Manila Standard - 2024 June 5 - Wednesday

NEDA Board okays lower tariff for rice

By Charles Dantes, Darwin Amojelar and Othel Campos

THE government seeks to bring down rice prices to P29 per kilo for low-income households following the approval of a tariff reduction on rice, chemicals, and coal briquettes to make these items more affordable.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Bal-

isacan said the Comprehensive Tariff Program for 2024-2028 was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The program reduces tariff rates on rice imports to 15 percent for both in-quota and out-quota categories, down from the previous 35 percent.

SAFE REFUGE. Evacuees rest inside an evacuation center set up at a school in a village in Canlaon, Negros Occidental province, central Philippines on June 4, 2024 following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano yesterday. AFP

A SUBVARIANT of the so-called “FLiRT” strain of COVID-19 has been detected in the country in May, the Department of Health said. “It may be likely that there were

lier KP.2 cases, but because of limited sequencing we have not detected and reported this earlier,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

variants have

150-hectare township is surrounded by the first and only golf course in Boracay, comprising around 15% of the entire

Marcos assures aid as Canlaon City declares state of calamity

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday vowed continued government assistance to residents affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption, as a state of calamity was declared by the Canlaon City government. In a video message, the President said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are actively managing the situation and providing support.

Approximately 170 families or 796 individuals have been affected.

“We have distributed sleeping kits in La Castellana and there are already

tations on their spike proteins, which experts said may make it easier for the variants to evade people’s immunity, according to Yale Medicine

The KP.2 subvariant is now the domi-

nant variant in the US and is being monitored by the World Health Organization. The Health department, however, said the country remained at low risk

President accepts Zelenskyy invite to attend Peace Summit

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos will attend the inaugural Global Peace Summit in Switzerland on June 15, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Manila.

In an interview, Zelenskyy said President Marcos told him that the Philippines would participate in the upcoming summit to discuss global issues such as food security, nuclear security, humanitarian issues, and war between

Risa: Probe Rody over Pharmally

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

FORTY-NINE police officers belonging to the Bamban Municipal Police Station in Tarlac have been relieved to undergo reorientation amid investigations into the illegal Philippine

Mayor Alice Guo said Tuesday they would file a motion to lift her six-month suspension.

(POGOs) in

Meanwhile, the camp of suspended Bamban, Tarlac

“We will prove that the evidence is not strong. In fact, there is no evidence,”Guo’s lawyer Stephen David told Teleradyo Serbisyo.

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said former President Rodrigo Duterte should be investigated over the anomalous Pharmally transaction following the disclosures of former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Offshore Gaming Operators

Mayor Alice Guo’s hometown.

Housing projects better under PBBM

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Build, Better More (BBM) programs of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the socialized housing sector have improved significantly, which now have amenities that only the upper income class usually enjoy, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Tuesday.

“I’m happy because it turns out that we’re not just building a home for a Filipino family. There is a basketball court, swimming pool, clubhouse and other amenities that used to be seen only in subdivisions and condominiums,” Romualdez remarked during the inauguration of a housing project in San Mateo, Rizal.

“This is the dream of our President: To give Filipinos a decent place to live.

To give them the right to live with dignity. May you all live in a peaceful and safe community,” he said.

In his speech at the site visit of Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH)

Housing Project, the leader of the 300plus strong House of Representatives said that there are 170,000 housing units being built in Metro Manila alone, and distributed among 55 locations.

for COVID-19.

There is also still no evidence to show the KP.2 subvariant could cause severe to critical COVID-19 cases, the DOH said.

Recent sequencing by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center logged two cases of KP.2, two cases of JN.1.18, and 30 cases of JN.1.

“Their detection, along with the slow increase in the number of new cases and the plateau in number of occupied COVID-19 beds, aligns with the international observation that the new variants under monitoring continue to be clinically mild and manageable,” the DOH said.

New COVID-19 cases increased in the past weeks, with a total of 2,235 cases logged from May 21 to 27 – or an average of 319 cases daily, up from the previous week’s 202 daily average. All regions, however, remained to be at “low risk” for COVID-19.

As to hospital bed utilization, only 14 percent or 174 out of the 1,235 dedicated COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied as of May 27. Severe and critical COVID-19 cases stood at 185 or 10 percent of total hospital admissions.

The Department of Health – Bureau of Quarantine last month went on “heightened alert” for the new FLiRT 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.”

While not imposing the mandatory use of face masks, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Jose Ines instructed terminal housekeeping service providers to disinfect items and locations where passenger contact exposure is high, such as check-in counters, immigration counter tops, and plastic trays used for final screening of passenger luggage and items.

During the oversight hearing by the House appropriations committee, Duque admitted being ordered by Duterte to transfer P47.6 billion in COVID-19 funds from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).

“I am not surprised by former Secretary Duque’s revelation,” Hontiveros said. Since Duque made the statement under oath, Hontiveros said the former President should be included in the investigation, especially since it can be proven that he was introduced in 2017 to Pharmally officials by his special adviser Michael Yang.

According to Hontiveros, Duterte should at the very least explain the policy considerations that resulted in his directive to Duque. As the Ombudsman continues its Pharmally probe, the senator hopes it will take Duque’s revelation into account. Hontiveros said she believes the wheels of justice will soon grind and all those liable in robbing the nation’s coffers during the COVID-19 pandemic will be held liable.

“This is on top of the thousands of housing units being undertaken in Luzon, Visayas all the way to Mindanao, which includes the 20 ongoing projects currently in “various stages of construction and development,” according to Secretary Jerry Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

“This is the dream of our dear President: To provide housing for all Filipinos, to give them the dignity they deserve, for them to live a peaceful life in their chosen community where they have a decent livelihood and where everybody is safe from harm,” the Speaker said.

“Isa lamang ito sa napakaraming housing projects na ipinapatayo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

sa buong bansa. Malinaw po ang utos ng Pangulo: Tiyakin na may sapat na pondo ang lahat ng proyekto at programang inilaan niya para sa ikabubuti ng mga Pilipino,” the Speaker said.

(This is just one of the many housing projects that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is building. throughout the country. The President’s order is clear: Make sure that all the projects and programs he has allocated for the good of the Filipinos have adequate funds)

Romualdez said the national government remains on track with their original target of building one million housing units every year until President Marcos’ six-year term in 2028 ends, so as to fill the housing gap, or the 6.5 million backlog in housing units.

benefit from that. This is crucial, as I emphasized, because world prices are still increasing,” Balisacan said.

“The Department of Agriculture is aiming for a reduction of P29 per kilo, at least for the poor, because we will complement this tariff reduction with the direct subsidies to the poor and vulnerable so that at least they could access the food, the P29-per-kilo rice,”

Balisacan said.

The government will offer various forms of subsidies to help low-income families reach the P29 per kilo target, which includes discounted rice from the National Food Authority through Kadiwa centers.

Another option is via cash transfers channeled through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and expansion of the DSWD’s food stamp program.

Balisacan said the lower tariff rates will benefit all Filipinos, not just the poor, as this would counter rising global rice prices and prevent further inflation.

“Overall, with the tariff reduction from 35 to 15 percent, everybody will

“If we don’t reduce the tariff, with the increasing world prices compounded by 35 percent tariff over and above that, prices and inflation will remain to be a very serious problem. So with this, we expect those upward pressures and rice prices to ease,” the NEDA chief added.

The tariff adjustment will take effect after an executive order is issued.

Based on the latest inflation report of the Philippine Statistics Authority in the past three months, rice contributed about two percentage points (or over 50 percent) to the headline inflation, Balisacan said.

The NEDA Board also approved the CTRM’s recommendation to reduce the tariff on certain chemicals and coal briquettes to improve energy security and reduce input costs.

“Tariff reduction on coal will help ensure its availability at reasonable prices, thus supporting more stable electricity prices and supply in the country” Balisacan said.

“Given our present energy constraints, this reduction will be timely

between President Marcos and Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader was pleased with the participation of the Philippines in the said summit.

Ukraine and Russia.

“He said that the Filipinos would support the summit. I said it is very important for him to come and he said he will come and he will participate in the summit,” Zelenskyy said. In a tweet shortly after the meeting

In his earlier address, Zelenskyy criticized Russia and China for undermining the peace summit, citing the two superpower nations were convincing other countries to not take part in the event.

Moreover, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil

SEIZED AND DUMPED. A Coast Guard official shows a video of the food supplies seized and dumped into the ocean by the China Coast Guard. The supplies were air dropped last May 19 for Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre. PCG

Taiwan extends visa-free entry to Filipinos until July 2025

By Rey E. Requejo

TAIWAN has extended for another year its visa-free entry policy for Filipino travelers until July 31, 2025. This came after the island state’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that Filipinos are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay up to 14 days, effective August 1. However, the visa exemption is not applicable to aircraft or ship crew who will be boarding to report for duty.

Aside from the Philippines, Brunei and Thailand are also entitled to the 14-day visa-free privilege.

According to BOCA, passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Travelers are also required to present hotel reservation records, contact information in Taiwan, and proof of appropriate financial resources for border inspection.

BOCA added that the visa extension was made in order to “tie in with the promotion of the ‘New Southbound Policy’ and improve the visa policy for nationals of New Southbound countries to come to Taiwan.” The visa-free program for Filipinos resumed on Sept. 29, 2022. It was previously extended until July 31.

as we steadily work toward implementing planned investments in transmission facilities and renewable energy infrastructure in the coming years,” he added.

Balisacan said the chemicals proposed for reduction are inputs to manufacture antiseptics, detergents, and medical research.

Reducing the tariff on these inputs will help lower production costs and improve consumer welfare, he said.

The reduced tariff rates on corn, pork, and mechanically deboned meat under last year’s Executive Order No. 50 were also maintained until 2028 to ensure a stable supply of these commodities and enhance food security.

The Department of Agriculture, for its part, said it emains confident in achieving its target of producing 20.44 million metric tons of palay this year, despite the challenges posed by El Niño.

“We’re optimistic since it’s still early June. We’re still aiming for that. We’re doing our best to achieve that,” said DA Undersecretary Chris Morales, who heads the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program.

confirmed that the Philippines would participate in the summit but has yet to finalize the details of the country’s attendance.

President Marcos welcomed Zelenskyy in Malacañang for an unannounced meeting between the two leaders days after they participated in the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where they failed to meet due to time constraints.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the 49 police officers will be assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of the Police Regional Office-3, Central Luzon. PRO-3 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies will be taking over the responsibilities of the officers, including nearby Tarlac City and the towns of Concepcion and Capas. As for the reassigned officers, “They will undergo what we call focused reformation and reorientation for police officers, or what we call the FORM,” Fajardo said. The reorientation would be held at the PNP Training Service School for Values and Leadership in Subic in Zambales. Earlier, the town’s chief of police was also relieved following the March 13 police raid of POGO establishment, Zun Yuan Technology Inc.

“If you may recall, this is not the first time that we relieved police officers and many of them are commanders. It’s not only our ordinary police officers who are involved in illegal activities, neglect of duty or serious irregularity in the performance of duty because we are also holding their immediate supervisors accountable, which include chiefs of police,” Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, a six-month suspension has been imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman on Guo including municipal officials Edwin Ocampo, and Adenn Sigua in connection with the graft charges filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

13,000 family food packs prepositioned in Negros Island with an additional 40,000 food packs and other non-food items on the way,” the President said.

“Our air assets are also on standby for a quicker response. I assure you that our government is ready and continuously providing support until everyone safely returns to their homes,” he added.

Marcos further urged residents near the affected area to stay out of the fourkilometer radius permanent danger zone and follow guidelines set by local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Canlaon City Council has officially declared a state of calamity across the entire city.

This announcement, posted via Facebook by City Councilor Angel AmadorSoliva, came in the heels of a special

session where the council unanimously approved the “Resolution for the Declaration of the State of Calamity Due to Volcanic Eruption.” This recommendation was put forth by the Canlaon Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

The eruption has affected a significant number of individuals, totaling 23,622 across several barangays, including Masulog, Pula, Linuthangan, Malaiba, and Lumapao, due to the release of volcanic ash.

Canlaon City Mayor Jose Cardenas highlighted the immediate need for hygiene kits for evacuees currently housed in two evacuation centers across five barangays.

As for provisions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that there are ample family food packs ready for distribution to the affected population.

Secretary Gatchalian said there are currently 10,000 relief packs available, which will be allocated to both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The President has instructed the DSWD to coordinate closely with local officials in Canlaon City.

“We’ve been in constant communication with the governor, congressmen, as well as mayors in both Negros Occidental and Oriental since last night,” Secretary Gatchalian emphasized.

As of the latest update, Mt. Kanlaon has been placed under alert level II by PHIVOLCS, with recorded seismic activity of 43 earthquakes and plume emissions reaching a height of 5,000 meters. The eruption last six minutes on Monday night. Experts said emergency centers housing close to 3,000 evacuees are at risk from ashfall and mammoth mud flows coming from the volcano. Heavy ashfalls can collapse roofs of houses and

gum up jet engines.

Canlaon city, in Negros Oriental province, ordered people living next to rivers downstream of the volcano to leave their homes and said non-essential businesses should shut.

Multiple flights to and from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental province and the nearest major airport to the volcano, were cancelled.

“The smoke has dissipated already,” Robert Araneta of the Negros Occidental provincial disaster agency told AFP.

“We’re not seeing any threatening activities from the volcano. Some municipalities can still smell the sulfur.”

Photos and videos posted on Facebook and verified by AFP showed a dusting of ash on roads and buildings.

The Philippines is located in the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire” that hosts more than half of the world’s volcanoes. Kanlaon is one of 24 active volcanoes in the archipelago nation. AFP

IN BRIEF

Manibela threatens 3-day strike on June 10

TRANSPORT group Manibela on Tuesday threatened to hold a threeday strike from June 10 to June 12, Independence Day, to protest the looming apprehension of public utility vehicles that have failed to consolidate under the government’s PUV Modernization Program.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena believes the government could not impound unregistered PUVs all at once.

“We will not travel starting June 10 to 12 so that they (government agencies) could feel what they say is 81 percent, especially here in the National Capital Region. We (really) don’t want to do this. We understand that (strike) would be very difficult, especially for our passengers because it is rainy season,” he said.

He said unconsolidated PUVs are not violating any law since they still have valid franchises from the House of Representatives.

During a congressional hearing, lawmakers agreed to allow them to register their units for a year, and that unconsolidated jeepneys be allowed to continue plying their routes to give them time to see the benefits of joining the PUV modernization program, he said.

“It is clear that in the congressional hearing, it was agreed that there is no catch and there is absolutely no violation that you are unconsolidated to impound your vehicles. We are here to remind the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board that we have already agreed with Congress that we will be extended for one year. We will (also) be allowed to register so that our colleagues can continue to work,” he said. Rio N. Araja

BOC exceeds May collections by 2.68%

THE Iloilo City government is preparing for the possible health effects of the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, particularly if volcanic ash reaches this city due to wind direction.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Donna Magno, in an emergency press conference on Tuesday, said the local Department of Science and Technology informed them that particles could possibly mix with rainclouds.

“We plan to meet with them to discuss further the possible scenarios should the activity of Mt. Kanlaon continue. Right now, we are on Level 2, and we hope it will not worsen,” she said.

City Health Officer Dr. Annabelle Tang said among the primary concerns are respiratory effects, like coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and bronchitis; and irritation of the eyes and skin. They are also preparing for the psychological impact on residents.

Preventive measures include the wearing of face masks, preferably the N95 type or steonger kind, and goggles to prevent eye irritation.

Kat Pimentel is special envoy to the UAE PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Ma. Anna Kathryna “Kat” Yu Pimentel as the Special Envoy to the United Arab Emirates for Trade and Investment.

Pimentel took her oath of office before President Marcos on June 4, 2024, accompanied by her husband, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and family members.

“I am profoundly honored by the trust and confidence President Marcos has placed in me,” said Pimentel. “My mission is to help in the strengthening of our investment and trade relationship with the UAE.”

Pimentel also attended the courtesy call of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Pimentel brings a strong commitment to bolstering the economic ties between the Philippines and the UAE.

Pimentel has been active in various international forums on investment and economic cooperation hosted by UAE, including the World Government Summit in February 2024, United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP 28 last December 2023, Dubai Airshow and Dubai Watch Week in November 2023, Dubai Expo, and Techspo Dubai.

Senators hail Marcos signing of ‘Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo’ Law

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATORS anticipate a much better performance from public school teachers after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally signed Republic Act (RA) 11997 or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Law, which provides them annual teaching supplies allowance of up to P10,000.

Senator Ramon Revilla, Jr., principal author and sponsor of the legislation, led the list of Upper Chamber lawmakers in thanking the President for enacting the measure. He said the additional ‘chalk allowance’ will be a great help to our state educators.

“Sa mga guro, ito po ang ipinangako namin, ito na po—na-deliver na (To

the teachers, this is what we promised (you), here it is. We have delivered),” Revilla said in a video shared after the ceremonial signing of the law in Malacañang on Monday, June 3.

Senator Sonny Angara, who coauthored the law, said the increased allowance will eliminate out-of-pocket expenses of teachers. He acknowl-

edged that state educators are often “overworked and underpaid,” thus they “should always be supported.”

“Initiatives such as this will go a long way in showing our appreciation of what they do for our children’s development,” Angara said. He supported the measure in the Senate over the past five years as when he was still working as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Under the 2020 General Appropriations Act, a total of P3.25 billion was allocated for the P3,500 teaching supplies allowance of over 930,000 teachers. From 2021 onward, the teaching supplies allowance was raised to P5,000 for each teacher, even before the institutionalization of the grant of these

funds and even when there was no mandate to increase the budget.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, also co-author and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, recalled that the Senate passed similar measures during the 17th and 18th Congresses. He added that institutionalizing the grant of the allowance would ensure its inclusion in the national budget every year. In previous years, he said the inclusion of a cash allowance for teaching supplies depended on congressional initiatives.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, said the increase is a timely relief for our hardworking teachers, who sometimes spend their own money for school supplies.

vows support for refugees, stateless persons—DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippine government said that it remains committed to open its doors and provide support and assistance to refugees and stateless persons, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Tuesday.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla made the commitment as the government launched the country’s first National Refugee Day that will be celebrated nationwide on June 20.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 265 issued in 2023, June 20 every year is declared National Refugee Day. The proclamation mandates all agencies of the government, state universities and colleges, local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector to participate in the celebration.

“The first National Refugee Day will highlight the country’s solemn commitment to accord humanitarian efforts, provide a protected and conducive environment for refugess, asylum seekers, stateless persons, stateless applications, and persons at risk of statelessness,” Remulla said, in his speech read for him by DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez. Gov’t

SEEKING GREENER PASTURES. Filipino nurses seeking employment  in the United States line up early on Tuesday at a job fair in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Imelda Papin as an acting member of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Board of Directors.

The Presidential Communications Office posted on its Facebook account that President Marcos swore in Papin at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

PH, Bangladesh strengthen defense pact

By Vince Lopez

THE Department of National Defense (DND) reaffirmed its commitment to strong defense cooperation with Bangladesh during a courtesy call by Commodore Md Hasan Tarique Mondal, Bangladesh Non-Resident Defense Adviser to the Philippines, on May 30. During the meeting with Assistant Secretary Gavin D. Edjawan, Officerin-Charge of the Office for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs/ Assistant Secretary Financial Management, both sides highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Edjawan conveyed the DND’s intention to explore cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and peacekeeping operations, recognizing the Bangladesh’s extensive experience on peacekeeping operations, as one of the largest contributors to the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Missions.

Tarique welcomed this manifestation and conveyed Bangladesh’s willingness to share its experience and best practices with the Philippines.

The courtesy call provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on various regional and global humanitarian and security issues.

led the oath-taking of Ms. Imelda Papin as the Acting Member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office today, June 4, 2024.,” PCO announced through Facebook.

Papin previously served as vice governor of Camarines Sur. She is also known as a long-time supporter of the Marcos family.

In 2023, she produced a biographical film, which focused on her time in

Hawaii to accompany the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. and his wife and namesake Imelda during their exile after the People Power Revolution. The film had a working title “Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin” but was later retitled to “Imelda Papin: The Untold Story.” It starred Claudine Baretto in the title role and was released on November 29, 2023, according to information published in Wikipedia.

BOOK LAUNCH. The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS) and the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. held a book launch and exhibit of “Pasya, Laya, at Sining: Reshaping SRHR from the Margins” at the Novotel Manila, Cubao, Quezon City. The launch was attended by members of Civil Society Organizations, International NGOs, SRHR advocates, and government representatives.

NO TO FISHING BAN. Members of the activist group Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) stage a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy

in Makati City to condemn Beijing’s fishing ban in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

SPD anti-crime drive nets 59 suspects, drugs

THE Southern Police District (SPD) has arrested 59 suspects in a continuing crackdown against illegal drugs in the southern part of Metro Manila.

SPD director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete said the week-long anti-narcotics operation from May 29 to June 3 also resulted in the seizure of more than P2.1 million worth of prohibited drugs and other substances, including methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu; cannabis, and kush.

“This significant haul demonstrates the SPD’s unwavering commitment to eradicate the problem of illegal drugs. We thank the community for their support and cooperation in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs, aiming to build a safer and more prosperous future for all residents of southern Metro Manila,” said Rosete.

“We in the police force are serious in our campaign against all forms of crime and illegal drugs. We will not stop until we get rid of this long-standing problem,” he said.

BARMM leaders gear up for historic summit

AHEAD of the first ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections in 2025, leaders and representatives of political parties from the region gathered at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) main office in Intramuros, Manila for the Multiparty Democracy Summit - BARMM.

The gathering was co-organized by the Comelec and the PARTICIPATE, a non-partisan and pro-democracy coalition. It marks a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and honest electoral process for the 2025 BARMM parliamentary Elections.

The Summit is also a historic first for the BARMM, serving as a critical platform to orient emerging regional political parties on the salient features of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code Implementing Rules and Regulations to discuss and address important issues in the region, and to receive updates from the Comelec on the preparations for the 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

In attendance were the leaders and representatives of 11 regional political parties, officials from theBangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), members of the academe, and civil society organizations.

Comelec excludes 5m voters from 2025 polls

NEARLY five million registered voters have been deactivated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), meaning they cannot cast their ballots in the May 2025 national and local polls. Comelec data showed a total of 4,903,415 voters have been delisted as of April 15, after the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

In a statement, the poll body said majority (4,898,744) of those deactivated failed to vote in two successive preceding regular elections as shown by their voting records. There were also 3,663 voters, who were deactivated in accordance with court orders to exclude them, while another 1,003 voters failed to validate their records.

Other reasons for deactivation included loss of Filipino citizenship (three), sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment for not less than one year (one), and sentenced by final judgment of having committed a crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government (one).

satellite internet, two laptops, two mobile printers and portable scanners, a camera, large powerbanks, and two sets of 5KVA generators that can be used as a source of power supply and internet connection for communities in times of exigencies.

Mother sells two-month-old baby for P60k, faces tra icking charge

By Rey E. Requejo

BABIES are not merchandise for sale. A 23-year-old mother from Catarman, Northern Samar found this out the hard way when law enforcers arrested her after she vended her two-month-old child for P60,000 in an entrapment operation last June 1.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a criminal case against the mother whose identity was not disclosed.

The DOJ through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) said on Tuesday the mother was charged with violation of Sections 4 (g), 6 (a)(d)(o) of Republic Act (RA)

OFW APP. OFW party-list Rep. Marissa ‘Del Mar’ Magsino launches OFW app assisted by Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Secretary Ivan Uy, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Arnell Ignacio, Department of Migrant orkers Secretary Hans Leo Cacda and Labor Undersecretary David Almirol, Jr. Norman Cruz

9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended, in relation to RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

IACAT said the mother was apprehended during the entrapment operation staged in Barangay Narra in

Catarman town. The DOJ said the buy-bust operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police - Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) together with the Women and Children Protection Desk of Police Regional Office VIII, Catarman Municipal Police Station, and in coordination with the Department of Justice - Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force (Region VIII), and the Catarman Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).

“PNP-WCPC was prompted to conduct investigations on illegal adoption online when it received a letter from the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) regarding the proliferation of Facebook groups or accounts facilitating

illegal adoption and child trafficking,” the IACAT said.

During the investigation, undercover police officers who posed as buyers managed to get in touch with the mother.

The IACAT said the police officers struck a deal with “the mother who offered to sell them a two-month old child for P60,000.”

“Several days later, the police agent and the suspect agreed to meet at a restaurant in Barangay Narra where the transaction transpired,” it said.

“After the exchange, the suspect was immediately arrested. The two-month old baby and another child of the suspect were rescued and turned over to the Catarman MSWDO,” the IACAT added.

House, Senate start mending fences, sets up coordination

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives and the Senate have started coordinating on their legislative priorities ahead of the third and last regular session of the 19th Congress, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Tuesday. Romualdez told reporters he initially discussed the two chambers’ common legislative agenda with new Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday in Malacañang during the signing of the law increasing the public school teachers’ supply allowance law.

By Rosas Olarte

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol has allocated a total of P1.5-billion to fund a massive rehabilitation project for typhoon-damaged classrooms in public schools across the region, ensuring they are ready for the upcoming adjusted academic year. The initiative, which began in June, addresses the urgent need for functional educational facilities in the region, according to DPWHBicol director Virgilio Eduardo Eduarte.

In a recent “Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas” session with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA5), Eduarte detailed the allocation of P152-million, specifically for the immediate repair of 92 classrooms in Albay.

Camarines Sur, meanwhile, was provided P29-million to pursue similar projects. Eduarte explained that the broader plan included the construction and rehabilitation of a total of 300 school buildings across Bicol this June. This effort is part of a larger P1.5-billion budget dedicated to improving the region’s educational infrastructure.

The necessity for robust school

buildings has become even more pressing, as these structures are no longer permitted to serve as evacuation centers during natural disasters. To address the deficit, 59 evacuation centers have already been built across Bicol, with budgets ranging from P32 million to P45 million per facility. By 2025, the region aims to have at least 63 emergency shelters.

Calamba sets month-long jubilee a air

By Roy Tomandao

CALAMBA City—Mayor Roseller

Rizal has unveiled plans for a monthlong celebration of the city’s founding anniversary, dubbed “Calambagong Buhayani 2024.”

The events will have for its theme “Isang Dekada ng Saya at Parangal sa mga Bayani ng ating Bayan” (A Decade of Joy and Tribute to the Heroes of our Nation).

In an interview, Rizal told said the upcoming events scheduled for this month “promise a diverse range of activities that highlight the spirit of heroism and community in Calamba City.”

“From the culinary delights of Kusinang Calambeño at the Jose Rizal Function Hall on June 10 to the intellectual showcase of Talinong Rizal at the City Mall Calamba Event Hall on June 11, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” the mayor said. He said art enthusiasts can look forward to a painting competition at the Jose Rizal Coliseum on June 11, while the commemoration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day at the Jose Rizal Coliseum Function Hall on June 12 will honor the nation’s history and freedom. The celebration continues with engaging activities such as “Kwentong Bayani” sessions with local leaders, including himself and Vice Mayor Totie Lazaro at the Museo ni Dr. Jose Rizal on June 13, shedding light on the heroic tales that inspire the community, he said.

The Speaker said he and Escudero have talked about passing priority measures—and that charter change (Cha-cha) remains off the table, at least for the time being.

“Not specifically,” Romualdez replied when asked if he and Escudero discussed the issue on the sidelines of the enactment of the Kabalkan sa Pagtuturo Act at Malacañang.

“Pero siyempre isa pa rin naman na naka-pending iyong RBH ( Resolution of Both Houses) 6 sa Senate saka yung RBH 7 (But of course RBH is pending at the Senate and RBH 7). So we’ll get to that,” he added. RBH 6 and RBH 7 seek to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution by allowing more foreign ownership in vital industries such as education, advertising and public utilities. RBH 6, however, provides for separate voting for the House and the Senate in a constituent assembly, while RBH 7 provides for voting of all members of Congress.

“The Senate President and I agreed that even before the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) that in the third week of this month, we will talk. Definitely the coordination between SP and myself of course, we have each other’s numbers,” Romualdez said in a mix of English and Filipino.

CALAMBA DAY. Calamba City has lined up activities to last for one month in celebration of its founding anniversary dubbed Calambagong Buhayani 2024. In photo during the launch are (from left) Councilor Maria Katrina Silva, head of the Committee on Tourism,Cultural Social and Foreign Event. Mayor Roseller Rose Rizal, Association of Barangay Councils president. Pio Dimapilis, and Carla Boholano of the city tourism o ce. Roy Tomandao

OPINION

Grinding Grains

Honor Blanco Cabie

Honoring

the Philippine flag

FOR more than a week now, and up to June 12, street vendors have been weaving their shuffles in busy streets and avenues of the metropolis, selling small Philippine flags in the run up to the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Filipinos have been told, as from the grade schools, to honor the tricolors –35.4 x 59.1 inches (90 x 150 cm) size –because it stands for our land, people, and government.

The national flag has a rectangular design consisting of a white equilateral triangle, symbolizing liberty, equality and fraternity; a horizontal blue stripe for peace, truth, and justice; and a horizontal red stripe for patriotism and valor.

Vexillologists say the flag is a symbol of unity as it stands for the unity of the 114 million multi-ethnic and multi-lingual Filipinos from up north in Batanes to down south in Tawi Tawi.

For Filipinos, June 12 holds significant cultural and historical importance and is a reminder of the day when the Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to achieve independence from colonial rule.

Flags, which originally were used mainly in warfare, and to some extent have remained insignia of leadership, and as rallying points, are now also extensively employed for signaling, for decoration, and for display. Depending on where they fly, flags can represent freedom or control, danger or safety.

In modern times, flags are best known as national symbols – and they are used to air a country’s past, present, and future vision all in one.

The white triangle stands for equality; the blue stripe stands for peace, truth, and justice; and the red stripe represents patriotism and valor.

The eight sun rays symbolize the first eight provinces that defied and revolted against Spanish colonization: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ba-

tangas, Laguna and Nueva Ecija.

The flag – the first was sewn at 535 Morrison Hill Road in Hong Kong by Marcela Marino Agoncillo, wife of the first Philippine diplomat, Felipe Agoncillo, assisted by her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa Natividad, wife of General Salvador Natividad and niece of Dr. Jose Rizal – symbolizes the country’s independence from Spain on May 28, 1898 when Filipino revolutionaries led by General Emilio Aguinaldo recaptured the province of Cavite.

Filipinos have been told, as from the grade schools, to honor the tricolors – 35.4 x 59.1 inches (90 x 150 cm) size – because it stands for our land, people, and government

It was the day the Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time.

It took Agoncillo five days to weave the flag before handing it over to Aguinaldo who later boarded the American dispatch boat McCulloch on May 17, 1898 en route to the Philippines.

On May 28, 1898, after Filipino revolutionaries had a bloody encounter with Spanish marines, the Philippine flag was hoisted at Alapan, Imus, Cavite.

Historians say our flag, a symbol that makes our past one with the present and makes the present a foundation for tomorrow, signifies a people dedicated to liberty, justice and freedom for all. It is our companion around the world and summons confidence on sight.

‘Enemy within’: Trump rhetoric rings alarm bells

WASHINGTON, DC – The language sounds like something from an authoritarian state or the US anti-communist purges of the 1950s, but Donald Trump is increasingly focused on one target: “the enemy within.”

The 77-year-old Republican has stepped up his rhetoric against a host of domestic opponents in recent months, and looks set to go even further after his historic conviction in a criminal trial he claims -- without evidence -- was orchestrated by his political rival, President Joe Biden.

That has raised fears of a genuine crackdown on whatever the former president deems to be dissent if he wins a second term in the White House he has promised will focus on “retribution.”

“So, you have Russia, you have China. But if you have a smart president, you always handle them quite easily, actually,” Trump said in an interview with conservative Fox News on Sunday.

“But the enemy from within, they are doing damage to this country.” During his first term Trump regularly railed at the media as the “enemy of the people,” but his sweep now seems wider and more indiscriminate.

In November at a Veterans Day rally in New Hampshire, Trump declared “the threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous and grave than the threat from within.”

It was at the same rally that Trump caused an outcry by describing his domestic opponents as “vermin” and described immigrants as “poisoning the blood of the country,” remarks that Biden has compared to the language of Nazi Germany.

In February at an evangelical convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump himself evoked World War II when “our country was at war with the enemy” -but to back up his own concept of internal enemies.

“This time, the greatest threat is not from the outside of our country, I really believe this. It’s the people from within our country that are more dangerous. They’re very sick people,” he said.

Trump, who often brings up his friendly relations with autocratic leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, returned to the theme in an interview with Time maga-

zine last month.

“I think the enemy from within, in many cases, is much more dangerous for our country than the outside enemies of China, Russia, and various others,”

Trump said when asked if he would be willing to suspend parts of the US Constitution to deal with opponents.

‘Suspicion and blame’

The question is: who exactly is the enemy within that Trump talks about?

“It’s not just directed at Joe Biden, you see the increase in threats against people in the legal system, judges, prosecutors,” said Rebecca Gill, who teaches political science at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

—“—

With conservatives rallying around Trump, few GOP lawmakers are reining in the expresident’s aggressive rhetoric — or their own

In his rambling speeches, Trump has also frequently lashed out at leftwingers, the media, immigrants, communists and what the tycoon calls political elites.

“It rhymes with some of what we have heard throughout history, in fascist governments and authoritarian governments,” Gill said. “It’s definitely increasing.”

The term “enemies from within” burst onto the US political scene when senator Joseph McCarthy used it while leading his anti-communist crusade in the 1950s.

Leonard Glass, one of 27 psychiatrists who jointly wrote a book called “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump” in 2017, says Trump’s main goal in echoing the phrase now is to whip up his supporters’ anger.

Glass said it was a “repetitive evocation of suspicion and blame for all disappointments on those whose views are different. They are not seen as countrymen

Commitment to peace

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has articulated distinctly the Philippines’ commitment to peace while the odds of armed conflict in the disputed South China Sea appear high and rising.

The 66-year-old President nailed the hammer on the head when he said at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore the world cannot afford any other future for the South China Sea save the one envisioned by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN.

That vision remains, for now at least, a distant reality, but the President’s declared commitment to addressing and managing difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy cannot and must not be ignored.

There are today threats and illegal actions that continue to violate the sovereignty, the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines within the West Philippine Sea.

While the President did not mention any state in his keynote address, China’s implacable resoluteness against the

Philippines in the area has led to what some diplomatic and security analysts have described as a situation where war in the South China Sea seems more likely than at any other Indo-Pacific flash point like the Taiwan Strait or the Korean Peninsula.

—“—

The Philippines will continue to work with ASEAN and China towards an effective and substantive code of conduct, one firmly anchored on UNCLOS

It seems such unrelenting harassment is intended to test the alliance of Manila and Washington, both treaty allies under a Mutual Defense Pact signed in Washington on Aug. 30, 1951 by their representatives in Washington, DC.

The treaty has eight articles and requires both nations to support each other if another party attacks the Philippines or the United States.

President Marcos was clear: “Illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive ac-

IT’S good that in his keynote address at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. laid down in broad strokes the nation’s stand on current regional issues and concerns.

As he is chief architect of our foreign policy, he is in the best position to articulate the Philippine government’s official position on this matter.

Here’s what we gathered from his remarks.

One, the Philippines will stand on the frontlines of efforts to assert the integrity of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, as a Constitution of the Oceans.

We have defined our territory and maritime zones in a manner befitting a responsible and law-abiding member of the international community.

We have submitted our assertions to rigorous legal scrutiny by the world’s leading jurists.

So, the lines that we draw on our waters are not derived from just our imagination, but from international law.

In this solid footing and through our clear moral ascendancy, we find the strength to do whatever it takes to protect our sovereign home—to the last square inch, to the last square millimeter.

Our efforts stand in stark contrast to assertive actions that aim to propagate excessive and baseless claims through force, intimidation, and deception.

Two, the Philippines will not only be unyielding in protecting our patrimony, our rights, and our dignity as a proud and as a free country.

We will also be firm in our commitment to regional and global peace.

Amidst challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel: An open, inclusive, and rulesbased international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice.

We reject unjust narratives that seek to subsume distinct national interests into so-called ‘major country’ dynamics, which seek to impose a hierarchy amongst nations.

worthy of respectful debate, but instead are vile usurpers.”

And with conservatives rallying around Trump, few GOP lawmakers are reining in the ex-president’s aggressive rhetoric -- or their own.

Trump ally Troy Nehls, a congressman from Texas, said there would be “hell to pay” for the New York trial verdict and that there “always could be” unrest, Ax-

Three, the Philippines supports ASEAN’s efforts to build a rules-based, people-oriented, and [people-centered] regional community. Any state that professes a stake in the continued peace and stability of this region must respect ASEAN Centrality not only with words, but with action.

The Philippines is determined to be a force for the good, a force for peace, a champion of regional and global unity, and a staunch defender of the rules-based international order

All partnerships and arrangements must never displace or dilute, but rather uphold and complement ASEAN’s central role…We reaffirm our common understanding of how international law governs the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Amidst misleading narratives that seek to discredit international legal procedures, there is a need to reaffirm that those modalities are an expression of good faith. They are a service to the progressive development and codification of international law. They are never an unfriendly act.

Four, Filipinos will not be mere bystanders to unfolding world events. We are the actors that drive those events. We are the main characters in our collective story. We are the owners of the narratives of our regional community.

China’s determining influence over the security situation and the economic evolution of this region is a permanent fact.

ios reported. Some of the rhetoric swirling around Trump has also taken on an almost messianic tone.

Victoria Johnson, who teaches sociology at the University of Missouri, said it was aimed at the nationalist, Christian right that Trump has increasingly courted.

“’You’re either with God or you’re with Satan,’ that kind of thinking,” she said.

tions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdictions.

“Attempts to apply domestic laws and regulations beyond one’s territory and jurisdiction violate international law, exacerbate tensions, and undermine regional peace and security.”

The President’s message was direct and uncomplicated: the integrity of our maritime zones and our sovereignty must be respected.

This is not only a legal right but a moral necessity. By adhering to international law, we can ensure the West Philippine Sea remains a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity.

The President added the Philippines will not yield in the face of ongoing issues in the maritime region, underlining “As President, I have sworn to this solemn commitment from the very first day that I took office. I do not intend to yield. Filipinos do not yield.”

He said the Philippines will remain compliant to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award that provided the country a strong foundation for the peaceful resolution and management of disputes in Philippine waters.

Manila’s policy in the South China Sea is built upon these two touchstones, by which the Philippines will continue to work with ASEAN and China towards an effective and substantive code of conduct, one firmly anchored on UNCLOS.

At the same time, the stabilizing presence of the United States is crucial to regional peace. It’s never a choice. Both countries are important.

The continued stability of this region requires China and the United States to manage that rivalry in a responsible manner.

Five, the economic security of East Asia depends upon the freedom of navigation and unimpeded passage in the South China Sea and in the East China Sea, and the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. By virtue of geographic proximity and the presence of Filipinos in Taiwan, we have a legitimate interest in cross-Strait issues.

The Filipino people have a long history of fraternal bonds with the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. And seven, any effort to resolve maritime differences in the East China Sea and the South China Sea must be anchored on international law, particularly UNCLOS.

We must accord due regard to the legitimate interest of all parties, and respect legally-settled rights.

We cannot afford any other future for the South China Sea other than the one envisioned by ASEAN: That of a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Unfortunately, this vision remains for now a distant reality.

Illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdictions.

Attempts to apply domestic laws and regulations beyond one’s territory and jurisdiction violate international law, exacerbate tensions, and undermine regional peace and security.

The President’s speech ends with a clear call: Peace and stability must prevail, and all parties must exercise restraint on the issue.

The Philippines is determined to be a force for the good, a force for peace, a champion of regional and global unity, and a staunch defender of the rules-based international order.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

“They align themselves with evangelicals to get the votes but he clearly isn’t a religious person. It’s a strategy.” She recalled the example of retired general Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor who resigned after lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia, and is now leading a nationwide tour designed to raise an “Army of God.” AFP

HISTORIC WIN. Mexico’s presidential candidate for Morena party Claudia Sheinbaum celebrates following the results of the general election in Mexico City, on Tuesday. Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 59 percent of votes with more than 93 percent of ballots counted, according to the National Electoral Institute. That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, and nearly 50 percentage points ahead of the only man who ran, centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez. AFP

World leaders laud Sheinbaum’s

‘historic’ Mexico election triumph

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Congratulations poured in from around the world Monday after Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico’s first woman president, sparking hope for change in a country where gender-based violence has long been rife.

Flag-waving supporters sang and danced to mariachi music late into the night after the former Mexico City mayor won Sunday’s election by a landslide, the magnitude of which spooked financial markets.

Addressing cheering

crowds, the 61-year-old ruling party candidate thanked the “millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day.”

Maria Fernanda Vela, 27, said it was “an inspiration that in such a male chauvinist country, a woman has taken the top job. It fills your heart with pride.”

US President Joe Biden welcomed Sheinbaum’s “historic election” and said he looked forward to working with her “in the spirit of partnership and friendship.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, another key North American ally, also offered congratulations and said he was ready to work closely with Sheinbaum to further strengthen relations.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a fellow leftist, hailed a “victory for democracy” and vowed to deepen economic ties between Latin America’s two biggest economies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky were among other leaders offering congratulations.

Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 59 percent of votes with more than 93 percent of ballots

counted, according to the National Electoral Institute.

That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, and nearly 50 percentage points ahead of the only man who ran, centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez. Galvez, who conceded defeat after initial results were announced, complained Monday that the opposition had faced “unequal competition against the entire state apparatus dedicated to favoring its candidate.”

She expressed confidence in the official results but vowed to challenge the outcome, without specifying how, declaring: “This doesn’t end here.”

Mexican women cheered the breaking of the highest political glass ceiling in a nation where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day.

“Our society is violent, sexist, misogynistic -- and Dr. Sheinbaum as president will really be able to help change not only the laws but society,” said Lol-Kin Castaneda, 48, who waited late into the night to hear the winner speak.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people. AFP

Modi eyes victory as India counts epic vote in world’s most populous country of 1.417 b

NEW DELHI— India’s Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his allies were heading for victory at the halfway point in the country’s general election count on Tuesday, but with a reduced parliamentary majority.

His campaign deepened concerns for minority rights in the world’s most populous country, as he wooed the Hindu majority to the worry of the 200-million-plus Muslim community.

Early figures showed Modi and his coalition allies on track to win a third term with a reduced majority after a six-week-long election that saw 642 million people vote in seven stages across the world’s most populous country. Modi, 73, said at the weekend he was confident “the people of India have voted in record numbers” to re-elect his government, a decade after he first became prime minister.

But stocks slumped over seven percent on India’s benchmark Sensex index in afternoon trade, after opposi-

SAN FRANCISCO, California—

Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, has updated its rules to officially allow adult and graphic content on the platform. Adult content and nudity has been present on Twitter for years and—unlike Facebook or Instagram—was never explicitly banned even before Musk’s takeover in late 2022. The new guidelines, first reported by Tech Crunch on Monday, explicitly permit users to share adult content “as long as it is consensually produced and distributed adult

IN BRIEF

More landslides feared at PNG disaster site

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Papua New Guinea authorities have warned there is a high risk of more landslides at the site of a recent deadly disaster, with government experts demanding the area be evacuated and declared a “no-go-zone”.

A draft internal report by Papua New Guinea’s mining and geohazards department, obtained by AFP on Tuesday, warns that the highland community where hundreds are feared to have died on May 24 needs to be urgently cleared of people.

“This area has to be declared a no-go-zone,” the report warns, citing a litany of risks from further landslips, teetering boulders and underground streams.

Stating that there is a “high likelihood of further landslides to occur in the immediate future”, the report concludes that “any access to the area should be restricted to experts”.

Rescue workers have already given up on finding any survivors in the 600 meter-long scar of soil, boulders and debris left by the landslide on Mount Mungalo, in central Papua New Guinea.

But 12 days after the disaster, locals are still digging through deep mud and hauling rocks in the hope of finding loved ones. AFP

Taiwan president vows to remember Tiananmen

TAIPEI– Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te said Tuesday the memory of Beijing’s deadly crackdown at Tiananmen Square “will not disappear in the torrent of history,” in a post marking the event’s 35th anniversary.

Chinese troops and tanks forcibly dispersed peaceful protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, brutally quelling huge, weeks-long demonstrations demanding greater political freedoms.

Decades on, any mention in China of the protests is met with strict censorship.

Lai’s statement on Tiananmen comes weeks after his inauguration as president, and after China launched military drills around Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory to be seized one day.

“We will continue to work hard to keep this historical memory alive and touch everyone who cares about Chinese democracy,” Lai said in a Facebook post.

“Because this reminds us that democracy and freedom are not easy to come by, we must... respond to autocracy with freedom, face the expansion of authoritarianism with courage.”

Taiwan’s annual vigil is scheduled to take place at 6:40 pm (1040 GMT) at Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall.

Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty of Taiwan’s, which has its own government, military and currency. AFP

Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress

JERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Tuesday denied American media reports he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Netanyahu’s office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had “not been finalised,” but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday.

The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico.

Speculation about the visit comes with Netanyahu facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Biden’s administration.

nudity or sexual behavior.”

X updated the guidelines over the weekend, stating “sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression.”

Under the new policy, posting adult content is formally within the rules as long as it is labeled and not prominently displayed, such as in profile pictures or account banners.

Accounts that regularly post adult content will be required to automatically mark their image and video posts as sensitive content.

Adult content will also be prohibited for users identified as children or adult users who choose not to view it.

The policy extends to AI-generated content, animations, cartoons, hentai and anime.

X’s safety team tweeted the new guidelines would “bring more clarity to our rules and transparency into enforcement of these areas.”

Since acquiring Twitter in 2022 with the stated intention of promoting free speech, Musk has faced criticism for slashing content moderation teams. AFP

Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli threephase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power.

Netanyahu’s office stressed that the war sparked by the Oct. 7 attack would continue until all of Israel’s “goals are achieved,” including the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Women warriors to seize spotlight in full IRONMAN, 70.3 Subic meet

TWENTY-TWO fearless women are set to push their limits in the Century Tuna full IRONMAN Philippines while a formidable group gears up for a fierce battle in the IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay events kicking off Sunday (June 9) at Subic Bay Boardwalk. Leading the diverse and determined lineup in the full-distance IRONMAN is United Arab Emirates’ Svetlana Kovaleva. Competitors from Japan, Hongkong, Mexico, France, Great Britain, Singapore, Ecuador and Taiwan promise a thrilling contest of endurance across the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run race. Notably, local talents Sarah Erañ, Maryfel Aumentado, and Anne Nuñez, who topped the 18-24 age category in last year’s IM 70.3 Subic Bay, will also vie for top honors.

On the women’s side of the IM 70.3, a fierce duel is anticipated over the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run race. Contenders include Kath Lagunsad, Maypette Ng and rising stars Jamiya Mendoza and Audrey Reodica.

This year’s event, organized by The IRONMAN Group, has drawn over a thousand participants across various individual age categories and relay events, with coveted slots for three World Championships up for grabs.

Ensuring a seamless and successful event, organizers, partners and the host venue have collaborated since last year, aiming to provide an exceptional experience that also highlights local hospitality.

The men’s competition will also be intense, with Czech Petr Lukosz gunning for a second victory in three years in the full IRONMAN race. Competitors from South Africa, Korea, Singapore, Portugal, France, Kuwait, Korea, Germany, China, Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Switzerland, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Monaco, and the US will spice up the title chase.

Leading the huge Philippine contingent are athletes like Jemuel Clemente, who placed 13th overall in last year’s race, and Daniel Valdez, Ramon Abeleda, Gabb Rosario, Lexter Ansaldo, Rolando Alquero and Edgar Puru-

Battered knee casts doubts on Djokovic French Open bid

PARIS—Novak

Djokovic cast doubt over his French Open hopes after admitting he needed antiinflammatory medication to treat a knee injury as he pulled off another astonishing escape in a five-set victory over Francisco Cerundolo on Monday.

The world number one outlasted Argentine 23rd seed Cerundolo 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 for his record 370th win in a Grand Slam match as he reached a 15th consecutive French Open quarter-final.

Whether he takes to the court against Casper Ruud, the player he defeated in last year’s Roland Garros final, remains to be seen after Djokovic said he would undergo medical tests to determine to extent of the damage to his right knee.

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or after tomorrow if I’ll be able to step out on the court and play. You know, I hope so. Let’s see what happens,” said Djokovic.

“I guess we’ll do some more screening and tests and checkups tomorrow, as well. We have done some with doctor right now after the match. Some positive news but also some maybe concerns, so let’s see tomorrow.”

After a four-hour, 29-minute win over Lorenzo Musetti that ended at 3:07am on Sunday morning in the previous round, the 37-year-old Djokovic was again tested to his physical limits while being impeded by a balky knee.

The Serbian rolled through the opening set but a slip in the third game of the second led to Djokovic taking a medical timeout, and he repeatedly received treatment at subsequent changeovers.

“I started feeling the pain and asked for the physio treatment and the medical timeout and tried to take care of it. It did disrupt me definitely in play,” said Djokovic. Cerundolo, attempting to reach his first quarter-final at a major, threatened to spring an upset as he capitalised on Djokovic’s discomfort to move two sets to one in front.

The Serbian had already complained about the state of the clay in his match against Musetti, calling for it to be swept at more regular intervals.

He again took aim at the court for “screwing up” his knee and looked to be heading for his earliest French Open exit since 2009 when Cerundolo surged 4-2 ahead in the fourth set.

As he has done countless times, Djokovic displayed his immense powers of recovery to retrieve the break of serve, holding his own in the

next game before unleashing a bellowing roar to whip up a crowd that sensed the three-time French Open winner was not done just yet.

‘Maximum dose’

“At one point I didn’t know, to be honest, whether I should continue or not with what’s happening,” said Djokovic.

“I got the medications, and then after the third set was done, I asked for more medications, and I got them.

“That was the maximum dose that kicked in, as I heard now from doctor after 30 to 45 minutes, which was just about the time kind of end of the fourth when things started to really improve for me.”

Djokovic saved a break point to nudge 6-5 ahead and Cerundolo eventually was the first to blink, the top seed capitalising on a fourth set point to force a decider.

Top shuttlers Velasco, De Guzman out to defend Badminton Open titles

SMASHING hardcourt action is coming as the bigger and more competitive Philippine Badminton Open 2024 begins today (Wednesday) at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo City.

This year, the Philippine Super 500 tournament boasts a prize pool of P1,000,000 across five divisions: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Winners in the singles categories will receive P100,000 for the champion, P50,000 for the runner-up, and P15,000 for the third- and fourth-placers. In the doubles tournaments, champions will take home P120,000, runners-up P60,000, and third- and fourth-placers P30,000 each.

Mark Anthony Velasco and Mika De Guzman, both standouts from the UAAP and the national team, will defend their respective singles crowns in this tournament backed by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission,

and the MVP Sports Foundation. Velasco will try to keep the men’s title against a huge field of 200 other male shuttlers starting on Thursday, as he drew a bye into the Round of 128. It is Rabie Jayson Oba-ob of the Philippine Air Force, the tournament’s top seed, who will see action on the all-men’s singles opening day with his first-round match later in the afternoon against either Mark Arki Enseñado or Kirk Nathan Abarquez in this event also backed by Jollibee, Chowking, and the FPLA. Matches will air on the Facebook pages of Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association. Cignal will also air the knockout matches on June 11.

De Guzman, on the other hand, will not see action until Friday against Adamson University’s Danice Jhean Colao or De La Salle University’s Mia Manguilimotan in the Round of 32, in a half of the draw that also includes familiar foes such as University of the

Philippines’ Anthea

and National

In the doubles events, Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo will be gunning for

another twin championship, looking to defend their mixed doubles title starting with a battle against University of Santo Tomas’ Bien Miraflor and Rhafi Santos.

Rho storms past Ababa, Kakeru with stellar 66

CABANATUAN City—Hyun Ho Rho demonstrated his readiness for a Tour breakthrough by dominating the Lakewood course with an impressive frontside birdie run then rebounded from a backside slip with a strong finish to fire a 66, displacing Jhonnel Ababa atop the ICTSI Lakewood Championship leaderboard here yesterday.

After battling his way back from a series of challenges since his winning start in Davao last March, Ababa found himself leading the P2.5 million championship with a 67 in one of the early groups. However, he yielded the first-day honors to a hot-charging Rho four flights later, as the young Korean capped a lead-grabbing six-under card with two birdies in the last three holes.

“I wasn’t driving straight, but I hit my irons pretty close to the pin. My chipping and putting were also good,” said Rho, 19, who came into this week’s event with a winning mindset after falling short of his title drive at the recent Philippine Masters.

The 2023 PGT Q-School topnotcher went on a scoring spree right from the first shot, birdying the first hole, dominating Nos. 3 and

4, then picking up more strokes on the sixth and eighth for a 32.

A pulled tee-shot on the par-3 11th led to his lone bogey on a hot but windless day. However, he set up a five-foot birdie putt on the 16th and rolled in a 12-footer on the closing par-5 hole to wrest control in the tournament sponsored by ICTSI.

“I think it’s going to be the same thing tomorrow (today). The course is very wide, and there are good scoring opportunities despite the tricky greens,” he added.

Ababa also executed his game plan to nearperfection, putting in a 32-35. He complemented his superb driving and iron play with steady putting, finishing with eight birdies that easily negated three miscues, hardly putting a dent in his opening round bid in the 72-hole championship.

“Maganda lahat (Everything is good) – off the tee to the green,” said Ababa, who on the eve of the fifth leg of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., expressed his confidence in a strong showing on the 6,687-yard course, which he said is short by their standards.

It felt almost inevitable Djokovic pinched a break to open the fifth set. Cerundolo did not go away though, scrambling his way back on serve before Djokovic again vented his ire at the court conditions after an awkward tumble.

“Well done, supervisor and everybody,” he said sarcastically. “Not slippery at all.”

An attempted passing shot from Cerundolo had Djokovic at full stretch doing the splits, an indicator of the tremendous quality still produced from both players despite a gruelling battle that spanned four hours and 39 minutes.

Djokovic pounced on his opportunity when it arrived in the eighth game, ripping a forehand winner that clipped the baseline to earn the vital break before he sealed another incredible vic tory. AFP

Australia invited to Friendship Games

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of the 11th BIMPEAGA Friendship Games in Puerto Princesa on Dec. 1 to 5.

The games will feature competition in athletics, archery, swimming, badminton, sepak takraw, pencak silat and esports. Organizers expect at least 150 athletes and officials from each of the participating countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines).

But PSC commissioner Walter Torres, who’s on top of the Games, told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex they’ve invited Australia to take part in the event that was last staged in 2018.

“By history BIMP-EAGA was a venue to help develop tourism, trade and investment among the member countries. Then sports became a factor when it was held in 1996 in General Santos City,” said Torres, who represented the country in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as a fencer.

“And since the direction of Puerto Princesa is into sports tourism, it is also a big opportunity. The other countries will also have the opportunity to promote their activities like fiestas and celebrations, and promote their products whether in goods or services,” he added.

Joining Torres in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/ PLDT, MILO, and the 24/7 sports app in the country ArenaPlus, was PSC chairman Richard Bachmann.

“The PSC is here to ensure a good experience especially for our neighbors who are coming in,” said Bachmann, who is actually batting for the inclusion of more events, more sports than the eight in the BIMP-EAGA calendar.

“We just want to give our athletes more opportunities to compete,” said Bachmann.

Hyun Ho Rho Manny Marcelo

Novac Djokovic said he would undergo medical tests to determine to extent of the damage to his right knee. AFP

Mika de Guzman

Gonzalez

University’s Sarah Joy Barredo.

A8 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Fajardo still SMB’s top weapon vs. Meralco 5

By Peter Atencio

JUNEMAR Fajardo of San

Miguel

Beer says the Beermen have many weapons in their arsenal going into Game 1 of their 48th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup best-of-seven finals against the Meralco Bolts.

“Hindi lang naman ako ang point of focus ng defense, marami kaming scorers,” said the 6’10” Fajardo, whose first of 11 championship appearances for the franchise came in 2012.

Fajardo may deny it all he wants, but the Bolts’ primary battlecry is to stop him from wrecking havoc inside.

Game 1 is set at 7:30 p.m. today (Wednesday).

His leadership and dominance inside are valued by the squad, which will also rely on scorers like CJ Perez and Don Trollano.

Perez and Trollano have led the Beermen in past games with their averages of 21.27 points and 5.45 rebounds, and 13.27 points and 5.45 boards, respectively.

But Fajardo’s impact is also felt with his norms of 17.3 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for 43.12 statistical points (SPs) in the race for the Best Player of the Conference, which he leads.

The SMB big man is in front of NLEX main man Robert Bolick, who normed 28.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists for 42.08 SPs.

Stephen Holt of Terrafirma Dyip is at no. 3 after amassing 40.8 SPs on the strength of 21.08 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.4 steals.

“May mga iiskor at ako naman ay gagawa ng paraan para matulungan ko sila,” humbly said Fajardo on his role in the finals.

The Meralco Bolts, however, will have the manpower to deal with the San Miguel Beermen, who are known for their firepower.

And they will find out how well they can take on the Beermen once Game 1 gets under way.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen (in Game 1), but we know what San Miguel is about,” said

ICTSI lauds Saso for 2nd US Women’s Open victory

THE International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) congratulated Yuka Saso on her extraordinary victory at the US Women’s Open. Her immense talent, unwavering dedication, and relentless perseverance have culminated in this remarkable achievement.

ICTSI said it couldn’t be prouder on her success.

Saso’s second major championship win is a beacon of inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. Coming from behind, she maintained her focus and determination, adhering to her routine and playing her game, which ultimately led to a magnificent finish. Her love for the game shines through in every stroke, and she embodies the true spirit of a champion.

A long-time supporter of Saso, ICTSI has always believed in her potential and commitment to excellence. Her success reaffirms ICTSI’s dedication to fostering outstanding talent in sports—a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and the steadfast support of those who believe in her.

ICTSI is honored to be part of Saso’s journey and looks forward to celebrating more of her talent and triumphs in the future.

PH Paris Olympians get financial boost from PSC

FILIPINO athletes vying in the Paris Olympics got a big shot in the arm in the form of a juicy cash incentive to be handed out even before the games begin.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann delivered the wonderful news during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum (PSA) at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“Twenty-three million is only from Senator Risa Hontiveros, then Senator Bong Go has a figure already. May additional siya. There’s also additional from other senators direct to the athletes already na pinasa lang sa PSC and I just signed a cheque siguro mga P30 plus millions,” said Bachmann.

The PSC head said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and the 24/7 sports app in the country ArenaPlus that the amount will be distributed before the Paris Games set July 26 to Aug. 9.

So far, 15 Filipino athletes have qualified, with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham

Bacyadan credits renewed faith to family, teammates

BEFORE Hergie Bacyadan disposed of all her three opponents to earn a ticket to the Paris Olympics, she had to beat someone else first—herself.

The pride of Tabuk Kalinga went so close to giving up on her Olympic dream after crashing out of the first Olympic qualifier last March in Bustos Arsizio, Italy.

But she hung tough and credited her renewed determination and faith, to her family, teammates and those closest to her.

“We knew how tough her life was. It wasn’t easy,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Ab raham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Monday

Hergie can now call herself soon as an Olympian,” Tolentino said. “Just like the four other boxers, we believe in her capability and determination.”

Tolentino added: “Hergie is stronger and wiser than ever, and we know she’ll do her best in Paris.”

Bacyadan—a convert from wushu’s sanda and the first Filipino Vovinam world champion—became the fifth Filipino boxer to qualify for Paris after Paalam and fellow boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas

POC secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan also acknowledged how hard it was for Bacyadan to realize her Olympic dream.

“Her struggles were real, but as true fighter she defied the odds by working hard in training and playing tough,” Chan said. “It’s a great story for Hergie.”

CABANATUAN City—Harmie Constantino, known for her come-from-behind victories in her last three tournaments, showcased her flair for a strong start this time, scorching the Lakewood course with a bogey-free six-under 66 to wrest a one-stroke lead over Chihiro Ikeda at the start of the ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Nueva Ecija here yesterday (Tuesday).

Despite her flawless 32-34 card, the hottest player on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour needed to birdie the last two holes to edge ahead of Ikeda, who was one the verge of taking the opening day honors in the last flight with a six-under card bolstered by a three-birdie burst from No. 14.

But she faltered with a bogey on the par-3 penultimate hole and only managed a par on the par-5 18th, finishing with a 67.

“The plan was to stay bogey-free and thank God, I did,” said Constantino, whose remarkable start in the 54-hole championship sets her up for a record title run after winning at Palos Verdes, Caliraya Springs and at the Philippine Masters.

Tolentino expecting around four more to join the campaign to deliver the medals for the Philippines. In the 2021 Tokyo Games, the Philippines brought home a gold medal, its first in the Olympics, courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and two silvers and a bronze through boxers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial.

“We have until June 30 to see sino pa ang magqualify,” added Bahmann.

The PSC has alloted P52 million for the Paris Olympics, including the preparations, training and actual participation. Also part of the expenditures are those for airfare, luggage and parade uniforms.

“We’ve already spent P43 million so I have P8 to P9 million left. Kung kulang man I will look,” said Bachmann. Those who have booked tickets to the Paris Games are pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, boxe rs Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Marcial and Paalam, gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo, rower Joanie Delgaco, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando, and fencer Sam Catantan. During the forum, Bachmann also bared the PSC plans for the rest of the year, including the groundbreaking for a seven-storey athletes’ dormitory to be put up inside the RMSC.

However, she downplayed expectations, emphasizing that there are still 36 holes to play while stressing the importance of hitting the fairways and greens and making some putts.

While Constantino maintained her form, Ikeda moved into contention with renewed confidence following a series of mediocre finishes in the first four legs of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Ikeda’s accuracy and consistency off the tee and ball control within 100 yards produced seven birdies against two bogeys, including a three-putt miscue, putting her in the hunt for a victory in a long while.

“My driving and irons were okay although I struggled a bit with my long-range putting,” said Ikeda, a former Order of Merit winner. When asked of her plan for the last two rounds, the former SEA Games individual gold medalist said she will continue to try to dominate the long holes, three of which she birdied. “But I won’t force the issue, I will still play relaxed and try to shoot under-par, but there are no expectations.”

Hergie Bacyadan is congratulated by POC president Rep. Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino

Harmie Constantino Manny Marcelo

SMB’s Junemar Fajardo, shown here being shackled by the Meralco Bolts, is still the Beermen’s top gun.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann

BSP rules out ‘too aggressive’ interest rate cut in two years

INTEREST rates may stay elevated over the next two years as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ruled out an aggressive adjustment of 150 basis points or more. The overnight borrowing rate hit a record low of 2.0 percent at the height of the pandemic before the BSP started a monetary tightening cycle that pushed up the interest rate to 6.5 percent.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said Tuesday cutting interest rates by 150 basis points in two years would be too much, given the economic situation.

“Given the present [economic] trajectory, it is too aggressive,” Remolona said. The Philippine economy grew 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024,

lower than the government’s target range of 6 percent to 7 percent. Remolona said the risks of an “aggressive” cut in interest rates is a “hard landing” or a sharp drop in economic growth. “In taming inflation we don’t want unnecessary loss of output,” he said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, a member of the Monetary Board, earlier said interest rates could go down by 150 bps in the next two years. Since then, the BSP issued a gag order preventing officials from commenting on monetary action.

The Monetary Board earlier kept the overnight borrowing rate steady at 6.5 percent for the fifth consecutive policy meeting since October 2023.

Darwin G. Amojelar

World Bank remains optimistic on PH, sees 5.9% annual growth

By Darwin G. Amojelar

“Economic growth in the Philippines is projected to average 5.9 percent per year over the medium term anchored on robust domestic demand, strong services growth and improved trade,” the Washington-based lender said in the June 2024 edition of its

Philippines Economic Update. This forecast remains unchanged from the April 2024 report published in the East Asia and Pacific Economic Update. It projected an economic growth of 5.8 percent for the Philippines this

year, lower than the government’s target range of 6 percent to 7 percent.

The Philippine economy is projected to expand by 5.9 percent annually in 2025 to 2026.

“The positive outlook over the medium-term hinges on containing inflation and transitioning toward a more accommodative monetary policy, which will support private domestic demand,” the World Bank said.

“Despite ongoing fiscal consolidation, public investment will likely be above 5 percent of GDP and remain supportive of growth,” it said. Meanwhile, export demand is pro-

PH calls for stronger cooperation to revitalize multilateral trading

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines called for a stronger cooperation at the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in Peru. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty underscored the need during the meeting to revitalize the multilateral trading system and address current economic challenges.

“While we did not achieve the outcomes we had hoped for, the Philippines sees this as an opportunity for us to reflect and collaborate more to

strengthen the multilateral trading system,” Gepty said during talks on trade liberalization and the outcomes of the World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Conference.

He stressed the importance of building on positive outcomes from the WTO meeting and implementing agreements. The Philippines remains committed to a fair and inclusive global trading system, he said.

Highlighting agriculture as a key concern, Gepty urged APEC economies to find solutions on domestic support and public stockholding issues. He suggested exploring alternative approaches for discussion, acknowledging this as a

new topic for APEC.

The Philippines also championed the inclusion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, people with disabilities and youth and elderly in trade discussions.

Trade Undersecretary Carol Sanchez joined Gepty at the first Joint Women and Trade Ministers’ Meeting, sharing details about Philippine programs empowering women entrepreneurs in the growing digital economy.

Member economies are also collaborating on a roadmap for capacity building and skills development programs for women in trade, to be

finalized before the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November.

Discussions also touched upon the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), a concept promoted by APEC’s business arm.

“With the current global economic setting, coupled with many challenges and fast-paced advancement of technology, FTAAP should be viewed more in the context of regional cooperation and economic integration that facilitates not only trade but creates more opportunities for our people under an environment that is fair, and fosters inclusive growth and development,” Gepty said

DOE keeps moratorium on new coal plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is maintaining the moratorium on the development of new coal power plants to reduce the country’s dependence on traditional fuel, a top official said Tuesday.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the DOE had implemented a moratorium on the development of greenfield coal-fired power plants since Oct. 27, 2020 to support policies intended to improving energy sustainability, reliability and flexibility by increasing

newable

ergy mix. The coal moratorium was also intended to promote new and emerging technologies, increasing system flexibility and adhering to higher environmental standards, she said. Guevara said that since the moratorium’s implementation, the development of new coal power projects has been halted while remaining coal power project developments are allowed if falling under certain categories such as those already committed (ongoing

(RE) share in

jected to strengthen over the forecast horizon, led by robust services exports. The World Bank said the risks to the growth outlook for the Philippines remain tilted to the downside. “Externally, risks stem from heightened geopolitical tensions, further fragmentation in global trade policy, and weaker-than-expected growth in China. An intensification of geopolitical tensions could lead to higher energy prices, which would reduce households’ disposable incomes,” it said.

5.8% 5.9% 5.5% World Bank’s growth forecast for 2024 Growth forecast for 2025 and

PH professionals ready for ASEAN labor mobility

FILIPINO professionals in accountancy, medicine, architecture, engineering and tourism can successfully compete in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) labor market, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The PIDS paper, however, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and research and development (R&D) as crucial tools for Filipino professionals to stay ahead of the curve in their respective fields. This focus on lifelong learning will be essential for navigating the dynamic ASEAN job market, it says.

The PIDS study titled “Assessing the Readiness of Filipino MRAsupported Professions to Participate in the Mobility of Skilled Labor in the ASEAN Region: Lessons for APEC Economies”, was presented in a public webinar by Asian Institute of Management-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism officer-incharge executive director Dr. John Paolo Rivera, one of the authors of the study. It explores the potential of mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) as bridges between ASEAN countries, recognizing qualifications and licenses.

CA allows AMLA to freeze assets, bank accounts of MFT Group

THE Court of Appeals (CA) granted a petition of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the bank accounts, securities and insurance accounts of Francesca Tan (MFT) Group of Companies Inc.

The appellate court, in a resolution promulgated on May 13, 2024, ordered the freezing of the bank, investment and insurance accounts of the MFT Group after finding probable cause that the group’s assets were related to an unlawful activity.

The freeze order covers 138 bank accounts, four securities accounts and four insurance accounts bearing the names of the MFT Group, Foundry Ventures I Inc., Mondial Medical Technologies, Maria Francesca Tan, Christian Konstantin, Roxanne Agbayani, Enrique Eduardo Tan, Charles Edward Tan and Luis Gabriel Cancio Jr., among other officials, across several banking and financial institutions.

Under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) of 2001, as amended, the CA may issue a freeze order upon a verified ex parte petition by the AMLC and after determination that probable cause exists that any monetary instrument or property is in any way related to an unlawful activity.

Fraudulent practices and other violations under Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code (SRC) are among the “predicate offenses” of money laundering, as provided under the 2018 Implementing Rules and Regulations of the AMLA. Jenniffer B. Austria

Court finds Calata execs guilty of market violation

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Makati City Regional Trial Court found the top executives of delisted Calata Corp. guilty of market manipulation over its botched P65-billion casino project in Cebu, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said Tuesday.

Sino-America Gaming Investment Group LLC, Calata Corp.’s partner for the Mactan Leisure City project, was also charged with the same violations.

Calata was implicated for allegedly making misleading and exaggerated statements about its supposed Mactan Leisure City project, inducing the public to buy the company’s shares in 2016.

Stocks fall below 6,400; Peso dips to 58.71 a dollar

Calata and Fabella were sentenced to pay fines amounting to P4 million each, or to serve time in prison if they fail to pay the fines on account of insolvency.

Michael Foxman, chief executive of

It said the court, in a decision promulgated on May 28, found Calata Corp. chairman, president and chief executive Joseph Calata guilty beyond reasonable doubt of two counts of violation of Section 24(d) of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC). Calata Corp. corporate secretary, compliance officer and corporate information officer Jose Marie Fabella was also found guilty of two counts of violation of the same law.

Section 24(d) of the SRC penalizes anyone who directly or indirectly makes false or misleading statements with respect to any material fact, which he knew or had reasonable ground to believe was so false or misleading, for the purpose of inducing investors to buy a security listed or traded on an exchange.

PHINMA, Floirendo Group sign deal for multi-million Davao cement plant

PHINMA Corp., the listed holding company of the Del Rosario family, announced Tuesday it signed a joint venture agreement with the Floirendo Group to build a multibillion-peso cement plant in Davao del Norte province.

The planned cement facility, expected to be operational by 2026, will have a production capacity of 2 million metric tons a year, PHINMA said in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The partnership will solidify their position as pioneers in infrastructure development and economic progress in the region, the company said. It will also guarantee the availability of quality cement to support Mindanao’s development, PHINMA said. Under the agreement, Philcement Mindanao Corp., a 70-percent owned subsidiary of PHINMA’s cement unit Philcement Corp., will run the stateof-the- art facility. The Floirendo-led

Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (ANFLOCOR) owns the balance of 30 percent.

“Construction materials are among the many essentials needed to a dignified life through housing and infrastructure. This partnership, which is one of

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom is intensifying efforts to eliminate lease fees for installing telecom equipment inside buildings and to have developers include connectivity infrastructure from the beginning of construction projects.

The move seeks to lessen operating costs for telcos, foster a more competitive market and enhance internet accessibility for the public.

Globe vice president and head for site lifecycle management services

Michelle Ora said the company continues to champion its zero lease call across different venues, engaging property developers to get them onboard.

“We continue to champion zero lease across different venues and stakeholders. We work closely with our property developer partners through holding workshops, where we talk to them about how to master plan their developments,” Ora said.

“We invite them to work with us at the earliest stage possible so we

can integrate telco infra at the onset, even prior to their actual construction. So that when they turnover the property to the resident or the tenant, it is already complete, not just with power and water but also connectivity,” she said.

Globe has been actively engaging with property owners and developers to promote the advocacy.

Around 615 properties including malls, offices and hotels across the Philippines are already providing space with zero lease to accommodate in-building solutions of telecom companies.

“When we put in the facilities, they’re meant to enable the different customers or tenants that these property owners also serve. Connectivity is something that residents or tenants cannot do away with. That’s why it’s important for developers to work with us and see this as a win-win situation. On their end, they need to make sure that the connectivity infrastructure, the facilities are ready at no cost to providers,” Ora said.

She said some developers remained resistant to change.

many with the Anflo Group, will enable us to improve the lives of many Mindanaoans,” said PHINMA Construction Materials Group president and chief executive Eduardo Sahagun.

ANFLOCOR Real Estate and Construction Group president and Phil-

Mindanao vice chairman Ricardo Lagdameo said the partnership would ensure the continued steady supply of good quality cement in the region as

Philippine Stock Exchange index lost 84.32 points, or 1.30 percent, to close at 6,386.42, while the wider all-shares index shed 32.01 points, or 0.92, to end at 3,439.04.

Meanwhile, the peso closed at

and 4.5 percent on higher vegetable and electricity prices and weaker peso.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said market sentiments turned negative following BSP Governor Eli Remolona’s statements on interest rate cut. Remolona said in a forum the 150-basis-point rate reduction outlook earlier given by Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Rector is “too aggressive.” Remolona also hinted possible 25 basis points rate cut in August and another 25-basis-point rate reduction late this year.

All sub-indices closed in the negative, with holding firms declining 2.5 percent followed by mining and oil which went down 1.29 percent and property which traded lower by 1.24 percent. Value turnover improved to P5.74 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

SEEDSTARS, a Swiss company, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) Startup Challenge 2024, a global open call for entrepreneurs and startups to develop cutting-edge AI solutions for the aviation MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) industry.

This followed the success of the 2022 LTP Startup Challenge. Interested applicants can sign up for the challenge before July 16, 2024, for AI-enabled solutions and Sept. 3, 2024, for innovative MRO solutions.

The aviation industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)

technologies, as AI has the potential to revolutionize aviation MRO processes, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall performance.

LTP recognizes the immense potential of AI in aviation MRO and is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration among startups aiming to leverage AI to optimize existing MRO processes.

“The LTP Startup Challenge 2024 builds upon the success of our previous program, which saw impressive innovations from startups worldwide,” said Stefan Yordanov, vice president for finance and strategy and corporate projects at Lufthansa Technik Philippines.

“This year, we are particularly excited to focus on AI-powered solutions that can revolutionize aviation MRO. We believe that the integration of AI will unlock unprecedented efficiency and help us deliver superior services to our customers,” he said. The four-day virtual program offers a unique opportunity for high-potential startups to collaborate with LTP’s subject-matter experts, gaining invaluable insights into the aviation MRO landscape. Participants will receive venture-building support to strengthen their business foundations and tailor their solutions for implementation in the aviation MRO industry.

GAMING CONFERENCE. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Alejandro Tengco (third from right) places his bet on a traditional Vietnamese game called BAU CUA during the SIGMA Asia

Muego

Executives of PHINMA Corp., Philcement and Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (ANFLOCOR) sign a joint venture agreement to build a modern cement manufacturing plant in Davao del Norte.

cement

Mindanao is expected is sustain its growth momentum. Jenniffer B. Austria

BUSINESS Customs surpassed collection target for five straight months

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday it exceeded its revenue collection target for a fifth month this year.

Preliminary reports indicated that the BOC collected P81.75 billion in May, exceeding its revenue goal of P79.621 billion by 2.68 percent.

This achievement marked a significant improvement from P77.926 billion the agency collected in May 2023, reflecting a growth of 4.911 percent.

IN BRIEF

Vape tax stamps now mandatory BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said all vape products sold in the local market should bear internal revenue stamps by June 1, 2024 under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 59-2024. Lumagui said the BIR now presumes that any vape product not bearing BIR stamps had not paid the required excise tax. Violators of the mandatory internal revenue stamps on vape products will result into the seizure of the illicit vape products and criminal cases against the businessmen and possessors of those illicit vape products, he said. He said vape importers

will also face criminal cases. These illicit traders destroy our economy by endangering the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos working under the tobacco and vape industry. Informants against these illicit traders will be welcomed by the BIR,” Lumagui said.

Glass makers agree to run generators POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meral-

co) said Tuesday it secured commitments from Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Inc. and Anglo Watsons Glass, Inc. for additional capacity under the government’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP). Pioneer Float Glass is set to sign an agreement for a 2-megawatt (MW) de-loading capacity that will come from its manufacturing plant in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City following Meralco’s proactive calls for more ILP participants to help manage demand in the Luzon Grid.

ILP is an energy demand-side management program through which large-load customers are asked to use their generator sets or reduce their operations, instead of drawing power from the grid, to spare households from power interruptions during instances of red alert. Pioneer Float Glass also voluntarily participated in the ILP without compensation, deloading 1.5 MW that helped avert rotational power interruptions in April when red alerts were imposed in the Luzon grid. Alena Mae S. Flores

ANZCHAM to promote PH as BPO provider

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) met with the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM) to discuss ways to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination, particularly in the IT-BPM sector for Australian and New Zealand companies.

“We’re committed to making the Philippines a top investment destination in the region, following President Marcos Jr.’s lead in promoting our country globally,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

ANZCHAM is a key industry partner for PEZA, working to strengthen economic ties and facilitate investments from these countries. PEZA deputy director general Maria Veronica Magsino recently participated in an investment mission to New Zealand to attract investments across various sectors and create jobs for Filipinos. The investment mission, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Wellington alongside several business councils, aimed to strengthen economic relations with New Zealand and attract new investments.

Othel V. Campos

Smart sees growth of mobile data business SMART Communications Inc. said it expects the continued expansion of its mobile data business, fueled by Filipinos increasing social media engagement.

“Amid the company’s commitment to continue to improve service quality, there is a need to constantly innovate to ensure that we remain relevant to our customers,” said Alex Caeg, head of consumer wireless business at Smart. He said that while the heat index, hybrid work and other macroeconomic indicators may have somewhat resulted in muted de-

“We

It said that from January to May, the BOC’s cumulative collection reached P381.347 billion, exceeding the target of P366.047 billion.

This year’s overall collection demonstrated a 6.13-percent increase, equivalent to P22.039 billion, compared to the same period in 2023.

The BOC credited the sustained

revenue collection performance to continuous monitoring of the values and classifications of imported commodities to ensure accurate duty and tax collection.

Non-traditional sources, like audits and public auctions, also boosted revenue collection. Intensified border control and improved trade facilitation further contributed to consistent revenue efficiency.

These efforts not only increase tax collection, but also deter smuggling and illegal activities, leading to higher revenue collection, the BOC said.

It said the revenues play a crucial role in developing vital infrastructure projects, improving educational facilities, enhancing healthcare services and strengthening national security measures, ultimately fostering a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all Filipinos.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the BOC personnel, attributing the success to their efforts in implementing effective strategies and measures to ensure efficient revenue collection.

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) takes home five recognitions at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in Taguig City for its sustainability, thought leadership and social media initiatives. The power distributor won

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines said it is launching a new digital savings account to financially empower Filipinos overseas with secure and reliable banking services.

LandBank said GoBayani is a digital deposit account that provides Filipinos abroad access to the bank’s digital banking services and conveniently perform their transactions online, such as sending money to their families via fund transfer.

Account holders can also perform e-commerce transactions and receive remittance via Visa Direct through Visa partners abroad.

GoBayani users can also digitally pay bills and other dues, which will soon include monthly contributions to Pag-Ibig Fund, Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth.

“We are cheering on our kababayans abroad to save and grow their money through LandBank GoBayani. We want to support every step of their journey towards financial independence for them and their families back home,” said LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz.

LandBank is set to visit overseas Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan in June to promote GoBayani and other digital banking services.

Overseas Filipinos can fully open a GoBayani savings account with no initial deposit and maintaining balance via their smartphones within minutes, through the new straight-through account opening feature of the LandBank mobile banking app.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

grants BAI authority to make, import animal vaccines

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) allowing the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to assist the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the evaluation of animal vaccines and biologics.

“This MOA will significantly strengthen our fight against transboundary animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. By enhancing our regulatory framework and fostering greater cooperation among key agencies, we can better safeguard the animal industry, secure the livelihoods of our farmers, and mitigate the impact on our economy,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the signing of the agreement. Under the MOA, the FDA will continue to issue licenses to operate (LTO) for manufacturers, traders and distributors of veterinary drugs and products, including vaccines and biologics. The FDA will also grant BAI the authority to manufacture or import vaccines and biologics for evaluation and research purposes.

The DA said the MOA would strengthen the fight against transboundary animal diseases like African Swine Fever and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The agreement emphasized the importance of robust regulations for animal health, impacting food security and public health.

Tiu-Laurel said the DA is committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of veterinary drugs and products for animal well-being and public health protection.

Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of VITARICH CORPORATION (the “Corporation”) will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, 2:00 P.M., at Grand Centro Events Place, 2nd Floor, Centro Marilao, Duhat Street cor. Patubig Road, Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan

The Stockholders’ Annual General Meeting shall have the following agenda:

1. Call to Order;

2. Certification of Notice and the Existence of a Quorum;

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting;

4. Report of the President on the Results of the 2023 Operations and the 2023 Audited Financial Statements of the Corporation;

5. Ratification of the Acts of Directors and Officers; 6. Election of Directors;

7. Confirmation of the Appointment of External Auditor;

8. Appointment of Stock Transfer Agent; 9. Other matters; and 10. Adjournment.

A brief explanation of each item which requires the approval and/or ratification by the stockholders are provided in the Information Statement. Stockholders can get the electronic copies of the SEC-20-IS Definitive Information Statement, SEC 17-A Annual Report with 2023 Audited Financial Statements and other pertinent information from the PSE’s EDGE system and the Corporation’s website at https://vitarich.com/companydisclosure/sec-filings/.

Only stockholders of record as of May 28, 2024, which is the record date fixed by the Board, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this meeting.

Proxies must be submitted to the Special Committee of Election Inspectors of the Corporation located at Vitarich Corporation, Marilao-San Jose Road, Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan, on or before June 17, 2024. Proxies shall be validated by the Special Committee on Election Inspectors at said office on June 21, 2024.

On the day of the meeting, you or your duly designated proxy are required to show this Notice together with your government-issued ID to facilitate registration. Registration shall start at 1:00 pm and shall close at 1:45 pm.

B4 MARINA THROUGH THE YEARS

Celebrating 50 Years of Maritime Excellence

MARINA marks 50 years of shaping PH maritime industry

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 1, reflecting on its role in shaping the Philippines’ maritime landscape.

Established in 1974 through Presidential Decree No. 474, MARINA’s primary objective was to consolidate efforts toward integrating, promoting, and regulating the maritime industry.

Initially under the Office of the President, MARINA aimed to streamline maritime affairs and foster industry growth. In 1979, with

the creation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), MARINA was attached for policy and program coordination, ensuring alignment within the transportation sector.

Its authority grew in 1985 with Executive Order No. 1011, which transferred the Board of Transportation’s quasi-judicial

functions for water transportation.

This solidified MARINA’s role in domestic maritime operations, particularly regarding safety standards.

Executive Order No. 125 in 1987 further defined MARINA’s responsibilities, solidifying its role not only in promoting and developing the industry but also in ensuring the safe operation of shipping vessels. Today, MARINA remains vital to the Philippines. It ensures the smooth running of the maritime sector, promotes Filipino seafarer welfare, and contributes to economic growth.

MARINA to roll out online services for seafarers

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will launch online services for seafarers and stakeholders on July 1, streamlining processes and applications in the maritime sector.

MARINA National Capital Region director Marc Anthony Pascua said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday the online services are part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitalize government transactions.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista attended the anniversary event, highlighting MARINA’s role in a safe and sustainable maritime sector.

“MARINA has led the industry towards a more sustainable, innovative future,” Bautista said. “We must continue to address the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed MARINA in January to modernize and standardize its systems to align with international standards.

“All our processes will be online. There will be QR codes from start to finish,” Pascua said.

The online services are part of the 10-point Maritime Agenda, which includes the rollout of the MARINA Blockchain-Enabled Automatic Certification System (BEST), according to Pascua.

The QR codes will allow partner agencies in the maritime sector, like the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to easily verify the authenticity of documents, Pascua added.

“Our enforcers will scan the QR code to verify if (documents) are registered with us to prevent fraudulent and spurious documents,” he said.

Pascua also discussed the proposed MARINA organizational structure and extension offices for 2025, which he said would strengthen MARINA’s efforts to protect the welfare and rights of Filipino seafarers.

“We really need to strengthen our capabilities in ensuring the safety of maritime stakeholders,” Pascua said.

(DOTr-MARINA)

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista

Bautista promotes stronger maritime sector

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime J. Bautista graced the Maritime Industry Authority’s (MARINA) golden anniversary celebration, highlighting the agency’s pivotal role in ensuring that the Philippine maritime sector is safe and sustainable.

The transport chief said the MARINA must keep up with sector’s technological advancements, safety standards and the country’s maritime environmental needs to ensure the sector’s sustainability.

“We must continue to address the evolv-

ing needs of the maritime industry. This includes embracing technology, enhancing safety standards, and promoting environmental sustainability,” Sec. Bautista said. He also acknowledged Filipino seafarers, who serve as the backbone and lifeblood of the industry.

“It is also impossible to talk about MARINA without acknowledging the backbone of our maritime sector—the Filipino seafarers. They are the lifeblood of the industry.”

LGU

Baguio faithful warned against solicitation scam

THE Diocese of Baguio on Tuesday cautioned the public against a religious group asking for donations.

In a social media post, the diocese said the group ‘Filipino Katoliko’ is composed of men clad in white clergy cassocks who are seeking financial support from individuals, business establishments and government offices.

“Lay Faithful are asking whether it is a Roman Catholic group. No. The group is not affiliated to any Diocese or Religious Congregation or Institute of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines,” it said.

Based on the letter, the group is from Compostela, Davao de Oro and is in Baguio City to ask for donations to help build a new church in Surigao del Sur and the renovation of other church buildings in various areas of Mindanao.

A copy of the group’s letter shared by the Baguio diocese showed it is raising funds for the “construction of our new church building situated at Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur which was affected by the road widening of National Highway from Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur to Bislig City, Surigao del Sur respectively and also for the renovation of our different Church buildings situated at different places in Mindanao, Philippines.”

The solicitation letter is signed by a certain Most Rev. Pedro Fenis Jr.

Artillery platoon to boost military in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY—The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas has welcomed the arrival of an artillery platoon to help eradicate insurgents in Northern Samar province.

Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) spokesperson, Capt. Jefferson Mariano, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the 2nd Howitzer Platoon of the Army’s Armor Artillery Regiment is highly trained to perform artillery operations.

The platoon previously assigned to Capiz province under the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has two howitzer tubes and nine personnel.

“The platoon will be under the operational control of the 803rd Infantry Brigade. Their main effort is to confront the regional guerilla unit of the NPA’s (New People’s Army) Eastern Visayas regional party committee in the province of Northern Samar,” Mariano said.

The NPA unit has regrouped after the dismantling of two front committees in Northern Samar. The military said these NPA remnants are not in control of any village in the province.

The deployment of the Howitzer Platoon will bolster the existing firepower capabilities towards the complete eradication of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in the region.

The 8ID formally welcomed the newly assigned platoon during a ceremony at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar.

GNPD supports turtle conservation

GNPOWER Dinginin (GNPD) is funding and supporting Sagip Pawikan of Sitio Fuerte Association in Morong, Bataan.

The power generation company said that the group has safeguarded over 16,000 sea turtle eggs, releasing a near-equivalent number of hatchlings with an impressive hatching

rate of over 98 percent.

On Tuesday, a conservation group rescued a sea turtle trapped in a nylon net and released it back to the sea here.

“GNPD is deeply committed to environmental protection, including the endangered marine life in Morong,” said Joseph

Paolo Mendoza, GNPD’s corporate social responsibility superintendent.

“Morong serves as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, and we consider it our duty to contribute to their survival”, he added. GNPD operates power plant in Mariveles. Butch Gunio

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—The city government here on Monday began disbursing funds expected to total P20 million to 10,000 beneficiaries within the local transportation sector.

The payout, scheduled from June 3-7, targets tricycle drivers and operators who have yet to fully recover from a pandemic slump, according to Mayor Roseller Rizal.

Speaking at the payout venue at LCC Auditorium in Barangay 5, the mayor highlighted that this is the first time the city government has earmarked a budget specifically for the tricycle sector under the “Tulong Gulong” project.

“These tricycle operators and drivers association (TODA) members have been among the hardest hit by the Cov-

IN BRIEF

Nine pertussis cases confirmed in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY—The number of confirmed pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the Caraga Region increased from five to nine over the weekend, the regional Department of Health (DOH-13) office said Monday. The DOH-13 said seven confirmed pertussis cases were recorded in Surigao del Norte, one in Agusan del Sur and one in Agusan del Norte.

“The residents in the region are encouraged to continue following the minimum public health standards for safety,” the agency said in a statement.

As of Monday, the number of deaths remained at three. Two of the fatalities were confirmed pertussis cases and one was a suspected case.

Seven new suspected cases were also reported last week. The laboratory samples from patients were still being confirmed.

Since January 1, DOH-13 has already recorded 54 reported cases of pertussis, though only nine were confirmed in laboratory tests.

Pertussis starts as a mild cough and cold that lasts about two weeks, followed by paroxysms or fits of coughing which lasts up to six weeks. It can be treated with antibiotics.

The DOH said up to a million vaccines to be procured through the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund are expected to arrive within June.

Samal opens library, museum near city hall

BATAAN Gov. Joet Garcia and Samal Mayor Alex Acuzar recently led the inauguration and blessing of Samal library and museum.

Located beside the Samal municipal hall, the library and museum houses books donated by NGOs and computer units for research of the public.

There are also artifacts and paintings, and sculptures created by local art group PeninsulArtes and other homegrown artists. Acuzar highlighted the importance of library and museum to enrich the knowledge of the public on arts and culture, and history.

First District Board Member Tony Roman, Samal Vice Mayor Ronnie Ortiguerra, provincial tourism officer Danica Tigas, members of Sangguniang Bayan of Samal and other LGU officers joined the event. Butch Gunio

Mobile clinic to give free family planning

SODEX, the mobile family planning clinic of DKT Philippines Foundation is traveling throughout Luzon for 119 days to give free contraceptives and perform free bilateral ligation and nonscalpel vasectomy to Filipinos in far-flung areas.

Sodex is the country’s firstever family planning ambulatory clinic. It was launched recently in Binangonan, Rizal where the demand for family planning services is high. The mobile clinic is ready to serve 2,500 beneficiaries until December.

Next year, it will cover communities in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

id-19 pandemic, and their recovery has been slow,” Rizal said.

Moreover, he clarified that this cash assistance is locally funded, distinct from the assistance provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) programs. Rizal emphasized that only those with valid franchises are eligible for this assistance. According to records from the city’s Business Permit and Tricycle Franchising Office (BPTFO), as of March 31, 2024, there are 10,000 active franchise holders here.

According to Denise van Dijk, board chair of DKT Philippines Foundation: “The Sodex mobile clinic ensures that people who cannot access the reproductive health services they need in the public sector, are not left behind and still have free access to these services. It is a part of a total market approach, complementing the important work the local LGUs do on a daily basis.” In partnership with 30 LGUs from Luzon, DKT Philippines Foundation aims to foster sustainable and long-term partnerships with the LGUs to cultivate Filipinos’ desire to meaningfully participate and contribute to government efforts to achieve universal health coverage for all.

SAMAL LIBRARY. Bataan Gov. Joet Garcia and Samal Mayor Alex Acuzar recently led the inauguration and blessing of the Samal Library and Museum, which is located beside the Samal municipal hall.

PAWIKAN RESCUE. A resident holds a pawikan. The power generation company GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) is funding and supporting the Sagip Pawikan of Sitio Fuerte Association in Morong, Bataan.

MOBILE CLINIC. The SODEX Mobile Clinic aims to travel to all regions in Luzon until this December to give free commodities like pills, condoms, injectables and free services like tubal ligation and non-scalpel vasectomy.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

THE 7th edition of The Eddys (Entertainment Editors’ Choice) by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) is honoring the brightest stars of local cinema, recognizing their important roles in revitalizing theater attendance post-pandemic.

SHOWBIZ

7th Eddys honors box office heroes

BOX OFFICE HEROES. The 7th Eddys recognizes the

Marian Rivera and Dingdong

and Alden Richards and Julia Montes (‘Five

This annual event trains the spotlight on the films and actors that have drawn audiences back to the big screen, thus helping the industry rebound.

One of the event’s highlights is the Box Office Heroes Award, which acknowledges the lead stars of last year’s top-grossing films. These films grossed over P100 million each, signaling a strong resurgence in local cinema.

“Each of the films cited in this year’s Box Office Heroes Award has earned more than P100 million at the box office,” said SPEEd president Salve Asis, entertainment editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa . “The figures they produced are more than enough to inspire the industry to continue making films that are both commercially viable and artistically impactful.”

Record-breaking crowds flock to Star Magic All-Star Games 2024

THIS year’s Star Magic All-Star Games once again drew a huge audience at the Araneta Coliseum and also generated loud buzz online as it entered the trending list with multiple topics on Sunday, June 2. Playing for a sold-out arena at the Araneta Coliseum, Gerald Anderson, who led Shooting Stars Red as a playing coach, shared his happiness after their team ended It’s Showtime team’s winning streak.

“Thank you sa mga taong nanood, sa It’s Showtime Sa Star Magic boys, grabe ang dedication, and it paid off. We’re happy,” Gerald expressed.

“We prepared for it. We put in extra work. We have a chat group, we always talk there. We’re motivating each other, always giving inspirational words,” he shared, describing their team preparation.

Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro led and supported the It’s Showtime team

during the game. On the other hand, Donny Pangilinan and Ronnie Alonte led the Shooting Stars Blue team to victory against guest team Cong’s Anbilibabol Basketball Team. Donny, Ronnie, River Joseph, Nelson Mendoza, and Cris Lagudas formed the Mythical 5 of the first

This prestigious accolade will be awarded to Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Julia

and Kathryn Bernardo . These stars have not only brought in significant box office numbers but also captivated audiences with their performances.

Dingdong and Marian are celebrated for their roles in Rewind , a 49th Metro Manila Film

game, with Ronnie taking home the MVP title. Ion Perez, Lance Carr, Argel Saycon, Derrick Hubalde, and Young JV made up the Mythical 5 during the second game, with Young JV crowned MVP. Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers, led by Loisa Andalio, defended their crown in a volleyball match against the Lady Setters.

BINI’s Mikha Lim, Vivoree, Analain Salvador, Awra Briguela, Reign Parani, and Janah Zaplan were announced as the Mythical Six, while Analain won as the MVP for the 4th time.

Nation’s Girl Group BINI graced the event and performed “Karera” and its viral hit song “Pantropiko,” during the final game’s halftime. The new P-pop boy group WRIVE also performed during the event.

Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi and Star Magic artists Mutya Orquia, BGYO’s JL and Akira, Chie Filomeno, Francine Diaz, Barbie Imperial, and Belle Mariano were also present during the games.

Festival (MMFF) entry. This family drama has become the highest-grossing local film of all time, earning P1 billion during its run. Rewind is a collaborative effort between Star Cinema, Agosto Dos Media, and APT Entertainment. Alden and Julia will be honored for Five Breakups and A Romance , a romantic drama that grossed over P100 million. The film is a co-production of GMA Pictures, Cornerstone Studios, and Myriad Entertainment. Kathryn is recognized for her performance in A Very Good Girl , a dark comedy thriller by Star Cinema that grossed P100 million. It’s the first local film to achieve this milestone since the pandemic began.

Piolo will be celebrated for his role in Mallari , the 49th MMFF’s second-highest earner. The horror film by Mentorque Productions garnered P225 million at the tills. The Box Office Heroes awards will be presented during The 7th Eddys Awards Night on July 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. The event will be broadcast on a delayed telecast on ALLTV on July 14 at 10:00 p.m. The Eddys is an annual event dedicated to honoring the talents and contributions of filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, and producers in the Philippine film industry. SPEEd is a non-profit organization composed of entertainment editors from national broadsheets, top tabloids, and leading online portals.

The Streetboys to hold reunion concert in November

ICONIC ‘90s dance group The Streetboys, celebrating its 31st year this year, will once again be seen together at a reunion concert on Nov. 8 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. At A-Team’s recent trade launch in Taguig, Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario joined Danilo Barrios and the other members of the group to perform a dance medley before announcing their reunion concert.

“We will all dance together,” said Vhong, showing no signs of exhaustion or fatigue after demonstrating one of the dances they would perform at their reunion dance concert.

“Those in London, like Spencer [Reyes] and Michael [Sesmundo], will come home. We also have a member in Dubai, Joseph [De Leon], who will also come home, and Sherwin [Roux] in Canada will also come home, so the Streetboys will be complete for all of you,” he added in Filipino.

The Alcasid Total Entertainment and

Artist Management Inc. or ATEAM, the management company of singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid, is the producer of the Streetboys’ reunion dance concert. Alcasid revealed that other iconic performers from the ‘90s will also join the Streetboys on stage.

“They will all fly here, complete… I am so happy that it is happening. All in God’s time. Last year, we know what happened to him, we were planning it even before it (happened). Until he is here again, we pushed through,” he said.

“I was in the dressing room and I heard Jhong and Vhong, and I said I will produce it. They thought I was not serious but then I started talking to Direk Chito (Rono), and then we had meetings, tuloy-tuloy na. Very exciting. John Prats is the director,” he added.

A-Team has some 21 projects already lined up for 2024 and 2025. Among the exciting shows to look forward to is Martin Nievera’s concert in September as well as Alcasid’s concert series and musical.

The Streetboys is a dance group from the ‘90s

Shooting Stars Red ends the winning streak of the ‘It’s Showtime’ team

The Lady Setters places first runner up

box office achievements of films that star (from left) Piolo Pascual (‘Mallari’),

Dantes (‘Rewind’),(from left, 2nd row) Kathryn Bernardo (‘A Very Good Girl’),

Breakups And A Romance’)

Montes,

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

P-POP

GIRL

group G22 is Acer Philippines’ new brand ambassador, joining SB19 to promote the tech brand’s back-to-school campaign.

Fresh from their appearance on the Chinese music reality show Show It All , G22 showcased their impressive singing, dancing, and style. Managed by Cornerstone Entertainment, G22 consists of AJ, Alfea, and Jaz . They debuted with the single “Bang” in 2022 and have since won Rising P-pop Group of the Year at Asia’s Pinnacle Awards and Best Female P-pop Group at the Saludo Excellence Awards.

“Acer remains dedicated to its commitment to support Filipino talents as they strive to reach their maximum potential and achieve the success that they deserve,” said Princess Laosantos , Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager.

Acer Philippines sees G22 and its journey as a reflection of the company’s efforts to break down barriers between people and technology.

“G22’s determination to succeed in a cutthroat world resonates with the inner ambition of students and their parents. At Acer, we believe in a future where education is about absorbing information and transforming it into actionable insight and leadership in action,” said Sue Ong-Lim , Acer Philippines Managing Director.

For more information, visit www.acer. com or check out Acer Philippines socials on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Preserving Filipino memory with restoration of heritage sites

HOME to the largest ensemble of Art Deco buildings in the country, Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila reiterates its longstanding advocacy toward the preservation of Filipino cultural heritage with the meticulous restoration of its Administration Building.

The 75-year-old structure is an Art Deco masterpiece designed by Filipino architect and National Artist Pablo Antonio, Sr.

It is one of six FEU buildings named National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through Museum Declaration-1-2018. It is also one of the buildings granted the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Asia-Pacific Honorable Mention Heritage Award in 2005.

This status, which showcases worldclass Filipino structural and artistic designs, motivated the restoration.

“We restored the wallpaper and conducted tile restoration on the ground floor. While doing this, we made sure to retain the integrity of the original design to preserve the building’s status as an important heritage site not just in FEU but also in the entire country,” said Nida B. Bulanhagui, manager of Facilities and Technical Services Civil Engineering and Architectural Design Department (FTS CEADD).

Bulanhagui described the painstaking process of restoring the marble tiles in the main building, where each tile was carefully dismantled, numbered, and handled to maintain its original arrangement and value. The tiles were cleaned to preserve their colors and designs before being reinstalled in their original positions.

The university allotted P1.2 million

for the restoration project. Essential in the process was the jet grouting of the Administration Building to maintain the structural integrity of the heritage structure.

Aside from Italian sculptor Francesco Ricardo Monti’s “bas reliefs” depicting the various Philippine historical eras, the Administration Building also houses the country’s largest Art Deco mural, Antonio Dumlao’s Sarimanok Triptych in crushed glass and resin, and some Fernando Amorsolo paintings, all of which carry an important parcel of Filipino memory. It is also the venue of the FEU Auditorium, which served as the first Cultural Center of the Philippines during the post-war years and now continues to serve as a venue for culture and the arts, thus enriching the students’ university experience.

A legacy of culture and art preservation

Continuing the legacy of the university as a champion of heritage site preservation and protection, the FTS CEADD is also

expecting the restoration of the Science Building and the Architecture and Fine Arts Building this year. In 2025, Nicanor Reyes Sr. Hall is scheduled for jet grouting.

“Expect more renovations and building projects in our campus in the following years. We want to give our students stateof-the-art experience in our campus while maintaining our promise in preserving important heritage sites,” said Bulanhagui.

Aside from the restoration projects, FEU also hosts symposiums on cultural preservation and innovation. Recently, FEU’s Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts held ArtX, “Konsepto: Innovations of Filipino Arts, Fashion and Architecture.”

The symposium featured respected architects and an owner of a design and construction firm, who are pioneers in the field of local arts, fashion, and architecture.

“The greenest building is the one that is already built. That was a quote by Carl Elefante that captured my attention. As an architect, who happens to have a passion toward arts and history, restoration of heritage buildings is my way of preserving our rich culture and history,” said Gerard Lico, principal architect of ARC Lico and a professor of architecture, during the symposium.

FEU Manila is open for free art appreciation tours to anyone interested to personally experience the richness of Filipino cultural heritage and memory within the campus. These tours are available on Wednesdays, by appointment. To book a slot, you may sign up at https://bit. ly/FEUCampusTours.

P-pop’s girl group G22 joins SB19 in back-to-school campaign

Telco brings digital campaign for senior citizen to Laguna

GLOBE recently extended its Senior Digizen campaign to San Pedro, Laguna, the first time the initiative ventured outside Metro Manila.

The campaign aims to equip elderly Filipinos with essential digital skills to navigate the increasingly digitalized world.

Participants expressed gratitude for the learning session, highlighting its importance in enhancing their digital literacy and protecting them from online risks.

The learning session covered topics such as Smartphone 101, Cybersecurity, and using life-enabling apps like GCash and KonsultaMD. These sessions empowered seniors with practical knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely.

The #SeniorDigizen campaign is part of Globe’s broader efforts towards digital inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digitalization journey. It aims to empower seniors to unlock the benefits of technology and improve their quality of life.

Yoly Crisanto , Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, reiterated the company’s commitment to digital literacy and creating an inclusive digital future for all Filipinos.

“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our digitalization journey,” said Crisanto. “By equipping our seniors with essential digital skills, we empower them to unlock the vast opportunities and conveniences that technology offers, ultimately improving their quality of life.”

Globe’s initiatives extend beyond the #SeniorDigizen campaign, with various programs dedicated to promoting digital inclusion across diverse segments of society.

Participants were given lessons about digital literacy and cybersecurity as well as how to use certain apps

The facade of the restored FEU Manila Administration building was designed by National Artist Pablo Antonio, Sr.

G22 recently appeared on Chinese music reality competition ‘Show It All’ along with P-pop girl group BINI

The FEU Auditorium was the first Cultural Center of the Philippines during the post-war era

The restoration efforts for the building took a long time as it went through an arduous and methodical process

The girl group first debuted in 2022 with its single ‘Bang’

G22’s most recent single is ‘One-Sided Love’

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Championing the dynamic film landscape in the Philippines

AWARD-WINNING filmmaker Carlos SiguionReyna looks forward to revitalizing the country’s independent film industry as the new Competition and Monitoring Committee chairman.

Seguion-Reyna assumed the position vacated by director Jose Javier Reyes, who is now serving as the new chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

“I have to get into transition mode. Basically, a lot of that is making sure na ma-implement kung ano ‘yung naka-plan for 2024,” said Siguion-Reyna when asked about his first order of business. “Right now, I’m getting to know the landscape of this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival.”

He will run the Cinemalaya Film Lab for 2025, guiding the 20 semi-finalists to complete their scripts for next year’s competition. Siguion-Reyna has a deep connection to Cinemalaya.

He taught 13 writing and directing courses at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in Singapore for seven years and participated in Cinemalaya during his summer breaks. His feature film ‘Hari ng Tondo’ received the Special Jury Prize at the 10th Cinemalaya in 2014. He also served as a jury member in 2013 and 2015.

As the new competition chairman, he continues to lead and direct programs at the Cinemalaya Institute, offering workshops and film direction courses since 2015.

The six-week workshop offers five masterclasses on Basic Filmmaking: The Silent Film; Screenwriting; Production Management; Film Editing; and Cinematography. Its faculty are members of New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts Asia’s M.F.A. program in film in Singapore, headed by Siguion-Reyna.

“That went on every year for about five years and then the pandemic hit so we couldn’t continue. We talked about reviving the Cinemalaya Institute, regularly and face-to-face. I hope to get back to that by next year,” shared the veteran filmmaker-mentor. Being the competition and monitoring chairman was not exactly planned. Siguion-Reyna’s gradual participation through the years led him to see and appreciate the original and evolving vision of Cinemalaya – as an organization, as a foundation, and as a film festival.

“It got me interested, not only in independentminded, personally-voiced films but also in education through the Cinemalaya Institute. I thought it was a place I was comfortable in, where I could contribute something. So that’s why when I was asked by Direk Laurice to be the competition chairman, I immediately said yes,” shared Siguion-Reyna.

For Siguion-Reyna, the future is bright for Cinemalaya. He wants to maximize the wealth of Philippine materials from different regions. “There is no shortage of personal voices. Considering the challenges we as a nation are going through, our internal and external affairs, and how they affect our attitudes and conditions as citizens in this country –there is no shortage of things to talk about, to make films about.”

As a veteran filmmaker who champions the dynamic film landscape in the Philippines, SiguionReyna encourages aspiring filmmakers to keep telling their stories.

“What we are really looking for is something that’s not spelled out enough and something not easily visible like a beautiful vista or a great acting scene,” Siguion-Reyna underscored.

‘Dominador Gonzales’ by

Dingdong Novenario

explores the story of Oliver as he visits his former mentor and lover who is set to receive a National Artist status

The Virgin Labfest’s 19th year features 12 new and 3 revisited plays about the complexities of the human experience

19 Virgin blossoms The at

Glazing Life Glaiza Lee

IN VIRGIN Labfest, the actions behind the stage curtain are as fascinating as what is happening on the stage. Behindthe-scene stories are so palatable with no sawafactor; you can savor each with gusto.

A random chit chat with the playwrights, actors, directors, and/or production staff, you’ll get intellectual conversations and discussions, as well as gossip, intrigues, and juicy details. There were so many BTS stories in the theater of untried, untested and unstaged one-act plays that you could possibly come up with a book (probably with a sequel).

In one of our random encounters with production manager Nikki Torres , who handled VLF for 12 years, she shared some interesting facts that even the most ardent fan of the festival might not know or have forgotten.

Do you know who the oldest playwright to join VLF is?

“What is really important is we get to see you – what is your take on the world? What is your take on what’s going on around you? It’s your voice. It’s your perspective. Because, in the end, that is what will make me, a viewer, to go into the cinema to watch what you have created and take on that journey with you,” concluded Siguion-Reyna. vista is is

Competition and Monitoring Committee

Chairman Carlos Siguion-Reyna is focused on encouraging aspiring filmmakers to continue sharing their stories through film

It was the late National Artist F. Sionil Jose . He was 81 when he submitted his play Dong-Ao , which was featured in VLF 2008. Dong-Ao, which means a traditional Ilokano funeral ceremony where relatives and friends pay tribute to the deceased, was set during the funeral of Pepe Samson , one of the lead characters in his Rosales Saga novels. As people pay respect, the divergent views of the play’s characters depict a fragmented nation, teetering between complete collapse and newfound hope and direction. And, who is the youngest? Reya Laplana was only 15 years old when her first play, Sa Lilim, was performed in VLF 2014.

Do you remember who were the featured playwrights who kicked off the first ever run of VLF in 2005? Let’s refresh your memory.

VLF’s debut run showcased works by Allan Lopez who submitted his 2004 Palanca Award-winning play Anatomiya ng Pag-ibig ; the late Elmar Ingles who wrote Serbis ; Debbie Ann Tan entered Fate’s Line ; VLF Writing Fellowship Workshop mentor Glenn Mas Sevilla with his Rite of Passage ; J. Dennis Teodosio whose play Gee Gee at Waterina later turned into a short film; Vincent de Jesus sent his Ateng ; Eugene Evasco and Chris Martinez who co-wrote Ars Poetica ; and Lani Montreal and her Sister-Out-Law

Other plays inspired by literary works include: Bru-ha-ha-haha-ha, Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi by Argel Tuazon , an adaptation of a children’s short story by Ma. Corazon Remigio ; Uuwi Na ang Nanay Kong si Darna by Job Pagsibigan, based on Edgar Samar’s short story for children; Jose’s Dong-Ao , a sequel of sort to his novel Mass ; Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala by Eljay Castro Deldoc , was inspired by Kite of Stars by Dean Francis Alfar; and Lumbay ng Dila by Genevieve L. Asenjo, loosely based on her and her co-writer’s work Ang Nanay Kong Ex-NPA

With the success of VLF through the years, some of its featured plays have graced the big screen: Hubad by Liza Magtoto and Rody Vera ; Paigan by Magtoto (screened as David F , directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo); Imbisibol by Herlyn Alegre; Changing Partners by Vincent de Jesus ; and Séance by Oggie Arcenas

Continuing the success of VLF, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady by Carlo Vergara even became a musical which ran back in 2015.

Do you know that there are 29 main features and five staged readings which won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, one of the most prestigious literary awards given to any Filipino writer?

This year, the Virgin Labfest has planted the seeds for a bountiful harvest with works coming to full bloom, ready to burst (pintog) onstage. Creating a safe environment, the festival remains a platform for unique storytelling and a venue for playwrights, directors, theater practitioners, and stage managers to hone their artistic and creative talents and skills.

Co-produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc. and The Writer’s Bloc, VLF 19: Pintog features 12 new plays and 3 revisited plays, with narratives dealing with the complex layers of human experience. VLF 19: Pintog runs from June 12 to 30, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

For more details on the schedule and ticket prices, visit the official social media accounts of CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writers’ Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. (With report by Lia de Jesus )

And while most of the featured plays are either performed in Filipino and/or English, there were six VLF plays written in regional languages – Rite of Passage (Kinaray-a), Pagsubli by Aizel Cabili (Iloko), Chipline by Dominique La Victoria (Cebuano), Bata Sa Drum by Dominique La Victoria (Cebuano), Ang Mga Puyong by Ryan Machado (O Han), and Ang Sugilanon ng Kabiguan ni Epefanio by May Cardoso (Cebuano). There are 11 VLF plays that have been adapted from the page to the stage. They are: First Snow of November by Alvin Dacanay , based on The Day the Dancers Came by Bienvenido N. Santos ; Suor Clara by the late Floy Quintos , inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal ’s famous novel Noli Me Tangere ; Hindi Ako Si Darna by Maynard Manansala and U Eliserio Andoy Ranay , inspired by the characters of Mars Ravelo ’s Darna ; Rite of Passage , adapted from Ma. Milagros Geremia Lachica ’s Kinaray-a short story; Pragress by Dulaang Sipat Lawin , differently spelled out from F. Sionil Jose’s Progress ; Ang Bertday ni Guido by Rene Villanueva , based on an unspecified story for children; Three Sisters: A Noh Play by Yoji Sakate , inspired by Anton Chekov ’s play Three Sisters

Andrew Estacio looks into the mystery of folk song

‘Jocelynang Baliwag’ in his play

‘Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol’

‘Room 209’ by Zheg Arban dives into the story of Cadet 4th Class Anghelo Perez as he enters the Philippine Military Academy