

Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Dumaguete Doctors Inc. will be held on July 2, 2024 (Tuesday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, to ensure the safety of our stockholders who will be attending the meeting.

For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before July 2, 2024, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_4xWX51dsT9mTMe3vNzhpPg

The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar.

The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

The Agenda:

I. Call to Order

II. Invocation

III. Determination of Quorum

IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board

V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2023 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

VI. Approval of the Y2023 Audited Financial Statement

VII. President’s Report

VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation

IX. Election of the Board of Directors 2024-2025

X. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2024

XI. Other Matters

XII. Adjournment

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2024 (Wednesday) shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at office staff at acedumaguetedoctors@yahoo. com.ph not later than July 1,2024 on or before 5:00

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form

are available at the Corporation’s website at www. acedumaguetedoctors.com

You may contact the undersigned via email office staff at acedumaguetedoctors@yahoo.com.ph or at telephone number: (035) 523 5957 if you have inquiries/concerns

Very Truly Yours,

Manila Water’s P306-million Package A and P494-million Package B sewer pipelaying projects are vital sections of the 52.5-kilometer Mandaluyong West-San Juan and South Quezon City Sewerage System. The P4.2-billion MandaWest project is targeted to benefit over 700,000 customers in Mandaluyong, Quezon City and San Juan by 2037.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), local government and company officials attend the groundbreaking for PH1 World Developers’ (PH1WD) mid-rise condominium development in Imus City, Cavite under the ‘Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing’ (4PH) program. Attending the ceremony are (from left) PH1WD general manager for horizontal developments Eric Gregor Tan, DHSUD Undersecretary Roland Samuel Young, DHSUD Undersecretary Garry De Guzman, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Imus Mayor Alex Advincula, Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra, PH1WD president Gigi Alcantara, Tata Saavedra and Imus Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan.

Alternergy secures P2-b loan from BDO to fund RE projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

A“This marks the first issuance of our green corporate loan facility under Alternergy’s Green Finance Framework,” Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said in a statement. The loan is part of Alternergy’s capital funding strategy to support

the timely construction of its renewable power projects, particularly the 112-megawatt Tanay and 64-MW Alabat wind power projects in the provinces of Rizal and Quezon, respectively, and the 28-MW Solana solar power project in Hermosa, Bataan.

The Tanay and Alabat wind projects are estimated to cost P9 billion and P7 billion, respectively while the Solana solar project has an estimated project cost of P1.6 billion.

The three new power projects will add 204 MW of new capacity by end2025 towards achieving Alternergy’s accelerated growth trajectory and helping address the country’s power supply constraints.

“As a green corporate loan, Alternergy demonstrates our commitment to sustainability by strictly adhering to the international principles, guide-

lines and standards on green finance instruments,” Magbanua said.

He said BDO has been a long-time partner of Alternergy over the years in building its portfolio as a pure-play renewable company.

“We welcome once again BDO’s leading role in our innovative sustainability-linked financial instrument,” he said.

BDO Capital and Investment Corp. acted as mandated lead arranger for this transaction. Romulo Law served as the lender’s counsel and MVGS Law was the borrower’s counsel.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it maintained its position in the World Trademark Review’s 2024 IP Office Innovation Ranking at 13th place. The ranking recognizes IP offices based on various online metrics and services offered.

It highlighted IPOPHL’s effective awareness and education campaigns, extending beyond the online realm. More than 100 trademark practitioners from 48 jurisdictions participated in the survey, with IPOPHL’s “dynamic and innovative” work throughout the pandemic getting commendation.

Participants also noted IPOPHL’s success in “spreading IP awareness among the public,” particularly within educational institutions.

The recognition is attributed to the efforts of IPOPHL’s IP Academy, a dedicated unit for IP education, research and professionalization. The academy has been actively conducting IP roadshows across various regions, bringing the world of IP closer to schools and students.

It also organizes engaging events like the IP Career Expo, IP CIRCLE League competitions and IP Homecoming programs, geared to spark students’ interest in intellectual property and showcase career opportunities in the field.

INDUSTRY stakeholders lauded the leadership of past and present officials as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The agency will hold its anniversary celebration at the Okada Manila ballroom on June 1, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the main speaker. Administrator Sonia Malaluan will lead the event, with former officer-in-charge and deputy administrator Nicasio Conti among the invited guests. Both Malaluan and Conti hail from Batangas province. Stakeholders credited them with bringing about transformative changes at MARINA. Conti, appointed by former Presi-

dent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2009 as the deputy administrator for planning of MARINA, is referred to as the “father” of the MARINA STCW Office, which was his brainchild. He played a pivotal role in the agency’s reform and modernization from 2010 to 2015. His leadership as officerin-charge administrator, from April 2012 to May 2013 also marked a period of significant progress that strengthened the local maritime industry.

Under his administration, the Philippines hosted the Diplomatic Conference in 2010 to adopt amendments to the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GINEBRA San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the hard liquor arm of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), expects to sustain its growth momentum as the group commemorates its 190th year this year.

GSMI president Ramon Ang said during the annual stockholders meeting the company has been posting strong growth over the past few years. It also delivered solid first-quarter performance.

GSMI registered revenues of P15.1 billion in the first three months of 2024, a 17-percent increase from the same period in the prior year and income from operations of P2.3 billion,

Seafarers. Conti and then-director Malaluan were the dynamic duo who ensured the success of the Manila STCW Conference.

One of Conti’s notable achievements was the designation of MARINA as the Single Maritime Administration responsible for overseeing the implementation of the STCW Convention, as formalized by Executive Order No. 75 signed by President Benigno Aquino III in 2012. The executive order resolved long-standing jurisdictional disputes among various agencies and laid the foundation for a unified national agenda focused on the protection and promotion of seafarers’ welfare.

up 40 percent from last year. Net income reached P1.9 billion, down 25 percent from previous year’s level, which included a one-time income in March 2023. Excluding this one-time gain, net income would have been higher by 38 percent. GSMI revenues reached P53.6 billion in 2023, or 13 percent higher than the previous year, driven by strong sales volumes and higher selling prices. Income from operations rose 14 percent

Cabuyao City is located about 43 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila and has an estimated population of about 355,330 residents as of latest government data.

IN BRIEF

TRANSPORT

NAIA ready to transform into world-class facility

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. prepares to transform the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) into a world-class facility and erase the main gateway’s reputation as one of the worst airports in the world.

By Sept. 14, SMC in partnership with Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), will take over the operations and maintenance of NAIA.

For many years, NAIA has been tagged as one of the worst airports plagued by congestion, outdated infrastructure and logistical nightmares.

“We are preparing. Everything that needs to be prepared, the order of all the necessary equipment,” SMC president Ramon Ang said at the sidelines of the recent Philippine Economic Briefing in Pasay City.

San Miguel Group is spending at least P88 billion within the first six years and P122.3 billion in capital investments for its entire 25-year concession period.

The project involves the improvement of the airport’s facilities to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other internationally-accepted standards.

It means modernizing the terminals, optimizing and enhancing the capacity of the airport to 62 million passengers a year, enhancing asset quality and passenger experience, improving the information and technology systems

infrastructure and ensuring reliable operations over the period of the concession.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the special purpose company formed by SMC, plans to expand two of the four passenger terminals.

“The north wing of Terminal 2 will be expanded towards the Philippine Village Hotel and Nayong Pilipino area. The south wing will be extended towards Terminal 1 after the International Cargo Complex and fuel farm are relocated,” Bautista said.

The terminal 2 expansion will lead to a jump in capacity from 9 million passengers a year to 32 million. The north concourse of Terminal 3 will be expanded to accommodate 25 million passengers a year, from 14 million.

“Also, passengers using Terminal 3 will have convenient access to the Metro Manila subway with the final station of the Metro Manila Subway’s airport service to be constructed in front of the terminal,” Bautista said, adding that the Terminal 1 would be rehabilitated, while Terminal 4 would eventually be closed once Terminal 2 was expanded.

“Terminal 4 will be repurposed as a warehouse and site of admin offices,” he said.

Passenger capacity at all terminals will eventually jump from 32 million passengers a year to 60 million.

A new remote apron will be designated for general aviation, while aircraft parking will increase from 61 to 104 bays.

Bautista said NNIC would build a three-story AirPort Express Hotel adjacent to the north wing of Terminal 2 to accommodate those who missed their connecting flights and those who have early morning departures.

“Vehicle parking outside of Terminals 1 and 3 will more than double - from 5,800 to 12,400 slots. At Terminal 1, a multi-level carpark building will rise with an area of more than 62,000 square meters, while at Terminal 3, a new five-level car park will be added to the existing carpark,” he said.

An access road will be constructed towards the north wing of Terminal 2 once expansion is finished.

Bautista said that at Terminal 3, a new 63,000-square-meter headhouse building would be constructed, equipped with the necessary airport systems and management components.

“San Miguel’s plans also include building an OFW lounge at Terminal 3 similar to that at Terminal 1,” Bautista said. “They will also undertake a retraining of air traffic controllers and construct a new sewage treatment plant.”

THE Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), has signed a P1.79-billion construction contract with EEI Corporation for the vital CAVITEX-CALAX Link (CCLink).

“This collaboration will provide the vital link connecting CAVITEX and CALAX road network. CIC is committed to ensuring the best road quality for its infrastructure, adhering to the highest standards for the safety of motorists,” Rogelio Singson, MPTC president and chief executive said.

“This project will enhance economic activities in Cavite, Laguna and the National Capital Region,” he added.

EEI Corp will construct the 1.2-kilometer, 2x2 lane CCLink (Segment 4 Extension), extending from the CAVITEX Kawit Toll Plaza to the upcoming CALAX Kawit Interchange. Construction of the link is targeted to commence

THE AirAsia Group

been awarded the

LCC in Asia for 2024 by AirlineRatings.com in its annual Airline Excellence Awards. Launched in 2001 by Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes with just two planes, AirAsia has had spectacular growth over the past two decades to become

Cavitex signs P1.79-b contract with EEI for CCLink project

D.

From left are: CIC vice president for finance

CIC president and general manager

president and chief executive

Corp. senior vice president for contracts and commercial division Anna Figuera, and EEI Corp. vice president for commercial division Christopher F. Esguerra formalized the deal for the construction of the CAVITEX-CALAX LINK segment 4 extension project.

Kawit).

EEI Corp holds a quadruple-A rating as a General Engineering Contractor, the highest rating for contractors issued by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) under the Department of Trade and Industry. It offers a broad range of construction and engineering services, with expertise in infrastructure,

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu, in addition to the toll road projects in Indonesia. next

Elnora

Rumawak;

Raul L. Ignacio; MPTC

Rogelio ‘Babes’ L. Singson; EEI

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

By Angelica Villanueva

P-POP girl group BINI recently addressed rumors spreading on social media that their hit song “Salamin Salamin” was linked to witchcraft.

Earlier, a religious content creator named Follow Jesus Ministry took to Facebook to criticize the group, accusing the single of promoting “witchcraft” and “worldly music,” urging their followers to be mindful of the music they listen to.

“Let’s choose our music wisely to nurture our souls and to bring us closer to God. Beware sa mga Christian, preachers, pastors, ministers na walang nakikitang mali sa pakikinig ng mga worldly music. ‘Salamin Salamin’ is a witchcraft song. Please wake up, church,” the post read.

Speaking at a press conference, BINI member Jhoanna said they just found out about the issue recently.

“Actually, we are not able to open social media because we are extremely busy. We just found out about that now but we cannot control other people’s minds anymore,” said the group’s leader Jhoanna.

“Actually, I saw that post. It’s funny. We just laugh when people come up with those kinds of stories and theories,” BINI Colet added. Maloi, on the other hand, called the allegation “fake news”.

“Fake news. ‘Salamin, Salamin’ is not witchcraft. It’s just that the song is just beautiful,” she said.

SHOWBIZ

BINI’s ‘Salamin Salamin’ is no witchcraft song

Despite issues relating to the group, BINI’s success continued to solidify its position as the “nation’s girl group” with projects left and right. In fact, they were recently featured in the US-based lifestyle platform Teen Vogue as one of the must-watch girl groups for 2024.

BINI took the opportunity to thank Teen Vogue for seeing their potential alongside other international girl groups.

“Well, first of all, we would like to say thank you to Teen Vogue and of course, everyone else who made Teen Vogue see that we have the potential to be one of those international girl groups to look out for and we’re very honored,” Mikha stated.

“But at the same time there’s a lot of pressure but we hope to take that pressure and be able to perform well and better and always show our best and perform on more international stages outside of the Philippines,” she continued.

The group is also gearing up for their first-ever solo concert, BINIverse, happening June 28 until 30 at the New Frontier Theater, revealing that they will begin doing rehearsals in June.

“Once June comes, that’s when we’ll start. We’re really going to train the whole day, if we can manage, seven days a week, we will do it. Because this is our first solo concert.

So, we want to give our all, our best, especially to the Blooms who really bought and spent effort just to buy

their tickets,” shared Jhoanna.

On Wednesday, May 29, the members of BINI were also named as the newest brand ambassadors for the e-commerce platform Shopee.

Shopee’s Regional Marketing Head Huiyan Pan revealed that she is part of BINI’s growing fanbase.

“And I think, you know, I’m

THE High Street fever continues to be in full swing as iWantTFC brings all the latest drama, suspense, and big revelations from the trending primetime series – with new episodes streaming for free and 48 hours ahead of its TV broadcast.

With the success of its prequel Senior High, which stirred viewers into a frenzy with its gripping take on real-life predicaments faced by today’s generation, High Street ups the ante with new mysteries and struggles each faced by Sky (Andrea Brillantes) and her Northford High batchmates as they enter adulthood.

From what was supposed to be a happy reunion for the Northford alumni, the tension continues to intensify – this time, building up on the mysterious disappearance of Z (Daniela Stranner). Things get out of hand for Sky as she is accused of Z’s abduction, which puts her up-and-coming journalist career at risk.

The plot gets thicker as new faces in the series play a significant role in Sky, particularly with the reveal of her colleagues Wesley (Harvey Bautista) and Nikki (AC Bonifacio) conspiring with Soleil CEO Tori (Dimples Romana) in pinning her for the abduction of Z—most recently altering the footage of the kidnapping incident and spreading misinformation online.

With their ulterior motives yet to be determined, vengeance also lurks behind Sky and her loved ones as Senior High culprit Governor William Acosta (Mon Confiado) regains consciousness, soon plotting his revenge.

High Street now streams its new episodes 48 hours in advance on iWantTFC. Catch it for free anytime on iwanttfc.com or through its official app available on iOS and Android. Viewers can also catch up to the craze with all episodes of Senior High and its Life After Senior High webisodes also streaming on-demand.

Keep the High Street fever rolling by watching other shows of its all-star cast streaming via iWantTFC’s Stars of High Street curated selection – featuring the best-of Andrea Brillantes, Xyriel Manabat, Zaijian Jaranilla, Daniela Stranner, Harvey Bautista, AC Bonifacio, Dimples Romana, and Angel Aquino

In the Philippines, get easy access to iWantTFC’s content library for free. Aside from portable devices, users can enjoy the iWantTFC viewing experience on a larger screen with select devices, available on Chromecast, and Airplay, among others.

Visit https://bit.ly/iWantTFC_TVDevices for a complete list of compatible devices.

definitely a fan of BINI right now.

And to be honest, this is the first time I’m seeing them perform live—that’s a whole different experience versus looking at it, you know, on the phone or on, you know, your computer or on TV. You guys were amazing and this makes me even more of a fan,” she said.

Meanwhile, BINI expressed their gratitude towards Shopee for choosing them as its newest endorser.

“We are really, really excited to work with Shopee because we, ourselves, are Shopee users. And we feel proud because Shopee is loved by millions of Filipinos,” the group shared.

Chelsea Manalo’s crowning, a long time coming

HELSEA Manalo ’s post-victory, meet-with-the-press event, has cleared any doubts on her historic, surprise upset win in Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

Wearing an elegant red suit, Manalo was charming, engaging, and oozing with confidence. She looked like a cross between Miss Universe 1995 Chelsi Smith and Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam

Before coronation night, while Manalo was on the watch-out list of possible winners, she was not even considered a dark horse. Nevertheless, her title conquest to become the first Filipina of Afro-American descent to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant has been a long time coming, considering the Philippines was a colony of the US for almost half a century, and the strong presence of Americans in the country.

Over the years, we have seen half-breed Filipinas as Miss Universe representatives, which started with half-American Lalaine Bennett in 1963. In recent years, successive half-breeds followed the likes of half-Indian Venus Raj (2010), half-Arabian MJ Lastimosa (2014), halfPalestinian Gazini Ganados (2019), half-Italian Celeste Cortesi (2022), and half-Chinese Michele Dee (2023). Not to mention, half-German Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and halfAustralian Catriona Gray (2018).

“It’s surreal, seeing the love and support that I’ve been getting, I’m bombarded with calls congratulating me, from people coming from all over the country. It’s really heartwarming, and I’m very thankful,” said this proud Bulakeña. Manalo has been getting positive

Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

feedback from global pageant followers, most interestingly, from Latin countries, a welcome sign of approval for the Meycauayan, Bulacan native.

* * * Bininibining Pilipinas holds first indoor Santacruzan

The annual Santacruzan of Binibining Pilipinas, a renowned May tradition, was held indoors for the first time at Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City. Shoppers enjoyed a procession of 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2024 candidates in intricate Filipiniana gowns.

Bb. Pilipinas-International 2001 Maricar Tolosa returned as Reyna Emperatriz, while reigning Bb. Pilipinas-International 2023 Angelica Lopez was Reyna Elena. Other notable queens included Gabrielle Basiano as Reyna de los Santos, Anna Valencia Lakrini as Reyna de las Flores, Katrina Anne Johnson as Reyna de las Virgines, and Atasha Reign Parani as Reyna del Cielo.

* * * Pageant focused on tourism and heritage launched

Preparations for the 3rd Miss Tourism Heritage Philippines (MTHP) 2024 are in full swing, with the finals set for September. MTH Philippines, Inc. also announced the first Miss Heritage Tourism International 2024, to be held in Manila in October. Titles include Miss Tourism Heritage Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR.

MTH Philippines, Inc. aims to showcase the country’s cultural diversity. Local government units are involved, with Bataan hosting the press presentation soon. Reigning queens present at the launch were Shara Maxine Barbers (Philippines 2023), Gila Marie Jardinico (Luzon), Maria Ezra Borbon (Visayas), Mariam Claire Timtim (Mindanao), and Estephanie Gaebrielle Ladignon (NCR).

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo hails from

Members of the P-pop sensation BINI are the newest brand ambassadors of Shopee

‘High Street’ revolves around the story of the Northford High alumni five years after the events of ‘Senior High’

Meycauayan, Bulacan

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

The king in his prime

Random Talk

Kate Adajar

JOSE Sixto Gonzales Dantes III, better known as Dingdong Dantes, is a Filipino actor and television personality celebrated for his versatile acting, effortlessly transitioning between dramatic and action roles in Philippine films and television series.

In the ‘90s, Dingdong’s braces added sparkle to his heartthrob smile as a cool teenage actor. Back then, his character Iñaki Torres in the hit teen Saturday series T.G.I.S. (Thank God It’s Sabado) catapulted Dingdong to stardom. It was a few years later that I recall seeing him on campus, diligently working on a filmmaking project under the class of highly acclaimed director Marilou DiazAbaya at the Ateneo de Manila.

Fast forward to May 9, 2024, Dingdong renewed his ties with GMA Network, where he reigns as the Primetime King until today.

Overflowing with emotions, Dingdong described the feeling in a mix of English and Filipino. He comfortably switches between two languages, “It felt like a birthday celebration combined with Valentine’s [Day] and Christmas. Very celebratory. I really looked forward to this because this is very important to me. I celebrate this even in my heart and mind so I was so thrilled when this is also their [GMA’s] interpretation of how to celebrate and I’m just so happy. They are giving me another opportunity to do what I love to do.”

Dingdong’s connection with GMA dates back 28 years, even including his time as a member of the Abztract dancers. He fondly remembers his first time on GMA, “My first onstage appearance on GMA was for That’s Entertainment, ‘96 or ‘97.”

That’s Entertainment, a now-defunct youth-oriented show hosted by the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, served as a launchpad for many aspiring talents in the Philippine entertainment industry.

Reflecting on that experience, Dingdong shared, “I will never forget the feeling of going on that stage. It’s still the same feeling I get after all these years. I see these as chapters in my life. Dancing was just a chapter. Another chapter opened up for acting in television, and movies. In every chapter, there’s a cycle. And after a cycle, another one begins. I’m excited that I’m still with GMA in doing projects under their platforms.”

The Primetime King teased us with his upcoming projects, “Aside from Family Feud which they can watch every day, and Amazing Earth every Friday, they should watch out for The Voice Kids very, very soon. Hopefully, there will be teleseryes for me too. I’m also excited about collaborations with GMA Pictures and joining more of the Masterclass series of GMA Regional TV.” When asked about what he hopes to maintain in his nearly three-decade-long relationship with GMA, Dingdong emphasized, “I wish to keep the good relationship with GMA. We have immense love and respect for each other. Isn’t it like that, in every relationship, when there is mutual love and respect, there are so many possibilities? If that principle is present, opportunities are

Sunshine Place introduces adult classes with Pamela Ramos

SUNSHINE Place, a premier hub for senior activities and wellness, is breaking new ground by introducing Adult Ballet classes tailored for individuals aged 25 to 40. The classes will be spearheaded by Pamela Ramos, a long-time ballet teacher and a pioneer member of the prestigious Philippine Ballet Theater Traditionally associated with younger demographics, ballet has long been viewed as a discipline primarily reserved for children. However, Sunshine Place is challenging this notion by offering adults the opportunity to delve into the elegant world of classical ballet under the tutelage of a seasoned expert. Scheduled to commence on June 1 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., the workshops cater exclusively to adults with minimal to no prior experience in ballet. Participants can anticipate comprehensive lessons covering essential ballet techniques, supplemented by introductory gymnastic elements aimed at enhancing flexibility and strength.

Pamela Ramos brings decades of experience

magnified and multiplied to do more things. For me, that’s what’s important.”

Surprisingly, Dingdong revealed that hosting Family Feud was something he never thought he could do. He candidly confessed, “I must admit, initially, I asked, ‘Is it really me you want for that? Am I fit for that? Can I do that?’ I know Steve Harvey’s version, I watch that, and I am always amused. I had that insecurity which led me to question my capability to do the job.”

“I’m not saying that it’s very easy for me now but what I mean is that I embraced it and I’ll do everything to improve. Most of all, I want to enjoy the experience. I always tell them [management], you are the ultimate judge if I’m doing things right. As long as they are happy, I am happy. So far, they are,” he went on.

Dingdong further added, “I see things as chapters, as cycles. There’s a beginning, an end, and another one starts. In this case, an engagement contract. I just always strive to become a better artist each time. After a project, I ensure that I learned a lot which I can use in my next one. And about how people perceive me, that can change. I have no control over that. What cannot change is my attitude toward what I do. That has always remained constant and that’s what I intend to do as long as I can.”

Asked if there’s anything else he wishes to pursue in the future, Dingdong aspires to delve into documentary filmmaking.

“I enjoyed it when I did a documentary on Marian in Israel,”

to the table. She formally took and passed the Royal Academy Examinations from Primary to intermediate level. From there, she went to the School of Ballet and Dance Arts and trained under Vella C. Damian, where she eventually became a junior faculty at the age of 13. During that time, she joined the Dance Concert Company, under the artistic direction of Eric V. Cruz. This opened the doors for her to join the Philippine Ballet Theatre, as one of the pioneer members of the second ballet company subsidized by the government at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Ramos took dance lessons under Tina Santos, Inday Gaston- Manosa, Julie Borromeo, Steve Villaruz, Maniya Barredo, Nicolas Pacana, Lisa Macuja, Nonoy Froilan, Joy Coronel, Tita Radaic, William Morgan, and Robert Barnett. She also took teaching seminars under Alicia Alonzo of Cuba and Christine Walsh of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB) before joining The Oscars under the tutelage of Bobby Ongkiko

After her stint at The Oscars and getting married, Ramos momentarily retired from dancing and teaching. But as the saying goes, a dancer will always be a dancer, and for Ramos, dance teaching is her passion so she went back to teaching and now, she is the Artistic director of her own ballet school, the Little Ballerina School of Dance.

For further information and registration, interested individuals can contact Sunshine Place via phone at (0917) 801-6440 or email at hello@sunshineplaceph.com.

Stay updated on Sunshine Place’s latest offerings and events by following them online via http://www.sunshineplaceph.com/

he shared, referring to his wife, Marian Rivera, also known as GMA’s Primetime Queen, who was a judge at Miss Universe 2022. “I have a couple of ideas which I wish to turn into documentaries. In particular, I am interested in the ‘90s culture as compared to today’s P-Pop culture -- the dancers’ era.”

Among his many projects, Dingdong holds a special place in his heart for his first appearance on GMA as a member of a dance group at the age of 16 or 17. “That would have to be the moment when I first stepped on the GMA stage. That was when things got clear to me that this was what I wanted to do. True enough, I still get to do it even 28 years later, every day, whenever I go up on stage, I get that same feeling.”

“This is it,” Dingdong said, “I am happy that even when I’m already 43, I still get to do it.”

Dingdong inspires many with his passion, dedication, and commitment as he juggles his entertainment career with raising a loving family with his wife Marian and their children Zia (8) and Sixto (5) and active involvement in non-government organizations. Dingdong joined the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. or MOWELFUND as part of the Board of Trustees and was elected just a few days ago as a member of the Board of Directors in the actors-led group, Aktor PH. Dingdong currently holds, together with his wife Marian, the record of the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time for the movie Rewind

PMCC

PENTECOSTAL Missionary Church of Christ or PMCC (4th Watch) pays tribute to its late Chief Executive Minister, Apostle Arsenio Ferriol, who passed away peacefully on May 19. He was 88.

Ferriol’s significant role as a devoted servant of God became one of the strong pillars of the entire PMCC, according to the church.

“As an apostle, he embodied genuine goodness, unwavering faith, and wisdom in representing the kingdom of God. His dedication to God, the church, and his family made him an inspiring example for the entire PMCC (4th Watch),” the PMCC said.

“His faith and calling to serve the Lord Jesus Christ led him to establish the PMCC, and from then on, Apostle Arsenio became the father in faith of millions of people all over the world,” it added.

“While we will miss him dearly, we are determined to uphold his apostolic legacy and pass it on for future generations until the return of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior,” PMCC Bishop Jonathan Ferriol said in a statement. The late PMCC leader is survived by his wife, Evangelist Leticia Ferriol, Ed.D., and their children, namely Bro. Dennis Ferriol, Bishop Jonathan Ferriol, Bishop, and Marikina City 1st District Councilor Samuel Ferriol, Pastor Arlet Joy Guerrero, Kalinga party-list Rep. Irene Saulog , and Presbyter Levi Ferriol.

Memorial services for Apostle Arsenio Ferriol are scheduled until today at the Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol Sports Complex in Imus, Cavite.

“We extend an invitation to all who were touched by Apostle Ferriol’s life to join us in commemorating his memory,” the PMCC said.

Primetime King Dingdong Dantes has been in the business for 28 years

NICKIE

By Abigail Adriatico

PRECOLONIAL

artifacts play a significant part in making sense of the past and connecting it with the present. However, such relics often face the unfortunate outcome of being lost in time, which makes the uncovering and preserving of these treasured pieces an important act to behold. Aiming to

Reuniting long lost relics of the past

Ayala Museum, Bangko Sentral ng

its discovery decades ago.

The Surigao Treasure is a collection of gold objects ranging

1981 working hunters, more

from bowls to accessories from the ancient polity of Butuan in Northeastern Mindanao, which was accidentally found by heavy machinery operator Edilberto Morales on April 27, 1981 while working on an irrigation project in Surigao del Sur. As it had led to treasure hunters, dealers, and collectors to search for more gold in the area, it had inadvertently caused many pieces to be lost.

treasures from Surigao

Throughout the years, the Ayala Museum and the BSP as well as collectors like National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and his wife Cecilia , have been collecting and preserving these precious objects.

Curated by Dr. Florina Capistrano-Baker, a former director of the Ayala Museum, the Reuniting the Surigao Treasure exhibition will bring the one thousand gold items from the Surigao Treasure that the Ayala Museum has on display together with the 38 gold objects loaned from the BSP’s collection.

“When we opened Ayala’s permanent exhibition entitled

from

Gold of Ancestors: Precolonial Treasures in the Philippines in 2008, little did we know or even dream that Ayala’s gold collection would one day be reunited with the… other gold finds,” said Capistrano-Baker. She further said that the reunited pieces in the exhibition were recovered from a single culture area that was associated with the ancient kingdom of Butuan. The collaboration between the Ayala Museum and the BSP allows for the research of archaeologists, metallurgists, and art historians when it comes to the kingdom from precolonial times to move forward.

“We thank and applaud the leadership of Ayala Foundation and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for their vision and their trust and for making this extraordinary exhibition possible,” said Capistrano-Baker. The Reuniting the Surigao Treasure is on view at the Ayala Museum until 2027.

Opulence Design Concept debuts

Dolce & Gabbana Casa at Greenbelt

collaborating with master events stylist Gideon Hermosa to reveal breathtaking floral installations inspired by D & G Casa’s signature motifs: Carretto Siciliano, Blu Mediterraneo, Leopardo, and Zebra. The

individuality and selfexpression, transforming every living space into a vibrant sanctuary of style.

“We are beyond thrilled to bring Dolce & Gabbana Casa’s stunning audacity of design to the Philippines, which stays true to our vision of amplifying Filipinos’ ability to craft a

Several celebrities and guests share a toast during the event Dolce & Gabbana Casa includes several home pieces like dinnerware

Opulence Design Concept

The Opulence Pop-Up Store will be at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk for two months

From left: Ayala Museum senior director Mariles Gustilo, Ayala Foundation chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Eli Remolona Jr, Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino, and exhibition curator Dr. Florina Capistrano-Baker

The Surigao Treasure serves as a link to the past regarding the ancient kingdom of Butuan

Thousands of pieces from the Surigao Treasure were first uncovered in 1981 by a heavy machinery operator

One of the 38 gold pieces loaned to the Ayala Museum’s collection from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

The Ayala Museum has been recovering some of the lost gold pieces from the Surigao Treasure, with its collection eventually reaching more than one thousand objects